Okay, so I know today isn’t actually the first day of summer. But my daughter graduated kindergarten yesterday, my son graduated preschool last Thursday, and I’m planning on taking both of them to the pool to bask in their accomplishments (and splashing water and sunshine) today. So, for me, today is the first day of summer.
In Tennessee, summer began much earlier. Our subdivision pool opened in early to mid May most years, since by then the temps were constantly in the 80s-90s. Here, in a lot of ways, it’s still very much spring. My husband is dealing with terrible allergies. The creek near our house is flooded, covering some of my favorite greenways (aka dog walking paths). The baby ducks and geese are just learning to swim.
This is my first summer as a full-time self-employed mom, juggling kids and writing and creating. There is a TON going on. But I have made a commitment to be present. During my time with my kids (basically, from 9:00am until they go to bed) I am going to be present with my kids. I won’t be perfect, there will be times when my morning writing spills over and there is something I have to get down on the page, but, for the most part, I am planning on making every effort to not have to tell them “Just let me finish this up,” while looking at a computer. In July, there will be three weeks where both of them are in programs at the same time. That will be my sneak peak of what life will be like in the fall when both of them are in school. I’m sure I’m going to love that time and the productivity. But I promise to enjoy the time I get to spend with them even more.
What are your plans for the summer? Do you have kids? Are they home in the summers?