I hope you’ve had a great weekend of BBQing, outdoor fun and celebration. But most of all, I hope you’ve taken a moment to remember why we all get an extra day to spend with the people we love.
Lesson #1: While my dad didn’t talk much about his time in Vietnam, I know the fact that he represented our country and protected the freedoms we all enjoy was among one of his most proud accomplishments as a man. It’s thanks to people like him that some of my greatest worries are how will we keep busy with so much free time this summer, and did my kids (and I) eat too much sugar this weekend. While I certainly do fret about the little things—it’s just my nature—I know it’s because bigger people are worrying, and working, on the big things. And for that, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to military families everywhere.
Lesson #2: While logically I’m not so into the every-kid-deserves-a-trophy mentality, seeing the pride on your kid’s face when he comes home with his first one—and prying it out of his sleeping hands—is heart bursting. And, if you happen to be in Big’s class, you’ll see this first hand at sharing on Wednesday. Yes, we’ve been in countdown mode for a week.
Lesson #3: The little girl in the Punky Brewster getup who makes hearts with her name on them for Big better clap extra loud. He will notice.
Lesson #4: When teachers tell students to wear sports gear for field day (which was about 45 minutes of really fun activities out on the playground), they listen. I saw kids ages five to eleven sporting cleats, baseball uniforms, soccer uniforms, football jerseys and some seriously competitive glares.
Lesson #5: When yarn jewelry—as in white yarn cut to fit around your finger/wrist/neck and then taped together—catches on, Big is finally going to make his millions.
Lesson #6: Sometimes when I see people posting their exotic travels on Facebook, I’m tempted to write SFWY–>PRSCHL–>DOC–>SFWY–>HOME (Thank goodness for upgrades…in my minivan)
Lesson #7: I figure why buy Pink new clothes? Her pants have become capris and her long sleeves short just in time for the warmer weather. (This weekend does not qualify, I realize.)
Lesson #8: Pink’s had enough of being dragged to all the boys’ activities. Her whole why should I bother crawling/standing thing has landed her some quality with mommy in her own activity. Physical therapy.
Lesson #9: Camping is not the poor man’s vacation. Just ask they guy at REI who earned his quarterly bonus thanks to our family gearing up for a night in the backyard.
Lesson #10: Lenny gets me. The proof? He only came home with 3 sleeping bags. (And, no, it wasn’t because he thought we’d share his.)
Happy Memorial Day! Happy last week of school (for those of you with a crazy short year like us)! Happy kick off to summer! I have a feeling it’s going to be a great one…
great post Amy!
Thanks so much, Robin! Hope you’re doing well!
I agree with Robin, great post!!! Laughed at the 3 sleeping bag comment:>
Luckily the boys have friends who like to camp since their mom isn’t so sure. 😉
Fantastic picture of Johnny. This is how I remember him. Thanks for posting it and reminding me of his service to our country.
Our family loves this pic too!
I’ll go camping with Lenny and the boys. They just have to promise not to laugh too hard or too loudly when I get up in the morning and my bones start creaking!
Don’t worry, their 6am wakeups will drown out any sound you can make!
We were at REI twice this weekend. Finally got to use our yearly dividend – it didn’t help much with the massive bill.
Yeah, I think our dividend paid the tax. On one item. Oh well, outdoor summer fun, here we come!
I’ve already been crying so thank you for making me laugh today, too! You are so dear and so funny as well. Love, Mom
Glad I could bring you a smile. xoxo
congrats to Big on his trophy – we still have last year’s trophys/medals displayed in our main living area….
And I’ll take an order of that super fashionable accessory Big is pushing! Actually, maybe you can tell people it shows you support a cause…. like support for kids with skinned knees or kids having problems learning to ride a bike! 😉
oh – and super handsome pic of your pops! Your momma was a lucky lady – hubba hubba!! 😉
LOVE the cause bracelet idea. Maybe the cause should be my kids’ therapy funds.