They’re done. No more school, homework and rushing to get them off to school. But the real truth is that I’m afraid. Very afraid.
My kids were desperate for summer vacation. They think it’s wonderful. I’m usually excited at first, until reality sets in. I can tell you one thing for sure – by August, I hate summer vacation!
Summer vacation is crazy eating all day, as if they’d never eaten a meal in their lives, lots of sleeping and sitting around, XBox, computers and texting. And, that’s just Day One. Day Two, begins the sibling fights, kids already saying they are “bored,” too much laundry and lots of TVs in use at the same time. I’m pulling my hair out by this point. I’m on day 5 and I wonder how I am going to survive and practice law.
This year I decided to try something different … keeping them busy. If anyone can plan “busy,” I can!
Here’s our summer so far:
1. Stringed instruments practiced for 1/2 hour 5 days per week. I got the stink eye for this one but I gave them the last month off AND I could increase that 1/2 hour to something else! No questions asked. Grumbling allowed.
2. I put the boys in a 1/2 hour videotaping of their swim strokes for 6 weeks. They are pissed about this one but just in case they decide to become Michael Phelps (sans pot) then this might help them. Honestly, it’s 1/2 hour and they still complain. They are in the bathroom that long each day!
3. Trio Lessons. I am putting all three in strings lessons with a trio instructor. One of my sons said that he would do ANYTHING to avoid these lessons. I smiled and said that I couldn’t think of a thing, other than taking singing lessons. There was no response – he’s going.
4. Volunteering with inner city kids. My daughter has done this the last few summers and the boys will go one day per week. My daughter thinks they should work in the baby room. I think this is going to be interesting!
There’s the typical beach trips, golf and fishing outings, baseball, movies, etc. But here’s my greatest fear of all … in 4 days my daughter leaves for three weeks and I’m alone with the boys. Alone.
Any one want a few teenage boys for a couple of days? They are funny and provide some good entertainment. They are good babysitters. They know how to do laundry, fold towels and load the dishwasher. There are some unpleasant body sounds, but I hear that’s normal. Plus, they shower each day and use deodorant. How great is that?
Welcome to summer – let’s just try to survive another one! Welcome sun!
theyearof50 