All my kids will be in school this fall!!!

[Linda on the move]

Any one else? I'm pretty excited about it. My kids are 10 and 12 and this is the first year that they will both be attending school full time. As of August 26I'll have 6 hours a day to myself!!

At one time I thought it was horrid when moms looked forward to school starting, but after parenting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for nealy 13 years, I'm ready for a break. A real break.

I don't have any big plans (except to work out more and do more yoga) but I'm hoping that I'll be able to do a better job and all the other things that I do. I feel like I've been over stretched for a long time and I'll be changing to trying to do an amount that is actually doable and reasonable.

[kmeyrick]

Don't feel bad! 10 and 12 year olds are hard to keep amused!

[georgia]

It's bittersweet....but it can also be awesome

[karne]

Yes, both mine are going to be full time in school this year. I must admit to mixed feelings about it. It's their choice, so that piece feels good. Mine are 7 and almost 11, and they're pretty darn interesting and self directed.

[My3guys]

All three of mine will be as well. I am feeling a bit melancholy about the whole thing. Excited about the time I will have to get things done and ramp up my volunteering but also sad that this phase has ended. I am trying to wring every single moment and experience I can out of the summer as it will be so sad not to have them around in the fall.

[Linda on the move]

I don't feel sad -- I'm really looking forward to it.

Last year with just one in school, I felt like my time with her was more focused. We managed to still do a lot of things that we always had. I feel lucky that I can make breakfast for my kids, drive them to school, pick them up from school and stop at the park or whatever.

It's almost like we use our time together better when we have a little less of it. It becomes more precious rather than something to be taken for granted.

[annethcz]

Originally Posted by Linda on the move

At one time I thought it was horrid when moms looked forward to school starting, but after parenting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for nealy 13 years, I'm ready for a break. A real break.

Me too. It's amazing how far I've come since a few years ago when I was a SAH and HSing mom of 4. I REALLY enjoy my time to myself.

This fall all 4 of my children will be attending school from 8:30-3:00 for the first time. The youngest is SO excited to start kindergarden. She's been jealous of her siblings. It'll be a big change for us, but one I'm looking forward to. I think I have the perfect set-up. I'm actually going to be working at my kids' school as a preschool teacher 3 mornings a week. So I'll have 2 full days and 3 afternoons completely to myself, plus I have the same schedule as my kids. I'll probably use one of my days off to run errands and have lunch with my DH (alone! a lunch date every week!), and use the other day off to get stuff done at home.

[The Hidden Life]

This sounds like me :)

Originally Posted by Linda on the move

At one time I thought it was horrid when moms looked forward to school starting, but after parenting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for nealy 13 years, I'm ready for a break. A real break.

And I only homeschooled them for two years! My three girls are also heading to school this fall. I'll have a 6th, 4th and 1st grader. I might even possibly have my 3yo son in preschool two mornings a week.

I'm also thinking of getting back into the workforce when all four are in school fulltime, so I have plenty to keep me busy.