summer...so far

As the end of the school year was coming I was making plans to give my kids a better summer this year than last. Last year wasn't horrible or anything. I just didn't feel like it was much different from the season of school. I want my kids to feel different during this time of the year. Having a mom that owns her own business makes that a little difficult since I can't stop working---and they have to tag along---BUT I am very lucky because I can change some things so that I do get to spend more time having fun with my kids...

So this summer I am being very diligent in planning activities and taking the time to have fun. Summer Waves passes were given to us for Christmas, Bowling Passes have been obtained and beach time will be suffered through---talking about me, not the kids. They love it. Me, their very white Mama, does not but its crazy to live here and not do the beach. OK, so we haven't been yet. But we will. I promise.

RK and Sam started off the summer in the perfect fashion...They went on vacation to Pappy and Gammy's house! Speaking of that, I have meant to blog about the fact that I am such a spoiled girl. My in-laws BEG us to get to have our kids all to themselves. Who does that? They have already spent 2 full weeks with them this year. Spring Break and last week...crazy. Not only do we get all those days to rest and get projects done around the house and work and just not worry about the needs of two little ones, when the kids come home from a fun-filled week, they have new clothes, shoes, toys PLUS they went and got portraits taken. The best part?? Every time they come home and I unpack their suitcase? ALL THE CLOTHES ARE CLEAN!!!! I know, right?? THE BEST GIFT!!


My kids LOVE some Summer Waves fun!!


As I was chatting about before, I am a spoiled girl. Honestly, we are all very spoiled. It has become clear to the hubs and I that we need to be much more diligent in teaching thankfulness and generosity. If we don't start bringing it to the kids' attentions now, I don't think I will want to know them in 10 years.

It is SO FUN to give your kids things...but we have to restrain ourselves. We are creating human beings. We only get one shot. Because of this realization, I am going to try very hard to work in more mission-oriented activities this summer. Not just shopping for extra craft supplies or cleaning out toys and clothes---though those are important too. I need my kids to be a little uncomfortable and actually sacrifice. We started Tuesday. We went to "O" Street and helped to give out food to shut-ins. In the 100 degree heat, in a neighborhood with the types of houses they don't normally notice. They did really well. An added bonus was our friend Rosalyn was there. She is going to be in 6th grade and hung the moon as far as my kids are concerned. What a great example she sets for them...serving. She may be the only reason that RK wants to go back next week. But thats OK. We gotta start somewhere.