| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| texdane |
Posted - Jun 08 2015 : 08:46:30 AM
I have to tell ya, girls, when my daughter was in grade school it was so much easier, and I was always "room mom" and volunteered several days a week at school. I enjoyed every minute, but also I thought things would be slower for me when she got older. HA! Was I mistaken...
Now my daughter is completing her first year in middle school, heading into eighth grade next year.
We have two more weeks of school. End of year expenses, for activities like the field trip, registering for girl scouts next year, etc., are as much as the beginning of the year. Seems like you just bleed money, and it is hard when you try to stick to a budget. Clubs are finishing up with parties and dances, and there's end of year events, concerts and awards nights every time I turn my head (parents attend or we shuttle back and forth in Mom's Shuttle Service). We even missed one event for 4H because we got confused on what day is what - and my daughter had to do a speech. 
I feel like we are just so tired. Bone tired. Like we are limping and crawling past the finish line at a marathon. (And the scary thing is, my daughter is not involved in nearly the activities most kids her age are involved in. The sports families are doing sports seven days a week. Yesterday we took an hour and went to the park with the dogs as a family. My husband was shocked that there was a baseball game going on. He got even more shocked when we witnessed a mom and a coach in a screaming match in the parking lot, much to the embarrassed kids' dismay).
Unfortunately, for us, I think it will be an exhausting summer, too. I want to encourage my daughter to sign up for things, but I keep thinking in my head that old seventies commercial, "Calgon take me away!" I am hoping once school is out we both can kick back a bit. It amazes me that now many kids' activities go through the summer, too. Kids never get to slow down.
Anyway, had to vent. The last day of school can't get here any faster. We are really paying for all those snow days, I tell ya.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| 9 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Song Sparrow |
Posted - Jun 10 2015 : 6:28:48 PM
Nicole, you are doing the hardest and most important work in the world -- raising kids! So there is good reason for you to feel stretched and pulled and exhausted. What that means is you're giving it all you got, and God bless you for that! So make sure you take care of the one who takes care of everyone else, even if that means 15 minutes a day just to have a cup of tea (or wine, if you're so inclined!) and breathe a little. I agree with Marilyn's very inciteful comment about middle school being the toughest time for parents. But what a difference you're making in you daughter's life by being 100% there for her! Hang in there, Mom!
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
|
| Marilyn Hartman Sullivan |
Posted - Jun 10 2015 : 12:34:24 PM
I think that Middle School was the toughest when my daughter was that age, too! Elementary was more "central," I guess, so it was all classroom-oriented and seemed easier to control. By high school, she had settled into her own routine of activities, and even though she was very active, it seemed more manageable somehow -- maybe because she was responsible enough to make sure she had forms turned in (and they can drive by then!) and stuff like that. But Middle School has all those different classes and there seems to be a different rule for each one and they are getting so busy into so many clubs and activities. You want them to be part of the group and to benefit from all the new stuff that school has to offer at that age, but inside you are really really anxious for that nice Calgon soak! Sounds like you are nearing the finish line and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel --- just hoping it's not an oncoming train! ha ha Enjoy summer whenever it comes. You sound like a very squared-away Momma to me :)
Farmgirl #6318
"Where there's a will -- there's probably a family fight." |
| texdane |
Posted - Jun 10 2015 : 11:00:55 AM
Oh girls, don't get me wrong! I love activities with my girl and will SORELY MISS when she's out of school. I am talking about the non-stop rush of extras at this time of year, the tedious activities like balancing the girl scout bank book, returning forms, and not having much down time. It is like this the last two weeks of school but is worse it seems this year in middle school. It is hard with the late hours of heavy, heavy homework (and up at dawn for the bus), and keeping her focused when school is dragging on due to snow days. Even the fun events can be too much of a good thing, but I would never trade having been a stay at home mom and being present for all of her events for ANYTHING!
Last night, my girl helped out at the Girl Scout Leader meeting and we both got special pins! It was such a wonderful surprise! But I am still looking forward to less scheduled days and more family time. ;)
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| CountryBorn |
Posted - Jun 09 2015 : 2:33:28 PM
It's funny how we feel about these things at different stages. I am a Grandma to a wonderful grandson who is finishing his junior year. He has been involved in a lot of sports and clubs in school and 4H also. But, you are going to laugh at me!! I am having the opposite reaction to everything! He will be be a senior soon and I know it will be a super busy year. He is vice president of the senior class and president of the National Honor Society, plays tennis (loves that lol!) did football too,president of the Spanish club, is in the chorus and is very involved in 4H. It is hectic at times I admit that. His mom is( my daughter)is an RN and works the overnight shift. So for all the school years since preschool I have been the one to do a lot of the running around and attend all the events. I am so going to miss it when it is all done and over with !! I know you probably think I am insane! But, I am going to savor every game, every club activity, every concert, Spanish Fiesta, 4 H show and any else that comes along. Cause when it's over, it's over. But, I do hear you, there are many parents that are just so overbooked that there is barely time for a family life. That is no fun either. I guess it's all a matter of what stage you are at. I have a feeling there will be a lot more interesting things to come . But, I also think these will be days you all will remember fondly too! It's just hard when you are tired out! God Bless all of you
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
| Rosemary |
Posted - Jun 08 2015 : 5:19:17 PM
It's awfully important to pace yourself, say no to others when you need more for yourself, and to strike a balance in your life. You're no good to your family or community if you're worn out. |
| DandeeRose |
Posted - Jun 08 2015 : 11:08:05 AM
Sometimes I am thankful my daughter has never been much for extra curriculars. That being said, I do miss 4H. Isabelle is going to be in 8th next year, as well. She just likes her freedom. Nothing to tie her down. I feel like she needs more structure, though. She is such a free spirit.
Anyway, not to sound like a broken record, but take some time to just enjoy your family, both of you! Sounds needed and much deserved. Hugs!
Many Blessings- Alicia #5232
http://themostlycrunchyfarmgirl.wordpress.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DandeeRose Farmgirl Accessories and more!
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain." |
| texdane |
Posted - Jun 08 2015 : 09:48:05 AM
Yep. The thing is, most of these things are not even extracurricular, but part of the regular school curriculum. Newtown is known for the schools, but whew! Things get exhausting.
I have already told my scout troop I am done once summer is here until next fall. 4-H has activities, unfortunately, and my daughter is required to attend as club president.
Just can't wait until that last day of school!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| YellowRose |
Posted - Jun 08 2015 : 09:23:43 AM
Nicole, my friend and fellow FarmGirl, I have only one word for you. Balance. Along with activities you and your family need quiet/me time. Not only does our bodies get fatigued but so does our minds and souls.
Have a blessed day, Sara ~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth.
|
| Bonnie Ellis |
Posted - Jun 08 2015 : 09:14:46 AM
Nicole: I would suggest that you and your daughter choose one or two things for the summer. Put rest and relaxation on the schedule too. Life can be as busy as you make it, but you can also pull back and tackle what you can handle. Your daughter won't be missing out when both of you are more relaxed.
Hope this helps. I give this advice from a former type-A personality that tried to do it all. Now I am much more relaxed. Enjoy small things. Good luck and God bless.
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
|
|
