Morning Person

I went to bed somewhat satisfied with the way the first week of school went. The boys ended the week with a very successful, spontaneous play date. Abby went to Grandma's. I went to bed early, thought I'd sleep in.

Then I woke up. And now I sit here deciding what to do first. I could clean up the three sets of breakfast dishes the cat(s) knocked off the table when they jumped from the counter and landed on boxes and plastic bags from a new Lego set, sending cereal, pancakes, glasses of milk and mugs of tea to the floor.

Or ...

I could go upstairs and clean up the vomit. Apparently, 'round midnight, Sam threw up. When Bryon came to bed he nudged me and said, "Sam puked. I'll clean it up in the morning." Which is really shorthand for "there is sour vomit all over Sam's bed and the length of the wall because he vomited from the top bunk and you know I'm not capable of cleaning up vomit without making the 'vomit face' so I thought you should know so that you can get up from a very sound and up-to-this-point peaceful sleep to clean it up yourself." Although I stripped his bed and started a load of laundry last night, I still get to clean the walls today.

So much for looking forward to my morning.

Pointing the Finger

So yesterday I bought donuts for Jake and Abby for breakfast. But rather than let them enjoy their donuts I grumbled about how bad donuts are for you and how we were going to shape up once the school year started. It seems we're eating donuts every other day but I can't remember when they had some fruit. And boy things are going to change in a couple of weeks. You guys are sure going to have a hard time when school starts.

And that's when Abby interrupted me. "But Mom, you bought them for us."

And she is right.

I bought the donuts. I didn't put fruit on their plates. I don't eat fruit. I'm the one who lets them stay up late and sleep in. I'm the one who lets the boys plays video games until their thumbs hurt and sleep on the couch and stay in their pajamas all day. On one hand, I want summer to be completely relaxing and enjoyable. On the other hand, it's just easier for me, isn't it?

So who is going to have a hard time when school starts?

I am.

School Daze

About two weeks before school ended in June, I gave up. Homework sheets were rarely signed, uniforms weren't laid out, lunches were thrown together, bedtimes were missed, reading logs were skipped. I was so ready to put homework and PTA and carpool and field trips behind us for awhile. With summer in sight, I just let go of the reins.

And now, with less than one week until school starts, it's time to grab those reins.

There are bags of school uniforms, supplies, new backpacks and lunchboxes strewn across the dining room. The kids are going to bed at 10:30 and getting up at 9. No one eats on the same schedule, the house is a mess, Jake was counting money today and skipped 4 and 5! It is time to get back to school.

I am desperate to clean the house without having to redo it minutes later. I am desperate to serve and clear breakfast only once a day. I would like the cushions to stay on the couch all day, instead of the floor, which is where they spend most of their time now. I don't want to watch another episode of Good Luck Charlie or lift the furniture to search for another lost Lego. I am tired of ice cream and sprinklers.

I think the kids have had a great summer. I, too, have enjoyed the relaxed schedule, but dear Lord, enough is enough.