I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S SUMMER. I mean, it’s not summer, but it is summer “vacation,” which like every other school vacation, means my so-called vacation is over, and I am smacked in the face with every single failing I see in my work as a parent. I have to take deep breaths, and look to other, better mamas for a fun and happy path through the long days. Luckily, those better mamas are out there, and they’re online.
I wish I were one of those moms who makes every moment with their kids a perfect storm of creativity, joyful memory-making and gentle imparting of wisdom-that-will-make-them-happy-successful-compassionate adults. But the days I feel like I’ve earned a gold star are the ones where no one gets yelled at, no one eats Doritos or drinks a soda, and I don’t turn on the TV. (To be fair to myself, of these three good-mothering criteria, the Doritos and soda days are rarest, followed by the no-TV days. Days without yelling? Rare as hen’s teeth. I keep chickens. I know.)
Amanda Soule's 'The Creative Family'
When I need inspiration to move my summer attitude toward relaxed and lazy as opposed to the usual harried and haranguing, I turn–where else–to the web. Amanda Soule, author and blogger at SouleMama.com, is truly an inspiration. She’s got four kids, a new puppy, and she sews. Bubble dresses for her daughter, a new bed for the puppy, even leashes. Yes, dog leashes. And that’s not all she does: cooking, crafting, gardening: Amanda is a one-woman symphony of creation. I stand in awe. Check out her beautiful, beautiful site, and you will, too.
And then, if it all seems too much, feel free to join me and my kids on the couch, where we’ll be watching Grease (our newest favorite musical, slightly inappropriate but still flying right over their young heads) and eating popcorn. (Bought in bulk! Organic! Popped in a brown paper bag!) Hey, at least it’s not Doritos…
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