Monday, May 31, 2010

Hectic




The end of the school year is like a dizzying ride on a carnival spinner attraction. You know the ones that spin you in circles again and again and again.






With two weeks left of school, I've already supplied auction donations and  face painting supplies.  And scrounged up 20 glass jars in order to make lava lamps at the science fair.  Field trips and class parties.  And many preparations for the annual arts celebration. 




It's all good stuff.  Good stuff for sure.  But I can't help feeling a little scattered.  And weary.





For the merriment is far from over.  We've still got an overnight stay at the big city zoo, art shows, chorus concert, spelling bee, science fair, field day and the yearbook signing party.





Tell me I'm not alone.

Tell me the endless running will soon be over and I can take a deep breath of summer. 

And please tell me that in all of my haste I won't leave the house with toothpaste on my chin.

If it's more quiet than normal around here, assume that I've fallen and can't get up.  That or the munchkins have hog tied me to the minivan and are demanding mirth and good cheer.

-dana

24 comments:

sarah, rsm said...

why is it, dear friend, that even when bombarded with activity and feeling scattered you seem more together than i am when planned and organized? and i haven't even got children - at least living with me!!! hmmmm? just wondering ...

;~)

p.s. you are not alone ... the endless running will soon be over and you can take a deep breath of summer .. and even in all of your haste you will not leave the house with toothpaste on your chin without someone laughing at you before you have time to notice it and wipe it off ...

textilefiend said...

Dear Dana

count yourself lucky not to be living in Australia - we have to do all that, and Christmas as well! We call it the Silly Season....

Molly said...

Sounds like fun though! Busy ... but fun none the less. I once got to my son's class for a party and realized I was wearing two different sandals! We still laugh about that one.

Melissa said...

There is an end! My crazy run-around end of school year ended last Thursday, and aside from wanting to set my alarm for 5:30 every night when I go to bed, we are adjusting to the new schedule. Today we spent the day floating down a river in a canoe- I highly recommend it when you are finished with the craziness.

Kristen said...

As a former teacher, and whose hubby does supervisory work at school, it is insane! How many concerts, yearbook parties, and awards nights can they stuff in the last three weeks of school? I look forward to all of us sitting around the table next week!

tara said...

One of our favorite things to do ont he beach is rock stacking. Awesome picture. I'm sure we havent been able to do that.

Alice said...

I have to say--you must not be busy enough because you still have time to blog about it. Or is this the mandatory mental health moment. I homeschool, so it never seems to get quiet around here. Would we change any of it? Probably not! Love your view of it all. L,A-

Brenis said...

Oh girl! You ARE NOT ALONE!! LOL
Mine just got out on the 20th, and the 4 weeks before were crammed so full of stuff - something everyday and every night - 3 different kids, 3 different schools (elem, middle, and high schools) - it was INSANE!! Yep, i was SO DONE!! You'll make it! Embrace it if you can, and enjoy the picinics, lava lamp making parties, cupcakes,concrts, and yearbooks - because soon enough we will be looking at our walls, wondering where all the kids went?? It's crazy, but i wouldnt replace it for the world! Summer will soon be within your reach sweety!!
((((big supporting hugs))))
xo

vintage girl at heart said...

last week was our whirlwind end of the year and i was exhausted!!! i love the activites but wish they would not try to fit so much in at the end of the year!!! Hang in there and then sleep all weekend when it's all over!!
(( that overnight zoo trip sounds like fun))

wishes, true and kind said...

It is a crazy time of year. My kids are out of those school days now, but my husband is an elementary school principal, and he's like having five kids in school!

I always loved having my kids home all summer :)

Rafael's Mum said...

You are super mum... you can do it! Sounds great fun and lovely things to look back on... once you are lazing in the yard in years to come and the girls are holidaying elsewhere you will be thinking longingly back to this!

Anonymous said...

you're not alone! i live in the Mediterranean (on an island, not in the actual sea) and this time of the year seems to be crazy for everyone, no matter where one lives.yesterday i spent half a month's salary on summer classes/clubs/clothes for my little one.i'm missing winter already!

Elissa said...

oh, make it stop! i can't even read your post without feeling dizzy. this is exactly why i am a commitmentphobe. i'd be lucky if i could manage just ONE of those things you listed.

but i'd be happy to check your chin for toothpaste if i were there!

Luv 2 Kreate said...

Thankfully school will be out here on Friday!!!! I can't wait...yours too will end soon in the mean time, have fun and make so GOOD memories. One day when our kids are all grown up we will miss this!

Dena said...

I walked out of the house in my slippers to go to the grocery store. I'm not a "primp it up" mom but I'm not going in my slippers or pjs either. You are echoing what many moms around these parts are feeling. Next three week- buckle up- cause it is going to be wild.

Dianne said...

Dear Dana...you are definitely not alone in this wonderful journey of motherhood! My three children are now successful adults with children of their own...which, joyfully, makes me a grandmother! I do, without a doubt, remember those wonderful, hectic days that you're experiencing right now. At times, it does seem overwhelming, but I must tell you a little secret...it will be over all too soon! Enjoy every single moment of it while you can...

Deb Robertson Writes said...

It's just so weird to me that your school year is finishing now. Our year finishes at Christmas and we have all that madness combined with Christmas! I can't get my head around June being the start of summer, really... as I sit here in my wool cardy, my boots, with the heater on! Do enjoy your summer... and thanks for the pics. I do think that time before school finishes is my favourite part of the year really, where we rediscover the outdoors.

Jessica Christensen said...

Five of my kids are in school, and I dread the last month of school SO MUCH. I'm with you. I shouldn't say "dread." I love seeing their choir concerts, field days, band concerts, awards ceremonies, graduations, et cetera. It's just so MUCH to cram in. We have church girls' camp and Boy Scout camp the week after school lets out, and then there's cub camp two weeks after that. I think I'll take a deep breath in July when I finally leave on a month-long road trip vacation. Maybe. I'll be in the van with 7 kids. By myself. Hmmm. Sound like a vacation? Perhaps not -- till they all spill out onto Grandma and Grandpa's front lawn and I can abdicate for a short time while they spoil them shamelessly. And I'm sure I'll be in the mood to let them do it.

Hang in there. This too shall pass (although I always say that some things pass like a kidney stone -- or a really huge, 10 lb baby).

Carolina said...

Enjoy every second of this time. They grow up so fast. You'll have so many great memories.

Mama Said Sew said...

Stop the ride, I want to get off! I'm right there with you Dana. Lucky for me, tomorrow is DS's last day of school. Of course, the afternoon/evening is filled with 3 activities, just in case there wasn't enough to do already. (I am SO sleeping in on Friday!)

Hang in there my friend. Keep your arms and hands inside the car until the ride comes to a complete stop. Then exit the car and take a deep breath. :)

Barb said...

Fortunately for me school ended almost 2 weeks ago and we are spending a leisurely summer. No camps, no sports ~ just swimming in the pool and hanging out with friends. I love this part of the year.

Tipper said...

Some of those feet look familar : )

It's almost over-and I'm finding myself sad about it too...

brown robin said...

Oh my. I can so, so relate. In fact, so much so, that I just had to respond even though I barely had the energy. We're in high gear here, baby. Don't know if I'll ever blog again...

Unknown said...

Dana you are so not alone with this feeling! As I type this I feel as if I could fade right off to sleep now. Things have been so crazy for over a month now. Holly's last day of school is tomorrow. I hope you enjoy the summer. As always I look forward to reading your blog.