Summer is almost here and I have mixed feelings. On the one hand I am happy to have a break from making lunches every morning and getting kids to school by a certain time, but on the other hand, I will miss the routine.
I am most happy to not to have to help with homework for a while, as I know it will be two-fold and even harder, come August.
I cannot wait for us to go on vacation next week but I know that week will go by way too fast! (trying not to think about that).
My kids have been a bit extra challenging lately.
Yesterday, we were just trying to leave the pool and it took us no less than 20 minutes to make it to the van. I was carrying a huge bag of towels and two floaties, and a friend (who has just one child) was walking with me in awe. She could not believe all the goings on of my kids – losing a flip flop, tripping over a floatie, begging to get back in the pool after clothes were changed.
And me taking deep breaths and just SO ready for us all to be strapped into the van and the air conditioning blowing on my hot face, with all the kids behind me, riding home.
Sometimes I just feel so overwhelmed by the stuff that goes with and time it takes and words that have to be said and are not listened to, just to wrangle three kids.
I love them fiercely and in a way that cannot be explained to those who do not have children. But it doesn’t mean they do not get on my nerves sometimes. 😉
So Summer is here, and it will be a busy one. But my plan is to keep taking lots and lots of deep breaths and enjoy my growing children as much as I can.
It’s the best plan I’ve got.
Alison@Mama Wants This says
I say it’s a good plan. Good luck, my friend!
Lindsay Maloan says
Hear, hear.
tiarastantrums says
I can’t wait to sleep in every day!!!
Shell says
I go back and forth between being excited for summer and dreading it.
Elena says
Sounds like a good plan! Just keep breathing; you’ll get through the chaos ;o) I only have one child and it gets chaotic; I can’t imagine having more! Great pics too! Love that second bubble shot!
The Artful Diva says
I love your little photo bubbles AND I must tell you, your blog name is a hoot – you have a wonderful sense of humor!
Jessica says
And take lots of pictures!
Jennifer says
I think that’s the only plan any of us can have. And yes, sometimes it is totally hard as it looks, and most of the time harder than it looks.
Dina Lettre says
So fun! I could never get enough bubble shots. 🙂
Meagan says
That bubble shot is perfect! So cool!
I only have two and sometimes I get overwhelmed, well, often I get overwhelmed and think it would be so much easier to just stay home! But I want them to have fun experiences and do cool stuff and it’s always good to burn some energy with an outing.
Thea @ It's Me Vs. Me says
For what it’s worth, I’ve always considered summer a double edged sword. Ahhhh…no schedule/Crap…no schedule!
Here’s to taking it one day at a time!
christine says
Sounds like a good plan. Wishing you much luck and patience! Also, beautiful photos, as always!!
Kami's Khlopchyk says
Yes, it is as hard as it looks sometimes. Amen, my friend.
But those pictures, Elaine, wow. Stunning. I see the first two bubble ones flanking the sidewalk chalk hanging in the hall to your kids rooms.
Just sayin’
🙂
Jane Anne says
Keep taking lots of deep breaths (I know I will be) AND pictures! Your pictures are beautiful.
Colleen says
It can certainly be rough at times. I’m glad you’re hanging in there. Wishing you smoother days ahead.
Melissa Bliss Rich says
Children are exhausting! Lol, I know the feeling! Wow, are they out of school already? It seems so early.
I hope you enjoy your vacation!!! 😉
Jen says
I feel much the same way… summer coming is a bitter sweet thing.
Love the bubble photos.
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? says
Oh, I will totally be joining you. One more day before the madness..and seriously, my girls are totally knowing and are acting extra crazy lately.!)
Susan says
Thanks for keeping it real!! Yes…they are the greatest blessings in our lives. And sometimes, cause us the most…well, challenges!!
Hope your summer is the best one yet!!
They sure are the cutest kids♥
Gina @ Gigi Marie Photography says
Oh yes- the sure is a give & take isn’t there. It will be a great summer break full of fun. Just remember to savor the downtime too.
nicole says
Yep, that is pretty much how I feel. Looking forward to slower mornings. Not too excited about a long string of unplanned days. But we do have just enough things planned that I am hopeful it will be just right. Most of the time.
That last bubble picture is amazing.
Julia Hunter says
Love the title of this one, it really is as hard as it looks. And you amaze me with those bubble pics.
KLZ says
There’s something about getting in the car that makes everything 4 times as hard
Maggie S. says
Thanks for writing that. I always figure I am the only one feeling that way when we are schlepping to something.
Galit Breen says
I love (and can relate to) every last one of these words.
Lovely, you.
Robbie says
sounds like the perfect plan to me! mine are a bit older now..10, 8 & 5 so getting out the door CAN be a bit easier in some ways and more challenging in others.