10 weeks left really?

A few weeks ago I posted about how summer was going to hopefully be a break from the busy. Well I guess that I just don't roll that way because so far we've been just as busy as before. Correct that the kids are having a grand time, and I'm busier than before. I didn't realize how much I was actually getting done in those seven hours of child free quiet time while the kids were at school. It's tons easier to finish the projects that tend to cause me to completely zone out when there is nothing around needing me to zone in. The kids have been doing great at being self-sufficient. They have also been pretty accommodating with our summer schedule. We even have an understanding dad (Yeah Dads!!!!) who was willing to cook/pick up dinner a bunch of times last week when mom couldn't fit in everything that had to be done.

Every day I try to get the kids to read and play outside. Then there is a major cleaning project for the week (like pulling everything out of a kid's room and sorting through it). We work on this cleaning project for a bit each day (sometimes the bit takes a couple of hours). If possible each day also has a fun activity for the kids. While doing all of this, I'm also working from home an hour or so a day and trying to write 500-1000 words in my manuscript. Monday's I also work at my sewing job, Wednesday's is laundry day, and the dishes have to be done, bills need to be paid, and groceries purchased. So you can see why I'm having trouble also getting dinner on the table.

Schedules work really well for me usually, it just takes a few weeks to figure them out. Summer feels so short and the weeks it takes me to figure out the schedule at the beginning plus the weeks to get everything purchased and put together for back to school at the end don't help. It's only the beginning of week three and I've already completely given up on getting up early enough to take a walk every day, because seeing 5 am in the summer is totally unrealistic for me.

So far the only really successful thing happening is Adventure Day - and even that is taking minor tears to accomplish. We've yet to visit the water park or fun center for which I bought a pass. The painting project from May sits at color splashes on the wall. And Mom's patience for children pushing each others buttons is wearing thin with large holes throughout. After looking at the calendar today and realizing that instead of eight weeks of summer to go, we actually have ten I'm not sure if I should rejoice or cry at the discovery of more time.

For now, I'm determined to make the schedule work, keep a handle on my growing anxiety, entertain the kids, have a good time, and not lose my sanity. If you see us looking ragged (ie makeup half done) as we run around, remember I'm trying my best. And if we call, I'd love to take your kid off your hands for a few hours so they can help entertain mine.

All you moms out there let's just keep saying - You can do it! and Good luck to you all!