Monday, June 13, 2011

Summer Vacation - Relaxed and Structured Time

Summer vacation has begun for my children.  For me, it actually means a little more work around here.  I have two extra bodies to feed, entertain, and keep in clean clothes for a couple months.  In addition to that, I will be subjected to extra sibling rivalry, and the typical comments made out of boredom, like, "There's nothing to do.  Will you play with me," and of course, "I'm hungry."

Despite all that though, I LOVE summer vacation.  I get to see my childrens' bright sunny faces all day long every single day.  That's great insurance for me that the sun will always shine at Lisa's house even when clouds loom and rain is inevitable.  We get to relax a little bit on tight bedtime schedules, and things do not have to be quite so planned out. 

Our days will actually have a little structure though.  I like to do meals and snack times at specified times.  It really helps to eliminate the "I'm hungry" complaint.  They know there's no point in asking for food because the time has not yet arrived, thereby diminishing that gripe - at least most of the time. 

Later today, I will also sign them up for the summer read program at our local library.  It's great.  It makes reading and learning fun and exciting -- and teaches responsibility at the same time.  Even three-year-old children can grasp the fact that a book does not belong to them so we must take good care of it and return it when we are done.  And of course, just think of all the stuff that they get to learn between the covers! 

For me, it serves one more great purpose.  Bringing them home from the library with all those great books to read will give them something to do and give me some extra time to write.  Trips to the library will be in the morning.  We will come home, have lunch, baby will go down for nap, children will read quietly, and mama will get in some good writing time, right? 

Well, it sounds like a great plan, but I realize sometimes life has other things in mind.  I can bend if necessary, but have every intention to keep at it.  Well, baby girl is up from her nap so off I go.  Hope you are all enjoying a beautiful day!  Take care!