The Summer Break Dance

Ok, ladies about 5 weeks ago my life was turned upside down.  I knew it was coming.  I tried to prepare for it.  It’s only 7 weeks I told myself.  I made out a schedule of activities we could do each week.  I signed them up for swimming, guitar and drawing.  They were already in piano and gymnastics.  Bring it on, Summer Break! I’m ready for you.

I saw visions of having the best, well planned summer we’ve ever had.  What I did not figure into this equation was the fact that I gave birth to a baby and a business almost simultaneously.  They both need my attention.  They both can’t survive without me.  Since my biological baby takes priority over my business baby, I’ve planning my work around my daily life.   The question that’s lingered since about 1 week into summer vacation is ” How do I take care of a baby, two elementary age children, a business, my volunteer activities, my home and my husband without dropping everything and running out of my house screaming?”

Guess what?  I’m still learning the answer to this.  Oh, did you think I had some quick fix answer for you? Sorry, Charlie.  Nope, not today.  I’m enjoying having my kids home for summer.  It’s been fun-filled and it has flown by.  We are down to only two weeks before they return to school.  But, I’m doing the best I can to keep up.  Doing both – raising a family and a business (which is definitely in line with my calling) – has been a dance.  At times I feel that I’m gracefully leading and other times I feel I am hopping around with two left feet.

My day start at 4:30 am, Monday thru Friday to attend a fitness boot camp.  I arrive at 5:30 am and leave at 6:30 am.  My 7 month old and my husband are usually awake when I arrive home.  I jump in the shower and then I take the baby, while my husband prepares to leave for work.  I get the older two kids up.  While they are getting ready, I prepare breakfast.  We leave for whatever activity is planned for the day.  We try to be home by the time my youngest is ready for a nap.  When he’s napping, I’m working on and in this business.  This pretty much repeats throughout the day.  I’ve been purposeful about finding fun, enriching activities to do with the kids.  This has been great, but if I’m honest, it’s also been exhausting.

What about you?  I want to hear your summer break stories.    How do you do it?   What’s been your biggest challenge  doing both?  If you have tips for maneuvering through this dance we do (as moms) EVERY summer, please, leave a comment.