connecting moments will save us

We are into our second week of school and I am already starting to ask myself, how do we simplify?
Already, it feels busy. Already, I am trying to catch my breath. Already, I am collapsing at the end of the day, exhausted.
With two in school, our mornings have become quite the song and dance around here.
A 7:15 am school bus, means we are up and at it, at 6 am. The mornings are busy, and I am still struggling with that early alarm clock, but so far, we have made it to the bus stop on time each day!
I haven't picked up my camera in quite some time. That's usually a sure sign that life is busy, and I am in the thick of it. It's also I sign of where my attention is. While this past summer, I made the effort to bring out my camera and document our days, now I am aware that I am needed on the front lines more, and that I physically and mentally must be all hands on deck. But... that doesn't mean I don't snap an Iphone pic from time to time, because, who can resist that convenience?
This Fall, also sees the addition of an afterschool care program, here at our home. When trying to come up with some creative ways to bring in extra income to our household, I decided that I would offer some afterschool care to a small group of children. To us, it is a great way for our children to socialize with their friends, and for me to afford to be able to stay home. It's going to be busy around here, but I am excited and full of gratitude that this opportunity presented itself to us.
And so here we are. Already, two weeks into September, and we have hit the ground running.
In the next week, we add Beavers and Sparks to our weekly routine, as well as our afterschool care, storytime at the library and more! It's busy, but I am also doing my best to find connecting moments with each of my children. Whether it is a walk around the neighbourhood, a back scratch at bedtime, a walk to pick blackberries, or a simple hug in the middle of a busy day... these moments are so important to us all, and I am very aware of that.
Leaving off with pictures of our first day at school.
xox