by Chris Carter, The Mom Cafe MOMtor Contributor
You know when a baseball player hits a ball and runs as fast as he can into first base at top speed and just a SPLIT second before the first baseman catches the ball … he slides slamming into the plate with dust spewing on the sweaty, panting player?
Yeah. That’s spring sliding into summer.
Every. Single. Spring. Is. CRAZY. It’s kind of like childbirth really …
When you’re “in it” it’s chaotic, stressful and often painful … but as the days go by, the trauma fades and the miraculous moments are treasured. The school plays, the recitals, the long soccer tournaments, the baseball games and the end of the year concerts. The graduations and the paperwork and all the ‘wrap ups’ of a long year finalized and put to rest.
Any mom of grade school kids knows this birthing process. And as I am flying past moms and crashing into them at all the events, I see the same look on their faces. Fatigue, stress, joy, adrenalin, and sporadic spasms of the frenzied pace.
So before we can organize the mounds of schoolwork brought home, sneak all the lovely crafts into the trash, get the swimsuits fitted and the camp registration done…
It’s here.
Summer has arrived, and I wish I had planned for it in January. I didn’t. So I am twitching and percolating the coffee pot to find my 87th wind that will take me into swim team, summer camps, small group plans, VBS, soccer, etc etc etc… and perhaps a load of laundry or two- all the while having antsy kids bubbling all around me.
Can anyone relate?
We usually have a family meeting about our summer goals and at some point that will happen. I like to create an illusion of structure and productivity so there is some resemblance of balance in our home. When I find the time to breathe and really prepare us for the months ahead, I like to have a plan that includes…
Scheduled prayer time.
Scheduled workbook/reading time.
Scheduled family time.
One camp, activity or sport.
Oh there are so many other ideas I have- but I am a realistic soul. So the list is short and sweet. And if more amazing productive events happen, it’s simply a bonus.
Above all else, I want to plan to make moments that matter.
Those precious memories of childhood summer days. My kids just want to have fun, but I know better. I realize the significance of time and history, and as we make more of it — I want to be able to look back and say:
“That was the summer when…”
Last year I set out to make it the “Summer when we traveled and visited all our family members”. Thousands of miles and rounds of car trips to and from five different destinations, coming back to unpack and reload and go again. We created amazing and precious memories with the ones we love.
Those are the moments that matter.
This summer, so far the baseball player is still digging his heels in the dirt with one foot on first base and the other ready to run. Summer is going to fly, as he is almost ready to take that sprint, so I better move fast. Third base is just around the bend, and I am certainly NOT ready for fall just yet.
Perhaps I should plan for that now. Or better yet, just enjoy the thrill of the game.
Before having children, Chris Carter worked as a music therapist for several years in Chicago’s inpatient psychiatric hospitals. She also managed creative arts and recreation programming for four group homes. In that time of her life, she learned and grew to know the pain and suffering of so many people. She is now a stay-at-home mom and currently spends her days running kids to and from school four times a day, volunteering and keeping the house in some sort of order! She has a thriving blog, The Mom Cafe, where she regularly shares her mothering experience and wisdom.
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Phillis recently posted..Phillis
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This week has been particularly hectic — but I’m hoping when they look back on it, they will think about our trip to Disney. (And not about how crazy Mom was before hand!)
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How To Make A Website recently posted..How To Make A Website
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This coming week is my kids’ last week of school, and you’ve inspired me to take a moment, breath deeply, and have a family meeting about summer. Like you, I have some goals, but I’d be happy with just tackling 3 or 4. Otherwise my shins will be shredded from sliding into summer 🙂
Dana recently posted..Eighteen Summers
AMEN to THAT Dana!!! I’ve already got bruised and beat up shins… the dust will soon be settling though! Good LUCK with your big week and transition! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by… so grateful!
