Summer

So far, summer has been fantastic with a capital F! Hee-hee.

It has been so nice to have some freedom. No schedule to adhere to (at least not until camp starts).

I’ve given myself a pool pass as in, I’m not taking these kids to the pool. It is hell for me and frankly, I’m sick of it. Unless two adults can come, it ain’t gonna happen. Period. No Riley can’t swim yet. Yes, Seth is just starting to be able to, and yes, I know it is a safety issue, but my mental health is an even bigger safety issue. I’m too happy right now to discuss it, but let’s just say, the pool gives clay class a run for its money.

So…we’ve been working in the kitchen. Here they are peeling carrots for yesterday’s creamy carrot ginger soup.

And today we went to the library, which is nothing new, but what was new, is they got to stay as long as they wanted. No rushing. No, hurry up and get what you want because we have to go, go, go. I planted myself at a table in the children’s section where I had full view of the exit, and told them “Be off, take as much time as you want. We can stay for hours!” We’d just had lunch, so we were good for a while.

After years and years of having to follow Riley around navigating every possible social situation, waiting for the screams, I was the mom who got to just be in the vicinity, in ear shot for sure, but not hovering. Not in eye shot. It was bliss. One of the things about having a kid on the spectrum is you take nothing for granted. Every gain, every uneventful moment is a miracle.

I got a lot done at my little table. I’m singing a duet with Kathy at church on Sunday and I was able to go over the music. I did some writing that needed to be done for a project I’m working on. My little ducklings checked in often enough, piling the table with things they wanted to borrow. We filled two bags.

Un-rushed kids are happy kids.

    

 Here they are looking through Shel Silverstein’s A Light in the Attic.

 

 

 They couldn’t wait to show me this illustration:

 

 

It reminded them of a certain parent they know. The one who is on day two of a seven day stretch. The one they won’t be seeing much of this week.

The one who is never far from their hearts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Presently they are watching The Princess and the Frog (borrowed from the library). Seth is dancing to the New Orleans sound. Riley is sprawled on the couch.

Later we’ll take the Jing for a walk.

Did I mention I slept ’til nine today?

Fantastic with a capital F.

 

The Nailbiter

Some people manicure their nails,

Some people trim them neatly,

Some people keep them filed down,

I bite ’em off completely.

Yes, it’s a nasty habit,but

Before you start to scold,

Remember, I have never ever

Scratched a single soul.

 

-Shel Silverstein