Parents Who Work in Schools

There are some definite pluses and minuses to working in a school, but not the one any of your children attend.  Today is one of those mainly positive situations.  I have an institute day and my kids all have school.  The only minus is that there was no sleeping in.  Tom and I still had to get up at the break of dawn to get Miles to preschool in Elk Grove and Emmett to school in Evanston.  The positives today, however, are numerous.  Right now I'm in one of the awesome Arlington Heights Memorial Library studios learning how to convert vinyl to CD.  It is fun and helps me help patrons when I work the desk.  We started with Stevie Wonder "Innervisions," which once belonged to my stepdad.  Pure awesomeness.  Now we are recording Pagnini's 24 Caprices for Solo Violin by Itzhak Perlman.  A bit of a whiplash from the other record, but also pure awesomeness.  My hubby is sick so he is tagging along to keep me company.  Oh, we also have a belly full of Starbucks pastries - something we also never get to do.

After this, the day continues with a childless lunch for two.  Then we are the Mystery Readers in Sarah's classroom today.  Something else we never get to do.  And did I mention that it is a gorgeous fall day?  Pure bliss all the way around.

Here is a list of those pluses and minuses I mentioned:

Minus

• not being able to go to school functions because you are needed at your own school (example, Lydia in 1st grade not understanding why I couldn't be at HER Valentine's Party when I had my own classroom party to be at)
• not having breaks and holidays line up
• travel time and distance
• having to work school functions your own kids can't come to
• different start/end times which make before or after school conferences with your kids' teachers next to impossible
• extra money spent for before/aftercare (though other professions have that one too)
• our kids' teachers are sometimes wary of us because, let's face it, educator parents can be a "know it all" bunch
• limited number of sick/personal days to care for sick children (or yourself).  We have a sick bank at my school for if I get some horrible long-lasting illness, but if my kids get one - too bad - I can't use the sick bank :(

Plus

• getting different breaks and holidays.  I know that I already listed this as a minus but sometimes it's a plus because I get a break and get things done that I wouldn't otherwise if they were home with me.
• I know a lot about what is going on at their schools because I also live it at my own
• sometimes teachers are kindred spirits because we know schools and understand what they go through better than other professionals
• summers together!!!
• Christmas break together and sometimes spring break too
• except for conferences and Tom's catering events, we are home most nights for family dinner and bedtime.  When one of us isn't home, there is always FaceTime! (See earlier post on this.)

And now, back to enjoying our day off without children.  Have a great weekend, Everyone!

School Support

As an educator, I have both unrealistically high standards and enormous amounts of patience for my kids' schools and staff. That's a pretty big juxtaposition I know but one that I think most teacher/parents would agree is true. I'm thinking "I could do that better" and also "wow, I never thought of trying that" and "gosh, I know they must be exhausted."

Since my eldest are 15-years-old, and Emmett is Emmett, I've worked with more schools than most people. Seven just for the two older twins. Add the two day cares and Matthew and Sarah's school and you have an even 10 total, so far. Only 6 of those 10, have dealt with us as a blended family. 

I go into a school partnership with the feeling that being a blended family is "normal" these days. After all, my own parents have been divorced since I was 9. My teachers seemed okay with all that, at least in my young eyes. And Emmett and Lydia's schools have been pretty great. Tom is a respected member of the parental team and both houses are communicated with equally. 

The problem came last year when Matthew and Sarah started kindergarten. We went in with high hopes but had a series of let downs. From having to ask the office three times to please mail us anything going to the custodial house to the "Kindergarten Welcoming Committee" which was anything but - it was disheartening. Now I will freely admit that I am sensitive to being treated as "the other woman."  I feel like I have a ton to offer as a parent and supporter of the school. Hell, I'm room parent material. Why weren't these people thrilled to meet and involve me?  I can get a bit touchy and probably read into things too much. The school is also where Tom's ex attended as a little girl, so part of me will always feel like an invader. Another barrier. 

Well summer was winding down, and I knew in my heart as a parent and educator that I needed to start fresh with this school. We filled out the usual intake questionnaires listing family members, contact info, strengths, weaknesses, etc.  We got the supplies. We sent them with high hopes and held our breath. 

