And with that
October 5, 2010 8 Comments
Cait is out of the choir. We are still tethered to the voice lessons due to the contract, but we can live with that schedule. Interestingly enough, she is only taking voice lessons as it is a requirement of the choir…but no "trial period" with the voice lessons.
Even more interesting is the response I received to the email I sent to the director today. It turns out that Caitlin would not actually be required to perform until the holiday concert. I don't ever remember that being stated, however, that would still require rehearsals 3 out of 4 school nights the final week of school before Christmas (and one rehearsal lasts 4 hours). While Cait was initially disappointmented that there was no practice tonight, she then realized that meant we could have a calm(er) sit-down dinner and she had more time to just relax.
Kelsey was also able to benefit by having an extended playdate (and dinner with a friend!) and Nicholas was not shoved into the car twice yesterday for two 30 minute round-trips guaranteed to make him tired and cranky, but not sleepy. I managed to have 'quality time' with all three of the kids and am far ahead of my normal 10 p.m. self. Another bonus? Cait started talking about Drama Club (set design/auditions)?! This would be an after-school activity and while there may be additional time requirements, no doubt not what we were facing with the choir.
The best part: guess who had nary a meltdown today? Who knows, maybe it's entirely unrelated…but I'll give myself (a small) pat on the back for realizing that sometimes, we simply can't do it all. I must admit, I hadn't completely thought out the whole "how does one child's activity affect the other kids when there is only one of me?" prior to the choir debacle. I think I can definitely say lesson learned on this particular topic.
And now that we are a bit less stressed, the temperatures have dropped and the crisp leaves have begun to fall, it's time to enjoy the season. Pumpkin patches, apple-picking in the Shenandoah and Halloween creeping up oh so quickly…glad we will have a little more time to enjoy what this area has to offer. After all, who knows where we will be next year?
I’m so glad to hear that you guys have figured out how to relieve some of the stress from your busy days. I can’t imagine swinging your schedule with two parental units, let alone just one! And here’s hoping for many more “meltdown free” days for ya 🙂
I took a cue from you and pulled Riley out of Hebrew School. Man … touch decisions we “single” moms have to make. Seeking sanity is never overrated!
Cheers to you for making it all work … on your terms!
It sounds like leaving choir will be good for your whole family. That was a big time commitment. I’m glad your little guy is doing better.
More cooking together, less driving around… everyone is happy. (I made the zucchini/garlic pasta dish you made with the kids a while back. Except I call it “Shredded Goodness,” they all loved it.
I am glad you are finding some balance inn your life. Hang in there!
He is much, much happier…still has a few moments here and there, but we are all more relaxed. It was a HUGE commitment and it just seemed to get bigger each day…with Pete here, probably no big deal, but with him gone…just too much…and I truly feel like it was the right decision…we didn’t quit, so much as we evaluated our needs and chose the best option…
Glad the recipe went well! I realized the other day that I need to make that again, as the kids just love it! Thanks!
Thanks!
Not overrated at all! Thanks!
Thanks, it has been so much better this week. Granted, not every night would be busy, but our overall stress level has been reduced so much…amazing how one decision can help so much!