Today was a 1-mile Donkey walk followed by a 3.67-mile run/walk with Karrie and then another Donkey mile. It’s so hot, and I know complaining won’t change it, but damnit – It’s 90 degrees at 6 AM. Tomorrow Karrie and I are meeting at the lake with our “real” dogs to swim for 45 minutes. I’m not sure how much swimming will actually take place, but that’s the plan.
Today was also the first day of 4th grade. Last year I walked Kenza into class wearing a business suit and heels and spent some time intimidating the principal. This year I walked Kenza into school with a ponytail, workout clothes, and running shoes fortified with freshly scraped-off Donkey shit — the principal didn’t give me a second look. I now blend. **I** am also the room mom this year.** This terrifies me. Not only do I look like the stay-at-home mom, I seem to be acting like one. Not that being or acting like a stay-at-home mom is bad – I just have mixed emotions about my personal state-of-being at the moment.
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{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
Sears Portrait Studio’s got nothing on you!
In Canada, kids go back to school after Labour Day weekend? Is it different here in America??
That darling of yours is geared up! Great pic!!
Fourth grade. I didn’t realize Kenza was that old. Shows you how much I know about children. She’s looking mucho like Mom today though!
I have loved the times that I was not working. I’m really good at not working. If you find that you are not so good at not working I’m sure you’ll do something to change it. In the mean time enjoy your time!
Kenza looks great. 4th grade was a huge step up in academic expectations at our school and came as a bit of a shock but worked out really well. I hope she has a great year.
I think the hands-on, highly-involved moms intimidate the principals more than the fancy-dressed parents. Room moms know what really goes down in those classes.
i am having a dilemma about going to work – or not – after maternity leave is up. what to do susan – me need advice from those in the know!!!
K looks simply marvelous for her first day of school. Room parent – look out!
Love the new member to your family – Looks rather naughty in a Kiefer Sutherland kind’a way
I bet you will miss the small person around, our daughter is half way through her summer holiday off from school (July – September in the UK), and it seems to last forever, but when she goes back the house seems empty.
I hope when I get my own classroom I have a room mom just like you.
What a great photo! Sounds like you should have been in ND this morning for you run! It was great here, with 60 degrees and a nice breeze!
i love 4th graders! i taught 4th grade math for 5 years. it’s the best age. they know how to pee and poop. they aren’t hormonal for the most part. they are young enough to still think teacher and parents are fun but old enough to test their abstract knowledge and thinking processes. it’s great fun!
and you HAVE to go to school with a binder and backpack that match, natch!
Kenza’s so cute!
What a big change for you!
I know many stay-at-home moms who are the epitome of fashion.
I do not happen to be one of them.
I’m currently a stay-at-home mom considering putting a for-sale sign on her kid and sitting him in the front yard.
I am sure Kenza is happy to have her mom around every day when she gets home from school. Not enough kids have that luxury anymore.
It will be fun to find out more about what you think of being a stay-at-home-mom-Susan.
I am agree with Donald, now you have enough time to intimidate them with new ideas.
Susan,
The stay at home thing will get better. When I first brought Alex home from the hospital I would sit out on the front porch rocking her and think “What have I done?” I didn’t know if I was really ready to spend at least 10 years at home with her. It is such a transition! Hang in there.
Darling picture! She could be a model and you could be one of “those” moms:) Hey, enjoy your time at home. You’ll figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life.
WOW! Kids certainly have a lot more stuff to lug around than I did in 4th grade. I think the more involved parents get alot more respect. The principal will know that YOU know what’s going on and won’t get anything past you. It is also possible to have a good balance between being a working parent and a stay at home parent. Just because you work (or do not work) does not mean that you can’t be just as involved…
The stay-at-home mom thing, will get better. I, too, had a difficult time with it when I first decided to stay home. That was 4 years ago (and now 2 kiddos). I am now actually contemplating staying home even after my kids start school (that’s what DH would like me to do).
It is a struggle at first… no one really recognizes the work you do as a mom. It is hard to find your niche. That is one reason I took up running… another why I volunteer… don’t let it get you down too much. Things will all come together eventually.
That’s early to start school!
I’m teaching 4th grade this year…and we teachers love you mothers as our room moms. You’ll be fantastic with or without the heels!
Speaking from the principal side of the house, “Thank you very much and have a nice day. If you see anything crazy going on in that class, let the teacher know. If the teacher gets crazy, let me know.”
I am so envious. I was *almost* a stay-at-home Mom – back when Conor was 6 and Ryan was just born. Then we got the first bill for Dylan’s college and I had to go back to work. Oh well. K looks so cute and I love the matching gear. It’s going to be interesting for me – trying to keep up with High School and 3rd grade. Us go-to-work Mom’s couldn’t do it without you go-to-the-classroom Moms. You rock.
Wow! She looks so much older. Tell her to stop growing up so fast, or I won’t take her to see Harry Potter when it comes out.
Also, you could never be one of those mom’s. You’d mock the PTA and be thrown out for martini chugging (martini singular…lightweight).
That 2 mile workout was tough. And it’s not my fault you stepped in my poo.
Nice first day pic … You’ll make a great room mom. Enjoy the experience now. My youngest started High School today and I”m scared to death. They don’t allow “room dads” in the building.
Yeah, just your every-day martini swilling, marathon running, kick-ass cool, home mum!!*snort* Kenza looks so grown up! How old is she now. BTW – what happened to the cool colourful braces from Spring? Or are those “so yesterday” now?
you rock … you always have …. you always will!
holy shit. fourth grade. she’ll be dating soon…I am sure michael is thrilled.
stay at home mom with kiddo at school all day? It will be cooler soon and you can run ALL day!!! Plus much more time for blogging. I demand at least three posts a day.
side note: i have run two days in a row…could the flatman be back???
I would love to at least be a part-time stay-at-home-mom! Kenza is so cute and looks like she’s ready for school. Gee, the summer has gone by so fast…why is it still so damn hot???
Ahh, fourth grade. I remember those days. Trapper Keepers and book bags – those were the days. Hope K had a good day at school!
Don’t worry – the transition from business suit and heels to workout clothes and sneakers would be hard for anyone to make, I think.
Kenza will absolutely love having you be the room mom. She will feel so special.
she is so sweet, great photo!
susan i understand what you mean by state-of-being, it’s natural…but don’t overthink too much, your “being” is just fine!
You will make a fantastic room mom — though I admittedly have no clue what the responsibilities entail. If it requires you being totally awesome, then yes, you’ll be fine.
School started already?! Geez. Cute photo!
School starts already..hmm..so will u embrass Kenza??
Hot stay-at-home room moms in (some) workout clothes can be pretty intimidating too, and not just to the principal! Go ahead, intimidate me …
Cute fourth grader there…here come the phonecalls from boyZ!!!
I wish i could have been a room mom…I think it’s got more clout than BEING the principal myself!