Summer is almost over. How sad.

We all look forward to summer vacation. The idea of endless hours to play, read, watch TV, swim, or just do nothing sounds so enticing after nine months of following schedules and watching the clock. Thankfully, we have had just such a summer.

But after three months of play time, I can honestly say, we are all craving some of that structured time. The toys that sat untouched for most of the school year are now all over the living room floor. I am ready for them to be put away. We have watched every episode of every kid’s show at least three times. (Yes, we started out limiting TV time. But like everything else in summer, the structured rules seem to fly out the window with the structured schedule!) I am ready for the TV to have a break. Our bottle of sun screen is almost empty and the chlorine damage to our hair is significant. Our skin and hair are ready for some recovery time and that lovely indoor air.

So, we are now counting the days (some of us are counting the hours) until school begins. And along with it, the lovely rat race of live. Complete with the endless hours of chauffeuring, practice, homework, and schedules. I can’t wait!

Tags : gifts, parenting

My oldest daughter was one of those clingy babies. By the age of four months, she was very aware when the adult holding her was not her mom or dad, and she loudly let the world know. She was never the toddler that ran off to play with the other kids at a family gathering. I always knew where she was – attached to my leg.

Fast forward a few years, and she is now a confident 10 year old. This year she has moved to a new city, started at a new school, attended camp for a week that was 300 miles away from home, and joined a new swim team. She accomplished all of this with very little fuss and carrying on.

This change in personality seems to be unnoticed by her. But her father and I are astounded! It highlights the fact that she is growing up in the blink of an eye. There are times I miss being her protector and the center of her world. But most of the time, I’m so thankful she is growing up to be a confident, self-assured young lady.

Tags : parenting

It is such a gift to see your child excel at something he or she has a passion for. My youngest daughter is playing t-ball. She is very small for her age, but she is very active and persistent. While this can drive us crazy at home, it has proved to be a benefit when playing ball.

At her first game and first time up at bat, she hit the ball the typical two feet. But the second time at bat, her determination showed through. She hit it into the outfield, and got a home run. She then pestered the coach into letting her play “pitcher”. (She knows this is where the action is!) After letting one runner get past her, she then got two runners out at home plate.

The evening was cold, and it was pretty late for a 6 year old, but she was on a real “high” from the game and her performance. It was great fun to watch her do well at something she worked hard at and has a passion for. I hope she has many such successes in all areas of her life!

Tags : gifts, girls sports, parenting