a new normal

I've been missing from this space for the better part of a week, not for any good reason really.  Sometimes when I'm not quite sure what to say, I avoid saying anything at all.  We're all in an adjustment period around here which means our usual crafting, creating, etc, has taken a bit of a back burner to life. Paulie and Philip begin school in just a few days, and Elizabeth and Finn are finishing up their first full week of school.  

There have been many adjustments and flexibility has been the order of the day in Elizabeth's classroom as they are the first 6th grade class in an expanding school and in a temporary space to boot.  She's thrilled to be back with her friends and in her familiar learning model so the adjustments and flexibility are just peripherals to her.  I've spent an hour or more in her building nearly every day since school began, although I'm happy to be able to assist with this new adventure.

Finn, with his highly emotional personality, has been adjusting in his own way.  He always needs extra space with transitions, and this new school venture has been no exception.  After spending his days keeping up with new schedules, routines, and adventures, he's often cranky and tired in the evenings.  He largely spends his evenings looking like the picture below.  Playing quietly, listening to audiobooks.  And then he crashes into bed.

And as for me, well, my days are spent somewhat how they've always been, cooking, gardening, knitting, cleaning (all my helpers are back at school!)  I've been reluctant to tackle anything new over the last week though as we all adjust to our new normal.  My new normal is definitely quieter at home, and I'm spending more time outside the home than usual, as I strive to be as present in my children's schools as possible.  None of which is very blog-worthy, really.  So I'll be here when the time or occasion seems right, but maybe not as much as usual for the next few weeks. 

I'm still trying to find my new normal.