Look internet, I get it. You like getting all sentimental. You like creating images and posts that get shared like crazy.
Sometimes I like it too. Your posts have made me tear up with joy or giggle until my sides hurt.
But right now internet, right now you are driving me crazy.
Everywhere I look you keep telling me I only get 18 Summers with my kids.
You’re counting the days until I send my Kindergartener off to college and I just can’t take it anymore.
I know that some moms love it, they want that sweet reminder that our time with kiddos in the home is limited.
But I’m not having it internet.
I don’t want to do the math. I don’t want to know how many more Summers I have left with my kids living at home.
I don’t want to be driven into this “make every moment count frenzy” that kills my joy for the whole season. Because I’ve already learned that amazing things happen when you stop trying to enjoy every moment of motherhood.
So look – we’re going to have an awesome Summer with the kids this year.
I have no freaking clue how many Summers we have left. I pray my kids live long healthy lives and I get lots more than a mere 18 Summers.
I hope my kids know I love them and sometimes that love looks like working through the Summer but still having the “best Summer ever” because there’s always time to make memories too.
I can tell you it WON’T look like going into debt to go on an epic, expensive vacation we can’t afford because “OMG we only have X number of Summers left”.
I know for sure our Summer won’t be spent with me feeling guilty if each activity isn’t quite magical enough for one of their precious few Summers.
It will look like building a beach in the front yard because we didn’t have time to go to the real beach that day.
It will look like lots of movies watched, and a whole backyard explored while mommy gets work done – and then LOADS of cuddles after work and maybe a trip to the ice cream parlor down the road.
It will look like belly laughs and giggles and probably more sibling fights than I’d like to share on Facebook.
It will look like sunburns and twirly dresses and lots of trips to the local park.
If I’m being honest? It will look a lot like last Summer too. Because the magic of Summer isn’t found in what we’re doing, so much in that we’re doing it together.
Each and every day of their childhood.
So I’m enjoying that magic of togetherness, and I’m not counting the Summers, because I’m too busy enjoying them.
Dana Wood says
Thank you!!! As a working mom this who 18 summers just stresses me out to hear! Besides the fact I hate going on any trips in the summer! It is too hot and busy every where. Besides the best times with your kids are normally not ones that are planned or even involve leaving the house.
Paula says
I do love trips…but they just don’t happen as much as I want them to. So it’s not fair for me to add stress to myself by worrying about numbers. <3
You are so right about the moments at home too! It’s amazing how those silly “nothing” days are often the very best ones.
Melissa says
Love this Paula! “Because the magic of Summer isn’t found in what we’re doing, so much in that we’re doing it together.”
Paula says
Thanks Melissa! <3
Alisha says
I have 3 kids. They just got out of school last week. It was pure chaos. Even so much I forgot about kindergarten testing for my youngest. Opps. Luckily I talked to one of the kindergarten teachers and they said sure lets sign him up in kinderstart and see how he does. PHEW!!!!
18 summers…. at first thought I really panicked. I thought shit let me get out there and kill myself to be perfect. Then I thought that will just cause anger and I will be not fun to be with. Cohen is my oldest who is ten. I have 8 more child summers with him…. but then I have a new stage in life. Doesnt sound bad to me really. KJ is 7 and Wy is 5. Things will happen. We will do things. I am not worried.
Im on a roller coaster ride of fixing myself so if I am better they will be better.
I am going to check out these shirts!
Thanks
Alisha
Mary Catherine says
Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you so much for this, Paula! <3
J says
Yeah that “18”
Summers is a myth guess where they come when the dorms are closed for summer??? Lmao home! So trust me your kids will be home and with the cost of living so outrageous when they graduate from said university they will probably move right back in????