Back to School Blues….

Originally Published in the Greenwood Daily Journal August 13, 2011

It hardly feels right to complain about having to go back to work on Monday.  I mean, most people who work do so year-round and that is life as they know it.  Summer breaks are just for kids, at least that’s what my son says.  When my oldest was small he thought everyone he knew had the summer off to be footloose and fancy free.  He was quickly corrected by his dad.

Staying home with your kids day in and day out is not for everyone and that is OK.  I admit, that some days the sound of their bickering, whining about being bored or having to remind them for the tenth time to pick up their laundry made me long to go back to work.

Just as I have never regretted a day of my career choice I also relish these long, lazy days of summer break.  In the beginning we slept in a little, went to the park and had picnics, stayed up late and watched movies together and played games.  But before you know it you become busy doing a whole lot of nothing.  Errands, practices, appointments, visiting family and next thing you know it August is here.

I know we had a lot of fun this summer. The boys and I were able to rejuvenate ourselves in preparation for the new school year by reading tons of books, traveling all over Indiana hiking, swimming and exploring.  It doesn’t mean we are ready to stop though.  At least we will still have the weekends.

I have learned that over the years it helps to sit down and form an action plan for the upcoming year.  This is because I thrive on lists but also it helps to form goals for what we want to accomplish that school year.  I find that if I can be positive about embarking on a new academic year that it helps to settle my kids frazzled nerves.  Taking time to pick up a few school supplies, having it all ready and easing into the year is my plan.

Do they need 5 new outfits, new shoes and a shiny new backpack just to start the school year on the right foot?  Absolutely not.  What we really need is a bright and positive outlook.  Having the neatest new pencils, art supplies and lunchbox don’t replace someone having confidence that they can succeed and that ,my friends, is free.

My kids will not remember later in life that I scoured all of the local stores for just the right pencil sharpener but they will remember how we caught a frog that first morning of school while waiting for the bus.  Children want to be supported, accepted and cared for and that can be shown in many ways.  All my kids ever seem to want is my time so I am happy to oblige them in these last sweet days of break.

I have begun taking ‘orders’ at breakfast time in these last few days.  I don’t really have the time in the mornings before school in the rush to get us all out of the door to make a real sit-down morning meal.  I don’t know many who can.  A favorite of my kids are these little egg cups that are a hybrid of their usual request: the breakfast burrito.  This is easy to adapt for as many ‘cups’ as you may need.  Add what you have, leftover meat that is cut into small pieces or just cheese.  I like to put out a few condiments and let them decide how to top their meal.  These keep for a few days in the refrigerator for a quick reheat in the microwave.

Sunshine Egg Cups

4 small, fajita size tortillas
4 eggs, beaten
3 strips cooked bacon, snipped into little pieces
cheese of your choice
tomatoes, green onions and sour cream *optional*

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Using a small muffin tin, spray 4 spots with non-stick spray.  Fit a tortilla in each ‘hole’ by folding it. I pleated the sides to make it fit.  Do whatever works for you.
Fill each cup with beaten egg then top with cheese and bacon.

Bake for 25 minutes or until egg is set.

So pretty…like a little flower!

One with the works for Mr. Playful Palate and one ‘plain’ for Mr. Boring