Tracking time.

This has been an interesting month so far. Usually January is quiet, especially after the hoopla and travels in December. January is a time to put away Christmas decorations, to clean the house, to spend time reading, and re-energizing for the new year.

But, this year is different.

My daughter’s twin sons are in kindergarten, and their school is on a year-round schedule. They are in the Wake County, NC public school system. They do not take off 3 months in summer, but instead get 3 week breaks at various times throughout the year. It’s called ‘tracking’ in and out. One break is going on right now.

The idea, which is backed up with data, is that shorter breaks are better for children because they don’t forget what they have recently learned, and they don’t have to ‘get up to speed’ again. For teachers, there is not the need to do weeks of review. It makes sense.

But, it is a challenge for parents with kids in this year-round ‘tracking’ program. Because: Parents still need to work.

So, Mimi to the rescue.

I am finishing up two weeks of taking ‘day duty’ with the twins to keep them safe, fed, and in a routine. Well, okay, maybe not a normal routine because I.am.Mimi!! We have had trips out for lunch, and for ice cream, and we have gone to a movie, and to a putt putt indoor park, and to a big interactive play place. We have played board games and charades. We have watched gaming videos (Mario is their favorite!), and other movies at home. It’s been chilly out but with one week to go I hope we can spend some time outdoors, either in the backyard or at a park. If not we will see another movie – and find something interesting to explore.

I come home on the weekends. I’m here now. So, I can catch up, see my hubby and the pets, and get a few things done around the house.

I wouldn’t have it any other way because I know the time with the boys is precious, and it won’t last forever. They are growing up so fast! And, for now, I am blessed to have good health and I can handle what all that we do together.

But, here’s one thing I have noticed: The news and the events of our country and the world have taken a backseat. Or, maybe it’s a more balanced place in my life. When I am with the boys I am not watching TV News. I remember when I was raising my daughters that I did not have the time to keep up closely with the news. But, I could tell you all the Sesame Street character names, and I knew all the Gymboree songs. Today, I am getting an education on all the super hero names, and every Mario character – and there are a lot of them!

Children keep an adult’s life balanced – and more aware of trends, and accepting of new things and change. And, they just make you laugh a lot too! They bring light into a sometimes dull day.

I know I am partial to my own grandchildren but it is amazing to watch them learn new things, and I love how inquisitive they are, even about things we adults take for granted. These years are priceless.

I remember when my girls were little and my mother-in-law would say “I could just eat them up” (a very southern expression), and she meant that she loved every moment, and always wanted to know everything about them. When my daughters did something wonderful, or funny, or even wrong, I could tell her – and she wanted to hear it…. Because she loved them like hubby and I did (and do.) I hope I am that same way now to my grown daughters’ children. I love getting all the videos, and FaceTiming, and spending real time together. It’s never too much. If I get tired it’s a ‘good tired.’

I am blessed (lucky) that I am a grandmother (Mimi!) and get to be involved. It’s the best. I also am thankful that the activities that I love to do, that are away from family, understand me and this time in my life. I love being part of music groups, and my dance class, and my amazing quilting team of ladies. I look forward to being back with them all in another week.

Til then I am busy with two little 6 year old boys.