Then curriculum night came up and we were both nervous and feeling like "do your worst - we can take it."  The teachers were warm and welcoming. They both had duplicates of materials for both houses, without us asking. Matthew's desk was even next to a student who clearly had two sets of materials. A kindred spirit perhaps?  The room parents had a table with materials to pick up. (Last year they had been addressed to one set of parents and it took forever to get extras.)

We left feeling hopeful and happy. I'm really going to try to keep an open mind. After all, it isn't about us at all. However, if the school can be supportive then life will be that much happier for all of us. 

Staycation!

I must admit when Amy brought up the idea of having a vacation at home this past Labor Day weekend, I was skeptical.  "How relaxing of a time can we have staying home?", is what I was thinking.  Three days at home is nothing compared to a full week or more in a location that includes a nice hotel, sightseeing, etc.  How was this going to be even close?  But, knowing my wife, I put my trust in that she knew what she was talking about, and let go.  I even turned off my work email, on my iPhone, so I wouldn't be dragged back into reality.  I was all in!

We had our little town's Sunset Fest, which is an end to summer festival.  Carnival rides, fair food, games, concerts, a parade and fireworks, are all part of the Fest, to help say goodbye to summer.  Saturday morning was the kick off, well for us at least.  We started with the parade.  It was great by small town standards.  Almost an hour long, and the people walking the route were throwing candy, fliers and even some were handing out Freeze Pops!  It was Americana at it's finest.  The sirens on the fire trucks were too loud, Miles didn't like them but he did end up sitting on the curb, in my lap anyhow, as they went by.  Maybe like me, he was taking a long time waking up that morning.  By the time parade was over, we were all ready for more.  I felt the stress melting away, minute by minute.  We only had the older twins and Miles, this morning, and things were looking up.  We made our way over to the carnival and walked through, seeing what rides and games would take our money.  The flashing lights gave way to the food area.  "I'll take, 'Things That Are Fried', for $200, Alex!"  Snickers, Twinkies, Oreos and Mars bars, were all on their way into pancake batter then the deep fryer.  What could be bad about that?  Pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs and a tub of cheese fries with bacon, were on the menu that day and we all had our share.  We then doubled back to the carnival.  

It was a day of firsts.  Emmett had his first ride on a Ferris Wheel with Lydia. Emmett didn't seem stressed at all by the Ferris Wheel.  He did look a little concerned when it would stop and the basket would sway a bit, but when it was rolling, he was having a ball.  It was so nice to see him not stressed and having fun.  It set the course for a good day.  Miles was eager to look at the rides but not really up for trying any.  He would say he wanted to ride something, but when we got up to it, he would back down.  Then he saw the train.  It was just a little ride that went in an oval for about two minutes.  He made sure to tell Amy and I that he wanted to drive the train, so we worked it out to be in the front of the line.  When the operator opened the gate, Miles was up to the front in a flash.  I belted him in and told him I would be right outside the fence.  He looked skeptical but held it together, after all, he was driving a train!  Watching him go around that track was one of the best moments as a father.  My little boy, who only an hour ago was clutching me because the fire truck was too loud, was now riding a carnival ride, by himself.  Truly bittersweet.

Miles then decided he wanted another ride.  He wanted to ride the helicopters.  The kiddie ride that goes around in a circle and will go up and down at times.  He had said he did not want to ride this when we first passed, prior to the train.  Now, with his new found courage, he wanted in.  Amy took him this time, to pick out a helicopter and to get him situated.  He picked one that a little girl was in, she was three we found out from her father, and they were pilot and co-pilot.  I thought that once it went up and down the first time, we would have a upset boy on our hands.  I couldn't have been more wrong.  HE LOVED IT!!!  He was rocking the steering wheel back and forth, pushing the horn button and just having a grand old time.  Mr. I Don't Want To, was actually having fun.  I was having a blast, too.  Seeing this all through their eyes, side by side with my best friend, it made for a great day.  The perfect start to our Staycation.

To be continued...

A routine that's sometimes anything but

The bedtime routine is different almost every night, depending on who is with us.  I guess I should lay out our schedule of who is with us, first.  It can be pretty complicated, so strap in!  Miles is always with us, since he is ours, together.  Matthew and Sarah are with us, Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights.  Lydia and Emmett are with us Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.  That means, we have one night per week where all the kids are with us.  Unfortunately, it is only from 4PM Saturday, that we have all of them.  That is a story for another post, trust me. 