Chris Carter recently posted..Sliding Into Summer!! Summer Plans For Kids…
Haha Chris! What a great analogy!! You’re so right, summer has gotten here already and I wonder if I’ll take a breather before fall gets here! This summer is so bittersweet for me though, because this is the LAST summer vacation from secondary school, as our youngest prepares for his senior year in high school this fall. ;-( I remember those years Chris, where everything seemed to run together, lol! It’s hectic and tiring, but the memories will last forever!! Our kids still talk about ALL the trips to the library, zoo, museum, movie theaters, summer camp, etc. Those memories will be with them forever and they’ll share with their kids one day, like we share with them. Thanks for the reminder Chris that even though it’s summer, there’s still work to be done, lol!! Have a wonderful weekend my friend!xoxoxo
Michell recently posted..Michell’s Weekly Pearl…
You promise they will remember Michell? Cause I can’t remember what I did last week let alone last summer- accept for the big stuff- the trips. HA! The summer before that? Huh. I got nothin’. Glad to know the kids will remember!! Maybe when I get my frazzled brain cells working again, I may be able to remember. 😉 LOL!! You’re the BEST, hun. YOU have a wonderful weekend too!!
Chris Carter recently posted..Sliding Into Summer!! Summer Plans For Kids…
Lovely Chris! I loved “Fatigue, stress, joy, adrenalin, and sporadic spasms of the frenzied pace.” We get out of school next week and we’re definitely in that wild wrap up time.
I have to add that as a mom who works outside the home, summer can be a bit different for me than my friends who stay at home. And that’s okay. I have more limited summer days to enjoy with the kids, so on those days we just go with the flow or we just go for it and go hard, depending on the day and weather!
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted..5 Ways Having a Baseball Player is Like Having a Newborn
Oh thanks so much Katy!! If I were you, I would absolutely just embrace wherever the day would evolve into on those precious days you have with your little critters!!! Maybe we can do a little “swap” about now, because I would like to change “jobs” after a day like today. Haven’t completed a month yet- but we got out before Memorial Day, so um…yeah. We are deep IN summer mode!! I am still recovering from spring mode. Not the best mix!!! Good luck with your last week!! Oh wait- perhaps it’s over now. Congrats!!! LOL
Chris Carter recently posted..Sliding Into Summer!! Summer Plans For Kids…
I read your post with a bit of sadness creeping up inside of me. I remember the days of planning (or trying) the summers. Now, however, my kids are grown, for the most part, and do their own thing. I’m doing new, exciting things these days myself, but oh how I miss those days gone by when my kids were small.
Well apparently I was meant to read this Laurie!! I happened upon my post again- thought I would click to see if there were any more comments and here you are! I have had a heck of a day today. I am tired. Of. My. Kids. Already.
Thank you for the reality check. Time to be grateful. 🙂
Chris Carter recently posted..Sliding Into Summer!! Summer Plans For Kids…
OH Alexa… I believe you are in the most challenging and exhausting years EVER!!!! Having to care for the little ones is sooooo hard!! Each season of motherhood presents its own lovely ups and downs and all arounds!!!! I think your journey will only get easier as they get older hun. 🙂 I do declare, (hee hee) that your summer will be THAT much easier with no school in the morning to rush out the door to!!
Chris Carter recently posted..Sliding Into Summer!! Summer Plans For Kids…
Yay!! Love the changes of seasons!! There is something so carefree about the spring air…this past 2 days of 70 degrees and sunshine here are just glorious! Hope you are settling into summer smooth and can slow down enough to just breathe it in and hang with those awesome kids! Woohoo!
Not there yet sis… still swirling over here. But it WILL happen!!! It’s gonna be GREAT! 🙂 Miss you SO so so much…
Chris Carter recently posted..Sliding Into Summer!! Summer Plans For Kids…
I’ve got very little ones but already i’m feeling the pressure. This weekend we went to the mall and played in the backyard but I know soon it won’t be enough!
