Back-to-school season has finally arrived, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve spent the last few weeks cramming in whatever vacation or quality time you can with your children before the lazy days of summer finally come to an end. It’s that magical time of year when parents are rejoicing over the end of “I’m bored!” and students are bracing themselves for the inevitable whirlwind of homework, early mornings, after-school activities or clubs, and the never-ending battle of “what do you want packed in your lunch today?”

This year is looking so different in my house. My daughter will be bringing her brothers to and from school, at least until their sports start later in the fall. I’m kind of excited not to run carpool anymore; however, I will miss the daily bickering of who gets to tell me first about their day. It’s a short drive home, so in reality, by the time we get home, everyone is fighting and I have no clue what happened that day. I guess I should be relieved that I will get some extra hours at work, and hopefully get my butt to the gym in the morning. But honestly, I will most likely still work my school schedule, so I can head home. As they get older, I feel my time getting limited, and it tears my heart apart.

As the kids head back to class, let’s all raise a metaphorical glass to the joys and trials of the back-to-school season. Here’s to surviving the chaos, and perhaps more importantly, to pretending we’re not secretly excited to see the children stressed for once with having their responsibilities return. After all, it’s the small victories, like making it through the day without a caffeine IV drip, that make this
season memorable.

Prayers everyone has a smooth transition back to school and lots of prayers to the teachers who will be teaching these little minds.