The End Is Near

Have you ever participated in a race? You know that moment when you are physically drained, emotionally finished and your blurred vision is fixed on the finish line? I'm there. I'll admit that although I am not actually counting the minutes, I am looking forward to the return of routine and structure. Come on, confess, you know exactly what I am talking about.

As the summer draws to a close I am attempting one last hurrah. We are going camping, again. Those of you who have read my other posts know how our camping trips always end... with r#@n. Yes, rain has become a four letter word when combined with a camping trip. Cross your fingers and join me in my rather fanatical fascination of the weather network. My parents, myself and the kiddos are heading north, far north, potentially 6 hours in a car, north (oh dear.... what was I thinking?) I am looking forward to the majestic vistas of leaves and lakes. I cannot wait to hike, swim and visit with loved ones in a relaxed setting. I can wait for the feasting mosquitos, the sticky mess of marshmallows and the persistent whine of, "how much longer?"

I need this trip. It is one last attempt to make summer memories to last a lifetime. When we return, we will gear up for a return to school, work and the normalcy that I crave. But, until then, we're going camping again and you know what that means? I'll have lots and lots of laundry.

Inquiring Minds Want To Know

How much information is too much information when children start to question? This summer we've tackled some doozies.

My sister-in-law is expecting her second little one in the next few weeks and this blessed event has piqued the curiosity of my kiddos. My eldest knows how babies are born and has told her younger brother that he doesn't want to know the details. He just wants to know if the eyelashes tickle when you swallow the baby to put it in your tummy? I went with the standard, "nope, the eyelashes don't tickle." I think I've learned there is merit in only answering specifically what is asked and not explaining too much.

We tried to outlaw the three 'biggies' from their inquiring minds. You don't ask how much someone weighs, how old adults are and how much money someone has. My little ones seem to understand that these are off limits, but one can never predict what they will think of to ask.

My eldest wants to know if her husband can have the children because she is not having a baby burst out of her. My youngest wants to know how much a house costs and if he has enough tooth fairy money for his own mansion. It is hard to take their questions seriously sometimes. One must try hard not to laugh and yet still give a suitable response.

I'm struggling with the questions of an eight year old and six year old, but I am determined to keep up. I'd rather they continue to question me as it tells me where their heads are at and keeps our lines of communication open. At the very least some of the 'doozies' keep us laughing.

Do I or Don't I?

I am blessed with time off over the summer months, but sometimes time off translates into time to think. And this, my friends, can turn a blessing into a curse.

Do I or don't I? That is a loaded question. Do I sand and re-mud the drywall in my basement? Do I strip the wallpaper panels and out-dated boarder from my dining room and living room walls? Do I buy a new car? In the summer, with time to weigh the pros and cons, time to contemplate and time to procrastinate I don't accomplish all that much. Why do I need the pressure of work deadlines and commitments to force my hand and light a fire under myself?

I don't have a suitable answer. "Because I just do" doesn't quite pass muster. However, it is the truth. Acknowledging this weakness in myself is a big step. I could trace this quality back through university and the frantic writing of essays in the wee hours of the morning before an assignment was due. I can trace it back to high school and the manic cramming before exams. When did this need for pressure in order to perform develop in me? Your guess is a good as mine. I don't see this quality/affliction in other members of my family. Maybe they possess it and just hide it better than I can. Whether or not I am alone in this, I figure knowing my weakness is half the battle. I need to look on the bright side; I've got the rest of the summer to think on it!

I Caved!

If you have ever loved and lost a dear pet you know exactly what I meant when I said I would NEVER have another cat.

I have lived without Mcduff, the most extraordinary feline imaginable, for almost three years. I could not fathom replacing him as I knew no other cat would live up to his acclaim. My youngest has been quite persistent with his requests for a cat. It is all he asks for and I have found it difficult to deny his request. We have a dog, a big rambling goof who has worked his way into a revered member of our family, but my little guy wants a cat.

Hubby and I were at a wedding on the weekend and he was talking with my friend about cat rescues and adoption agencies. I tried to plug my ears and repeat my well rehearsed mantra, "no more cats, no more cats." No one paid me any attention. I think this is because they know me better than I like to admit.

The next day we went about our usual routines when the phone rang. My brother and his wife had been caring for a stray cat in their neighbourhood and wanted to know if we would like it! Hubby said, "sure" and I went to the store for litter and food supplies. With in half an hour an orange, long haired cat, we've named him Finnigan, was hiding under a bed trying to acclimatize himself to his new surroundings. Piper, our dog, and Finnigan still need to come to an understanding, but my youngest has a perma-grin that shows no signs of diminishing anytime soon. So, I caved. I admit it. But, parenting is about compromise and opening your heart just a little bit wider everyday.