September 14 10

This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Kelloggs.

My children have been back in school for exactly a day and a half.

I know, right?


The calendar says that it’s almost mid-September, and yet. Because union rules say that school needs to start after labor day, and because the Jewish high holidays fall according to the lunar calendar (read: EARLY THIS YEAR) so, yes, a day and a half. I wish I was exaggerating. But, no. A day and a half. People keep asking me about their classes and their teachers and their friends and how they are keeping up with the French that they missed last year and my only answer is…

A DAY AND A HALF.

I have no idea.

But there is ONE thing I DO know. I loved the heck out of those 1.5 days. I loved the two evenings before, where after-dinner activities included showers and baths and making lunches and choosing clothing for the next morning instead of movie nights and popcorn and jumping on the trampoline until all hours of the evening. I loved the two mornings where I woke my kids, got them dressed, and sat them down to a cereal breakfast – – – Froot Loops, the cereal of their choosing for the week of back-to-school – – – before ushering them in the car and ushering them off to school.

So I could work in peace. For 1.5 days.
So I could do laundry in peace. For 1.5 days.
So I could make dinner in peace. For 1.5 days.
So I could go grocery shopping in peace. For 1.5 days.
I cannot wait for the next 194. And a half.

So, hey, want to win a $100 VISA gift card? Leave a comment (by 10pm EST on Monday night, September 20th) and tell me what your favorite thing about back-to-school is. For an extra entry you can tweet about this contest and then come back here and link to your tweet!

Be sure to check out the BlogHer.com Kellogg exclusive offers page for 24 more chances to win $100. TWENTY FOUR!

For official rules, click here.

For more information about the Love Your Cereal program, click here.

Mom’s Breakfast Club was started to help educate moms and families about kids’ cereal and share the scoop on their nutritional benefits and ingredients. To learn more about the program, visit www.loveyourcereal.com.

[rating:5/5]

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  1. I hear you loud and clear on the hurry-up-and-get-back-to-school… it’s been rather nice to do a few things around the house with both my eyes and hands AND my sanity in tact. Oy.

    My favorite thing I ate this summer was the lobster pasta a Joe Beef. I have a recipe for it, but I’m happy to have that made for me, thanks. Even with the hefty price tag – totally worth it.

    Comment by Grumble Girl on September 14, 2010
  2. The best part is the thunderous silence at the pool! Makes for better reading and napping!

    Comment by Kim on September 14, 2010
  3. The best part for our entire family is the routine and schedule that school brings to everyone’s life.

    Comment by Christine on September 14, 2010
  4. My favorite is new supplies!

    Comment by Tammi Marie on September 14, 2010
  5. I love driving down the streets of our town on the way to work and seeing all the cute little kids dressed up for their first day of school waiting for the bus. That sounds creepier than I mean it…Just that they usually look cute.

    Comment by Beth G on September 14, 2010
  6. My favorite part of back to school is that all the parks are blissfully quiet and kid-free once again! 😉

    Comment by Camels & Chocolate on September 14, 2010
  7. I love that during the first week or so, when I pick up the kids they are excited and happy to tell me all about their day. I know that will soon wear off and it will be back to the, “fine mom” blase response that I get the rest of the year.
    .-= Kathy´s last blog ..Survived the first week back for all of us =-.

    Comment by Kathy on September 14, 2010
  8. The best part is the two hours I have from 1:00 – 3:00 while the girl naps and its quiet time, its Momma time. A rare thing these days.
    Thanks for a chance to win!

    Comment by monstergirlee on September 14, 2010
  9. Oh, the glorious alone time! No squabbling, no back talk, no hilarious jokes about testicles.

    Comment by Cyndi on September 14, 2010
  10. My favorite thing about back to school is that I have a little time all to myself on the days that I don’t go to work–Tuesdays and Thursdays! 🙂
    kmassman gmail

    Comment by Kelly Massman on September 14, 2010
  11. Let’s see… It’s not the morning rush-around, or the TTC bus overflowing with students, or the nights spent making lunches and washing lunch thermoses. I’ll go with brand new notebooks. That’s it. Notebooks.

