I Broke The Rules

This summer I broke my own rules.

::We didn't get up at an particular time.
::We weren't dressed by 9 a.m.
::We didn't make our beds daily.
::We didn't clean up the breakfast or lunch dishes right away.
::We maybe kept the t.v. on longer then necessary
(hey, it was a cold miserable summer)
::Lunch and snack time occasionally melded together.
::I did not plan educational outings.
::We did not have scheduled reading times.
::I let my oldest skip a few practices.
::The order in the house was less then perfect
ok, most often the house was a mess!
::The lawn was not mowed every Thursday at 9 am.
::I missed garbage day a few times.
::I still haven't washed the kitchen floor.
::Bath times were a lot more hit or miss.
::Our outings out of the house became fewer and fewer.
::I let the phone go to voice mail and emails go unanswered.

feeling the spray of a waterfall on my face

Although I could keep going, I think you see my point. I let things go, I brushed off responsibilities, you could (almost) say we were lazy. This was done with good intent though.

::First off I needed it. Me, the mom. I have spent 8 years (since our second child was born 3lbs+) going going going. There were days where I didn't even have a chance to sit down, not even to eat (well maybe to go to the bathroom- but then I entertained an audience).

::Secondly, I have a very keen understanding of how fleeting these days are. I am not foolish enough to think that these days will last. I can see it coming. I see it in my oldest already. The days of lazy summers won't last forever.

::Third, we could do it. This summer was the perfect opportunity to "let kids be kids". Our "to do" list was rather small for the first time, and set plans were at a minimum. For the first summer in many summer every weekend wasn't consumed with "have to dos".

So, this summer - we didn't. We didn't do. We didn't stress. We didn't rush. We didn't worry. We let things slide. I have no regret what so ever, and while my socks now stick to the kitchen floor as I walk across it, I know that soon enough (days actually) we will be thrown back into a schedule and we will "have to do" this that and so many other things. Therefore these last few days of summer again are going to be full of nothingness. (Because this too shall pass)

7 Random Facts About Me, (and a pic too)

Sandra from World's End Farm
was so wonderful to give this award to me.

I simply have to tell you all 7 things about myself. Alright, buckle up, here we go...

1) I am the baby in my family and the only girl

2) I am less and less concerned with what people think about me, as long as I like myself.

3) I often put my make up on in the van as I drive to where it is I have to be.

4) I have absolutely no interest in cooking lately.

5) I love both early mornings and late nights ... it is the afternoons that seem wasteful.

6) I got a new (to me) van a few weeks back and am finally getting over feeling guilty for driving it. (since I almost feel like I am cheating on the old one which still has quite a few good miles left in it)

7) I set up all of these fabulous "sitting" areas - little places to relax in the yard. Yet, I never feel comfortable enough to just sit and relax.... sigh - so really they are there to make it LOOK relaxing.

pic taken by A. Nelson at our vow renewal Summer '08

Now 7 people to pass it onto.....

Hmm -
Debra at Sojourner
Seaside Girl
Alex
Ali
Spudaloo
Marinik
Seriously - anyone is worthy of this.... if you follow my blog and you have commented in the last several weeks then grab this award (right click and save the image Deb) and write 7 things about yourself... Just leave a note here so people can come read them.

Plus I am being terribly lazy and rushed and not linking all or any of these people. I have to go finish folding laundry and then packing - I have to get to a surprise bday party by 7 pm and have a few hours to drive... plus I haven't showered yet - how is that for another random thing about me!

Now go tell me 7 things I will be back maybe Saturday night.