Remember me?
The one with the bucket list of summer activities for my kiddos and me to make this the best summer yet? What’s that old phrase? The best laid plans of men and mice often go awry? That basically sums up how the last few weeks have gone.
My kids have spent more time sick this summer than they have the entire last year! We’ve had strep throat, pink eye(s), random fevers, and more! Fun fact! The incubation period for pink eye is 14 days. Right about the time when you’re ready to start celebrating that only one kid got it, the second kid will start showing symptoms and the party is over!
After the illness laden month of June, we decided to do a weekend getaway to Kansas City. On Saturday, we went to a Royals game and did some shopping. We had a fun packed day planned for Sunday, too. But we ended up in the ER of the local children’s hospital due to a severe reaction that Easton had to a mystery allergen.
Armed with an EpiPen and Benadryl, we headed home with hopes of salvaging the rest of July. That Wednesday night, we were at urgent care getting stitches on Easton’s eye lid. Thursday morning, one of the stitches came out on it’s own.
This string of rotten luck would have sent me for a loop years ago.
I’ve always been one to set high expectations and to experience huge let downs when things don’t pan out as planned. Being able to go with the flow is one of the most important things being a mom has taught me. It’s okay to modify your expectations and settle for tv movies on the couch instead of the latest blockbuster in the theatre.
We have yet to make a dent in the bucket list. We have done a few zoo trips and library visits and other activities, but our Nebraska passports are unstamped and our swimsuits are dry! The funny thing is that I’m okay with that.
I had to reevaluate my goals for the summer.
The kids being out of school doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to be on the go. We can maximize the fun by reading together and playing in the back yard.
The thing about my list is that my kids aren’t going to remember the things we didn’t accomplish or the activities we didn’t go to. They’re going to look back on this summer and remember the time we spent together. Whether it was at the park or in our living room, it was quality time. That’s worth more than anything on a bucket list.
Perspective. It’s a good thing! I’ve always held high expectations and have been disappointed (felt guilty even) when things go awry. Learning to let go has been a challenge, but oh, so very beneficial.
I love that you reevaluated your goals. I always have to remind myself that the kids are learning how to handle stress by watching me. It sounds like you did this beautifully. <3