Relaxing Isn’t Easy

For those of you who have the summer “off” and by “off” I mean you’re at home with children all day, do you sometimes look around on July 14th and think to yourself “I haven’t done a thing on my summer to-do/bucket list!”? 

I did.  At first I got angry.  I haven’t done much on my to-do list.  I’ve been feeding children, driving them around to camps and activities and…hanging out with them doing fun things.  So why am I so angry about my stupid to-do list?  I am having a wonderful time just being with my children.  Before I know it, I won’t even see them in the summer and I’m upset because I’m not getting to my stupid to-do list?  Give me a break! 

The kitchen can go without a new coat of paint.  The scrapbooks can remain out of date.  My book and this blog can wait.  My house can be messy.  My lesson plans can wait.  My children can’t. 

We’ve had a few really rough “being Olivia’s family” days this past week.  We’ve all had a little slump to our shoulders and hurt in our heart.  It’s ok, it’s normal, it happens.  Some days are easier than others.  But we needed something to get us out of our slump.  My wonderful friend, Kelley, invited us to go swimming at her pool yesterday.  Olivia was at camp so the boys and I headed over.  We laughed, we played, we talked, we relaxed.  It was one of the best days we’ve had all summer, maybe even ever.  The boys didn’t want to leave so I picked Olivia up from camp and we went back for another hour or so.  She was happy as can be.  I watched her swim, delighted in her energy and beautiful smile and…just soaked it all up.  I sat there thinking “this is what it’s all about”.  I don’t have to feel guilty that I’m not “doing” anything because I’m doing the best thing.  I’m being with and truly enjoying my children. 

On the way home from the pool, I stopped for slushies.  They boys both said “You are seriously the best Mom ever.  You always do fun stuff with us and take us for slushies!”  Matthew said “When I have kids, they are going to be the luckiest kids ever because you are the best Mom ever which means you’ll be the most awesome grandma ever!” 

That’s a win, wouldn’t you say?  Screw the to-do list.  I’m going to see a movie today. 

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2 responses to “Relaxing Isn’t Easy”

Every summer, I am SO envious of moms who get to hang with their kids.  I had one summer like that when I was between jobs.  I knew it would be a once in a lifetime thing so I made the most of it.  Now, one of my girls is 20, and the other 17….I still yearn to be able to take them to the Zoo, Sauder Village, the waterpark, or just a day at the pool like you had last week.  Your priorities are EXACTLY where they should be and your kids obviously agree.  Play on!!!!