Fall, Winter, Spring, and Normality?

We have been sending our 4 year old prince charming to an Arabic speaking pre-school. Our hope was that it would provide a place for him to throw rocks and sticks at other kids and just to be a boy (I'm kidding about the rocks and sticks). We also thought it would be a great place for him soak in, that tongue tying language, Arabic. The transition of living in another culture has been a bit too much for him and after thinking and praying about it, we decided the benefits to home schooling him far outweighed the benefits of sending him to school. I mean, it's pre-school right?

This week has been my first week of having him home. I love it! I missed the little guy and he is really fun. I do have to say that it is a lot more work for me. He is such a mess maker and asks for a "peanut butter and honey sandwich with a glass of chocolate milk" every half of an hour, but he plays so well with his little brother. I do see a HUGE need for a schedule and some preparing on my side. I may have to make a bunch of sandwiches and freeze them, or buy a jug of milk just to add chocolate in it so I don't have to mix it all the time.

The other big change with week is that we have decided to cancel the house keeper. I wasn't really happy with how clean my house was when she left and it just feels strange for me to have someone cleaning for me. I do think that there are times I truly need help, but I also have a husband that doesn't mind the occasional house work and has great elbow grease. To my surprise, I am almost enjoying cleaning my floors twice a day. I think it is bringing normality to my life. I know how to clean and be a mother and in a country where everything is different, it is nice to hold on to things like these. Am I crazy? Maybe, but after being here 6 months I am trying anything to crawl out of transition and dreadful culture shock. Hopefully these new changes will help.