Saturday nights are usually reserved for Family Story Time on the couch, where we all read a story together.  The Middle Twins have been getting into the Mercy Watson books, lately, so that is what we have been reading.  Right after dinner, the Middle Twins and Miles get ready for bed.  Then everyone gathers on the couch in the family room for Story Time.  Depending on the night, Amy, Lydia or myself will read.  When you are not the one reading, watching the faces of the kids as they get into the story is priceless.  Once story is over, everyone holds hands, says prayers and then good nights are circulated.  That is when the hilarity ensues.  Usually, one of the kids will almost fall over another to try and say good night to another.  Miles will usually protest one of the following: saying prayers, holding hands, saying good night, going upstairs.  Once all the dust settles, we are headed upstairs with 3 of the 5.  Then teeth brushing, with or without Miles and final bathroom trips are taken by the Middle Twins.  Finally, once Matthew is in his top bunk and tucked in and has finished rustling about, Miles will pick a short story to have read to him.  Finish up the book, good night kisses, start the music and it is off to the next bedroom.  There we find Sarah, usually drawing on her MagnaDoodle, already in the covers.  She gets her kiss, starts her music and lights out.  Whew, three down.  This process can take anywhere from 10-20 minutes, depending on the evening and how much of a help the kids are.  

The other twins are pretty easy, comparatively.  Emmett gets himself dressed for bed and has his one hour rest time, prior to bed.  You need to keep an eye on the clock though.  If you send him down to get ready and don't follow up in about 10 minutes, he will spend the hour brushing his teeth.  Due to his autism, he loses track of time and starts grooving on the brushing.  I'm amazed he has enamel left.  Once his rest time is over, we go down, say prayers and good nights to him and he is off to lala land.  Lydia spends time with us most Saturday nights and when going to bed, she is completely self sufficient.  We let her know what time she needs to get ready and she takes it from there.  No muss, usually no fuss.  99.9% of the time, they are fine.  Every once in a while, they can be interesting.  Usually a word or a hug and smile will get the wrinkle ironed out.  It's pretty painless.  

Once these steps are taken, Amy and I have time to ourselves.  This usually equates to about 15 minutes of down time before we have to head off to bed, due to how early we get up in the morning for church.  Carving out time for ourselves can be pretty tricky, but that's a topic for another day.

There's Nothing "Halfway" About Half Siblings

Miles and Sarah watching "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" together. Miles shared his favorite blanket and even his Lovie with Sarah who he called "my best friend" earlier this evening.  So sweet. 

I Wish

This post has less to do with the whole family because it is just about our son, Emmett.

Long ago, I was a single mom with twins - a beautiful boy and girl.  It wasn't long before Emmett wasn't reaching his developmental milestones.  By 6 months I was concerned and by 9 months he was in physical therapy for "developmental delay."  At 12 months, he began occupational therapy as well and speech followed later.  Emmett did not walk until he was 2 1/2 years old and his speech was very delayed.  He began special education preschool at age 3 and the word "autism" was used by age 4.  It was a tough pill to swallow.

Although severely autistic, Emmett functions fairly well.  We can take him out places like the grocery store and church.  He gets his teeth cleaned without being held down.  He smiles, laughs, makes good eye contact, and can be snuggly.  He has changed my life in beautiful and mysterious ways and I can't imagine my world without him.

I wish that things were easier for him sometimes.

Right now, I wish that there weren't 4 weeks in between his camp and going back to school.  He can't stand being in limbo - outside of his normal routines.  He is upset more and inside his head more often as well.  This Monday, fortunately, is his first day back.

I also wish that he was still younger.

Emmett is a grown man now.  He is almost as tall as me with a deep voice, pimples, facial hair, and manly smells too.  We went to the park tonight and he still goes up the equipment to slide down the slide.  But he's too tall and doesn't slide down easily any more.  The other kids and parents look at him strangely.  It's uncomfortable at times.

But most of all, I wish I could reach him.

Sometimes I do connect with him very deeply.  I can tell when he's missed me.  I get his humor.  We can also communicate nonverbally with silly glances and hand squeezes to show each other we are there.  But when he is upset it is quite difficult.  He can't verbalize what is bothering him or what he needs.  We can guess and we can cope but we can't solve the problem.  It's frustrating at the best of times, and heartbreaking at its worst.

