First Day of School

OK, so let me get this straight:

I can drop my kids off at 7:30 AM. They will be fed breakfast AND lunch. They will learn everything they need to know for their grade level. They will make friends and have fun. They will be under competent supervision until I arrive to get them at 3:25 PM. And they can do this EVERY DAY? For 180 days out of EVERY YEAR?

Umm, why didn't I get this before? Before I spent every single Sunday afternoon correcting papers and making new lesson plans. Before I regularly tried to simultaneously cook dinner, help someone with math, fold laundry, AND get the rest of the kids to clean the house, set the table and take out the trash.

Today seems a little bit surreal. I can sleep ANY time I want to, without a child knocking on my door, asking if it's ok to have a second bowl of cereal. I can hang out at the computer without someone yelling, "He's sniffing so loud and it's grossing me out!" I can make my lunch without children tearing through the kitchen, laughing or screaming at each other. AND I can visit the bathroom for as long as I want, without anyone trying to find me!

And in days to come. . . .I can actually go to Meijer to just buy groceries and not be pestered by at least one child who insists that they need a new pair of shoes today. I can take my time shopping because no one will be complaining, "We'll never get out of this store. I'll be graduating from high school before you're done shopping." I can go the YMCA and swim without wondering if my 4-year-old will drown while I do a lap or two. (Actually, I was always fairly sure he wouldn't drown, but I had to make it look like I was at least concerned about him.) I can go anywhere I want without arranging child care, leaving my cell phone number, or telling anyone what time I'll be back (as long as it's before 3:25 PM, that is).

Wow, I am just in awe of my newfound freedom.

A girl could get used to this.