So the kick off to summer has been a little less than dreamy.  Ha.  I realized quickly this is our first summer where three children have been absent all during the day and now have returned.  It’s an adjustment for sure.  I might have locked myself in my room for a stint this morning.  Sigh.

So I say we’re in summer training now.  Everyone is getting into the routine of being home and together ALL.DAY.LONG.  I’ve issued rules like no iPad time until nap time and choosing a quiet activity during nap time so littles sleep and Mom still gets work done.  I might have said “I still have a job you know.” very bratty and with extra attitude.  Send prayers and extra cookies.

This was my office today.  Perler beads everywhere, the remnants of strawberries, water bottles, craft supplies, small children.  The iron is not on…no small children were burned in the making of perler bead crafts.

We’ve been establishing all kinds of ground rules to help our summer go a little more smoothly.  The kids ate every breakfast at school and a lot of lunches too so figuring out food and snacking was at the top of my list.  Pretty sure yesterday I heard “can I have a snack” 5000 times.  Now the big kids are in charge of making their own breakfasts, lunches and snacks.  We went over all of their guidelines and made these little signs together and hung them on the refrigerator for all to see.  Now Josh Kelley and I will only be making breakfast and lunch for 2 kids and the big three will have a little more responsibility…so far, so good.

In other news, the wave pool or Wave Country opens tomorrow.  We are all holding our breath for the rain to stay away and let us usher in summer break properly.

I’m making these cookies this weekend.  I mean, really, cookies that will change my life?!?!?!  Yes please.  I feel like my friend Marcie pins things with wording like “Literally best cookie known to man” just because she knows I can’t resist finding out for myself if this really is in fact the best cookie known to man.  She is adding to my to-do list every time she does this!  Thanks a lot Marcie.

picture source

And the best surprise date occurred yesterday when our littlest’s visitation time was bumped up, all the remaining kids went to church with their grandparents and Josh Kelley’s baseball game got rained out.  We’re kind of on repeat with the gym and then hibachi chicken…it’s just too good.  The best little unexpected pick me up.

And now to get a little more work finished up before the little ones wake up.  Summer, we shall survive you, we shall!!!!

Happy Thursday!