It's that magical time of year.


The time when the smell of freshly sharpened pencils mixes with the faint scent of pumpkin spice and the sound of marching band music echoing through my evenings. Yes friends, - it's back-to-school week at our house, which means back to total chaos.


We've got kids scattered in every direction:

  • One starting 3rd grade (tiny but mighty)
  • One in 8th grade (that fun in-between where they're too cool for everything, but still secretly like snacks and cartoons)
  • One in 10th and one in 11th (I can't tell if they're actual students or just permanent figures in the marching band section)
  • And... one starting college today. Excuse me, but wasn't it just yesterday that she was born?


Yes, you read that correctly. I'll have one in every level of education elementary through college. Actually, that's pretty awesome because it is the only point in my life that this will happen.


Meanwhile, I'm also starting my new job this week too- because apparently launching five kids into different stages wasn't enough excitement for one family.


Football season is here, which doesn't actually mean football in our house- it means band season. Friday nights will be spent at the stadium, rolling in with our stadium seats, blankets, snacks, and occasionally a forgotten glove or instrument. The kids are marching, playing, and spinning their flags and rifles while I'll be worrying about whether or not I turned off the stove or what needs to be finished over the weekend.


It's also the season where our home becomes a revolving glass door of friends. A community center of sorts. At any given time, you'll find a mix of kids, teens, and our dogs. I don't even ask who's coming anymore, I just keep the snacks stocked and hope for the best. I love that we have a welcoming home and that we are often the hub for all of their friends.


And, because you know I love to decorate early, I'm already planning for Halloween. While some people are still packing away their swimsuits, I'm pulling out the pumpkins and all of the fall decorations. That 9- foot Mickey pumpkin lighted archway has been itching to see the light of day. Priorities, people.


So, here's to another school year: the chaos, carpools, the band rehearsals, the late-night homework, and the spooky decorations that go up long before they should. My coffee is strong, my patience is questionable, and my sense of humor is the only thing holding it all together. For all of the other mothers who sent their kids off to college. I'm thinking of you.


Don't worry, we'll be in our groove soon enough and yes, I'm sure one day I'll look back and miss these days.