Summer time

It's been almost a month since my last post, for which I apologise. I've been through some difficult and trying times over the past couple of months and really haven't felt like blogging but life is looking up now and I'm ready to roll.

We are into the fourth week (yes, fourth already!) of the schools' summer vacation and I'm as busy as ever. I've given up my church job to DD1 for the summer which means I can spend more time at home with the other two.

The first vacation week was spent having the new carpet installed in the living room, stairs and hallways and then putting things back in place. My goal was to avoid putting everything back just as it was - the new paint and carpet really begged for a more minimalist look which I have achieved. I just need to get the junk and clutter out of the guest bedroom. We are getting there, slowly but surely...

The second vacation week was equally busy - this time with four days (evenings) of Vacation Bible School. It's always hard work but usually worth it. I've already said I won't be doing it again but DD2 and DS have asked me to do it. We'll see. They'll both be a year older next year and maybe not so enthusiastic. I'm glad we did it even though the first evening was a mess. Also that week I began my new summer regime of preserving two days a week upon which I'm not expected to run a taxi service and one day per week to be TV-free (which also means no Wii either). It went very well, I must say, resulting in a more efficient and more relaxed mother.

Week three was the first week when we were able to follow the new schedule without interruption. My busiest driving days are Tuesday and Thursday. Wednesday is Cleaning Day, No TV/Wii Day and a No Driving day. This resulted in a very productive day of housework, after which we all rejoiced in the house being the cleanest it's been in a very long time. We rewarded our hard work with a delivery of Papa Gino's pizza. I find that scheduling certain chores is helpful in making sure everything is done but what isn't completed on that day isn't necessarily going to be done! So. Monday is grocery shopping day and Thursday is laundry day. Having accomplished everything, and Friday being the first fine day all week, I took DD2 and DS to Southwick's Zoo for the day.

The zoo visit was really fun. Neither of the kids remembered what it was like to go to a zoo. Even though we took DD1 often when she was very young, the other two had no memory of it. They enjoyed every bit of the day, and I enjoyed their company. We hope to be able have another outing soon.