    Comment by Tamara on September 14, 2010
  12. I like back to school because I feel more organized. Having a set schedule really helps us stay on track!!

    Comment by Chelle Cates on September 14, 2010
  13. My daughter isn’t in school yet sooooooo—-a food always found on our breakfast table is scrambled eggs!

    Comment by Nicole Greene on September 14, 2010
  14. My favorite thing about back to school is the excitement it brings. It’s so fun for my daughter to come home and tell me all about what she learned, who she talked to, and and how happy she is!
    bleatham(at)gmail.com
    .-= shelly aka allysmama´s last blog ..Earn a Master of Arts in Teaching degree online from USC =-.

    Comment by shelly aka allysmama on September 15, 2010
  15. tweet
    http://twitter.com/sleatham1/status/24552399993
    bleatham*at*gmail.com
    .-= shelly aka allysmama´s last blog ..Earn a Master of Arts in Teaching degree online from USC =-.

    Comment by shelly aka allysmama on September 15, 2010
  16. My favorite thing about back to school this fall…it is my LAST back to school!

    Comment by Rebekah on September 15, 2010
  17. The best part of going back to school was that the children function better in the routine established..and I love seeing them and being a part of their academic learning

    Comment by Betty N on September 15, 2010
  18. I’m not so happy about back to school time!
    I like sleeping in late.
    But I do love the fall season!
    So, I’ll say that’s it!

    Comment by wanda on September 15, 2010
  19. I don’t like it when school starts – my commute gets longer to work. But I get a kick seeing the kiddos standing out at the bus stops in their uniforms – ah, to not worry about you have to wear…

    Comment by Brooke on September 15, 2010
  20. My favorite thing about back to school is the fall weather that comes with it. I really would like to have my kids to myself all year long! But, I do love this fall weather.

    Comment by Kerry on September 15, 2010
  21. My fave thing about back to school is listening to them ramble on about fun things…..with friends, in the lunchroom, etc

    Comment by B Smith on September 15, 2010
  22. The best thing about back to school is that my kindergartener finally had a full day of school today, well 2.5 hours. I love the new school supplies, the new clothes, the little bit of crisp in the air. I just love back to school time. 🙂

    Comment by Gwen on September 15, 2010
  23. Cereal and fruit are a staple for our family!

    Tara
    giveawayblogs at gmail dot com

    Comment by Tara on September 16, 2010
  24. The best thing about back to school is seeing my kids getting excited about it. They love school and can’t wait to see their new classrooms, friends, and teachers each year. I get to hear all about it when they get home from school! 😉

    Comment by Ann A on September 16, 2010
  25. My daughter just loves school! At the end of summer she was bored to stay home. Now she is happy and cheerful again, together with her friends!

    Comment by Natalia D on September 16, 2010
  26. It makes me more organized! Really!

    Comment by John on September 16, 2010
  27. I have a bit of time for myself.

    Comment by Isabelle on September 16, 2010
  28. I love the fall weather that comes with it!

    Comment by Steph on September 16, 2010
  29. http://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/24713599647

    Comment by Steph on September 16, 2010
  30. I love that my kids are full of fun stories again—they love seeing all their friends and they are happy to see me at the end of the day!

    Comment by kate on September 16, 2010
  31. I like back to school because I like it when the kids have a set schedule.

    Comment by Anne on September 16, 2010
  32. No kids in school here, so I don’t really see a difference! 🙂

    Comment by Susan C. on September 17, 2010
  33. My fav thing about back to school? When the kids get back into the swing of things and have a schedule to follow!

    Comment by amber on September 17, 2010
  34. Tweet:http://twitter.com/lipstickncandy/status/24768978833

    Comment by amber on September 17, 2010
  35. AHHHHHHHHHHH the peace and quiet

    Comment by Judith on September 17, 2010
  36. As a teacher the best part of back to school was starting fresh with each student even if they were in my class the previous year.

    Comment by suzi on September 17, 2010
  37. My favorite thing about back to school is my last child, daughter, graduates this year.

    Comment by Maria on September 17, 2010
  38. My favorite thing about back to school is that I’m not trying to juggle my 12 year old and my 1 year old ALL day anymore, just part of it!

