Thursday, August 6, 2009

Could I Possibly be Enjoying my Summer? Shhh, It's a Secret

You want to know a secret? I'm reluctant to tell, as it will probably damage my street credz (even more than using the term "street credz" does), but I can't hold it in any longer, I am bursting to confess: I am enjoying my summer with my children.

There, I said it. I will take whatever punishment deemed worthy by my peers. I know, I know. I'm supposed to be counting down the days till school starts. I'm supposed to be locking myself in the bathroom or desperately hunting for any last minute openings in day long camps. But I am not; I am enjoying (almost) every moment.

We didn't go on any vacations, no overnights in hotels, but we have attended the zoo, museums, forts, amusement parks (post still to come, I promise), fire works, bowling, free movies, parks, libraries, friends' houses, & swimming pool. We've braved injuries, hunted bathrooms, and survived broken appliances.

More importantly, we've cuddled on the couch with a book (cuddle may not be the right word for 4 children trying to see the pictures). We've gone on the beach almost every day. We've sang silly songs, explored our backyard, and tried to make ourselves crack up with ridiculous jokes. Summer has filled with the magic of these things, I can feel it permeating our days, forming marvelous out of ordinary.

If you ask me later, I will tell you the kids are driving me crazy. I can't wait to have more peace in my day and reorganize my summer-disastered house. And I won't be lying. I do desperately need a day to myself. Besides, I know the proper way to talk about being a mother of young children, I will not fail. These things are also true, and it is the face often put before the world.

But the magical part- the kisses on my cheek, heart stealing smiles, discreet looks to see if I'm watching performances of feats, contended sighs and exhausted relaxation- I treasure. And, being so precious, I often keep them for myself, to ponder in my heart alone. Throwing out to the public the lesser parts- the stress, craziness, bickering, exhaustion, worry, insanity. I feel no need to describe to my friends the magic of motherhood: it is mine to keep, as I assume it is theirs.

I wonder if there are people who somehow misunderstand motherhood. Do they only see the surface complaints, not understanding the depths underneath? In keeping it unstated, I wonder if it somehow remains hidden to some. I hope not. It just isn't always easily spoken, these memories gathered moment by moment. They mostly remain unconfessed, stored in a mother's heart. If you listen carefully you can often hear it in the undercurrent when mothers converse.

Not all summers have been as wonderful as this one. Every year I look forward its ending with varying degrees of anticipation, dependant on various factors. But this summer has happened to contain more enchantment than usual. I am enjoying my summer with my children.

If you tell anyone, I'll break your pinkie toes.

24 comments:

  1. I am sure that it helps that your wonderful children have a wonderful mother! I have noticed in my own family that when I have a positive outlook (even if I'm faking), everyone is happier, and then I actually get happier. Guess you are all just rubbing off on each other!

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  2. I feel exactly the same way...I had moments of panic before summer started wondering what in the world we would do every day. But now I find myself dreading school starting again, my girlies leaving me for the day, the monotony of that schedule, maybe a nap or two, relatively-child-free shopping...oh wait, I am starting to mix in some of the good stuff too.
    But really, you are right. It has been a great summer.

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  3. Cami Your summer makes mine looks completely lazy! I'm glad you were able to enjoy it. Your kids are already in school now, right?

    Claudia Yeah, I've noticed that, too. Unfortunately, it is hard to pretend to be happy when you're grouchy. But I try (sometimes).

    emma joLike I said, I've loved summer but am also looking forward to school again. A lot of our fun stuff has been with you guys- thanks!!

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  4. Those are the things that you remember when your children has all left home and all you have are memories of those fun filled summer, holiday etc. days. Glad that you are taking time to enjoy them. Wish I could enjoy them with you.

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  5. I remember back when summers were different that the rest of the year. I miss not having a full-time job. Make sure your kids know they won't get the 3 month breaks forever.

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  6. I actually spent the evening reading a bunch of pro-"child-free" articles and posts, and I think maybe it's our duty to share at least SOME of the magical parts (I mean, if we are in the business of sharing ANY of the parts in public).

    Also? I really needed to read your happy-with-motherhood post after tonight's reading, otherwise I might've had bad nightmares about this wee-one-to-be. So thanks!

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  7. Lovely reading this. Honestly, this has been one of my best summers with the boys. I have been taking more time to appreciate them and just have fun. I think as they get older I savor the moments more and more because I know they won't be living with me for much longer.

    Can I just say how adorable that ice cream pic is?!?!?!

