Summer List (aka Summerpalooza 2010)

Every May 20something the big kids and I sit down and write a "summer list."  This is a list of things we would like to do during our summer vacation.  My rule is that their list items must be "do-able" things.  

For example, "go to Hawaii" or "build a state of the art time machine" are not "do-able" for obvious reasons. 

"Go to Sonic for a happy-hour drink," very "do-able." 

Along those same lines, we also try to keep a reasonable budget in mind, (you're welcome, Chris).  

So, without further adieu, here's our list for summerpalooza, 2010!!!

KEY:  Cole    Sydney     Mom    Everyone

watergun fight       spa day       start a running program       go to dallas museum of art       block party       plant sunflowers        read bible everyday        research projects       take zeke to dirty dawgs       paint pottery       library day (storytime with GK)        white rock skate      learn latin       kids cooking night    farmers' market       read chapter book to big kids       putt-putt       read 6 chapter books by the end of summer        picnic at the park       repurpose "junk" furniture for my new classroom        try something new    baking       family nights       go to six flags       arboretum concert nights     new recipe once a week 

So, what do you think?  Sound like fun?  The first child to utter the words, "I'm borrrrred mom," gets a swift kick in the pants.  With a list like this, we have NO TIME for summer boredom.  

Wish us luck.  Here's to a fun and memorable summer!  

Introducing, Chef Georgia!

OK, remember when I told you that I was passing the torch (or the spatula) onto my children?  

GK has really taken my last post very seriously.

table-side guacamole, anyone??

(so glad that her smelly sneakers are inches away from the cutting board - nice.)

"This cooking stuff isn't so tough, Mom.  What are you always griping about?"

YUM!  Chocolate something or other for dessert!  I love a satisfied customer!

Mom, what's for dinner?

Is there any other question that invokes such anxiety on such an daily basis?  Not for me.  I am bombarded with the "what's for dinner" question everyday around 3:15 (right as I pick children up from school).  You would think, knowing it's coming, I would prep for it.  I have started to lie about my supper menu just to get them off my back.  That only creates disappointment when they find out the truth.  The truth being, I simply do not know what's for dinner.  

Why does it fall on me?  Why can't my lovely children share in this responsibility?  I guess the job was placed on my shoulders, just like laundry, dishes, taking out trash, replacing the trash can liner, refilling the empty toilet paper roll, feeding the pets, etc, etc, etc...

Well, my friends, I am turning over a brand new leaf.  I'm going to let my lovely children share in dinner responsibilities.  I'm over it.  Really over it.  There is no reason that my 3 intelligent, responsible, innovative children can't come up with the menu a couple times a week.  (I realize that my youngest is 2, but why not start grooming her domestic qualities now??).  If I give each child 2 days each week, (2 days X 3 kids = 6 days!!!) I am only left with one day to figure out.  And who's to say that we don't call that evening, "Take out Tuesday???"  LOVE IT!  

Whew, so glad to have dinner figured out for the week.  Just ask my kiddos, "Hey, what's for dinner?"  Let's see how that question makes them squirm for once! 

Good luck, suckahs!