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My kids were both in school this past year (1 in pre school 2 days a week and 1 in half day Kindergarten), so this is my first real summer break since having kids. I was so excited and dreamed of days filled with sleeping in, eating breakfast on the porch, lazy days spent at the pool, family adventures, and low commitments. I love using this blog as a place to share these dreamy days with you, and we have had a few...but, let's get real! There is a dark side to this dreamy summer break I had envisioned.
There are the days when the kids just don't know what to do with themselves and are constantly picking at each other. And why is it when I get something fun out for the kids to do, it is never enough...they want more and more and more! The kids are staying up later and getting up earlier which leads to major crankiness, we have a new puppy that likes to chew on their jump ropes and their little ankles, and everyone needs to be fed constantly, but what I offer them, they don't want (seriously, even the puppy refuses her puppy food).
I am not a fan of chasing kids around the pool in my swim suit that barely fits anymore, but I am too self conscious to go out and get a new one. I sweat more than I would like to admit, so the hot weather doesn't do it for me. And, I really can not keep up with my calender that keeps filling up and won't stop....and getting any work done is done in between taking kids potty, getting snacks, and going outside to check out the rolly pollys.
So, that is the dark side of what is going on around here...however I choose to share the sunshine and rainbow part of my day with you, just know, it is not all sunshine and rainbows all the time!
I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our new jump rope chewing love of our life, Meadow:
We are dog people and haven't had a dog for about 4 years. We had a few family meetings and decided that we were ready to take on the extra responsibility of a dog.
We visited our local Humane Society a few times, met with some dogs, and came away feeling our dog would never find us. Then one day I noticed Meadow and instantly fell in love. We met with her and to our disappointment discovered another family had a hold on her and was hoping to take her home. We loved her so much, that we decided to put a second hold on her and just hoped that she was meant to be with us.
We got a phone call the next morning saying that the other family canceled their hold and that we could come pick up Meadow. We were more than thrilled! Since Meadow has been with us we have taken her camping, to play at the sand dunes, to the park, and on many walks. The kids have showered her with love and attention and she has given it right back. She is the perfect addition to our little family and we are excited to spend many years with her!
How are you "keeping it together" with the kids home this summer?
There are the days when the kids just don't know what to do with themselves and are constantly picking at each other. And why is it when I get something fun out for the kids to do, it is never enough...they want more and more and more! The kids are staying up later and getting up earlier which leads to major crankiness, we have a new puppy that likes to chew on their jump ropes and their little ankles, and everyone needs to be fed constantly, but what I offer them, they don't want (seriously, even the puppy refuses her puppy food).
I am not a fan of chasing kids around the pool in my swim suit that barely fits anymore, but I am too self conscious to go out and get a new one. I sweat more than I would like to admit, so the hot weather doesn't do it for me. And, I really can not keep up with my calender that keeps filling up and won't stop....and getting any work done is done in between taking kids potty, getting snacks, and going outside to check out the rolly pollys.
So, that is the dark side of what is going on around here...however I choose to share the sunshine and rainbow part of my day with you, just know, it is not all sunshine and rainbows all the time!
I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our new jump rope chewing love of our life, Meadow:
We are dog people and haven't had a dog for about 4 years. We had a few family meetings and decided that we were ready to take on the extra responsibility of a dog.We visited our local Humane Society a few times, met with some dogs, and came away feeling our dog would never find us. Then one day I noticed Meadow and instantly fell in love. We met with her and to our disappointment discovered another family had a hold on her and was hoping to take her home. We loved her so much, that we decided to put a second hold on her and just hoped that she was meant to be with us.We got a phone call the next morning saying that the other family canceled their hold and that we could come pick up Meadow. We were more than thrilled! Since Meadow has been with us we have taken her camping, to play at the sand dunes, to the park, and on many walks. The kids have showered her with love and attention and she has given it right back. She is the perfect addition to our little family and we are excited to spend many years with her!
How are you "keeping it together" with the kids home this summer?
Thank you for sharing your "dark side." It's hard sometimes to reveal to the world that everything is not always coming up roses (or veggies!). But it's these little reveals that connect us all.
ReplyDeleteI embrace the late nights :) The girls and I are all night owls, so conforming to the school year schedule is not natural for us. Summer is good for us in that we can go with our bodies' natural rhythms, if only for a few weeks.
ReplyDeleteI also purposely plan things for them to do. This week, it's vacation bible school. Next week, it's a free summer enrichment program (read: half-day summer camp with an educational bent). After that, it's $1 movie day at the local movie theater, library events..we plan one fun family outing per week and set them loose the rest of the time.
A sprinkler in the backyard works wonders for this. :)
It's funny you post this. I was thinking yesterday how fun it would be to start a weekly challenge - Truthful Tuesdays or something - where we, in blogland, post a photo of the REALNESS of life each week. Piles of laundry - kids crying - dishes in the sink, etc. I think it can be wonderful to get inspired by looking at blogs but it can easily make mothers feel like they aren't doing something right - when, in truth, we all deal with the same daily challenges.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea Eileen! Definitely important to share the whole story!
