Maybe it’s because I’m a teacher, but I feel compelled to think about my summer vacation and report on it. I will spare you from naming this blog post ”My Summer: An Essay” and go with the ever-loved “Top 10″ list about what this summer has brought to me. I have experienced new things and learned cool stuff. I ain’t no David Letterman, but I’ll give it a go…
#10- Minnesota will always be “home” to me. I have lived in other states (Tennessee and Illinois) for almost 10 years, and yet, Minnesota always feels like home. Period. Visiting there last week, after 5 years away, definitely confirmed that!
#9- No matter how shallow this sounds, I’m saying it: If you feel self-conscious in a bathing suit, go to Hurricane Harbor @ Great America. There are plenty of people walking around there who will make you feel good–no matter what shape or size you are!
#8- I’m addicted to caffiene, sugar and processed foods. And while I try to cut them out, I’m not very successful for long periods of time. Ever. While enjoying these health-deteriorating delights, I love to pop open a Diet Pepsi. Really?! What sense does THAT make?!
#7- Owen is ready for Kindergarten. And I am ready to send him! A part of me can’t believe it, and the other part of me is thrilled for him! He is going to do great. And I don’t think I’ll cry when I drop him off the first day.
#6- Maggie is FUNNY. She has a great sense of humor and is all about cracking us up. I’m telling you all now, she’s the comedian in this family.
#5- My relationship with Jason is more stressed when our kids are around. I never would’ve thought that would be true of us, but it is. When we are alone, life is easier. Many of our disagreements have to do with parenting, disciplining, and how things should be handled in particular circumstances. I know this might not be new news to most parents, but it wasn’t something I anticipated for us when we had kids. And this summer, I’ve really reflected on that. I guess that’s part of reality of parenting and we do understand that. But let me tell you, our little Minnesota get-away was such a treat for us!!!
#4- The more I think I know the area we live in, the more I realize I know NOTHING at all! I have found new, fun things to do and places to go. I must get out and explore more. I know there are a ba-jillion things I haven’t even done yet and I’ve lived in Winthrop Harbor for nearly 8 years! Can you believe this summer was the first time I went to Kenosha’s amazing Farmer’s Market down by lake? What have I been waiting for?! We’ve gone more than once in the last few months.
#3- I love the ladies that Jason works with! I have become wonderful friends with many of them and my kids love them, too! I’ve got nothin’ but love for the OC! 
#2- I am not as patient as I like to believe I am. Just ask poor Jason.
#1- I have no idea how I survived without an SUV. I have hauled more stuff, had more space, and enjoyed watching the kids be a bit happier in the car because of it. Seriously, our Envoy is such a GIFT to us!!!
Having nearly 3 months off of work with my husband and kids is pretty amazing. I do not take one second for granted, that’s forsure. So as the Summer of 2010 comes to a close and I head into the next school year, I will keep these thoughts and (many other) memories with me forever!
