Believe it or not, I seemed to be the only one in our family who was sad to see spring break come to an end this morning. And not just because it gave me some writing inspiration. (Though it did…)
Lesson #1: When you’re getting ready for bed and discover that only one of the kids’ toothbrushes is wet, you realize that a) all those lectures about sharing have finally paid off or b) two kids lied with the mouths they used to kiss you goodnight.
Lesson #2: I thought I had a few more years before Pink’s play dates involved Taylor Swift lip-syncing dance parties. I’m thrilled to report, I was wrong.
Lesson #3: While the boys’ wardrobe may be highly flammable, the good news is the synthetic fabrics they find so very irresistible actually repelled the red dye from the random hand-me-down hat that ruined so many other clothes in the laundry.
Lesson #4: I’m pretty sure when Little grows up, he’ll be the guy on the circuit giving TED talks with inspiring titles like “The Art of the Impossible”. But rather than speaking for 20 minutes, he’ll simply walk on stage—backward—and in mere seconds prove his point by showing the world that you can get your dinner all over the back of your shirt while the front remains unscathed.
Lesson #5: While brands pay me now and then to write sponsored posts as a blogger, I’m about to send an invoice to Nike for my time as a mom. I’ve spent hours this month alone turning the boys’ socks right side out.
Lesson #6: This spring break we traveled to the pediatrician (where she discovered not just the one we suspected, but three infected ears between two kids), the pharmacy, and the mall. I also treated the boys to a dentist appointment and the whole family to a photo shoot. Yep, those of you who were stuck in line at Disneyland or nursing your sunburn in Hawaii can just eat your heart out.
Lesson #7: Sea otters are spectacularly silly, sharks are wonderfully mysterious, jellyfish are truly radiant, and Dippin’ Dots are a rip off. (Ok, ok, we also traveled to Monterey for a really fun day at the aquarium with my mom.)
Lesson #8: From now on, I’m going to demand that my kids refer to me as “Amy of UsingOurWords dot com” when we’re out and about. I figure I might as well get a bit of publicity if I’m going to be beckoned every three minutes (on average) for everything from tying shoes to admiring silly faces to answering the age-old question, “What’s for dinner?”
Lesson #9: While the car nap is my best friend at 4pm after a long day, it’s my worst enemy after that same long day at 9pm.
Lesson #10: Next year, instead of having our house cleaned during spring break, I’m just going to hand my kids twenty-dollar bills and tell them to light them on fire.
Happy no-more-spring-break Monday! I hope you’re enjoying the…well, break.
Saw your 3 little darlings today visiting the big dirt construction site. Little made sure I knew Pink’s upcoming birthday, Big told me about the beached whale in Pacifica, and Pink was her usual charming “I’m a princess” with her folded/old $1 tiara I gave her 2 yrs ago (Big confirmed that), which I will replace for her upcoming 4th. Yes, I got my kid fix! Bless you all!
Linda, the first report through the front door wasn’t about the construction, it was about seeing you! They were so excited. And today Pink’s still wearing her crown around…she even wore it to ballet class. Thanks for giving them a thrill!