I’m sitting here, listening to the sound of the shower as kids prepare for school tomorrow. The little ones are in bed. Racer is around somewhere. And our family has spent zero time together today. Where did summer go?
Now that school has started, our “schedules” are getting into full swing. Mornings are hectic getting everyone out the door. The littles and I have full days of homeschool, a new Tuesday playgroup, Thursday storytime and errands. After school time is busy with homework, chores and dinner/supper preparation. Then we eat (thankfully, together as a family) and the two older do their clean-up chores while the littles get ready for bed. Tonight, Professor started Cub Scouts (which I highly recommend for elementary age boys) that is now a part of our schedule. Next week, Blue starts driver’s ed classes (how did this happen?) and before we know it, the week is gone and I’m not totally sure where it went.
What happened to summer when we didn’t have anything to do and we played outside together after dinner until 8:00? What happened to playing board games with Blue and Professor after the little ones went to bed? What happened to a clean house because everyone had time to pitch in and help?
Where did time go?
While I thrive on schedules – I’m a total type A personality – I really do love a quite night at home where everyone is together, getting along, well rested and enjoying our family. As schedules change, tempers flare, chaos ensues and everyone gets tired (hence the tempers). I suppose we just need to get adjusted to that new groove that is the fall calendar. There is always so much to look forward to!
I won’t miss the heat of summer. I won’t miss the uncertainty, packing, moving, saying goodbyes that this last summer brought. I won’t miss high electric bills from running air conditioners. I won’t miss the stink of sweaty kids after playing outside for only a short time. I won’t miss the greasiness of sunscreen.
Instead, I welcome the chance to shop for back-to-school stuff (always did love it). I welcome the cool, crisp air that is marching band season (yep – I’m a total band geek)! I welcome jeans, comfy (and supportive) tennis shoes with long-sleeve shirts. I welcome bonfires, the crunch of leaves and trips to the orchard and pumpkin patch. And yes, I welcome the start of a new tv season (since it get dark earlier).
We’ll adjust to a new schedule, new things to do, new body rhythms. I’ll make new goals for myself (I’ll tell you all about them when I get them nailed down). Each of us will settle into a pace that makes sense. Yes, Racer and I will schedule carefully and make sure that our family does indeed have time to connect together; that is VERY important to us. Yes, we will make sure that the kids all have time to just play and be. We try hard NOT to over schedule. We will try hard to have a date night every now and then too (maybe we’ll even sneak out tonight).
One thing that I’ve learned is that I don’t have all the answers. I’m always looking for new ideas that will help my family function more peacefully. So please, share with me, what are you looking forward to this fall? What are your plans and goals? How do you handle the busy schedules that seem to arrive this time of year? How do you maintain quality family time when everyone is off in different directions?
Join me in saying “goodbye summer” and “Hello Fall!”
Rev. Kris Mares 