Finding joy in the summer is like trying to find enough change in the bottom of your massive bag to get a muffin to go with your frappe at Starbucks; you know it’s in there, deep in there, and if you dig enough you’ll find it and be happy, happy, happy.
It’s just the effort.
So much effort.
Worth it in the end, of course, but you know.
I’m sure you haven’t forgotten that just weeks ago I was super crazy lady excited to get to summer, and I was, I mean, am, ugh, it’s just hard. The being all-up-in-my-grill-hungry-tired-bored-hungry-MOMMMY all day is exhausting, and requires an adjustment period.
We are thoroughly in that adjustment period.
It’s like boot camp for moms and kids, lots of crying and very little rest.
Last summer was less of an adjustment; Dude 3 had been home all year anyway, I was used to constant interruptions for food and water and companionship. Planning activities around work was my norm.
This summer, all three Dudes are coming off of a full school year, they aren’t used to having my face in theirs all day, or to having their faces in each others all day, or to having to think of a way to spend the moments I’m doing work-y type things that doesn’t involve injuring themselves or each other.
So far, my best idea has been to exhaust them.
Pool, lake, pool, lake, dance in the kitchen, lake, go to a summer camp I had the wherewithal to sign them up for weeks ago, pool, a day at Busch’s Gardens, pool, play with a friend whose mom is running out of ideas too, lake.
It’s working so far, smiles all around…
What’s bringing the joy moments to your house this summer?!
Team Happy Mamas wants to throw a little joy your way with a fun summer giveaway!
Head to Instagram and share a photo of your Summer Happy for a chance to win a $125 gift card to Target or Amazon, where you can buy happiness if need be (don’t argue with me, it can be done)!
To enter: log into your Instagram account and upload a photo that depicts summer joy in your neck of the woods. Tag your image #HappyMamaSummer and be sure to @thedudemom. If you’re private you’re going to have to unprivate yourself for this one peeps. Only those images that are tagged correctly and visible will be considered because otherwise we won’t know to count you! One winner will be randomly selected to choose where they want to get their shop on at!
Alternate Entry Option: Anyone who links up a Happy Mama post this month will also automatically be entered to win! Share those Happy Mama moments with us!
Making them exhausted is our best plan. So why is is that mine still don’t want to go to bed until 10 p.m.?? Argh!!
I am a happy mom…person. Joyful more like it.
Girl your kids are growing up so fast!
And I think I’m the only one who does not yet have an instagram :)
Aloha.