Schools Out

Today is the last day of first grade for my little man. He has had such a terrific experience this past school year and has grown up so much. Not just physically, but emotionally, socially and all that. He's really developing into a little man from a little boy. I really liked his teacher this past year, and I know he had a very positive experience with her.
Despite summer starting for him in a few hours, I don't want him to lose any ground with academic skills. I'm not going to make him spend hours a day working in a workbook, but I want to dovetail with other things going on in his life. Like, at camp they have a theme of the week, and we can expand on that. And make it fun...that's my goal. I have forgotten how to have fun with my family the last few months. Its time to start again.
In just a few days, I will turn 40. I really wanted to have lost 40 lbs. by now, but that did not happen. However, I did beat my personal best running in a 5k a few weeks ago. In between all the festivities (ha!)I have to make red velvet cupcakes for Sunday school, and get stuff all planned out for it. We're having a Pentecost party.
As his desk has been cleared out, the little man has been bringing home a lot of great artwork and classwork. I am so proud of him. He's smart, funny and good looking-he definately hit the trifecta there. I had so much fun with him at Youth Group last night, and he just made me laugh. He's already bonded with the middle schoolers and held his own playing 4 square with them.
I need to get my life back on track on a few little levels. Things have gotten out of control at home, partially due to illness, partially due to busy schedules, partially due to laziness. I need to plan out meals for next week. I can't take this crappy meals that do nothing but bloat me out and make me gain weight. Sunday we are going to have turkey firecracker burgers with grilled potatoes and veggies. Monday will be 3 bean enchiladas with cilantro lime rice and corn. Tuesday will be Italian herb chicken, noodles and veggies. Wednesday is garbage (left over)night. Thursday will be tuna noodle casserole and Friday is going to sesame ginger chicken, fried rice and stir fry veggies.
Next week is going to be a little crazy. Its the first full week of camp, so that's a transition to something new. Softball Monday night, Tuesday the little man starts gymnastics, Wednesday youth group stuff, Thursday PTO board meeting. Busy busy busy. Its all good, and I want to arrange my schedule so that little man & I get quality time together. Maybe I can cram some time for the big man & myself too. That's something that doesn't usually happen either. We did go on a "date" to pick out trees at a local nursery the other day. Little man was playing with a friend at their house, so we had a little bit of time to be alone together.
That's really hard for me, because its been so long since the big man & I really spent any significant alone time. And I don't mean dates or what ever. We truly are ships passing in the night it seems. He is so exhausted-not enough sleep most nights, works really hard (both physically and mentally) and is just worn out. By the time I get home from work, he's spent. There really isn't much conversation going on. Its dinner, and then spending time chasing little man around. Trying to cram in cleaning up the house, doing laundry, bath time, yard work, and whatever else is going on. Gee, I wonder why we don't talk anymore.
So, for my birthday wish (yeah I know its supposed to be a secret)I want 2 things. One is to be more organized and disciplined. The other is time with the big man. Even if its 10 minutes sitting on the deck together. Maybe wishes will come true.