How do you get to be the second car in the carpool line?

We are second in the carpool line!

Over the last month or so, there have been some major changes in our household.  For the most part, they have been positive and even spectacular on some levels.  Most notably my job status has changed,  Although I am still employed, it looks a lot different for our household.  I can now drop off and pick up children.  The highlight of my day has gone from a slew of nonproductive meetings with people I don't like to seeing if I can be first through  fifth in the carpool line.  Which is where I now sit, an hour early mind you while I type this post. My child can now look me in the face in the morning and say, "Mommy, I think I want you to pick me up from school today. Try to be first in line." Incredibly, I smile and say, "first"?  He replies, "Okay maybe fifth."

For some one who has always worked full time and overtime this is a whole different lifestyle for me.  Honestly, it is one I feel that I have stepped into excitedly with only a tad bit of uncertainty.  I am excited that I can enjoy, slowing down long enough to play with my kids after school and not have to worry about the hustle of getting home, getting dinner prepared, kids fed, and bathe and bedded only so that I can continue the day's work while sitting in the bed. I am excited to think that dinner does not have to be full speed ahead, but well thought out and prepared with love.  I am no longer over exhausted, over worked or overlooked.  I can smile at my husband, wait patiently as he talks about his day, repeat for the thousandth time what I just said and fold the clothes after they have been washed.

There is at least one room in my house that remains tidy, our bed is made daily, I  now stop moving long enough to pick things up off the floor and even put them where they belong.  I am amazed at how I ever had time to work.  I love this new life and realize that I will have to make some sacrifices if it is to continue, but three weeks into it, I would say, I am ready to do what I have to do. Even if that means cutting in front of some over achiever mom trying to be first through fifth in the car pool line ahead of me. Not on my watch!