Stepkids Coming Soon

The stepkids are coming in about a week in a half for an extended weekend before they go back to school.  My stepdaughter wanted to go on a tour of our state's university and asked her dad to take her so we have that planned while they are here.  (I would be SUPER surprised if she left her mom's state to go to college near us.)

It'll be nice to have all the kids together again.  They haven't all been together since last summer!  My stepdaughter was here in April but my stepson had plans (a sleepover) with a friend and didn't want to come then (dad's not a priority - ever). 

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School Countdown

Today my preschooler started school. She goes a half a day, four days a week and she loves it. Look at this smile:



In five days, my other three children will start school. Is it bad of me that I am excited about the idea of having a few hours a few days a week of quiet? This summer has just been way too busy. I'd like to put my kids on the bus next week and then take off somewhere by myself where nobody can find me, like a daytona beach resort, and recover from this crazy summer.

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Ack! Summer is almost here!

Am I the only parent who has a hint of dread (ok, maybe MORE than dread at times) that summer break is almost here? I love my kids more than anything but all four of them, all day long, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for almost three months straight - - can we say STRAITJACKET FOR MOM? It won't be so bad for the first few weeks (ok, maybe days) until they start arguing and the house is in a total state of mess. I am really going to have to start thinking up some type of structure/routine (aka "chores") so that the summer can be enjoyed instead of it becoming chaotic and messy (not that I am a neat freak by any means...I'm a slob...but with all four of them home...oh the mess).

The countdown as of today is seven more "school days" remaining.

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