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  8. Tucker Mom When I was writing this I thought, "I bet these are the parts everyone talks about when they say they miss motherhood, the parts you rarely talk about when you are a young mother. I always wondered why someone would miss sweeping their floors 100 times a day- because it also comes with toddler hugs.

    Gordon You mean you miss not[getting a summer break] having a full time job. I know what you mean, I remember summer being magical as a child. Watching my kids this year, I remember why.

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  9. Jane I know, I was thinking the other day that if someone where to listen to my sister & I talk on the phone, they might think we hate being SAHM and mothers. That's what got me thinking about the things we don't stay, just understand.

    Good luck with the newest one. My 4th was my easiest.

    Steph I feel the same way about my older kids. Time is beginning to run out! I only have 6 summers left with my oldest. It is hard sometimes for me to balance doing what the older kids need with what the younger ones do, but this summer I think I am approaching a healthy balance.

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  10. I really liked your comments about how it is so easy to talk openly and loudly about the miserable things of motherhood and sometimes the wonderful things and what makes it worth it are put to the side where others don't see. It is a tough, but very fun and rewarding job.

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  11. I am excited for you. I am glad that you enjoyed your summer with your family. We both know how much emphasis our church put on spending time with our families. I think it is a good thing that you enjoyed your self. I tell you a secret too, I enjoyed myself with my children this summer. We had a blast. Eventhough staying up until 2am each morning, going to school at 6:30 every morning, and writing a 15 page paper every week this summer has brought great distress in my life, spending time with my children gave me a peace of mind. But dont tell them that. LOL

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  12. Kim The most rewarding things usually are.

    Teameaka Your secret is safe with me! I'm glad you've had a good summer, too. I didn't realize you had all those blogs going on, I enjoyed reading through them and catching up with your family.

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  13. I'm dying of jelousy. Full-time work sucks--I wish I had more time to cuddle kids and go exploring. I'm glad you're counting your blessings. I'm trying to figure out how to quit my job and still pay the bills. :)

    I hadn't checked out your blog in a while--you're awesome!

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  14. Poetic as always. The words were as good to read as the subject matter.

    I've had a picture of the ice cream that my son hid in his closet after scooping the carton clean that I thought I would blog about. But I've had so much fun with my kids that I can't bring myself to post anything negative about their messes and energy-draining skills. This is the first year that #1 felt like summer was too short. I remember reaching that realization when adulthood started creeping into my life. Poor girl.

    I can't believe how old Elise looks! Your other five still look like kids, but she has changed so much in a short time. That's a quintessential summertime picture.

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  15. Oh be careful. You are treading in dangerous waters. Tread too far out and you'll find yourself entering the homeschooling waters!!!

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  16. Mary That was the perfect compliment! I would so much enjoy reading the ice cream story. I think blogging about it brings it toward the "laugh at with fondness" stage quicker. Elise has changed into a young woman very quickly. It is frightening!

    twinlinebackers No worries about that, I promise. I am so excited for Joseph this year. He is going to love going to school.

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  17. One time one of my friends told me they never wanted to be a mother because all I did was complain about my kids. All I could think was....have I made motherhood look terrible and that I don't like it? Because I LOVE IT. I have thought different since then.

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  18. Boyer Family That is exactly what I worry about. If you don't know the unstated joys in motherhood, it might be easy to misunderstand.

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  19. Robin I know I am lucky to be home with the kids, even if they sometimes drives me crazy. If you ever find a way to quit and still pay the bills, make sure to pass on the info!! (PS, while your catching up on blogs, you should post some one yours. How has the ranch summer gone?)

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  20. I love this post. You have such a gift with words. The post is so good that it excuses you thinking Singapore was in China. :)

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  21. I love this post! We haven't had any big vacations this summer either but I'm trying to teach the kids to enjoy the small things even if we can't afford to do the big ones this year.

    I think the thing that drives most of us to focus on the stressful parts of parenting is that it seems SOMETHING has to go amiss on any outing that diminishes the whole experience a little. We start thinking "If so and so hadn't had that meltdown, the trip to the zoo would have been perfect". Perhaps we should quit trying to make anything perfect and expect the meltdown, then we can move past it and enjoy the rest of the experience.

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  22. Bikmans I'm glad I'm excused. I think I will buy a book on geography, still the same...

    Cynthia I think you're exactly right. We focus on the one bad thing instead of the rest of the good time. I've found over time the little bad incidents fade and we are left with the overall happier memory.

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  23. That's a sweet post. So happy for you to be enjoying things. We try to do things but it's difficult here - not too much to go do. I'll bet there is so much to do up Northeast...SO much history.

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