When Things Don't Go As Planned

Today was a day I had set aside for writing. I had an errand in the morning, and a quick appointment for my mother, but then I was coming home to write. I have a bunch of posts in my draft folder that I wanted to work on.

That changed, however, when Mr. J woke up with an upset tummy at 1am. He was up, uncomfortable and in pain, until 230 when he finally managed to go back to bed.

I didn't want to send him to school in case it was a bug upsetting his tummy, even though he seemed ok this morning, so I kept him with me.  I have no trouble keeping my kids home when they are sick. They tend to sleep most of the time, and while they want me to cuddle with them, my laptop allows me to work anywhere.

In this type of situation, where they aren't REALLY sick, I find it hard. Normally we will play board games, or watch a movie or build lego - but that leaves me not able to get my stuff done.

Today was one of those days, and while he wasn't SICK, he is still struggling with the emotional adjustment of back to school, and that made for some minor episodes/outbursts today.

All of my plans for today are now moved to tomorrow....

His First Apple Crisp

When we came home from Apple Picking on the weekend, Mr. J asked if he could help me make apple crisp.  I love that he wants to expand his skills in the kitchen, and so I said of course.

I peeled the apples and he sliced them up, and then he made the topping (it's not easy learning how to make the crumble topping - if you aren't careful, you can turn it into a cookie dough).

He did so well, and it was absolutely delicious.  After all of his hard work though, he discovered he doesn't like it.  Hubby and I really enjoyed it, and I made sure to tell him that just because he didn't like it, doesn't mean it isn't great.  He really liked the topping though :)

September 19th Monday Madness Giveaway Linky

The last week was pretty rough in our house. The kids are in the midst of their 3 week back-to-school adjustment.  I have found that is how long it takes them to get used to back to school and for the emotions and tiredness to settle down.  It was a long week, and a rough weekend but we had fun apple picking on Sunday.  Mr. J even made an apple crisp for the first time!

Safety Habits For Driving With Kids PLUS Diono Radian RXT Giveaway!

I think we can all agree that keeping our children safe is a top priority. When it comes to carseats,  I try and follow best practice, and have gone beyond what the law states in terms of rear facing and 5 point harnesses.  When my oldest was 15 months old we switched him forward facing. At the time, I had never heard of extended rear facing, otherwise I likely would have kept him rear facing longer. When my youngest came along 2 years later, I knew we would extend that period to 2 years.  At 9 years old, my oldest still uses a low back booster in the car since he is not quite tall enough for the seatbelt to fit correctly.  Mr. K, 6, is in a high back booster. We kept him in a harness until 5 in my vehicle and 6 in my hubby's truck.  Before that he just did not have the maturity to sit still and not move around.

Summer Accomplishments

With summer vacation over and school back in full swing, I have been reflecting on the time we had together. At the end of school, I was very worried about how our summer would play out.  The kids fight...a LOT. There is a 3 year gap between them and it shows, both physically and cognitively. I was pleasantly surprised at how well our summer turned out. We all had our moments of not getting along, but overall it was terrific. We had lots of fun and the boys both grew so much (physically and maturity)

Mr. J has been quite the little bike rider since he was 4, and he and his dad often go biking around local trails.   Mr. K desperately wanted to join them, but training wheels just do not do well on them with all the rocks and tree roots.  We told him once he learnt to ride without them, he could join their bike rides.

His first day of pedalheads camp he had them off and he didn't look back.  He improved so much, and had so much fun. Mr. J really enjoyed the camp as well and we moved him up to a gear bike which he learnt how to use properly on the trails.  Now we will be able to take advantage of the great areas around us as a family on our bikes.

One of the best things we did was get a fitness membership that included pool use. The kids were in the water quite consistently over the summer, and they did amazing.  They are both extremely comfortable in the water now, and while they don't know how to swim in context of proper technique, they did great and came a LONG way.  To the point that I am comfortable with them in the water and me watching from the pool deck.

Letting Go Just A Little Bit

Today was a big day for us....the kids biked to school together.....without me.  This is a first. Last year Mr.J walked with one of the neighbours (she was in grade 6) and when she wasn't walking, he would take the bus.

At the end of last year, I started letting him walk or skateboard home by himself. I knew exactly what time he should be home by, and there was only once he was late.

This year, neither of them qualifies for the bus (although I have applied for empty seats, we will find out in October).  The last week I have walked or biked with them in the mornings, and met them after school.

They were so excited as they left this morning, they know the route they need to take (there are 3 or 4 ways they could go, but we decided on this one particular route so that I know exactly which way they have gone).  I will admit I was a little anxious about it. I think more because it would be more than 30 minutes before I found out they didn't make it to school. Coming home is much easier for me since I would know immediately something wasn't right.

How do your kids get to school?

The Emotional Adjustment With Back To School

Every year at this time, we go through a few weeks of high emotions.  It's normally a 2-3 week adjustment period before they get back to normal.  In this time, it doesn't take much to get them riled up.  They could be happy as can be one minute, and then next they are crying or throwing things.

Both the boys have had their moments over the last week, and I have tried to counter them with hugs and kisses, and lots of understanding. It's certainly not easy to keep myself held together when the kids are running on such high emotions.

How are your kids handling back to school? Are mine the only ones that need a few weeks to get back into it?