Summertime Mommy

I must admit that I have a true love for summer! The hot days, Kent's light schedule, no lunches to pack and no rush to school. Kyle has been sleeping almost to nine. Karly sleeping past seven. The fruits so yummy--watermelon, cherries and strawberries! Less laundry since we traded our jeans and long sleeves for shorts and tanks. Otter pops for the kids and ice cubes for Gilligan. BBQ everything and evenings outdoors. Definitely my favorite time of year!

BUT,

I am beginning to miss routine. I'm growing tired of my role as social planner --setting play dates here and driving to camps and activities there. Weird bedtimes just happen somehow (??) which lead to grumpy risings and all the questions. "Uh, the gym, again?" "Why do we have to go to Winco today?" "How many things do we have to get?" They are smart too, once I have my 20 items (my guess), they let me know and insist I said 20 and it's time to go. Mommy is finally getting brighter herself and no longer estimates items. "We're getting what we need to get. You'll find out how many items very soon." And these are good kids. GREAT kids. I can't imagine what mothers do in the summer with children who are challenging. It is interesting that keeping a "schedule" that isn't much of a "schedule" can bring about it's own challenges. But isn't that what summer is all about?

What a catch 22. The flexibility of summer is fabulous. I love doing what we decide that day to do and doing the things we can't do while school is in session. I love children who sleep in, let Mama sleep in, and who have water fights. I love hearing "Mama" throughout the day and putting band aids on ouchies. Yet, I miss my time. I miss the quiet lunch with a book or a DVR taping. I miss my writing at the computer without three interruptions per paragraph. I miss strolling through the supermarket or just stopping in at Starbucks because I have no one else to bribe or lecture along the way.

I guess this is the life of a Mommy during the summer! A role, in the end, I wouldn't trade for anything!