Back to School

Well, school has started. I can remember the excitement I had as a child when school would start. It meant seeing friends on a regular basis. (No play dates in my era). Even in high school, the beginning of school meant football games and fun school activities. I studied, sure, but the fun was friends, new clothes, and activities.

As a young mom I looked forward to school for all the reasons my kids do.  Fewer kids to take to the store. More quiet time with less fighting. Fewer little people asking for help. You get the picture.

In 1987, my husband bought me a poster with a stuffed bear standing on the porch. She was dressed in a print dress with a flowered hat on her head. If a bear could look forlorn, that was probably the attempt. Kurt said it was a Mama Bear contemplating the last of her cubs leaving the den. (Jake was starting first grade that year). I had had twelve years of someone home with me all day. My thought was that when she saw the school bus pull away from the curb, she would throw the hat in the air and shout for joy!!

I had three school years home alone. After the school bus left, I wouldn't turn on a TV or radio, just listen to the quiet.  I woke my six kids and made their beds while they were in the bathroom. I hurried to do the  paper route with Thad and get home to fix breakfast for the kids attending Seminary. I usually had the dishes done by 8:30 - the bus came at 8:00 - and the rest of the day was mine!! I could read a book, take a walk, whatever I wanted.

I loved it!!

When we moved to Utah, we had two mortgages for a while. I went to work part-time to help out. Then there were missions, college tuition, weddings, etc. I have been working ever since.

My job now, you guessed it, is with the school district. This year as all the kids and moms were excited for school to start, I was the one wishing for more summer. I wanted just a few more weeks to take geneology trips, go to the park, see grandkids, visit with my mom and have her tell me stories.

It was actually hard to start school this year because I so enjoyed the summer. I guess the whole starting school thing depends on your perspective and I think I've seen it from all sides now.