School started this week. Five of my kids, and my husband went back to school. Regular, catch the bus, all day long, all week long school. Yes, they have to wear masks, and yes there are some changes. But for me, the mom who stays home with the little kids, it's back to life as we knew it before.
Before the pandemic cancelled everything. Remember that? I was blogging a lot during those days- mostly to clear my own mind. Now looking back (and I knew this might happen) I'm a little sad it's over. It's kind of exciting to live out a big moment in history. It was kind of fun to have everybody home with no option of anywhere to be or anything to do.
If you know me, you know that's kind of my jam anyway.
But I'll be honest with you- I've been waiting for this day. It's overwhelming to have nine people all together for a long period of time. We had a lot of fun, and a mostly normal summer. In fact, I can't really think of much that the pandemic impacted once summer hit. Church, I guess. But we started going back to church at the end of June- just Sacrament meeting, and just for a short time.
The whole mask thing is new. I guess a few places that we might've gone to visit were either closed down or way too crowded (Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park). We might still make it over that way before the snow flies. (Actually, ironically, it's supposed to snow in the high mountains this weekend...)
So overall, what we had was an extended spring break, and a regular summer that seemed quite long. But of course it's never really long enough.
Somedays I wonder if I learned what I was supposed to from our time in quarantine. Did I really spend enough time with my kids, when that was all we could do? Will they remember it happily? Do I really have to start putting activities in my calendar again? Can't I just claim that I'm still quarantining and not do anything!?
But, it's time.
I'm always ready when school rolls around. I like fall. It's my favorite season. And I'm dying for these 90 degree days to be gone!
I talk about the adjustment period that I always experience when school ends or starts. I get used to having Brant around, and then have to get used to having him gone back to work. I felt like this year that adjustment wreaked havoc on my emotions early on when Brant started but the kids hadn't yet. I really loved having Brant home all the time- I could talk to him when I needed (although it wasn't always easy because the kids were always here too...) I could hug him whenever I wanted, and it was just really nice. After all, I do really like him you know!
So, after five months of having him around, it was a little harder to suddenly have him gone. This was also only the second year when I didn't get to have him to myself for a couple of weeks because when he taught in Jackson, the kids started school down here in Star Valley before he did. This year, he started before the kids- so it was reversed. I had time with all of them, and not him.
Okay, I'm rambling. The week went mostly smooth. I felt incredibly tired because I'm not used to waking up so early... but I couldn't complain because I could take naps on the couch while the girls watched Team UmiZoomi, and Brant could not. Though, surprisingly he seemed to handle the first week back really well. The older kids did also.
I guess it is just time.
Switching gears. Today I chatted with my friend Michelle Roundy about goals, priorities, and habits. She's amazing and it's really fun to learn from her. I will post a link to it here, in case anybody wants to try to watch it. It was so much fun! Not just because I got to sit and chat with her, but because it felt good to really do something real for my Instagram page.
Priorities, goals and life hacks
I am figuring out what I want it to be. Mostly, it's a way for me to share what a happy home can look like. I am also getting a little braver and trying to speak up about the importance of parents, families and marriage. Those are things I feel strongly about, and want the world to know that they can be a force for good.
One of my grad courses this semester is about Family advocacy and policy. As I learn more about that, I'm encouraged to speak up more for what I believe in. It's daunting, and a bit scary, but also good.
I tend to shy away from controversial issues. I don't like contention. I consider myself a peacemaker and don't like to fight. So, standing up for traditional marriage and family is a bit of a bold thing for me- but I feel like the Prophets are asking us to do it. I feel like there are people out there who need to see an example of what a happy home looks like. I feel like because I've been so blessed, I can share a little bit of what I have with others.
So, it's your turn. On Instagram I challenged people to speak up about family and marriage, kids and parenting. Speak up about an experience you've had where you have been blessed or happy because of your participation in a family unit! And use the hashtag #standupforfamily (If you use hashtags...)
You can also just speak up in your conversations, or with your own family. (I love to use the excuse that I have seven kids whom I'm teaching, so if I don't speak up about it elsewhere, it's okay...) And I do think that most of the time that excuse is valid, and teaching our kids is great! But think of the difference we might be able to make if everybody who believed in traditional families spoke up about it!
Love you all, thanks for reading, especially if you made it this far! You're a gem!
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