The kids just finished their second full week of school and we are all settling back into “normal life.” For me this means there’s finally a brief calm booked end by a lot of chaos.
More than ever before, each kid handled the first day quite differently.
Clara (7th grader) is unfortunately saddled with some huge overthinking tendencies. (I’m not really sure where she got that from. 🤥) She fretted through breakfast, worried about finding her classes and her teachers shunning her for being late.
She was a complete mess. If I would have allowed it, she would have started waiting for the bus before dawn broke.
Nolan (5th grader) was Mr. Independent. As we walked to school together, he kicked it into turbo speed as soon as he had visual of the building. It almost felt like he wanted to distance himself from me and his younger brothers…(In retrospect, maybe I should have laid off about squeezing his tushie goodbye).
He did allow a kiss and hug once we caught up, but there was no walking him into his classroom or pictures at his desk. It’s been real, Mom. Deuces.
Finn (1st grader) would not let go of my hand the whole way there. Elliot and I walked him into the classroom and the brothers embraced, forlorn about their entire day of separation.
As I took a picture of Finn at his new desk, he gave me the look. Every mother knows the look – it’s the wait-a-minute-you’re-leaving-me?! Exuberant smile, pivot, walk away, followed by tears (Mom’s).
Elliot (preschooler) is livin’ large and in charge. He has every toy and me at his full disposal. Elliot’s back to being my right hand man and he follows me from room to room like a shih tzu. Then, when chaos walks back through the door, it’s Dueces, Mom. It’s been real.
Save This Weekly Meal Plan to Your Pinterest Dinner Board!
Monday: Potato Crusted Ricotta Frittata (Hands On: 15 minutes, Bake: 45 minutes), Best Grits Ever (Hands On: 10 minutes), oven bacon (can cook with frittata)
Tuesday: (Slow Cooker) Giant Meatball Meatloaf (Hands On: 15 minutes Slow Cooker: 3 hours), pasta or polenta, salad
Wednesday: Potato Chip Crusted Baked Fish (Hands On: 10 minutes, Bake: 12 minutes), roasted broccoli (Prepare fish and broccoli, then start baking broccoli first. Broccoli can cook at 400ºF with fish, but it may need a few minutes longer.), fruit
Thursday: Skillet Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken (Hands On: 25 minutes), steamed rice, canned or frozen corn
Friday: hamburgers on the grill with fresh mozzarella, marinara, and basil, Best Oven Baked Fries (Can cut and soak fries a few hours ahead. Dry potatoes and bake for 30-35 minutes)
Weekend Baking / Making: Flourless Chocolate Cookies, Spiked Lemon Shake-Up Cocktail
CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S MEAL PLAN!
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