    Comment by Katie on September 17, 2010
  39. I enjoy 10 minutes quiet time from time to time since back to school.

    Comment by Jessie C. on September 17, 2010
  40. http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/24795491639

    Comment by Jessie C. on September 17, 2010
  41. The back to school shopping has got to be fun, right?

    Comment by Eva on September 17, 2010
  42. I’m a teacher and I love going back to school every September. Every September is a brand new start – for both the students and for me. How many jobs let you start with a clean slate every year? I really love that and use the opportunity to put my best foot forward and my goal is to do an even better job than the previous year.

    Comment by Debra F on September 17, 2010
  43. My favorite thing is the first 2 hours after the bus leaves and I can blog!
    gmissycat@yahoo.com

    Comment by Georgia on September 17, 2010
  44. Tweeted your giveaway!
    gmissycat@yahoo.com

    Comment by Georgia on September 17, 2010
  45. I love all the new school supplies!

    Comment by Katherine C. on September 18, 2010
  46. http://twitter.com/kdolphins7/status/24823741761

    Comment by Katherine C. on September 18, 2010
  47. the 2 hour break i get each day!
    nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net

    Comment by nan lara on September 18, 2010
  48. We don’t have children yet, so back to school isn’t quite the same for us as others our age…fall weather is what I think of when I think of back to school though! 🙂

    ~eunice b
    tigergal01 @gmail .com

    Comment by eunice b on September 18, 2010
  49. http://twitter.com/tigergal01/status/24860312042

    tweet!

    ~eunice b
    tigergal01 @gmail .com

    Comment by eunice b on September 18, 2010
  50. Being a 12 month employee in the school system summers are nice and quiet but eventually I get lonely for the rest of the staff and the kids so I look forwar to the start of school to see everybody.

    Comment by Lisa Foster on September 18, 2010
  51. http://twitter.com/fostertam/status/24887134805

    Comment by Lisa Foster on September 18, 2010
  52. Learning new things with the kids! I am a SAHM!
    .-= Leah´s last blog ..Through the years =-.

    Comment by Leah on September 18, 2010
  53. My favorite thing about back to school is my days are my own again! LOL

    Comment by Jill H on September 18, 2010
  54. Tweeted

    http://twitter.com/jillyrh/status/24898402231

    Thanks!

    Comment by Jill H on September 18, 2010
  55. I like getting back into a routine and since the kids have to go to bed earlier I get more quiet time.

    Comment by Susan Smith on September 18, 2010
  56. I enjoy being able to get stuff done without being interrupted all day long…

    Comment by Kelly on September 18, 2010
  57. http://twitter.com/susan1215/status/24899338469

    Comment by Susan Smith on September 18, 2010
  58. My favorite thing: The quiet.

    Comment by Deanna G. on September 18, 2010
  59. Tweeted the giveaway:

    http://twitter.com/calidreamin87/status/24901939826

    Comment by Deanna G. on September 18, 2010
  60. My favorite thing is back-to-school shopping.

    Comment by Nicole on September 18, 2010
  61. when i was in school i liked seeing my friends again.
    songyueyu at gmail

    Comment by sy on September 19, 2010
  62. i tweeted:http://twitter.com/syytta/status/24911468943

    Comment by sy on September 19, 2010
  63. How excited my granddaughter gets telling me about her adventures.

    Comment by Grammy T. on September 19, 2010
  64. My favoirte thing use to be having some time for myself.
    marybug2@yahoo.com

    Comment by MARY on September 19, 2010
  65. Being ale to go shopping while the kids were in school.
    marybug2@yahoo.com

    Comment by MARY on September 19, 2010
  66. My favorite part of the back to school routine is fall – cooler weather, crisp apples, and Halloween 🙂

    Comment by Bri on September 19, 2010
  67. My favorite thing about back to school time is just being able to accomplish work and errands without constant inerruptions and noise of the kids.

    Comment by Milissa on September 19, 2010
  68. I love new notebooks and pens! 🙂

    Comment by Dee on September 19, 2010
  69. tweeted! thanks! http://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/24957907688

    Comment by Dee on September 19, 2010
  70. My favorite thing about back to school is that the kids are excited to go back to school. It doesn’t last long, so I appreciate it while it’s here!

