Returning to Work - Balancing Home, Husband, and Work Schedules

First of all ... What a great guy you married!
Second ... Congratulations on the job!

You mentioned that you are "finishing up on some chiropractor appointments." If you have physical injuries requiring medical attention, bear in mind your body is trying to deal with that while you're trying to deal with a new work schedule. The combination is a recipe destined to make you tired. Move slowly and don't try to push yourself too far. An exercise program is a great remedy if you're physically able. Energy begets energy so, if you expend energy, your body will have to compensate and generate more - and usually an offset to sustain the system. It doesn't always work that way, however, and sometimes the body is simply too tired or 'sick' with injuries or actual illnesses to sustain any type of exercise program. If that is the case, don't worry about it. Just set that as a goal for the future. You will, after all, be getting exercise at school all day, too!

If your kids are in school, they are old enough to pitch in and help around the house, too. This is a great time to instill in them the habit of being clean and picking up after themselves and being responsible for their own 'things'.

Expect that, with such a transition, you will be tired for a while. As you adjust, you should find yourself feeling better and less tired. You might also want to consider an iron supplement (either in dark green, leafy veggies in the diet and/or a vitamin supplement) to help your blood transport oxygen to the body. If that doesn't help, talk to your doctor.

Good luck!

Make sure you and your entire family take a multi-vitamin and extra vitamin D. Also, take time to excercise as often as possible. I get up at 5 and go to the gym before the kids get up. Have the kids take the bus home or get a good after school program. Save cleaning, laundry and grocery shoping for the weekend. It also helps to take a weekend get-a-away once a quarter to give the kids more mommy and daddy time away from the daily grind. And, forget packing lunches, have them buy them at school. Simplify the small stuff.

I think your doing a great job! Your hubby is amazing...give him tons of verbal praise and all the sex he wants! :)

Seriously, I think the vitamins are a great idea and sleep is always good too. Your body will eventually adjust also, it just takes time.

Good luck! Enjoy teaching those little kiddos!

I have worked (mostly full-time) the majority of the years since my children were born. I have to say that "a good balance" means, "whatever works" or "good enough for now". Meanwhile, remember that your husband and children - the health and integrity of your family - are top priority. After that, everything else falls into place.

Your ceilings and ceiling fans will never again be dust free. Your dust-bunnies will become dust-gorillas, and you will find these gorillas in amazing hiding places. =)
Having said that, if you can find someone to clean your house a couple of times a month, a great load will be lifted off your shoulders. It really feels good. Be aware, however, that others cleaning your house NEVER clean it the way you would. It still feels great to walk into a clean house that hasn't occupied your whole day, zapped your energy, and stole family and personal time.
This does not preclude having the kids clean up after themselves and having the whole family pitch in and clean. This also does not mean that the bulk of the cleaning won't still fall on you, if only because you see things that nobody else does, like dust-gorillas. LOL

The hot precooked chickens from the grocery stores help in an emergency. The crockpot is a blessing. Cooking compromises like Homemade Gourmet offer easy directions, solid meals, and increased variety when your brain is fried.
I learned to never try new recipes or experiment with recipes on my work days. If a meal was a disaster, I wouldn't otherwise have enough time for emergency cooking.

I believe in naps. If you are accustomed to napping, you may find that to be the most difficult adjustment. Find a place (like your car), if possible, to close your eyes for five minutes during your lunch break. I use my cell phone alarm for my powernaps.
Since your hours will presumably be similar to your children, maybe you can build a napping/unwinding 1/2-1 hour time period immediately after you and your kids get home from school. Then you won't lose cuddle time.
Don't forget to set the alarm and jump up, otherwise you'll all be awake half the night.

Coordinate and prioritize your errands. My friend plans her errands so that she only makes right turns on any particular day. I'm incapable of being that organized, but I do try to plan my errands geographically.
Keep books on organizational skills, efficiency, and childrearing in the bathrooms and plow through them every opportunity.
Keep library books in one place. Don't feel guilty about library fines because they help to build new library wings.=)
I've never developed a good enough system with paperwork and bills to recommend.

Make sure to continue taking care of yourself. Continue to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Eat at least one citrus fruit/day. I agree that you should be taking vitamins and minerals because of your change in stress level. You will also start being exposed to illnesses that you've not been exposed to for several years. Ask your chiropractor for suggestions. Chiropractors are usually vitamin-aware.

Good luck and congratulations on the new job!!

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It sounds like you have it covered. I can't think of any suggestions, but I think that's because I'm stuck on the husband who helps cook part. Good Luck!

Check out www.flylady.com. She has some wonderful ideas on how to organize your life as well. Even there are dinner recipes. Husband might like that as well!