Just keep swimming...

Last year while living in FL we swam constantly...multiple times a day. 
It was super easy because we lived in a house with a heated pool. 
The kiddos used it daily for 10 of the 12 months we were there.
We loved having that pool!  

The FL pool...big, deep, and lots of fun!

But mostly we just like to swim.
So we finally visited our rec center pool here in MO and it's AWESOME!
It's only 5 minutes from home but it too bad it's not in our back yard...

Not too bad?!  I think this will do!

 

K and Z...look pretty happy to me!

Yup...that's a happy face!

 

Pretty cool pool huh?  I am liking it! 
I think we will be here lots this summer. 
It feels real good to have our feet in a pool once again. 

Maybe this fall we can visit our FL family and put our feet in the Gulf once again.

My kiddos with their cousin!

 
One of the other things I miss about living in FL...the Beach!  Can't wait to be there again!

Mom, we LOVE summer but hate being bored...

I remember those days...i tell my kiddos they are lucky to have each other..."when I was a kid... (blah, blah, blah)"

So we have been doing a lot packin' up and hangin' out.  We have also been doing some math, journaling, and reading...which also brings about some complaining too.  The majority of the time they appreciate having me give them some work that they must complete and then move on with their day.  Today, not so much agreement to the idea.  I just keep telling them I can't have their brains turn to mush...that would really be gross and to that I get "the eye treatment" as my Dad so lovingly calls it.  You know, the rolling of the eyes that our generation started when we were teens and now have to endure.  The problem is I was the one who taught it to them as I still do it and I must say I am a great teacher.  The do it so well, especially my preteen.  Oh the joys.....
 
We have also been TRYIN' to get to the beach.  The weather has not been very cooperative.  I guess a lot of people have been dealing with the same thing and not just here.  The thunderstorms are horrendous lately.  So I guess we will just keep on packin', hangin' and homework and when we finally get to the beach it will be an even better treat!

Happy Summer!

My strategies for surviving summer

The kids and I hang out together all summer.  It's been this way forever and I LOVE it.  I do complain sometimes but for the most part I truly enjoy it.  This summer we are definitely on a budget and we have been working hard to fill our time and our brains while not emptying our wallets. 

But this blog post is about surviving summer.

There are times when we all get a bit frustrated with each other...normal things...things that you probably have happening at your house.

-the kids not listening to me

-the kids not listening to each other

-the going in and out, in and out all day long and the slamming of the door each and every time

-making 3+ square meals a day plus snacks

-wet clothes and towels always left on the floor

-disagreeing about what to watch on TV

-what we should do today

-who can come over and play

and on and on and on...

I have gotten a lot of advice on how to keep kids busy, entertained and smart during summer and over the years I think I have gotten good but it's always a challenge. 

My solution...Lists  I spend a lot of time thinking up lists.  Lists for each kiddo.  The lists consist on chores, study time, reading time, nighttime-getting ready for bed stuff (the bain of my existence), and having fun.  The goal in this is to keep Mommy (me) sane.  No one wants a crazy mom...lists make mommy happy and when mom is happy, everyone is happy. 

This year I started a new reward program.  The kids' school has a Paws for Applause program and decided that I would start the same kind of thing at home.  The thought being that the more good behavior will be forthcoming if I reward it...sounds good right?  In theory, yes but I will let you know come the end of summer. 

Another great theory I heard from a friend is the "I'm bored" list which I still need to do...it's a great idea.

It works like this...

There are 2 lists.  One is a list of ideas that the kiddos can look at when they are bored and need something FUN to do.  The 2nd is for when they actually come up to me and say the words "I'm bored".  The list contains stuff that isn't much fun to do...like cleaning the bathrooms, cleaning your room, weeding, etc, etc.  I really dislike those 2 words...my mom used to say that only boring people get bored...hated it!

So far things have been going great but as I said, I will let you know come August 17th!

How do you survive summer?  More theories are always a good thing.