Well hello there.  Long time, no talk.  Life has been busy, but what else is new?  I’m frantically doing this last minute post because my kids get out of school in T-minus one day.  ONE DAY, you guys.  I am not ready.  Not remotely ready.

I have some friends who are firmly in camp YAY SUMMER.  As for me, I have mixed feelings about summer.  On one hand, I’m elated because we won’t have the morning grind, homework, or the necessity of shoes to contend with.  On the other hand, I’m nervous because, man, those summer days can be SO FREAKING LONG.  Like so long you think to yourself, there’s no freaking way it’s still the same day and yet, it is.  And it’s only like 1 p.m. 

I have in my head all these awesome plans for the summer, complete with lots of reading, nutritious snacks, and quality family time.  I know, are you laughing, too?  Because it's comical to think that's how it'll go.  I think the reality is more likely to be moments of fun sprinkled into a batter of exhaustion, frustration, and sleep deprivation.  

I guess what I’m saying is—I’m a boatload of contradictions.  And I think that accurately describes most of motherhood as well. 

• I want structure and routine, but I also want spontaneous outings, defined bedtimes, and the ease that comes with a schedule.
• I want time alone but I also want them snuggled close next to me on the couch, smothering me in love and kisses.
• I want them to learn how to fix their own hair but I also want them to stay little.

What I want changes depending on the moment, on the exact time of day.  So I'm sure this summer we'll have those days that are the BEST DAYS EVER, and then we'll have those days where I'm searching for drop-in day camps.  That’s how it always goes, though, right? You’ve got the ups, the downs, and everything in between.  I think it's important to remind ourselves that it's okay to have those long days, to be frustrated, to just let them watch tv all day.  I'm pretty sure that at the end of the summer, we'll all look back and say--we had a great summer, and we'll (mostly) forget those really long days.

Well, I guess I should go enjoy this last full day of school for the big two.  But remember me when you’re sipping your morning coffee, wondering how you'll fill your day.  I’ll be right there with you.