Before I got my French driver’s license, I thought I was just going to die from all the back-and-forths that come with having multiple offspring – ice skating, school, centre, nursery, multi-sports, etc.
Now that I can drive, I am really not sure it’s any better.
Our school days are from 8:30 to 4:30, but there is no school on Wednesdays. For the moment . . . There’s lots of talk about adding Wednesday mornings, and perhaps making the school day shorter too, but that’s still up in the air for now.
What that means is that working moms must surrender to the fact that there is little they can do for their kids in the way of extra-curricular activities outside of school. And on the flip-side, we stay-at-home moms can feel the pressure to do everything that is offered.
I blithely said that I thought my kids should each have one sport and an instrument (and of course they should learn swimming and skiing too – and why not horseback riding and fencing, while we’re at it). For now let’s just commit to music and a sport. But when you think about it, that’s 2 activities times 3 kids. And the only possible time to do it all is on Wednesday afternoons.
Oh yes, because I also give English classes on Wednesday mornings.
Today was my last free Wednesday morning before I start teaching. I’ll have two classes chez moi from 10-12, which means that I will have to rush and bring the children to Centre at nine in the morning, then come back and vacuum up the breakfast crumbs before readying myself to give my heart and soul for two hours.
Time for haircuts!
Who's the short (ticklish) guy in the chair?
And time for grocery shopping. Leg of ham anyone?
Hey - cheap plastic toys beat baguettes any day. Don't judge.
At noon, I’ll have a quick lunch before driving to pick up the kids for their afternoon activities.
The two older kids are at one centre and I need to pick them up in time for Young Lady to start dance at 1:00.
I am loving the class outfits for this year.
Then I need to pick up Petit Prince at the Centre next door to the conservatory at 1:30, and walk around the block to the gym to bring him to multi-sports.
Last year Petit Prince accidentally pulled this over onto himself. I heard a muffled cry and saw two feet sticking out like the Wizard of Oz.
They are so excited to be first on the court.
Young Knight is re-living his multi-sport days. This didn't hurt, by the way.
He finally has an activity to call his own.
Then I need to walk back around the block to the conservatory so that Young Knight can start music at 2.
Then wait until 2:15 when ballet is over and bring Young Lady with me around the block again to pick Petit Prince up from sports at 2:30. Walk back around the block to pick up Young Knight from music and bring Young Lady to music at 3:00.
Drive home with the two boys and have a quick snack at 3:15.
Drive the boys over to the middle school so Young Knight can take soccer at 4:30.
Why are you dragging me around like this? I'm only three, you know.
Drive immediately back to the conservatory to pick Young Lady up from music at 4:45.
Walk over to the middle school (since by now we’re not in a hurry) and retrieve Young Knight from soccer at 6:00.
Eat, shower, sleep, get ready for school.
And to top off this insane craziness, I’m even thinking of adding an extra English lesson at 9am to accommodate some of my old students, and so that I can make some extra money.
Am I nuts to try and start this hectic day even earlier? Somehow it doesn’t seem to be any better with a car.
I’m afraid that all this extra-vehicular activity might lead to an overindulgence in this –
and a dearth
of stopping to smell this.
I’m just starting to see the hints of this with my oldest two now in preschool. Like you, I had the grand plan to limit them to one activity at a time, but then I start to think about one sport plus one instrument and then I multiply by three and begin to cry (or caffeinate).
The way you told your story, I pictured all of your comings and goings on a made up map in my head. I’ll admit, I got a little dizzy. 🙂
I know! I’m dizzy too – and incidentally decided not to add that extra class. (Go me).
Tell it.
I’m in the midst of dinner, waiting to pick up soccer boy, folding laundry, putting the dishes away.
I still have to go for my exercise! And then husband will by home by 7 PM.
Oh, sounds impossible, doesn’t it???
It does sound impossible, and then every once in awhile I catch a break and the universe seems to fall in place for me.
I’m just in awe you can keep track of who goes where and when.
Now I want to nap, after reading this.
Oh wait, I don’t sleep.
You make me laugh.
I’m at three children and sixteen sessions a week of some activity for one or another of them (but blessedly, not all confined to one afternoon and a few overlapping)–I feel your pain and share your logistical challenges! 😉 As mothers, we must be masters of juggling and also more than slightly insane to get ourselves into these schedules!
Sixteen! Sixteen! (Insert wide -eyed smiley here).
Ah, the blessed extracurricular activities. I used to always cringe at the end of summer, not because school was about to start, but because of all the after school shuffling.
Just know, it gets easier. Once they’re old enough to transport themselves, your load gets much lighter. I know it seems like a million years away, but trust me, it’ll come sooner than you think and until then . . . breathe. At least, try to breathe when you get half a second for yourself.
I’ve heard that – that it eventually gets easier. I both want it and dread not being their whole world anymore. 🙂
It’s so tough, trying to ensure that they’re being exposed to things and participating and finding what they love, all without collapsing from exhaustion (or cookie eating). Good luck 🙂
I know. Now I need to find time to run instead of eat cookies.
One day you will turn around and blink you eyes, and they will be grown. You will wonder where those wonderful, hectic years went, and wish for their return. Embrace each moment, it goes too quickly.
I believe it. Every so often I notice that their innocence is disappearing bit by tiny bit and it makes me sad. It’s crazy, but I still treasure it.
That poor little three year old! And you! That’s a lot of hustle right there…
I feel so bad for that poor little guy, and what can I do? He’s thrilled to be in multi-sports (I had to drag him out crying each week last year when his big brother went). But he’s stuck with me running around for the rest because I can’t leave him at home.
Oh I am so with you. Mine are ONLY 22 months and I over commit. There is a war between being bored and not enjoying the variety of what life offers in activity & community … but there is a sweet feeling found in muffins and cookies baking at home with no agenda. I don’t have the answer … I’m sure in eight years I will be rushing around just like you…I think you are many steps ahead of others, in the fact that you actually are still THINKING about smelling the roses 🙂
It doesn’t get easier – it’s amazing how it’s like that, but it doesn’t. You can fit all the zillion things you want to in those 2 1/2 hours.
Oh, does this bring back memories. I felt like I lived in my car when the kids were in sports etc. You’re doing the right thing, but it is exhausting. Good luck with that extra class….
Oh yes. My life this year. “Mom’s Taxi” at your service. Oy.
I love this slice of your day, your busy.
Ohmyword, busy is hard, isn’t it?
(Lovely photos as always, and never ever any judging for easy eats!)
Plus you have to be actively involved with homework in France. I’d hide under the covers.
You know me! I’d like to hide tomorrow but it’s the first real day with centre (no grandparents to watch the kids) and all those activities. Help!