    Comment by barbara wright on September 19, 2010
  71. I love sharing in their excitement when they come home jabbering nonstop about what they learned that day. I love it when they love learning!

    Comment by Deb Anderson on September 19, 2010
  72. http://twitter.com/tnshadylady/status/24961457482

    Comment by Deb Anderson on September 19, 2010
  73. I love seeing the kids in their new outfits and their renewed enthusiasm for a new year.

    Comment by Angie B on September 19, 2010
  74. I love when my daughter comes home with her school papers or is excited about something that happened at school. I also like getting back into a routine after feeling lazy all summer.

    Comment by shel on September 19, 2010
  75. my favorite part of the beginning new school year since i take and pickup my only 6yr old grandson is getting my precious pictures of him at school in his new clothes and excitement for going then getting my hugs when i pick him and hearing how his day went, i love being able to share this time in his life with him, thanks
    sewitupjulie at gmail dot com

    Comment by Julie Cutshaw on September 19, 2010
  76. my tweet
    http://twitter.com/itsallnew2me/status/24966348061
    sewitupjulie at gmail dot com

    Comment by Julie Cutshaw on September 19, 2010
  77. I enjoy the structure that comes back to the entire house when school starts. My favorite part though, has to be being able to go to the store or run a quick errand without having to explain myself and talk my 12 year old into going with me.

    Comment by Samantha Daleo on September 19, 2010
  78. I enjoy being able to take a half hour to enjoy the peace and quiet.

    Comment by PauleyD on September 19, 2010
  79. comment didnt post, posting again:

    (http://twitter.com/lpauld68/status/24977380221)

    thanks!

    Comment by PauleyD on September 19, 2010
  80. Are you kidding? Who doesn’t love back to school shopping?

    Comment by Christine on September 19, 2010
  81. My favorite thing is buying new school supplies!

    Comment by Kim on September 19, 2010
  82. My favorite thing about back to school and the beginning of the school year, is that it is a fresh start and anything is possible!

    Comment by Annette D on September 19, 2010
  83. Favorite thing about back to school is that the big heat of the summer is gone and you can enjoy days and nights.

    Comment by Lewis F on September 20, 2010
  84. My favorite thing about back to school is cooler weather. Thanks for the contest.

    Comment by Sarah L on September 20, 2010
  85. http://twitter.com/slehan/status/25000600025

    Comment by Sarah L on September 20, 2010
  86. My favorite part is it’s quieter and less crowded here at the beach where I live 🙂

    Comment by LAMusing on September 20, 2010
  87. I love all the sales this time of year

    Comment by Norma on September 20, 2010
  88. My favorite thing about back to school is right after they get on the bus, I get to have some me time. Coffee and computer time. woohoo. Thanks for a great giveaway!

    Comment by trishden on September 20, 2010
  89. I tweeted on Twitter here:
    http://twitter.com/trishden/status/25015762303

    Thanks!
    trishden

    Comment by trishden on September 20, 2010
  90. My kids start to appreciate each other more since they’re separated for most of the day.

    Comment by Lori Z. on September 20, 2010
  91. My favorite thing would have to be knowing where my teenager is all day, and what he is doing 😉

    Oh yes!

    Comment by won on September 20, 2010
  92. http://twitter.com/#!/won2x/status/25041835441

    Thank you!

    Comment by won on September 20, 2010
  93. That I don’t have to hear my teenage daughter -mom I am so bored 😉
    thanks for giveaway

    Comment by Julie L on September 20, 2010
  94. I don’t have any kids, so there isn’t much of a difference.

    Comment by Tracy Robertson on September 20, 2010
  95. Live in Az so kids have been back to school since the second week in Aug. They are 25% done. This week is a vacation week. I like that they are not bored because they are challanged daily.

    Comment by Judith on October 7, 2010
  96. http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/26673712195

    Comment by Judith on October 7, 2010
  97. I tweeted your giveaway
    http://twitter.com/tracylr233/status/26807246671
    thanks!

    Comment by Tracy Robertson on October 8, 2010
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