The summer is officially over. School started today. While I think we were all ready, it was/is still a little sad. It’s really been a fun summer. We went to Tennessee, spent lots of time up north, went camping, lots and lots of pool and library time, a few camps, and a trip to North Dakota.

I’ve spent a lot of time the last few weeks thinking (fantasizing) about having my days back and what that would look like. Since the kids were born I’ve had a hard time with mornings, because it’s my most high-energy time, and that doesn’t coincide with anyone else’s energy levels in my house. I want to get up in the morning, workout, and dive right into creative work. I haven’t done that for years, because it doesn’t work for everyone else. I work out after the childcare opens, and I don’t actually start writing until after 9:30 when the kids are at school. That’s changing this year. Chris and I have decided that I will get up and work out and go right into my work day, he’ll handle the kiddos in the AM. Then I’ll be done working once I pick them up in the afternoon, and he’ll take a little extra time then.

It has been really hard for me to accept this new schedule, even though it really is a dream. I’ve done the “Ideal Day” exercise so many times, and every single time I finish feeling guilty because childcare is not part of my morning routine. With having them home this summer, though, I’ve really come to accept that being with them when I can really BE WITH THEM is 1000x better than being physically there while my mind is somewhere else. I am a better mom when I take care of myself.

This morning was a bit off because I wanted to take the kids to school (first day!) but it started out with a run and I had my day planned out and my morning pages done before I dropped them off. It’s noon now and I feel good about where I’m at rather than upset I didn’t get enough writing done or stressed about everything else that still needs to happen before I get the kids. Time will tell for sure, but I think I’m going to love this new normal.

(Oh, you didn’t think I would have a post about the first day of school without the picture, would you?)