Letting Summer Go

I am always cold. Even in the summer, it is not uncommon to find me wearing my slippers and a sweatshirt. I prefer no air conditioning. But, unfortunately, I have lost that battle with my husband and kids. So, air conditioning it is.


I love the heat. I love everything about summer. There is one thing that I hate. The end. I start to get depressed just knowing that the end is near. When I worked at a college, I was lucky because the end of summer meant that it was going to get crazy at my job. Crazy! Students moved back to campus. My phone rang off the hook and I was gearing up for the start of classes. As a SAHM, we are back to school but it just isn't the same. The adrenaline doesn't flow so I am back to being a little depressed that the days are getting a little shorter and the leaves are starting to turn on some trees. In an Indigo Girls song called "Mystery", one of my favorite lyrics is "The summer is beginning to give up her fight." It is so true. This is the time of year when summer begins to say goodbye and fall sneaks in.



So this weekend, I soaked up as much summer as I could. I sat outside on the deck boat watching as much as I could. I got into the ice cold swimming pool because it was probably my last chance for the year and my son begged me. I took my time walking my dog so I could look at the stars on a crystal clear night. We spent the last weekend at the peaceful, Catawba Island near Sandusky, Ohio. We are lucky enough to be able to mooch weekends at a condo that Mike's parents own. We try to get up there as often as we can. This weekend we took the kids on the boat, jet ski and to Cedar Point. We had a wonderful time with Mike's parents and the kids enjoyed every second.


So goodbye sweet summer. You are my favorite. I will enjoy the others but you will be the one I am dreaming about on a cold snowy February in Ohio. Go ahead and give in summer. Give up the fight. It will soon be time. Let go. I am ready. I have my sweatshirt and slippers ready.

Slowing Down

Summer. I keep reminding myself that it is summer. Slow down. Breathe. Kick off the shoes. Exhale. Pick up the book. Make some lemonade. Relax. Let some things go. Don't schedule anything. Go for ice cream.


I am just like any other mom. I have to do lists and a million things to do. I am used to trying to do it all. But, summer isn't about doing it all. It is a mindset that I find hard to shift into.


I especially love to read in the summer. I am reading the best book, Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I never thought I would like it. But, Oprah has talked about it so much that I couldn't resist any longer. It is a great book to read while watching the kids ride the bikes up and down the street or play in the backyard. It's a long one but I can tell that it is one that I don't want to end.

So again, I tell myself. Relax. Watch the kids play in the backyard. Play with the kids. Sip the lemonade. Pick up the book and read. It is OK. Do whatever you feel like doing. Enjoy the sunshine. Inhale. Soak it all in. Exhale.

Turnin' It Around

I have noticed a somber mood with moms lately at preschool. It could be the 50 degree weather we are having in Ohio. It could be the rain or lack of sunshine. But as I talk to moms, it seems to be that moms are thinking about the end of the school year. Most of the moms are wondering how to fill the time. Without school to attend daily, we must create a new schedule. A means to survival is required.

Let's think positive about this change of season!


1. You won't need to find socks that match. Encourage sandal wearing. Barefoot is even better.


2. Ponytails for your hair is acceptable especially for summer.



3. Your kids won't have any high water pants in the summer.


4. Mornings can be lazy. No rushing off to preschool. No book bags.


5. You can embrace your inner child with sidewalk chalk and lots of bubbles.


6. Chasing butterflies.


7. Just think of February. How can we not be happy in the summer?


8. Older moms say we miss this time in our lives. I am going to be more present and enjoy it more this summer.


9. Extra hours of sunlight. I love the long days of summer.


10. Ice cream!!!



Disclaimer: This post started out very negative for me. I tried to turn it around and not be such a negative nelly. So, if you aren't feeling all that positive about the summer break. I feel ya sista!