ReplyDeletesuzy
I love the idea of Truthful Tuesdays. Some of my friends have told me that they love my blog, but they know the other side and want to hear that too! As for keeping it together, well, school isn't quite out here, yet, but I'm gearing up with an activity box and I'm thinking of putting together a loose weekly schedule like on I saw on a blog about Waldorf homeschooling...we all do well with a little structure, right? Also, looking forward to a little help from Nature Rocks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice honest post! It's true, it's never just sunshine & rainbows. I can totally relate with what you said about making good food for everyone, only for them to pass it up...lol. So frustrating ...
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to comment on Little Acorn Learning's idea too about Truthful Tuesdays ... that sounds like a really good idea :)
hehe :) I ended up on the internet several years ago, "reconnecting" with REALNESS :) I met several women who helped me see past the suburban mom image I felt I was being bombarded with. I was having another child at 37, and the freedoms I had begun to envision were whisked away. Now the Bean is 6, another "only child", and it's just nice to be reminded that what goes on "behind the scenes", happens in every mother's life.
ReplyDeleteHappy Summer :)
Comfort. I feel your pain. I have very late nights and have for years because of Pele's sleep/other health issues. I am often falling-over-exhausted, and Pele's moods are very all over the place. I have spent so many times with her kicking and screaming whenever I leave anywhere...it makes me want to never leave the house but I have to because I get easily bored.
ReplyDeleteAlso, we eat gluten and casein free (also because of health issues) and everywhere we go is filled with wheat and dairy and she always wants it..and I have to find a way to keep her away from it without a meltdown.
Anyway--thanks for sharing. It is helpful to vent at times! I vent on my blogs sometimes but not as much as usual.
To me, the hardest part of parenting (even with the scary health issues we've faced with Pele) is still hardly having any time to yourself...the cacophony of constant chaos and noise, and feeling like you're drowning in a sea of child-related things and somehow you've lost yourself in it all.
Hugs and hope your hump day goes smoothly,
H
p.s. you shouldn't be self-conscious, you look great, Suzy! Seriously. But no one should. I should get my fat ass in a swimsuit and be happy about it. I have a swimsuit that's probably 2 sizes too small.
ReplyDeleteOur transition from the school year to summer break has always been a challenge. My daughter(9) likes to torment her little brother(2) on a constant daily basis, when she is home, which makes a really tired cranky mama at the end of the day.
ReplyDeleteShe is still in school for another week, but I am busy plannning her summer activities. But no matter how many activities are going on kids always get bored.
Hang in there, Mama!
I second the *truthful Tuesdays*!!! And your new puppy, could you have picked a cuter dog Suzy? Seriously??!!!! Do you know what breed or mix he is?? We are looking into getting a pup when we move to CO, seems EVERYONE has a dog in CO!!!!
ReplyDelete~Samantha
Samantha...She is 1/4 great pyranees and the rest we don't know. I have always heard that muts are the best dogs and she is perfect! Yes, Colorado is a very dog friendly place!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness - you have a Meadowdog too? Mine is a 7 year old German Shepherd Dog, and she was my first kid. My next two are the skin kids, 2 & 4. My 4 yo, Erin, has just finished preschool so we're just starting the new summer routine...it's difficult to get used to! But nice :)
ReplyDeleteI don't have any real advice since I'm not a parent, but I did read a great blog post recently (wish I could remember where) where the mom had 2 boxes. One was full of ideas for fun things to do that the kiddos could go to when ever they wanted. The second was the "I'm bored" box and was full of chores. The kids make the choice about which box to go to. I thought it was a great idea.
ReplyDeleteAs for Meadow the super cute puppy, congratulations on your new addition. Keep lots of plush toys around that are hers to play with. A selection of interesting toys will keep the shoes and undergarments less interesting. Then when she starts teething, give her cold carrots to gnaw on. She'll make a mess, but it will keep her busy and her mouth feel better.
I found it...
ReplyDeletehttp://thimblenest.blogspot.com/2010/06/v-minus-2.html
Thanks for that link Kathryn...love that blog!
ReplyDeletehooray for new puppies! she is super cute!
ReplyDeletewhat a lucky doggie to live with such a great family and a beautiful landscape! and i hear ya! we're having the hardest time getting kestan to bed anytime before 9 and that pretty much eats up "our" time!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your beautiful new girl! Hopefully she will help keep your girlies busy! We just spend as much time as possible outside and then I cram as much as I can into my evenings and nap or quiet times in the afternoons. My kiddos are just starting that picking at each other stuff now that the baby is a full-fledged toddler. I have to say, I am not a fan of it at all! I like the idea of a list of things to do and a list of chores and having the kids choose. I might have to give it a try!
ReplyDelete