It's 3:15 pm as I step out my front door. I've learned after one necessary and painful sprint down the .15 mile length of my driveway in flip flops, that it's best if I give myself five minutes to reach the road (a parent or someone from the approved list has to physically take Henry out of his booster seat for him to get off the bus. Sam and Seth cannot do it. If no one is there, he stays on the bus and goes to the high school with the bus driver for his next route). I wait for a few minutes but soon see the familiar yellow bus rumble over the hill.
Not very long ago, 3:15 pm felt a whole lot different. It was the end of the day instead of the beginning. Things were winding down instead of just getting started. I anticipated night when I could get everyone in bed and either enjoy some alone time with Jay or get out of the house for a few hours of "me" time.
But life has changed. Now, it's only after school and evening that I get to be with my children. It's these very hours I used to hoard for myself in order to recharge that I now find myself possessively protecting for my family. I still enjoy things like book club, and the idea of girls night out, but now I wish all those things could convert to a daytime schedule, when I'm free and it doesn't interrupt the flow of my now jam-packed afternoon and evenings. It's quite opposite of how things used to be. Like night and day.
9 comments:
Lucy, I had forgotten ALL about this change in parenting--the part from craving an evening activity once in awhile to wishing everything were in the morning to early afternoon. I'm so glad you wrote about it. I had forgotten all about that transition. If you're like me, it will be a permanent transition. I still prefer things in the day now so that the evenings are free to be with Calvin or just so I get to be home.
I agree with Jane, and you. I love nights at home, and choose that if there is a choice. Afternoon and nights are usually a flat out run for us.
I love that your buses have booster seats, even if that means you have to go get Henry off the bus everyday. What a nice idea!
I had never thought of this- its right around the corner for me. Even now, I crave time with Linc at night and rarely go out. Such change of pace!
I can just see you sprinting in flip flops down your amazing driveway...hahaha. That thing is long and I remember wondering if I took a wrong turn when it kept on going :)
That's quite the little hike huh? Looks like fun. When they get older they can tell their kids how they had to walk .15 miles in the snow to get to the bus stop. Here, my kids will tell their children that they nearly had a head stroke waiting in the parent pick up line. And yes, Durango is on our to do list. We can't wait to come visit-we just need to plan a weekend. We've already been talking about it. :) Henry is just the cutest!!!!
I loved your 9/11 post. I was very moved by it.
Chad's doing a split fellowship = 6 months body, 6 months breast. Fortunately, we'll be staying at Pitt. We were hoping to not do another one year move.
How are those roots coming? (Referring to the ones you are finally able to put down)
Lucy, wonderful post .I feel the same way.. I love being with my family in the evenings... Many times i have left book clubs, RS dinners, and even girl's nights out early, so i can get home with my family! YES i have heard comments from some other MOMS. Thinking i am a crazy for doing that. I don't care what they think! I am happy with my Choice.
great pictures....
I know I left a comment on this post. That's happened a couple of times now...I think I'm leaving a comment but then it doesn't show up.
Anyway, the thoughts of this post perfectly summed up why I dreaded the start of school. I really didn't want to have to start giving up my nights. And because Caleb gets home less than two hours after Natalie goes to kindergarten, I feel like I don't have days OR nights anymore.
Loved the picture of Henry on the bus and of the boys walking home.
we are in the exactly same place. i am feeling all of these same thoughts, hoarding the time we get to spend together in the morning and after school. like you, i love having the things I love to do, but wish more of them would be in the day instead of at night. it's definitely made me reevaluate the things I am giving my time to and what is most important.
the view by the door is so familiar except mine is covered with shoes as well.
Beautiful photos, Lucy. I love how they convey the closeness of your boys and the adventure of arriving home from school.
My life has changed a bit, too, now that I get up to get Trevor off to school. I can't stay up so late in the evening (which was really harming me, anyway). Of course, since he returns before 11, I'm not quite to the savoring the five hours between 3 and bedtime yet! Hee-hee!
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