Back to School

Freshly sharpened pencils.  A fresh pack of magic markers.  Crisp pages in a new notebook.  Rustling sacks full of one-size-larger clothes.  These are the things I usually associate with September and that time of year known as Back-to-School.

And yet, there are so many more subtle signs in our household that school is about to start.

JavaBoy, ever so responsible, setting his alarm clock early so he can he practice getting up on time for school.  (Meanwhile, I’m still hitting the snooze button…)

Restocking JavaGirl’s tights drawers… recognizing that soon, carefree sandals of summer will be a thing of the past.

My beloved Franklin Covey planner, carefully marked up and highlighted, denoting important school events and even more importantly, days off.

The pocket calendar, on the front door, standing ready to be filled with reminders of choir practices, soccer games, gymnastics classes, play dates and other kid-centered events.

JavaBoy, nervously practicing tying his first pair of lace-up (per his request) sneakers one more time before bed.

The backpack is packed.

Lunch is in the fridge.

Outfits are hanging on the back of the doors.

In my heart, maternal guilt lingers over unfulfilled promises of summer.  (What happened to going to a different museum each week?)

Yes, it’s time to go back to school. 

Exciting new challenges for the kids.  JavaBoy is excited that 1st grade means getting his own desk. JavaGirl looks forward to starting at a new school.  I’m eager to have a fresh start – a new season to try yet again, to get it all right as a wife and mother.  Will I succeed? There are no report cards for me… except the one I give myself.