The kids are in school all day-now what will you do with all of your time??
That’s the question I have had to ask myself and give an answer to over 100 times in the last month.
Our school district has always had half-day kindergarten and they chose this year to make it full day.
I had planned to have another year of putting off this question instead I put all three kids on the bus as they enter the school and head to kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 4th grade.
I have arrived. And for the first time in my life I have no plan as to what comes next.
Oh, don’t get me wrong I have a long, long list of things I want to do, achieve, and create. I just don’t know where to begin!
Over 9 years ago I left my career behind to become a stay at home Mom. It’s been the best, most joy-filled job of my life. It’s also been the worst and the hardest job at times too.
When my kids get on the bus I think did I teach them all the things that they need to make it through the day?
Will they be respectful? kind?
Will they care for others? Look for each other in the hallways and wave hello?
Remember not to pick their nose and wipe it somewhere it doesn’t go.
Will my little one remember not to chew on her hair or suck her thumb.
Will they be strong and courageous? Will the have fun? Will they learn?
Will they be picked on? Will they pick on others?
It’s these questions that have me worried and thinking so much that I will not be able to accomplish the things I have been longing to do.
I actually volunteered at their school yesterday in hopes of catching a glimpse into their day! 🙂
I need to focus and not get caught up in worrying. It helps when I write things down because I see the list staring back at me and there is no better feeling than picking up a pen and crossing out those things! What a sense of accomplishment!
I created this Things To Do printable to help keep me on track!
Are we in the same boat? Are your kids in school all day?
Do you have a list of things you would like to accomplish?
Need a place to start or some ideas?
Need to stop worrying and start focusing?
I’ll give you a peek into my list and how I plan to put the worry behind me and move forward!
My list of things to do now that my kids are in school in no particular order:
Go out to lunch with my hubby, friends, sisters, and Mom. To be able to catch up with them without interruptions, spills, and bathroom breaks!
Clean my house. I mean really clean it, not just on the surface but dig deep down! Sift through, and organize those closets and rooms that have just accumulated things through the years.
Spend more time writing, and creating great food and content for my blog. I have fallen in love with my latest hobby turn part time job. To be able to focus on just blogging for a little bit each day will be amazing!
Volunteer at my kids school more. And not just to spy on them! I love to pitch in and help and be involved with the things that make the school a better place for my kids to be.
Pursue my career again… the part time version. Even though I have walked away from the working world over nine years ago, my passion for what I did never left! I hope to start to get my feet wet a bit into the waters of what I did BC(before children). If you are interested in knowing what that was check out my about me page!
Exercise more. I love to exercise and only give myself a little time each day. I am looking forward to being able to chisel more time out for staying fit!
Read a book. It sounds so simple, yet there are just not enough hours in the day! I am excited to curl up for a little bit and get lost in a good book.
So, I’ll take a deep breath, pray, blow a kiss and give a little wave as I put my kids on the bus each morning. I know and believe that I have done the best job that I can do as a Mom in preparing my kids for what they will encounter throughout their day!
They will do great things in school! They will be strong, courageous, kind, respectful because that is who they are becoming and who I encourage them to be.
I have a list to get to and my 6 hours start now! I’ll update you soon on how I am doing on keeping it all together!
Marissa D says
That's so exciting! You have taken the next step into motherhood, watching your kids try the lessons you've been teaching them. Can't wait to hear how you are filling your time now
Marissa
Reading List
CathyM says
Thank you so much Marissa for taking the time to read this!
Angie Caswellmama says
I'm still attempting to figure out balancing homeschool and the rest of life…
CathyM says
Oh wow, Angie I could only imagine what a balancing act that is!! Thank you for taking the time to check out this post! 🙂
Denise says
Cute list! I love the colors!
CathyM says
Thank you so much Denise!
Melanie B. says
I love the printable! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
CathyM says
Awww, thank you so much Melanie, I truly appreciate it!
Caroline @ In Due Time says
What a great printable — glad you have time for YOU now!
CathyM says
Thank you so much Caroline!
Pamela says
For the first time I don't have a child in school or college. You have a good list to get you started. Love the printable. Thank you.
CathyM says
Thank you so much Pamela, I really appreciate it!
Jamie Jeffers says
I am sending 4 kids to school this year, and my 1 year old takes naps. It's been amazing! I get a couple of hours most days to accomplish things. I'm trying to be purposeful in taking baby steps during that time toward my bigger goals.
CathyM says
It's amazing the great things that can be accomplished at nap time!! 🙂 What a great idea to be purposeful in taking baby steps towards the bigger goals! Love that! Thanks so much Jamie for coming over!
Angela says
The world has opened up! I wonder what sending my youngest to Kindergarten will feel like but I'm not wishing the time away. You're right, if you don't focus then day will slip away before you know it. Having a to-do list is key to being productive and staying focused. Thanks for the cute to-do list.
CathyM says
The world really has opened up! 🙂 It makes my time with my kids that much more special!!! Thank you so much Angela for stopping over and checking out this to do list printable! 🙂
Meredith Wouters says
You just described me EXACTLY. I love having time to myself while my kids are at school, but I don't want to just waste time. Luckily with a blog, there are no shortage of things that always need to be done! 🙂 Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!
CathyM says
Totally agree Meredith! Blogging has kept me busier than ever! 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to stop over! 🙂
Hil D says
I love that printable. So helpful and a good reminder. I have two littles, one just started nursery school and I work from home and blog, so reminders to keep me on track are essential!
CathyM says
Thank you so much Hil for checking this out and for your kind words!! It definitely helps me stay on track to write things down!! 🙂
Jo-Anne says
Yeah when kids start school many of us think what are we going to do all day beut then before we know it the day is over and they are coming home and in a blink we are doing it all over again
CathyM says
Yes, the time sure does fly! 🙂