If any of you are absolutely unsure because you are living in controlled chaos, the answer is a definite maybe.
With the summer months upon us, it seems like there is less chance than ever of creating a home that operates to the sound of Kenny G. I think we're all in "agreeance" that the amount of work for Mommy triples this time of year, with all the extra laundry, dishes and activities. Not to mention how you have to step over the apathetic bodies of children who are mindlessly watching The Price is Right, while snacking on Cheezits.
Side note: It only took until Day 4 of summer break for me to hear the words, "I'm bored. There's nothing to do."
Big shocker there.
But I offer up a token of encouragement to you Moms who are filling the long days of summer with popsicles and trips to the pool.
These are great days. Savor them.
You might find it hard to believe, but the time will come when your kids will recount their favorite memories of summertime, and all that stuff you're doing to make some good times happen will pay off.
I used to go crazy listening to "Marco Polo" ad nauseum at the pool. I thought if I had to watch one more flip off the side or underwater feat I would keel over. If I had to separate one more argument or fix one more snack or fish one more poopie out of a kiddie pool, well...let's just say I've had some low moments.
Home Sanctuary is far easier to achieve in the winter months.
But I stick to my original theory that creating a sanctuary for your family isn't about perfection, especially in the summer. It's not about working up fantastic adventures for your family. It's not in expensive vacations or big road trips. It's in the everyday little things.
Your kids won't remember that you let your mind wander just a bit while they demonstrated their amazing ability to turn cartwheels, or that you got mad about them leaving a mess. They WILL remember the ice cream truck, the days of make-believe and the fact that you took them swimming every once in awhile. They'll remember getting to watch TV and hang out. They will remember the sound of cicadas and staying up late and having root beer floats.
Your kids will remember that home was a good place to be. Especially in the summer.
Can I make some suggestions? Set up some structure to your days, so they don't stretch out endlessly before you. Put a few things on your calendar, even if they are things like:
Have picnic in back yard.
Make cookies.
Make a fort in living room.
Do a craft with Mom.
Try having snacks at designated times instead of all day grazing. Pick some Bible verses to memorize. Eat lots of popsicles and peanut butter sandwiches. Have hot dogs on paper plates. And my favorite: give them chores when they whine about being bored.
Lighten up a little and remember that someday your kids will be gone and then summertime will be just like the rest of the year, except hotter.
