The New Normal

Jason is now on his way to Afghanistan and we are all adjusting to what will be the new normal around here. Jorden went back to school today, just in time for their "read-in". I think the read-ins are a good idea. It's where the kids bring a blanket, a pillow, something to cuddle with, and plenty of books and snacks. Then all the kids do is read, read, read. The class has it once a month and the theme for this month is Dr. Seuss. The kids all donated goodies for a green eggs and ham meal and I even gave Jorden lots of Dr. Seuss books to take with her.

Part of the new norm will be getting Chase into an actual pre-school. Right now he's just in hourly care and I have to reserve his days and times every week. I went to get him on a list and was pretty much told that it wasn't going to happen any time soon. I don't mind. With Jason being gone the cost dropped from $4/hr to $2/hr. And I get 16 hrs of free respite care a month that I can use for both Jorden and Chase.

The BIG thing that I'm working on is getting the kids to be more self sufficient and help out more. Jorden's at the age where she can do things for herself and I'm simply tired of doing them for her. I rearranged the pantry where snacks are on the lowest shelf. And I buy a lot of individually wrapped stuff and put it in a basket. If either kid wants a snack, they just open the pantry and grab it. If they want a drink, they either get water from the dispenser on the fridge door or get a juice box. And since Chase does everything Jorden does, he'll be soon to follow in the world of do-it-yourself.

And just for the record, Jorden was very together when we said goodbye. Unfortunately Chase was napping when we met Jason at the gym so the little guy didn't get to see daddy. I was all good until Jason started to cry and then I started to cry.... But anyway, he's on his way and we're all doing fine.