We've not had both kids at home at the same time for more than 36 hours in over 2 weeks and I'm beginning to feel a little wonky (Lynn's word 
) about it. While I dearly love the occasional times when one or both of them is away overnight at a friend's or at a lock-in at church, etc....this extended time apart is weighing on me. Our entire family dynamic is different (not bad...just different) with one of them gone. I'm very much looking forward to our camping trip (Wednesday) and having 6 whole days with the four of us together 24/7. Of course, it's only 3 years until DD~15 will be off to college somewhere...I suppose these small doses of being apart may help with that transition, but I don't have to like it yet! 
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I've been thinking alot about how things will change when I'm back at work full time, but most of my considerations have been about tasks and logistics...the "physical" requirements that will be necessary for adjustment. I haven't spent as much time thinking about the emotional adjustment that is also coming....especially for me.
One of the (many) reasons I came home in the first place was that I really needed what seemed like "too much" me-time. I couldn't work, fit in everything we wanted for the girls, have the relationship time with DH that we wanted and get enough time for me to keep me sane. Will I be able to do so now?
It may be, too, that I'm not going "back" to work; but to a new career entirely. Although I've been "teaching" in one form or another all along...still I have all those "Will I be good enough? Will the kids relate to me? What will the other teachers think of me? Am I nuts?" thoughts that go along with beginning a new career in mid-life.
It is my pride and joy to be able to respond to inquiries that "I am a full-time wife and mother." I've decided that I will keep that label and just add "and I also teach middle/high school Family and Consumer Sciences." That's who I am: I'm a wife and mother who is going to teach...not a teacher with a husband and kids....if you see the difference.
Ah, well, today is not the day to be trying to resolve any of this, I know. The answers will come, and aside from these occasional twinges, I'm not really into dwelling on "what if's."
It's time to get out of my brain and back to my life!
Lenora
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I'm awful glad to know that they wouldn't want to do without us just yet, either. 
