where smoms connect

I’ve been slacking a bit in the blogging department. And for that I apologize. But if you think I’ve been lax in the blog department, you should see my house. But I won’t bore you with descriptions of the heaping piles of laundry, the to-do lists that get more items added to them then get crossed off and the never ending search for all the missing goggles and beach towels. I swear they are in cahoots with the socks. Where do all these things go????

I think I have a good reason. Actually, I have six good reasons and each one has a special place in my heart. Talking about those six kids who I have home with me everyday now that school is out. To say my schedule has changed would be an understatement.

If you are like me, you love summer yet the change in the kids’ schedule changes everything. Maybe you have your stepkids all summer while they are away at mom’s during the school year. Or perhaps its the reverse and you have to say goodbye to the kids as they spend the summer with mom.  Some stepmoms, who don’t work outside the home, have their kids and stepkids during the day while their husband and his ex go to work all summer long.

Summer brings changes and we must bring the flexibility.

So far this summer we have gone on a week long camping trip (more to follow), made it to swim team practice every morning, Monday thru Friday (and yes I am thankful it is something all six of my kids do together), my son managed to break his glasses (again), we rescued a stray dog and found out he “loathed” our dog and therefore had to find him a new home, and we finished a home remodeling project to name a few. Oh and did I mention my husband went to Europe for a week for work?

I hope summer is treating you well and while I know it can be busy, I hope you are taking time to appreciate this season and cherish the sweet moments that do occur even amidst the crazy schedules.

While summer can be a hectic time in our home, I try and cherish the little moments. Focusing on the little things that make summer sweet helps me move past the things that make it hard. I try and make a point to enjoy those little joys of summer with the kids. These are the things I love most about summer….

• sitting outside with my husband at the end of the day and talking over a fire
• watching my kids explore their imagination with sidewalk chalk
  

  Chalk Art!

• all the fossils my kids find while camping and how they regard them as extreme treasures
• playing frisbee and badminton with the kids
• cooking on the grill
• swimming
• taking the kids strawberry picking and making jam with my grandma’s recipe
• roasting marshmallows and making smores
• sleeping with the windows open
• enjoying a cup of coffee outside before anyone else in the house wakes up
• catching lightening bugs with the kids
• laying on a blanket with my youngest and naming each cloud
• making sun tea
• going to the drive-in with the kids
• blowing bubbles
• wearing my flipflops and sunglasses everywhere I go
• and I love getting my yearly corn dog and elephant ear at the local fair

Remember to breathe. A simple reminder but you get the picture. Life will always be demanding. There are always deadlines and people pulling you in a hundred directions. Take time to take care of yourself and also take time to think about what you loved as a kid during the summer. Think about what you love about summer as an adult. Think about what your stepkids and kids love about summer.

Life is a balance. There is good and there is not so good. Personally, I hope that I live to be old and gray and when I reflect back on my summers, I want to recall those precious moments and smile! Those good memories will overshadow those tough times that I had.

Soak in the summer and the memories it offers.

What do you love about summer? What are some things that help you connect with your kids and stepkids during these few months? Please share.

and I do have something fun and exciting coming your way in the next few days….. Stay tuned!