I don’t even have to look at the calendar. This week, I have had the feeling I seem to get every year. Not exactly mommy guilt, just sort of a sinking sigh of a feeling.
The kind of feeling that makes me ask myself if I am doing enough, have I spent enough time one-on-one with each child, am I laughing enough with them, playing enough games, being the hands-on mom I want to be.
The first weeks of summer seem to be a let-down time for me–no more early mornings racing out the door, no rushing to do drop-offs and pick-ups, no laboring through homework in the evenings, no going through backpacks and reading lots of what seem like the same papers, and making lunches….and on and on. The first weeks of summer mean sleeping in and wearing pajamas well into the day.
But, laid back days quickly become days of a lot more wii and computer time. And, then I start to feel like the days are just being lost. And, instead of enjoying the kids everyday, I find myself more often playing the role of referee and starting to feel irritated by the even-larger-than-normal piles of laundry that I can’t keep up with and the sink that is never empty of dirty dishes.
So, here I am with my internal body clock telling me we’re about 1/2 way through summer. And, it’s time to get a few things straight.
I’m going to say no less and yes more. I’m going to stop moving and just sit. I’m going to close up the laptop and do one thing at a time. I’m going to wake up earlier and just have quiet awake time. I’m not going to consider Bible study a school year thing. I’m going to be the fun parent too.
I still have work that needs to be done. I still need computer time and kitchen time and laundry time. Can’t let those things go. But, when I have the chance to be present with my kids, I’m going to be present.
I’m going to laugh at Drew’s air guitar and enjoy Evan’s freedom from things that have bound him in the past. I’m going to wrestle Lydia on the floor and skype Ashlyn from the other room, just because she wants to.
And, I’m not going to feel guilty at the end of this summer. I’m not going to be anxious about if I did enough, if I made enough lasting memories with the kids, if I used the time wisely. I’m just not. We don’t have to do something everyday to make a memory.
Here’s to the rest of the summer.
Cheers to the rest of summer!
I am there with ya!
oooohhh I love slip & slides – unfort…we live on a hill that leads to a pond…I’m sure the kiddos would think it would be a total blast to slip all the way down to the algae fest we call a pond but this mama would be just a tad bit nervous!
I am feeling the halfway point, not in a good way …overtired, grumpy, bickering, yuck. Thanks for this, I am going to work on embracing the “fun” that we can have rather than slogging through the rest of the summer. And I’m going to work on ALL of us getting to bed earlier. I think that has a lot to do with the general sour mood around here!! :)
Did I post this? I feel guilty. We started out the summer learning memory verses together, reading, doing worksheets to practice for next year. Now it’s computer, Wii, and arguing mixed with some taking things apart in the garage, breaking things, etc. Halfway point? We are definetely there! Good post.
Really great reminder, Kelly! Thank you!
Amen!
Our summer only has 3 more weeks left. Trying to live each minute intentionally!
Nancy
I love this post! Thank you for putting into words what I have already been thinking!
Good Post! Just like home! Summer started out great. I was organized and had a schedule going. Fast forward to yesterday and my figuring out just how many days left until they *can* go back to school. Feeling like a referre too.
I love the photos! great Summer Fun. We have been staying up too late, sleeping in, but feeling rested. This week we are finally doing some day trips. The days go fast, but we are enjoying them.