This was our first ever road trip with another family and besides traffic, the trip was a success.

We had snacks, a map and some Frank Sinatra tunes.

Can you guess who my twin was?

Yup, coordinated outfits may be the hottest new trend in our house this season.

All those hours of experience in the classroom, commuting while listening to NPR, collaborating with colleagues, and growing in my identity as the “bread winner” of our family can’t really compare to these days. I am grateful for those days, but no one told me it would get better.

With this chatty-chatty three year-old insisting on making her own sandwich. I find myself looking at the clock, aware of the classroom routines I would instead be doing. Lunch would have happened and math would be starting. But instead I get to be here…at my kitchen table, sitting across from my baby who is suddenly a kid. Before I am able to get too sentimental, I show back up in the present moment. Where she is now entertaining me with skills she has learned from her father. “Look momma, I can catch this in my mouth like a seal.” In her words I hear the many adventures to the aquarium with her father absent of sadness and filled with pride. Just like it should be.

I am in transition and sincerely less tearful than I thought I would be. Maybe I am the only one surprised. I am walking around a little in disbelief and very happy. Dumb happy. Where I smile at strangers (if you know me, you know I don’t smile a lot) and strike up small talk (another out of character trait). So yes, this has a name that socially we all agree is called the “honeymoon” phase. But that is fine. Because like being a newlywed, it’s a giddy delight that feels goofy and beautiful all at the same time.

It truly is a testament to God’s sovereignty and promises. I feel like I couldn’t have developed a better plan for my career, marriage, or life if I had sat down with pen and paper given free range of resources and time. I feel blessed to have the gift of time to pour back into my kids. And yes, for this working mother taking my kids to school feel like a privilege. I know it won’t always feel this good. If I could bottle it up and save it for those future moments of frustration and impatience to release into the atmosphere I would. That is the anxiety talking.

So what do I do? Keep my camera nearby to snap our very ordinary moments from this week and say prayers over them. Thank you God, for a daughter who makes doing the laundry a game. She giggles as she drops the coins in the slots and watches the clothes spin in the dryer. Teaching me by example that perspective is everything.

When it’s finally done drying she divides up tasks like a drill sergeant. She wants me to fold and she will “hunt for the treasure trash” (aka dryer sheet) and then hold them close to her nose describing “smells so good I could eat this.”

The time passes quickly but not before giving thanks. This season that I know can’t last forever feels priceless. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

We managed to coordinate our schedules well with Coach Joe setting the time frame.

Between my two classes at city college, I have a break and am able to catch a chunk of practice.

This will be true of Saturday games, I can attend every other game when I am not in class.

With kindergarteners it is a field of chaos with laughter and cheering from families.

Plenty of water breaks because pink cheeks appear even in the shade.

The siblings create their own forms of entertainment under the leadership of Paul. Everyone gets their energy out so that afterwards they eat dinner, bath, and head to bed.

Next order of business for soccer: team name. They are the color blue. Any suggestions?

The boys were off to school

and we were the bystanders cheerleaders for the morning.

My friend Cara sent a card that arrived today (well timed) meanwhile Joe had many generous well wishes.

School is back in session and I have a hunch that this 2015-2016 school year will be awesome.

We have been running errands, practicing waking up early, and going to bed on time. When asked “Who’s ready for school?” this is the response:
Meanwhile Joe has been spending every day in his room and today I snapped this quick one of him headed to his first staff meeting this morning (I did pack his lunch, but can’t promise that will be daily).

This time is much more difficult for me because I tend to over-anaylze. The kids are carrying on as usual. This morning they decorated “creature powers”

and played “Target.” They took turns shopping and ringing each other up, with a polite “Thank you for shopping at Target” at the end. A testimony to running errands for school supplies, packed lunches, and classroom set up.

I will report back on the days ahead. Where Joe will head to work, these little ones will be in school, and what transpires for me. Some of my time will be studying, a little bit of time will be spent teaching community college, but I am also going to have some time for myself. I am wearing my pedometer, running before the family wakes up, and slowly eliminating excuses that I have stored up for the last year or so.

Summer, you have been great. Better than expected and never disappointing. Although I hate how hot it has been lately, I know this summer we were spoiled with beautiful weather. With every year that passes I question the concept of a favorite season. Truly I am learning to appreciate the differences that come with each. Fall promises big things this year. And seasons may be a little like having children. There are not favorites, I love them all.