Here’s to the reality of being a working mom:
Just got five kids off to school. My helpful husband is out of town, so I’m all on my own here.
This is the rundown; it might sound familiar:
Woke up the troops after multiple alarms sound. Convinced them that, yes, indeed it was a school day, and no, I wasn’t kidding.
Kids fed. Cereal. Toast. Eggs. Tea. All the things you see behind me. Located and washed additional spoons because there are never enough of those things.
Forms signed. Agendas signed. Money for stuff put in envelopes, and only some of it was quarters. Go me.
Endlessly discussed tsunamis, Hillary Clinton, the intricacies of cat behavior, how one learns to be a mime, and what one needs in the ideal backpack.
Mediated several arguments over hairbrushes, shoes, and whose turn it was in the bathroom.
Lunches packed and in backpacks. Cold packs found for those who needed them, so no one dies of salmonella. Didn’t have to resort to ice in baggies. #win
Lost socks found. Flannel shirt located. Talked the kid who didn’t have the “right shorts” down off the ledge.
After-school activities reviewed. Reminders to drive safely given.
Kids walked to the bus. Watched the boy stand on one foot and timed him as requested. Gave hugs to the sad shorts girl.
And now it’s time to go to work.
The mess you see behind me will be waiting there after a full day. I will be cleaning it as I make dinner and simultaneously deal with after-school snacks and homework while trying to get kids ready to go all the places.
Perhaps you will be too.
Here’s to the moms who’ve already done all the things before 8:30 a.m. Who, like me, are rushing to their jobs because, despite how we feel, the day is just beginning.
And here’s to the at-home moms of littles who want to thwart your efforts to deal with this same mess even though you are home.