September 2010

The second day that the kids were all at school, I had two hours completely alone. It was quiet, but strange, unfamilliar and to be completely honest, a bit lonely. I was in limbo. I was tapering from running, so I couldn't get very much exercise. I was about to start a course in a few days and I knew that I would be volunteering at the kids school, but that wouldn't beginning for a few weeks. So, I started to look for more to do to fill the time. Now, I might have just a little too much on my plate.
I offered to get more involved with the local basketball association, a volunteer position that will likely take an hour of work every day. I would like to volunteer at the school at least once a week in the classroom. I have offered to help with the parents council with the food program as well as fundraising. I need to maintain a certain level of fitness so that I can complete the half marathon that I am signed up to do in October. Lastly, I am taking an on-line course that I have been told requires at least 10 hours of work weekly. So, my lovely/lonely two hours to myself will not likely be for personal maintenance. I don't need to get my hair done that often anyways, medical or dental appointments. I took the kids to these before, no reason why they can't come now. Or grocery shopping. I loath doing this with the kids, but I I can manage to get it done with just two little people in the afternoons, when we aren't at swimming lessons or doing errands...
The thing is, I would rather be actively engaged in something, or a few things, than sitting idle. So, yes I will be busy and I will have a lot on my plate for a couple of months, but at least I will feel like I am accomplishing something. Finally, I will be able to do something other than just take care of the boys. I look forward to getting rid of my babybrain and forcing myself to think, read, reflect, and contribute outside of my own home. I look forward to being more a balanced mommy; physically active, mentally stimulated, involved in the community, happy.
If I keep this up, I may not want to return to teaching after all.

September and School

Ethan started Grade 3 on Tuesday and Toby started SK on Friday. Simon is anxious to get in the classroom and will begin on Wednesday. Here are some back to school photos from the week.

Toby turns 5

Five years ago we moved to BC with a little stow-away. Over the past year, Toby has mentioned his birthday every single day. We arrived in Metis the day before so that he wouldn't spend his birthday in the car. He loved the LEGO, book and clothes he got as presents. He spent the day on the beach playing with his friends that he hadn't seen in a year. Rather than having a formal party and giving out goodie bags, we gave all of Toby's friends kites. Even the littest ones could watch their kite fly on the beach.