This is our first week back to school, or as I like to call it- the beginning of reality.

Those last two weeks of summer were rough.

The kids were sick of each other, me, and every activity I had planned. They fought constantly with each other and with their friends.

By the time open house rolled around last week, the boys were beside themselves with excitement. Like to the point that neither of them wanted to leave open house.

I know there are moms that dread the first day of school.

These mom hate the structure that school brings. I am NOT that mom. I love structure, schedules, and deadlines.

I know this is going to shock you all, but I was the kid that hated summer.

I hated the months of nothingness. I mean I really hated them. To avoid summer, I graduated from high school at 5pm on Friday night, and started college (700 miles away) on Monday morning at 8am.

My dislike of summer runs deep.

But as much as I hate summer, I LOVE fall and the start of school… like almost as much as I love Christmas, the West Wing, chapstick, white chocolate, and chicken caesar salad.

And because my kids are my kids, the LOVE the start of school too.

Actually because they are my kids they just love school, because I loved school too.

To all the moms out there struggling with early bedtimes, making lunches, and being without your kids- I’m oh so sorry… but school is back, and life is AWESOME.