Nellie recently posted..Blink Fitness – Brooklyn’s New Fitness Phenomenon
Oh I remember those days Nellie!! Every season is a challenge and a blessing all at once! It does get much busier… but not butts to wipe! Nice trade off, eh? 😉
Chris Carter recently posted..Sliding Into Summer!! Summer Plans For Kids…
This is my first year with a kid in school and I am definitely feeling the dizzy as the year rounds out! Summer is different here as I still work so, in a way, it’s almost business as usual – my daughter will be at camp at the same place she goes to school and my son will continue with his nanny. But I still want to make it special and fun. I love the idea of a family meeting and a list – I’m gonna have to get on that 🙂
Tricia recently posted..Mixed Os
I love setting the tone of a new season with the meeting and goals for the kids and our family! It really helps me frame it all and outline the plans for the months ahead. You can still make moments that matter after work and on the weekends!!! Those will be cherished times with you kiddos!!! 🙂
Chris Carter recently posted..Sliding Into Summer!! Summer Plans For Kids…
I always get overwhelmed by the piles of school work and projects that come home. My goal is to organize that as soon as possible. For some reason, it stresses me out when I keep it around too long! I think it’s smart to keep things simple. We are lucky in that our rec department has a very affordable 8-week summer camp for the school aged kids. They go on field trips every week, to the beach, water parks, etc. We’re also planning on soaking up all that Maine has to offer in the summer and going camping. Should be fun!
another jennifer recently posted..BabbaCo Blinded Me With Science
I learned early on about being realistic- as I’m sure every mom does!!! Keep it simple and achievable goals makes for a much less stressful and more productive summer! We set our goals last night in the car flying to jiu jitsu and then swim team. Apparently meetings don’t have to happen around the dinner table! lol Realistic…expectations…here. 😉
Chris Carter recently posted..Sliding Into Summer!! Summer Plans For Kids…
Great post Chris! We have to remember to cherish those special moments amongst the chaos. They’re only “ours” for such a short time!
Marcia recently posted..Getting Back on Track
It’s so hard to remember that during the crazy-ness of it all!! Taking the time to stop and really think about what really matters is both convicting and inspiring to me… 🙂 We will make our moments count together!!
Chris Carter recently posted..Sliding Into Summer!! Summer Plans For Kids…
Love your post, Chris!!! It seems that the popular question of the season is, “What are your kids doing this summer?” My answer is short-stop short. For in that shortness are meaningful moments that will hopefully stand tall. Not a jam-packed summer schedule but memories as you talked about that I’d like to be intentional about making for them and with them. Part of my plan is to relish in the gift of unscheduled time where fewer “come ons and hurry ups,” are barked out. New places explored (that can be just a local hike), visits made. Sure we have some activities planned and intentional plans of library trips and reading on the sofa, being in the Word, baking cupcakes, having playdates and self-directed fun but I have 9 summers left with one daughter, 10 with the other and though that sounds like an awful lot, I know it will fly faster than a line drive. Maybe we can all take the time to just walk the bases a little slowly this summer and enjoy the trip back to homeplate rested and connected before taking our spot back in the dugout for yet another new season.
Linda Tang recently posted..Good Morning or Good Moment?
“Maybe we can all take the time to just walk the bases a little slowly this summer and enjoy the trip back to home plate rested and connected before taking our spot back in the dugout for yet another new season.”
Oh how I just LOVE love LOVE that Linda!!!! I want it on a plaque or in a frame… 🙂
Chris Carter recently posted..Sliding Into Summer!! Summer Plans For Kids…
Oh, I long for my children to have a “that was the summer when” memory!! But yes, the end of school is just crazy and then we have the summer thrust upon us and I’ve planned things… that never really go as planned completely…it’s exhausting. I do want them to have sweet summer memories! –Lisa
The Dose of Reality recently posted..“Arie” Ready To Find Out The Big Winner?!
