Weekends are too short...

Weekends are just too short! Years ago our local school district went to a four day school week. I was not a happy camper. Numbers 7 and 8 were in junior high/middle school at the time and it really infringed on my work schedule. It didn't take long before we all adjusted to the new routine and it was nice in a lot of ways. More weekend time to do things.

Fast forward 15 years and it is numbers 9 and 10 in school 5 days a week (in a different district). I have a love/hate relationship with the weekends now.  With the two younger ones, I rush around to get ready for Monday on Friday night it seems. Inevitably I miss something crucial that gets addressed Monday morning.

While homeschooling, two years ago, it was definitely more relaxed even with work. There was flexibility that public school doesn't provide. Homeschooling doesn't come with free "babysitting" though and right now that is essential. Although I am not currently employed outside the home, I do intend to join the rat race again if only part-time.

If school were a four day school week it would give us one extra wind down day. Today is not a wind down day, there is Sunday school and last minute prep for the upcoming week. Normally, with a holiday on Monday, things would seem "golden". This holiday Monday is new baby day. So, while the kiddos don't have school to be ready for, I will be busy with #6 at the hospital. And the stucco guys are planning to stucco the house during all this.

So begins another reason to not be at work full time. We are all excited for the new baby! Also, for the chance for the kids to have another "cousin" to play with in the coming years. This will be my daughter and son-in-law's third girl and while they are already grandparents to 2 year-old Athena, she doesn't come over to play at my house like this new baby will.

Here is a not so great shot of Athena looking at her Gramma over her Dad's shoulder. With kids spaced as far apart as they have theirs, it is hard keep them close emotionally. Their 21 year old makes sure to take her 6 year old sister out on "sister dates". On these dates she leaves her two year-old with someone so that she can focus on her younger sister. It wasn't planned to have the kids so far apart, it just happened this way. 

During the party it seemed like Athena was telling us silently that Sunday is her day to be with Gramma and Grandpa! Why are all these people here? Wait til she sees the baby using her old stuff! There was a 7 week old baby at the shower and Athena would not give her even a side ways glance!

Back to the school week topic... when we get back out east the girls will continue in the school they are attending until the end of this school year. Next year, in MHO, is not guaranteed with the same school. I do enjoy the free babysitting, but I really dislike the 5 day week, the constant fund raisers and the inability to travel at a whim. Conversely, it is nice for someone else to be the bad guy about schoolwork. Time will tell. With that I'll close so I can be ready for the day.