The week nothing happened

 Nothing new to report for this past week. Brandon did get to go to school his two days and he loved it. Emma didn't cry but certainly missed him and was counting down all week until she could go to school too. I did laundry, taught 11 piano lessons, made bread, picked up groceries, took the girls to dance, signed the boys up for soccer, picked up Josh from physical therapy, cleaned, went to BJs, and helped Brandon a lot with his school work. 

Friday I finally got to take my new bike out for a spin and I went for a shorter ride around the neighborhood and down to the school and back. I had hoped to go for a long ride today but it is raining so I am not feeling it. Saturday I spent a good part of the day annoyed by how messy my kids are but they pulled it together and got their jobs done so we when we went to pick up Josh from the church after a baptism, we stopped by Sweet Frog and used my mom's Christmas gift card. We were the only ones in there and it was a fun treat since it has been at least a year since we've been there. Then the kids practiced the piano and then we watched more Full House. We even got pizza for dinner and ate it while we watched, which is a big deal around here, and it was fun. 

Yesterday we got to go to church again because there was plenty of room and I have to drive Josh to church anyway so that was nice. I don't like getting up early in the morning but it is nice to have purpose and things to do again. I will be really happy when we get to start having second hour again and the kids can actually go to primary but at least this is a step towards normal. Emma is getting very excited about her baptism so we have been talking a lot about it and her enthusiasm is unmatched. I love that about her. The tough thing is she wants everyone she knows to be there but it is very limited so Josh is going to double check the current guidance on that and then we'll work it out. The rest of our Sunday we wrote in our journals, the kids played, we talked and relaxed and then I made dinner and we got everyone ready for school.

That's right. School. After almost exactly a year, all four of my kids got on a school bus today. Actually, last year only three kids were in school but now all four are and for the first time in 12 1/2 years, I am alone. By myself for hours to do whatever I want without having to share, explain, help or find a babysitter while I have appointments. I can't believe it and am so happy that this day has finally come! I have enjoyed (for the most part) all of our family time and together time this past year but for two days a week, I am so thrilled they get to go be with other people and I can just work on house stuff, run errands or sit here and read and eat chocolate all day if I want to. It is a momentous day and I am loving it! I hope they all have a great day. We talked about how different it is going to be with all the restrictions and half the number of kids there but that it is a step in the right direction and we need to be grateful for it. Here is to progress!