Sometimes- oh, who are we kidding… almost ALWAYS the plans we make for them simply don’t go as “planned”!!! I am currently in that “Modification of plans” transition now. We gotta stay on our TOES Lisa!! Don’t we?!
But actually when it fits well with our kiddos and they grow and shine through those mometns- oh how that makes all our efforts worth it!! 🙂
Chris Carter recently posted..Sliding Into Summer!! Summer Plans For Kids…
This is my first real summer when my child is actually out of school for summer break. I’m barely getting over the “I can’t believe my baby is going to kindergarten” and here it is…she’d on her way to first grade. I definitely have to do some planning and organizing… oh my. I love that your plans include scheduled prayer time among other things
Hope recently posted..“Real Sugar” Throwback
Yeah… oh how fast it goes!! You just brought me back to the memories of my two kids and that transition into first grade. Oh those were so so hard, only because my kids went to school ALL day for the first time. I’m not sure if your Kindergarten was all day, so it may not be a big deal.
Here’s to having a wonderful and fulfilling summer my friend!!! 🙂
Chris Carter recently posted..Sliding Into Summer!! Summer Plans For Kids…
I am TERRIBLE at planning. My idea of a plan is invite your friends over and I will sit outside by the pool and write blogs or work while you play in the water. Is that a plan? And the oldest one is working this summer! And getting his driver’s permit. I guess I should be planning on teaching him to drive but I think my husband should do it!
Michelle recently posted..Not So Proud (but kind of funny) Parenting Moments
Oh how I LOVE how you plan Michelle!! When my kids are older… I am SO stealing your plan!!! 😉 And yes- hubs can take the wheel. lol
Chris Carter recently posted..Sliding Into Summer!! Summer Plans For Kids…
Not sliding there yet! Resisting rather. Two more weeks of school and I’m not prepared. We have to register her for camp before it’s too late and it probably will be if I don’t get my act in gear. I’m scared. Bug spray and sunscreen and camp dropoffs and pickups. Yet, I’m also excited. Endless sunshine, band-aids on knees, sunflowers as tall as the sky, ice cream!!
Tamara recently posted..The Hollow.
Oh how scared I was at first too, Tamara!!! It gets easier each year with it all in many ways… and harder because there are more activities and sleepovers and “I want to”s… But like you said so beautifully- lets embrace the summer’s blessings!!
“Endless sunshine, band-aids on knees, sunflowers as tall as the sky, ice cream!!” LOVE that. 🙂
Chris Carter recently posted..Sliding Into Summer!! Summer Plans For Kids…
Yah, Chris laughing, inticfeous when he got going. For me it’s visual. I see him like in a clip, where he starts chuckling at some silly thing he’s trying to tell but as he elaborates it’s getting funnier and funnier until pretty soon he’s in a fit of giggles and he can’t talk anymore, his face contorting as he totally loses it eventually he comes up grinning for air, on the verge of a relapse
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even with my little guy, I find that I have to do more in the summer just to keep him busy and entertained. I can only imagine how crazy it is going to be when he is older, LOL. At least I have our vacation to look forward to.
Karen recently posted..Dino is FOUR today
Oh Karen, having a four-year old will keep you soooooo busy!!! Four to fourteen… no difference in the busy-ness- just DIFFERENT kind of busy-ness! Enjoy your vacation! THOSE are making moments matter. 🙂
Chris Carter recently posted..Sliding Into Summer!! Summer Plans For Kids…
Oh my goodness,now you’ve scared me to death. I thought it was supposed to get easier once the kids got bigger. I thought this stressed, frenzied, wild eyed eyed, crazy stretch was just cause I have 3 little ones! I have been looking forward to summer so that I don’t have to drag 3 little kids out of bed each morning to take the oldest to Kindergarten. This summer might be one of our last “easy going” summers, based on your description. 🙂 And yes, I agree, it is so important to create moments that matter!
Alexa (Kat) recently posted..I Do Declare!