One Happy Mommy: Summer, Summer, Summertime!

Here we are smack dab in the middle of summer break, and I'm totally enjoying relaxing. This is the first deliberately unscheduled summer in a VERY long time! Our summers are typically filled with swim team commitments, day camps, a vacation (or two), outings, and the list goes on. In other words, early mornings, living in the car, fragmented schedules, and Sonic. As the kids get older and have more scheduled activities during the school year, the opportunity to "chillax" seems like a mirage. This summer I just put my foot down. It took the boys a minute to adjust. At first, they were shocked that we weren't "doing anything all summer", but I had to correct them. We'll be doing things, just not EVERYTHING. I think they've finally come around. Each morning, they hop in my bed and spend an hour or so reading, followed by chores and piano practice. They have daily math and language workbook pages, and are allowed to watch t.v. after 3:00 AND all duties are complete. They've complained their fair share, but it is what it is. For breakfast, they fend for themselves. Lunch is a quick fix, and I cook dinner as usual. This was also a change, from past summers where I continued to cook 3 meals a day. Luckily, kids are pretty resilient and smart. I think they can tell the difference in my stress level, so they're rolling with it.

Now, I haven't completely gone off the grid. I'm already planning our fall schedule and the logistics, including holiday menus and decorating. I only have a few loose ends and I'll be set. I'm just hoping I can get a better handle on things this year, because by the end of last year I felt like I was treading water.

Hubby is wrapping up a local project at work, and just in time he has landed a new gig that doesn't require him to travel. That monkey on our backs has finally been lifted. No matter how many in-town assignments he's been fortunate enough to work on, the nature of his work requires him to travel. With this new company and position, comes a more regional structure (=no travel), a promotion and raise. Bye bye monkey!

Here's what I've been up to since my last post. I dare not ask myself whether I eat to live, or live to eat. Frankly, I'm ashamed of the answer!

Side note: When "Scandal Thursdays" return in the fall, we'll have to find another (healthier) treat to enjoy while watching Olivia Pope and the gang. Weekly indulgences of creme brulee and molten lava cakes are just NOT a good idea!