However, we do have a lot to be thankful for.  He has an amazing school, full of teachers and students who truly love him.  He has a Special Olympics coach and teammates who encourage him.  He has 3 loving parents and 6 loving siblings between two households.

He is blessed and so are we.  Sometimes I just need to say that out loud in order to feel better.

Thank you, Steve Jobs!

As a working parent in a blended family, there are nights that prove impossible to be there for bedtime. At least in our house.  I may have an evening event or Amy may be working at the library.  FaceTime has become a great tool for us.  We utilize it for saying good night to the kids, while we are in a down moment.  Seeing their faces light up when the picture connects, is so special.  The happiness you feel is enough to get you through the rest of the night.

Now I'm not trying to be a commercial for Apple, far from it.  I was just thinking of technology we have today that makes it possible for us to remain connected to our families, even when we can't be there.  But, at least around our house, there is no substitute for being there at bed time.

I've never heard that before

"A family is a little world created by love." - Unknown

We were living in our first apartment in Winnetka, and decided to take all the kids out for ice cream, as a treat.  It may have been one of the first times we were able to have my twins overnight, I don't remember.  There was much excitement, as you can imagine.  We made sure that we discussed with the kids, on the way to the parlor, what our expectations were.  When we arrived, the store had some patrons at tables but not too many.  One elderly couple caught my eye and I made sure that we took up tables away from them, as to not disturb them.  Placing an order for 7 people takes a bit of time but seating those 7 is another story.  We pushed some tables together and made due with what we could.  Once our order came, everyone was happily eating and conversing.  It made me so happy to see all of the kids enjoying each other's company and being together.  It is the same feeling I get every Saturday night, when we all have dinner together as a family.

Well, kids will be kids and they started getting a little silly and a little loud.  Amy and I did our best to settle everyone back down, and they were pretty good.  It was a good outing, on the whole.  What happened next, I never expected.  I was talking to one of the children when the woman of the elderly couple approaches our table.  I was getting ready to steel myself because I thought maybe the kids were a little too loud for them.  She leans over to Amy and I and says that she was watching us and that we had the most well behaved and respectful children she had seen.  She also told us to keep up the good work.  To say I was speechless, was an understatement.  I croaked out a barely audible, "thank you," and turned to Amy and almost broke down.  

I had never had anything like that happen before.  It has happened since, but that first time was truly mind blowing.  We know our group can be overwhelming.  There are 5 very different personalities and each one is more outgoing than the last.  To keep everyone on task can be difficult if you aren't on the top of your game.  Luckily, I have a great partner to work with.  We parent well together, picking up where the other may be missing, without having to ask for the help.  We constantly read the situation and assess what is needed, and then jump right in.  It is too easy for our bunch to get out of control, and difficult to reign in, once that happens.  We try to ride that edge of letting them have as much fun as possible, without getting too silly.  

If someone told me I would be a parent of 5 children, I would have told them they were crazy.  Now, I can't imagine a day without them.

Sharing and Compromising

"Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother" - Oprah Winfrey

I hate to post another post about exes on the heels of yesterday's post but this is timely and still rattling around my head so here goes nothing . . .

As Tom posted yesterday, his split with his ex has been FAR from amicable. The bottom line is that she doesn't feel she should have to share or compromise. There are many times we can just sigh and move on but this last incident still stings. 

Yesterday was "Welcome to Westgate."  It's a time from 4:00-5:30pm when families and kids are invited to drop by their new classrooms to see the space, drop off supplies, meet the teacher, etc. Monday is our day to have Matthew and Sarah so we naturally assumed we would be taking them and I was looking forward to it. This spring we moved from their school neighborhood to Lake in the Hills, about 45 minutes away. The welcome day is one of few times we would be able to be at their school this year. 

So Tom told his ex we were taking them and to give us the supplies to bring and she said she was going too! Argh!!  If you only knew how tense it is when all of us are there - especially for the kids - you'd know how awful this situation can be. So Tom said she would just take them herself if that's the way she was going to be. Then, to make matters worse, I had to pick the kids up from her afterwards myself because Tom ended up with a school catering event. She emailed Tom and said it would be easier "for the kids" if I picked them up at the school. Seriously???

Here was my email response to her:

"You told Tom that it is easier for the kids if I get them at Westgate. Please know that it is not easier for me, in fact it's rather painful. Monday is our day to have them. Tom and I really thought that we could share the joy of seeing their new classes with them. Since you decided to intrude, we gave in and are letting you take them. It is too painful for me to get them from you at Westgate when I was wanting to take them there myself. I hope you can understand."

