Hope in a Boy's World

Archive for June 2011

Summer Rules

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

This title could be looked at one of two ways. As a verb: Summer is the best. Or as a noun: These are the rules thou shall abide by if thou wants to survive this season. Take your best guess as to how I mean it.

You're right. That would be a noun. You know me so well.

I do love summer. It is my absolute favorite season. But as my kids have become older, it has been more challenging to keep our house in working order and for mom to keep her sanity. For the most part, we tend to live without a lot of rules--especially in June, July and August. After 9 months of schedules everyone is in need of a respite from the structure. I get that. But after working and going to school last summer, I saw how that backfires and I end up chasing my tail. I'm fully exhausted and resentful by Labor Day weekend. I did not want a repeat. Just because I am not taking classes or working a job for the next 3 months, doesn't mean this year could be a free-for-all. Something had to change.

The night before our first full week of summer vacation, we sat down as family and established some "rules." Now, of course, these were not met with enthusiasm but I have to say that after 10 days, things are going quite well and everyone seems pretty content. There have been some requests to bend but overall I think this was a great idea. One of my girlfriend's (who has 4 children and the same frustrations) asked me to fax her my list. I told her I'd post it here and on Facebook. We'll see how the next 9 weeks go!

SUMMER 2011 RULES

No XBox before 5:00 p.m. unless it's raining (disclaimer need in the Northwest)

All chores must be completed prior to leaving the house.

A maximum of three activities per week, per child, that require being driven somewhere.

Plans must be cleared with Mom & Dad the night before. (Last minute sleepovers will not be considered)

If it's less than 2 miles away, you can bike, walk, scooter or skateboard there.

Sunday is for family and God.

HAVE FUN and WEAR SUNSCREEN.

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Eighth Grade Graduation

Saturday, June 18, 2011

When I logged on tonight I saw that my last post was almost 3 weeks ago. That tells you how utterly crazy this last month has been. As I reflect on all that happened I don't know how we made it through--other than a lot of coffee and not a lot of sleep. I am so ready for summer.

The biggest event of all this past week was Quinn's 8th grade graduation. I officially have a high schooler now. Because of his middle school fire 18 months ago, Quinn's class combined with another 8th grade class for a total of 365 students. This was not an easy feat for the administration, the teachers, the students or the families. I had heard a lot of negative from my son about the excessive rules, the culture on the other side of town and the 45 minute bus ride every day. The communication about the event was dismal at best so I didn't have very high expectations. I am happy to report that I was in tears by the end of the ceremony. I loved hearing all the different teachers speak so highly (and sincerely) of these kids. The highlight (and tear-inducing moment) was when a local artist unveiled the project she had been working on with the students all year long. Each eighth grader created a silk screen self portrait. She took pieces of all of them and weaved together an amazing display. The vice prinicipal read a poem about how one thread is weak on its own but when sewn together with other pieces it becomes that much stronger. This was a metaphor for the class of 2015. They overcame the hurdles and really did make some lasting friendships. This is the only class in the history of our town that will have students attending all three high schools--definitely a rare event. Click here to read the local paper's story.

We quickly took some snapshots before they were whisked away for their celebration dance.

Mom and Auntie Lori