This Summer I’ve tried my best to move our schedule from over-scheduled to blissfully relaxed.

During the school year it is easy for me to become over-stressed and run-down. By May I was growing tired of the drop-offs, the extra practices, the parties to schedule, and the after-school activities to attend. I found myself grouchy, and snapping at everyone. I would stare at the clock, and watch the minutes tick by until it was time for the next thing that we couldn’t be late for. It wasn’t pleasant, and I was far from pleasant.

Right before Summer’s arrival, I glanced over the community center catalog filled with Summer activities, and the price-tag to match. I decided not this year. Instead of the non-stop day camps, the cooking classes, the lessons, and the sports. I let the boys pick one, and only one activity for the Summer. The both decided to stay with Tae Kwon Do. I liked their pick, Tae Kwon Do comes with air-conditioning.

This Summer James has started working seven days a week, so there was no room to plan for extended vacations. At first I was a little sad about not getting out of town, but being at home (just home) has changed my outlook. I’m only shopping for much needed items, and I’m finally getting to those projects that have been bothering me for six years. We have also not had the expense of vacations, take-out, and hotel stays. Convincing the kids of this stay-at-home Summer was a little tough, but like it or leave it we were going to spend the Summer together and happily at home.

After school was out, it took several weeks for the kids to get used to being home with each other. They each have their own agenda when school is in session, it is so much different when the day to day is removed. Thade was always my clock watcher, he was constantly worried about being late. This has changed drastically this Summer. He wants to stay up late, sleep in a bit, and he doesn’t hound me about where to be next. Dylan is still over planning everyday, but he is sleeping in more, and worrying less.

There were several fights… The boys would get grumpy with each other, and Agnes missed her alone time. It was frustrating at first, but by mud-July something clicked. The boys looked for reasons to go and play, and play together. Agnes started playing more with the boys too, and she will often ask them to read to her.

Both of the boys have become very helpful around the house. They look for chores to help with, and they don’t grumble when they are asked to help with the groceries. Agnes looks for little chores to help with too. They are working together better, and including each other.

My mood has drastically changed. For once I actually feel relaxed and no longer rushed. I still get the everyday chores done, but I take more time to read and bake. I rarely watch t.v., and most of my days are spent at the sewing machine.

I know next month the school-year normal will be back in full effect… I will miss our lazy, unscheduled days. It has been nice to take a break from it all this Summer.