I got no response to this email at all. I usually try to operate from the assumption that everyone has a heart and operates under the same moral compass as I do. Sometimes though, I am surprised by the depths of people's resentment and selfishness. 

So yesterday was a missed opportunity for grace. Sad. 

But that's what I was trying to get away from...

When divorcing a spouse without any children in the picture, you are probably never going to see that person again. Not unless you go out of your way to do so. But when you divorce your spouse and you share children, the story is much different. You will spend the next X number of years seeing that person, probably multiple times a week, or emailing/texting them even more. There may even be the occasion that requires a phone call.

If your divorce was amicable, you might not understand why this may be a cause for stress and tension.  If your current spouse is supportive and wonderful, they will listen to what you have to say, or try, and get you to tell them what is bothering you. I'm lucky that way, my spouse is very supportive and wonderful. She helps me through the tough patches with my ex.  It's not that I can't deal with them, but rather that I try to internalize them so they don't cause strife in our lives.

My divorce was less than amicable, so there is a lot of tension, even 3+ years later.  Only time will tell if the tension will fade.  I'm really hoping it will but I can only do so much.  You quickly learn that you cannot make someone work with you. You cannot make someone co-parent with you. No matter how much you try, if they want to do things the way they see fit, you will not affect change.  Instead, they will dig in their heels and be even more difficult. 

At the best of times, you will not let this affect the children. The kids don't need to know how difficult their other parent is being, and they probably don't even know what you are talking about anyhow. Then there are those other times.  You are not at the top of your game, you've had a rough day at work, or you've just told the kids something for the seemingly millionth time, and you lose it. The following action of theirs was exactly something your ex used to do to you, and it grates on your very last nerve. It could be something as simple as the child's body language, but it is clearly a mannerism that your ex had/has. What do you do?  Internally, your blood pressure spikes and you start screaming in your head that you can't believe they have learned that behavior from HER!  Outwardly, you try not to let your feelings show and tell them that is not a behavior we have in our house. They will have no idea how their action came across and how it affected you. And you don't let them know. Bagging on your ex will cause resentment and more behavior problems.  

The sooner you realize that they are going to pick up things from your ex that drive you insane the better.  Conversely, they will pick up things from you that will drive your ex up the wall as well. 

Saturday Nights

Saturday night is the only night we have all 5 of our children under one roof. (We can discuss how we reached that arrangement later.). Anyway, Miles (our 2-year-old) decided to be a dinosaur and chase me while roaring. The twin 6-year-olds hurriedly cleared their dinner dishes and joined in. Now they were taking turns being polar bears and dinosaurs and chasing and catching each other. It wasn't too long before Lydia, our 15-year-old daughter, was also being chased - all of them giggling and screeching with delight. By this time, I had removed myself from the game so I could police the activity. We don't usually have such wild games because at least 3 of our 5 can get rather carried away and get into trouble. But this was so fun to watch. They were all joyful and enjoying each other so much. 

Then just when I thought it couldn't get much better, Emmett got up and joined the raucous game. Those of you who know us will already know that Emmett is pretty severely autistic. He is Lydia's twin so he's also 15. Often times, shrieking and running would overwhelm him but this time he wanted in. Pretty soon he was running around and smiling. It was a magical moment. 

It has been, and will continue to be, hard work gluing this family together. But sometimes we have moments like this that remind us how wonderful our family is. 

You Are Not Alone

When you are different, all you want is to find others like you.  People you can share your different-ness with.  Shared joys.  Shared woes.  Shared experiences.

This blog is all about reaching out and connecting with other blended families.  My husband and I are each parents of 3 and stepparents of 2.  In other words, we share 5 fabulous and complicated children.  My husband and I are also stepchildren ourselves and we both have half-siblings.

We're are also reaching out because we need to know that we are not doing this alone.  We don't have any close friends who have blended families.  I don't even have many friends or colleagues whose own parents are divorced.  I know there are others out there, but where?  How do we find each other and connect?

So hopefully you are reading this now and you know now that you aren't alone.  We'd love to hear your stories as we share ours.

Opening Night Jitters

This is the first post of many to come in the exploration of our life as a blended family.