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

moving on into September

And just like that, this past week, we said goodbye to a long and adventure filled summer.
It was a good one, the Summer of 2015. With swimming lessons, a cross Canada trip, lots of camping, swimming and exploring, we really got a lot out of those 3 amazing months. But now we are ready to slow things down a bit and to find our rhythms and routines once again. We are ready for cooler days, and longer nights. A cozy home, and simple days.
This week, both Noah and Katia started school and it was one of those important milestones that I really felt in my heart.
While he did so well on his first day, as Noah's mama, I could just feel the pressure and emotions that he was having, and I felt strongly for him. This year, Noah is going to a large school of 600 students and he is giving French Immersion a try. That's a lot for a little guy, who up until now has been at a school of 6 children and only went half days. While I know that he is a bright and resilient child, I also have this strong mama urge to want to protect him and keep him safe and small. How can I do that when I let him go, out into the world, without me?
Obviously this will be an ongoing discussion for all of us, but for the time being, we are committed to making this work. A little sidenote, upon pick up on Noah's second day of school, he came over to me and said, "today was the best day of school ever!". That made me feel better.
As for little Miss Katia, she did wonderfully at her morning program. We picked her up and she was non-stop chatting about all the fun things they had done. Playdoh, storytime, snacktime,the playground. I am happy that she is happy, and I know this morning preschool will bring the right amount of balance and activity to her days.
And now it it is the weekend. We have family visiting us, but we will try to find moments of slowing down after our busy week.
xox