Today I needed all 6 self-care charms!!

Today students are returning to school across Australia. My two eldest boys, in high school start today, while my youngest daughter in Grade 5, returns tomorrow. We've planned a mummy-daughter day which includes canoeing on our dam (that is if the canoe has not sunk to the bottom of the dam) and making doughnuts!

This term marks the change from summer to winter uniform in states with cooler temps. Last week I started the process to check we had long pants and winter coats, ties and that school shoes still fit. I bought a new jacket, asked for pants to be tried on so that I could change hem heights if required. After nagging, and much eye rolling (by two teenage boys) I was told 'yes' their uniforms fit, 'no' they didn't need hems changed and they were all set for school.

I shouldn't be surprised that things started to go pear-shaped Sunday afternoon. Boy 2 comes to me and says 'on second thoughts mum, can you take my pants down they are too short'. Now, that was annoying but good that he told me and I still had time to hem at least one pair of pants ahead of school starting.

Then 6.45am this morning I had 'Mum, this jacket is way too big'. In comes Boy 1 with a jacket that is clearly a few sizes too big. I then had to negotiate with Boy 2 to swap jackets, and then found another jacket that is so old and has had so many repairs, it is held together largely with iron on patching and my less than average darning. I give Boy 1 instructions to go to the uniform shop at lunch time and solve the jacket problem. Crisis averted.

At 7.30am I am hurrying two boys out the door to catch a bus that leaves at 7.36am sharp (and it's a few minutes to walk to the bus stop). At the same time our feisty miniature dachshund decided she would join the boys for school and took off up our driveway. There were boys chasing dog, my husband jumped in the car to attempt to head her off at the road, we live on acreage so we have quite a long driveway (she may have small legs but those little legs have some speed). The dog ended up on the road, stopped traffic with numerous people attempting the catch the little scamp (note to self add to 'to do' list, train dog to come when called!).

End result, two boys missed the bus and miniature doxie has had a massive adventure and is now snoozing on the couch, clearly exhausted from the morning's excitement.

My husband has driven the kids to school. 

I am now sat on the couch next to the sleeping dog with a coffee (blue cup charm); I've decided to unload this story in my weekly blog (@ connection charm); turn negative thoughts on their head by being grateful for the sunshine and this moment of peace (shovel charm), I will find my strength (lighthouse charm) but it would be nice to take a little nap (star charm) ... I can hear my daughter calling 'mum, can we going canoeing?'. Okay, two more minutes and off I will go (and that will tick off the bell charm!).

Have a great 'back to school' Monday. L x