I was looking forward to a warm, wonderful summer. My workload changed again and I was thrilled to be able to have more time to spend with my boys. I figured we could just hang out in the backyard; I’d do some work on my laptop and watch them play on the slide, jumping castle and frolic in the kiddie pool.
Well the weather hasn’t been cooperating and it’s been an unusually cool summer. Sad to say that I haven’t been basking in the sun, sipping margarita’s this July. And my boys have only put their cute swimming trunks on once so far here (our Florida trip and swimming lessons don’t count). I pictured endless afternoons sitting on the patio, eating popsicles and watermelon and watching my cuties run through the sprinkler.
Instead, I’ve found myself scrambling to find fun activities to keep them from killing each other. Not to mention running around playing chauffeur to the Boss. How did this happen? We were supposed to be lounging like lazy dogs in the summer’s heat.
My boys fight like cats and dogs. They adore each other but they can also be huge rivals. The constant fighting is exhausting to this weary referee. Seriously, I should wear a whistle around my neck and call myself Coach Mama and blow that damn whistle to get their attention when a brawl erupts.
Fourteen hours a day of constant bickering was not something that any of us could handle so I’ve been signing the Boss up for camp. Although the full day option was tempting, I decided that a few hours would be enough. It’s just enough time in the day that the boys can regroup and gain even more strength for their next fight in the ring. 
Between afternoon camp and soccer, T-ball and swimming, I feel like I’m constantly buckling and unbuckling seat belts, hauling the kids in and out of the car. The Boss has a busier schedule than some stay-at-home moms. I could never understand when some moms would say that they were bored. How is it possible when there are a million things to do? Just when I thought the hectic schedule might be too much, the Boss asks, “when does basketball camp start?”
This stage of motherhood can’t pass by without any feelings of guilt. This time, I feel awful that my youngest isn’t quite old enough to be enjoying all these sports. We did a toddler class and a parented swimming class this spring but nothing this summer. I know his time will come but I can’t help but feel a little guilty that he’s not participating in any activities like his big brother.
I love that he comes along for the ride without any complaints. He enjoys watching the Boss score a goal or see what craft he made that day at camp. He even gets excited to pick him up from camp, “Let’s go get Nee Nee” (short for Anthony). It’s the sweetest thing to watch how he looks up to his big brother and so wants to say and do everything like him.
I also questioned whether or not I was going overboard with all the activities. But the Boss has no problem at all – he enjoys summer camp, and soccer as much as T-ball and always looks forward to his games. The exposure to different activities is always positive and a learning experience. It makes them happy and that is ultimately all we want for our kids...
What would make ME happy is to slip into my bikini and slather on some sunscreen. And seasonal temperatures please.
