I realize the school year is technically 2019-2020, but let’s be real: if I’m living a day at a time right now, chances are our school routine is going to change in 2020 and could very well change next week. But for now, I figured I’d give you a glimpse at what life has been so far this school year. As you can guess, I’m living on love, coffee, and as much sleep as humanly possible.
Expectations
Honestly, I thought with the 3, “big kids,” going to school this year I would have more time for, well, WHATEVER the heck I want! The truth is I feel a little bit busier than usual. And I’m guessing it’s because I am racing like a mad woman to get shi* done before I do my first pickup [Lily at 11:45am]. This leaves for some fun time with Mommy and Michael at the end of the week, assuming M-W I’m handling business around the house.
Bedtime has been pushed up to 7:30pm [I start it at 7 and am lucky if everyone is asleep by 8], so has dinner and bath time. Remember, my kids aren’t in 58 after school activities just yet, so I can still dictate the family dinner and schedules as much as possible to MY liking. I’m guessing that will change in a few years. The kids are also responsible for picking out breakfast the night before [if it’s something frozen, they just let Mom know what they want] and laying out their school clothes + backpacks and shoes. Are they always matching? NOPE. But hey, they are doing this task themselves and it’s one less thing for me to do. Mornings are still a little chaotic, but I feel a little more at ease going to bed the night before knowing I’m not picking out underwear or t-shirts for the crew.
AA Meetings
Recovery is and always will be the most important thing in my life. As I’ve mentioned in previous recovery posts, if Mom isn’t sober, then all hell breaks loose. And that’s putting it nicely. I’m lucky enough to still be able to hit some 7am and noon AA meetings [my homegroups] with the help of babysitters and other mom’s at school who bring a kid or two home for me. And if I can’t hit the 7 or 12 meeting, I’m definitely at an 8pm. A meeting a day plus other daily recovery tools [talking with my sponsor, praying, exercising, etc.] are my main priority right now. Then comes kids. Then comes homelife. Then, comes Katie. But really, if I’m putting my sobriety and recovery first, then I’m putting myself first.
Grace
Take recovery out of the picture and back to school season should be a season of grace for all parents, teachers, ANYONE involved in the schooling process. Heck, we should be giving ourselves some grace the entire school year. We all have different priorities and activities to juggle, but we all have one thing in common: we want what’s best for our children.
This year I’m challenging myself to walk a mile every school day as a little window of self-care and, “me time.” If you’re up for the challenge, then join in the walking [I usually share my walks + walking buddies on Instagram].
So, here’s to a happy and most importantly, healthy 2019-2020 school year! If you need me I’ll be in the back of the carline putting on mascara and hand-feeding Goldfish to Michael. Enjoying every second of it!
Let’s get back to the food for a quick second! Need a little school-lunch packing inspiration?! Here are a few of my favorite resources:
So proud of you, this schedule with 4 kids sounds hard even WITHOUT the added pressure of recovery and AA meetings. I hope sharing has been helpful for you and that you are welcoming any support from friends, online community and everywhere you can get it. My hat is off to your bravery and I applaud your steps!!