I have always been under the impression that by early August, mothers everywhere were counting the days until school would begin. I pictured women happily crossing the days off their calendar, looking forward to the peace and quiet that Labor Day would bring.

Before I had children, I remember my mother-in-law remarking that when her children were young, she was always sorry to see summer go - she loved the time with her boys. But still, I assumed that my mother-in-law had a unique view and that most mothers were tapping their foot, synchronizing their watches and lacing up their running shoes to see who could sprint to the schoolyard first.

Now I am a mother, and I find that I too begin to feel wistful as August draws to a close. I love the relaxed days and the lack of daily lunch making and homework. I enjoy the absence of after-school activities and the break from in-school volunteering. I love being with my kids. Is it crazy in the house with them home? You betcha! Do they watch too much T.V.? I admit it, they do. Do I feel like a short order cook at times? Oh, yes. But, on the other hand, my kids have rediscovered the swings in our backyard and the toys in their bedrooms. They've also figured out that not only does their frequent cry; "I'm bored" have solutions but, they have the power to find those solutions, on their own.

Along with the enjoyment of summer, I notice that as Fall draws near, I begin to get anxious about the commitments ahead. Why is that? Why does this season have to come with an avalanche of tasks? School starts and that brings a to-do list, but I have begun to look at the ways in which I may be creating a hectic environment for myself and my family and how I can make some changes so that our transition is easy and dare I say it, fun?

Before I start signing everyone up for music, dance and sports, I am thinking about slowing down. Maybe the kids can each do one less activity? Would that create more time for all of us?

I am leaving one weekend day free twice a month. This will give us a break from a busy week.

I'm not jumping into volunteer commitments the first day of school. There will still be plenty of things to do in October, November, December and on it goes...