Do you ever just have one of those weeks? Months? Years? Sometimes life can get a little tricky to navigate, but I honestly feel like it's just another challenge- double dog dare obstacles meant to be conquered and triumphed over. I've never really turned away from something simply because it's hard, if anything, setbacks and unforeseen circumstances only drive me more determined towards my goal. I never minded work, back when I pulled a regular 9-5, and even my schooling was just another hurdle I was eager to tackle. Such enthusiasm for life, however, does tend to bring it's own lulls. And it's the times in my life where I feel least challenged that I get mopey and bored. I shouldn't ever, really. I have a great life, with a great family, and I make money doing what I love best. However, as much as I may complain when the going get's tough, I find myself yearning for that opposition when things settle back down.
June was a whirlwind for our family. I went all out for my Pop's birthday, and Father's Day, celebrating both twice. I made 4 cakes in total, and organized a few secret surprises; including the coordination of several family members paying his entire Summer (bowling) league fees in full. It was exhausting, but entirely worth it to me; I receive an immense amount of gratification doing unexpected things for others. I haven't quite learned how to indulge myself yet- so this is an even compromise.
Most of my regular readers know I don't have any (human) kids of my own. I got married in my early 20s on the back of a childhood full of dreams of being a Momma, and it just didn't work out (thankfully, for the best, seeing as we are now divorced). I've come to terms that I may not have my own children anytime soon, or at all, and frequently borrow the children of others to get my 'fix'. Jay and I watch Sabrina (10) after school Monday-Friday during the school year and during most vacations, while her single Momma works to pay the bills. Well, as it turns out, her steady boyfriend has won Summer custody of his 2 children (a boy of 3, and a girl of 8), and we have happily added to our child-care group for the month of July. I will not lie, it is a full time job that is completely exhausting (caring for kids), but so, so worth it. I may not have children of my own, but these kids are like family, and we have a blast in between tantrums and jealous fights for affection. I will try to keep up a post a day, as usual, but if I miss one it's likely because we're out on some sort of epic adventure.
Speaking of kids, as a stay-at-home (disabled) Mom, Momma was always great at finding activities (And frugal activities at that) to keep me entertained. I have quite a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to Summer. I'm hoping to get together a Lemonade Stand with the eldest (10) in August, and have found a slew of local FREE perks for kids nearby. The county library offers free story-time, daily, 3 times a day. Our local theaters offer early morning movies free (Lorax, Happy Feet 2, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, etc), and I've managed to find a daily calendar for 'Kids Eat Free' deals, listed by location. Monday we will be taking the whole clan to the Pick-Your-Own farm (while I have Jay's help, on his day off), and Tuesday we will be going to a night show of the interactive Pirates! Dinner Adventure. I've also stocked up on $1 store kites, clearance craft kits, and some easy paint wood frames to make a little memento for the parents. Because there is a 3 year old boy in the mix, we eagerly await nap-time every afternoon for some treasured gal time :)
Nora's been enjoying the transition as well; this means more time outside for the typically condo bound pup. Speaking of which, it's about time for a haircut for Missy.....But that is for another day- sometime before Jay and I trek up to Oregon to see Momma in August. Phew, this 'Summer' bit has me exhausted just thinking about all of the shenanigans and adventures. But life's too short not to make memories at every chance- and you can be assured I'll have my camera along for the ride to share with you all! P.S. Everybody be careful with the bugs out there this Summer, I've already shelled out $111 for an infected mosquito bite and antibiotics- blah!
What are your plans this Summer?
What Daughter Says: I happily wag my proverbial tail at every chance for adventure, no matter how messy.
What a little cutie pie. Most of this summer, I will spend working. I plan on doing some local traveling as well. Probably a little gardening, some crafting and a lot of relaxing too.
ReplyDeleteOh what a cute dog!!! Adorable! I am traveling, blogging, and relaxing this summer!
ReplyDeleteI will spend my summer blogging and enjoying the weather.
ReplyDeleteAdorable! I'm working so I get less time off but when I do, I fully plan on sleeping, walking the pups, and enjoying myself.
ReplyDeleteHuh. Somehow I thought Sabrina was your daughter. I don't know how I missed that! I'm a teacher so I absolutely DELIGHT in every summer day. It's priceless time. We spend it swimming, gardening, riding bikes, and just generally being together. Love those days.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Completely ADORABLE dog!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet puppy. We have been spending the summer on the go, traveling all over.
ReplyDeleteYou sound like you're keeping busy and having fun.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have any human children either, but are keeping busy by moving into a new home. brutus is ultra-excited as his yard will be twice as big.
Such a cute dog! :)
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Wow! Just reading about that exhausted me, lol. I think my summer will be pretty quiet, except for a week long trip to Honduras near the end of summer.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting to get a sneak peak of your life. And it does sound like you have your hands full with yours and borrowed kids
ReplyDeleteLots of outdoor time with the kids park sun and pool trying to keep these summer days busy for them
ReplyDeleteLove the pix of Missy -- such a cutie!
ReplyDeleteSounds to me that you are a very family orientated daughter and the fact that you made 4 cakes for father and grandpop over the summer and organized their gifts, especially the bowling, and the fact that you love to do things for the neighborhood children, just lets the rest of us know that you mom and father instilled some very important values in you when growing up and you continue to give to others including us blog readers who love to read about your exploits ... and you puppy is cute,
ReplyDeleteI only have fur babies as well. Had a blast the 3 years I watched my twin nieces and nephew though.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cutie, my son has a dog that looks much like this that he rescued. She's also very sweet and thankful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute doggy! Spending some time with the grandkids!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute pup!!!We are going to be doing some traveling and relaxing
ReplyDeleteWhat a super cute puppy. It sounds like you are going to have a blast this summer. We are going white water rafting with my sister's and brother here in Oregon. I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteMy pets are like my kids too :). I love seeing your pets!
ReplyDeleteFun post-you always see things 'half-full', I think that's wonderful! I have chopped my hair into a pixie cut and I am loving the heat wave, catching up on reading while my cats (kids) relax in the a.c., we're going to have a low key, hopefully stress free summer! (~Raine~)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fabulous summer! My boys are getting older now and want to go do their own thing now, so I miss going to all the fun summer stuff that our city offers. Though I did talk my 13 year old into going to Movie In the Park with me a couple weeks ago. They showed Despicable Me on a Giant blow up screen. It was great!
ReplyDeletePretty doggy.Spending time at the pool.
ReplyDeleteSuper cute doggy! She's adorable. I love pups and they can be fantastic 'kiddos' too. I'm glad you get opportunities to 'borrow' others' kids for the day. That can really be rewarding...and you get paid! :)
ReplyDeleteAww cute lil pup. Planning on kicking back and enjoying the rest of pregnancy and crocheting
ReplyDeleteSweet little puppie! We will be spending a lot of the summer enjoying our 3 week old grandson and his 4 year old brother...can't get any better than that! We are very lucky!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing and letting us get to know you. I'll be catching up on reading, volunteering and hopefully visiting my Grandson! Oh yea....hitting the beach of course ! (Meg Tucker)
ReplyDeleteahhhhhhhhh what a precise baby, I bet this one is spoiled rotten
ReplyDeletelmurley2000@yahoo.com