Before I go into what made me the (WSSYME) let me tell you my excitement for the school year. First of all I love Holden's school. It is like the school you always wanted to go to, but instead were homeschooled by your mom for the first 5 years. All the teachers at Holden's talk in very soft sweet and angelic voices. I don't know if that is a requirment in the interview process or what. But EVERY SINGLE ONE talks like this. When the kids get rowdy, they will say in their angel voices,"Now friends let's quiet down like we know we should, because you're all God's creations and so special." And the kids REALLY obey. I don't know how they do it. It's like the sprinkle some type of pixie obeying dust all over the kids to put them in a trance. I am totally ok with and if they could sneak some home in Holden's back pack for sis, I would be forever grateful.
Holden's teacher Miss Mary is the most adoring, sweet, nurturing woman I have ever met. I want to go to class with Holden so I can crawl up in her lap and let her tell me how great and sweet I am. (Well since I haven't really made the greatest impression, those words might not come until later, but she would still say something nice and lovely.) Her voice is like drippy maple syrup, she's so sweet.
I had great intentions this first week. I was going to be the mom that the teacher's said, "wow, isn't she a great and responsible mom. Always on time, always going above and beyond." Not so much. I am pretty sure that is not the convesation around the teacher watercooler.
Let me tell you why: The first week started with 3 days of school then sickness overtook our house so Holden was already absent from school a week. So this week was kindof like our REDO! I apparently need another REDO for next week. We have been late to carpool 2 times. Know that I have actually only been to carpool 3 times so we are running in the negatives. I have texted our poor teacher a million times. "Sorry were going to be late, I forgot to get the carseat out of dad's car." Sorry we are going to be late sis is sick and her doc appointment is running late." Sorry I am going to be late I have no reason but I am officially your lamest mom." Meaning we got a parent email REMINDING us of pick-up and drop-off times. Pretty sure that was intended for this mom. I AM THAT MOM! Then I actually forgot he had school one day. Then I forgot his ME bag (which is very important to all the kids. They stick cute little things about them to show the class.) As he went to school the next day I am sure all the kids were anticipating what he was going to bring in his ME bag. What were they going to learn about their new friend Holden. I will tell you what they learned... A big NADA. ZILCH. Nothing in the ME bag. Actually the ME bag didn't even make it to school. It is still sitting empty in my foyer on my pretty leopard chairs just staring at me and telling me what a irresponsible parent I am. Then I forgot to sign Holden up for his favorite sport soccer. Sign-ups were two weeks ago. My kid has already tried on his old soccer socks excitedly telling me about the soccer he won't be playing. So I had to call, email, and basically stalk the lady in charge to give this late mom another chance, so I don't have to make up some random kid's league in my backyard.
So this week I am calling a REDO. I will write all the things that Holden needs for school on a piece of paper. The project about his family that is due (really need to get that in there to redeem ourselves. We will put lots of pictures of us praying, going to church and helping the needy. Maybe that will give us some extra credit points for the points I already lost this week). I pray my son forgets that his mom is lame and loves me anyway. Thank God, he doesn't have real homework, and forgetting a bear for the letter "B" week is all I have to be prepared for. Oh, and picture retakes, since he missed those. I also am going to give myself some grace because I don't usually. And because I am going to steal my friend Megan's words about HIS mercies being new every morning or every hour when it pertains to me. I am going to tell myself I am a great mom. I love my kids dearly and am usually responsible. We just had an OFF week or TWO. I am going to chalk it up to the fact I haven't slept in 3 days because sister is sick and the fact I have a coffee IV drip in my arm.
And I am not going to compare myself to the mom who is in the carpool line first or who had the cutest "my first day of school pictures." Nope not gonna do it. Instead I am going to celebrate the heck out of that mom. I am NOT going to make her feel bad for being amazing this week. I will give her a high five and say you are amazeballs.
Somtimes I think when we do something not up to par we like to make fun of those who are killing it! (my word for doing awesome) So we write posts how we suck and then all the other mom's that are sucking it up relate to us. But the mom's who actually got their crap together feel bad for having their stuff together. Let's not do that. Mom's that had it together this week, bravo, you rock the house. Mom's who sucked it up like me, there is always REDOS. What I am learning about this journey to WHOLENESS in Christ is that I will accept who God has made me. I will be ok with my weaknesses, and celebrate those whose strengths are my weakness. I will journey to be the best version God made me to be and I will celebrate those who are also on that journey although it might look different than mine. We are all wired for community and all need each other more than ever.
Thank GOD for DO-OVERS!!!
P.S. Update since this post was written: Carter Mae decided to rip up Holden's (about my family) school project and I got to carpool ON TIME, however, forgot the carseat in Dad's car. Is it the weekend yet?