Mum stuff | Being flexible, and letting go...

We have a fairly set routine in our house. Time is so tight in the mornings, there's not a whole lot of room for flexibility. Andrew and I work as a team. He makes breakfast and the lunches, and I get the kids dressed for school, making sure I do Eme's hair. Andrew's hands are a bit too big to be dealing with fairy floss little girl hair. I leave for work early so that I can be home in time to pick up the kids from school. Andrew's in charge of the drop-off, and comes home a couple of hours after us. It works.

Since school started back, this nice little routine has somewhat fallen in the toilet.  Last week, Eme finished at 11.30am each day (as kinder kids do), which threw a spanner in the works. Andrew scheduled a week's holidays so that he could be there to greet her each day at home time. Seth then finishes at 2.40pm, so Andrew went back up to school each day to collect him too. Seriously, Andrew is my rock!

This week, the routine changes again. This week its all up to me, as Andrew is in north QLD helping with the relief effort after devastating Cyclone Yasi.  Now, I've never professed to be a domestic goddess, but I did try to plan. I ironed the uniforms for the week on Sunday night so I didn't have to worry about it, the swimming gear was all together, everyone had undies and socks.  I did however forget to buy bread for school lunches. oops. Thankfully, there were some bread rolls in the freezer. Crisis averted.  So I've sorted out the morning stuff. Next to the afternoon stuff. I honestly don't know how single mums do it. You ought to be applauded! Its damn hard work if you're not organised!

For the last three years, Seth has been asking if he can catch the bus home from school, and this week I finally relented. Not because I want him to, but out of necessity. I'm trying to squeeze more time in the office, and the bus buys me an extra half hour.  Yesterday, I met the kids at the school and made sure they got into the correct line at the bus stop. I then drove home and parked at the bus stop to make sure they got off (thinking...is that umbilical cord stretchy enough??). When the bus came over the hill, they were sitting together in the front seat. My heart was pounding so hard, I nearly cried with relief! Once they got off the bus, I got back in the car and drove home. The kids walked home from the bus stop with our neighbours. So relieved. So very very relieved.

I needn't have worried. They loved it! They love the freedom. They love hanging with their friends on the bus. Its just one more little piece of freedom for them...and one less piece of mummy they need. Makes me sad, but how can you argue with those happy little faces. One bonus...when they saw me waiting, they both ran at me full speed! Looks like I'm not redundant yet. I'm still good for cuddles, and I'll take them whenever I can. I can't wait to greet them at the bus stop tomorrow.

Hugs to all the mums out there, Lis.

ps. I was so tired after yesterday's effort, I fell asleep on the lounge and we missed swimming lessons! dóh.