Today, Kristen from The Preppy Girl in Pink is taking over. Kristen is one of those people that you feel like you’ve known for your whole life. She’s such a gifted writer and connector and one amazing Mom to two beautiful girls. I was so excited to meet her in person back in May and I’m honored to have her here today.
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Hi, I’m Kristen from The Preppy Girl in Pink. I’m a wife and mommy trying to find the balance between living, loving and paying the bills. It is a real treat for me to guest post for Christine. I feel like I should have brought a wet suit, sneakers and sunscreen. You never know what kind of adventure you are going to go on when you hang out with her. I am very lucky to have met Christine in real life and she is even more inspiring in real life than she is on her blog. She is the kind of friend that can make you laugh, allow you to vent and then tell you that there is still time to get in a workout. 
Christine, I hope you and your family are off enjoying yourselves and you are unplugging as much as possible!
And now for my guest post…
My husband barely has time to walk in the door from work before I start saying, “I’m done. This has been such a hard day. I need a break.”
He takes off his tie and walks over to give me a hug and a kiss. “I’m sorry, babe. What do you need from me?”
I want to say that I need a week alone, with no one to answer to, no phone, no computer, no clock and no calendar. Instead I tell him that I just need some time to fold the laundry in peace without having to hear, “I’m bored.” “She’s looking at me.” “She’s touching me.” “Why can’t we just watch TV all day?” “I don’t want to play outside. It’s too hot.”
I can’t stand folding laundry but when I count it as “me” time and my husband is keeping the girls distracted by playing with them or getting them out of the house for a bit…it is blissful.
It’s not that I don’t enjoy my girls’ company but the summer is coming to an end. They are done…like stick a fork in them and serve done! They miss the routine of school. They miss their teachers. They miss their friends.
We have had a great summer with lots of memories made and our hearts entangled tighter together. I know that they are ready for more though. The summer is fun. Every one of us needs a break but truly after a while, aren’t we all done? Don’t we all crave a routine and structure?
As much as I tried to give them the balance of vacation and routine, after so many weeks it just isn’t working anymore. Ash told us that she missed the challenges at school and when Bean told us that she was ready for the work to get harder in 3rd grade. It bothered my heart at first that they were ready to go back to school but then I felt a proud parenting moment coming on.
I realized that we have taught our girls that life isn’t just about letting things happen. We have taught them that life is about taking control and making things happen. We have shown them that with education, hard work and determination that they can make their lives whatever they want them to be.
My girls aren’t just ready to go back to school; they are trying to take control of where their lives are going…even at the young ages of 10 and 8. Sometimes, I need to remind myself to give them credit where credit is due.
Are your children ready to go back to school?
You can find Kristen here:
- Blog: The Preppy Girl in Pink
- Twitter: @KristenPGIP
P.S. Don’t forget to enter my Mizuno Mezamashii Run Project giveaway for your chance to win a free pair of running shoes! Entries close on Friday, August 24th!
You’re a great mom, Kristen! To have kids who say they WANT to go back to school? An accomplishment.
Alison recently posted..What I Do When I Have Two Hours To Myself
Thanks, Alison. They are so excited that tomorrow is their teacher meet and greet. They have been counting down the days!
Kristen recently posted..Guest Post at Love Life Surf
NOT YET.
IM sooooo glad it’s coming monday.
we still have time
Miz recently posted..S.L.A.P.: the power of a personal catchphrase.
I can’t say that I am actually ready either. They are just itching to get back into the routine. I am dreading the mornings. Those just about do me in!
Kristen, this is a lovely post! And my gosh, I LOVE seeing you on Christine’s blog. It’s like having 2 of my favorite women in the same room! It’s wonderful that you can recognize this trait in your girls, of them wanting the structure back. Catching and capturing the positive sides of our kids is so important.
I SO know the feeling of wanting to fold laundry alone!
ilene recently posted..Light
Thank you, Ilene. I’m excited to be here. I was hoping I would get to try out her J-Core but she took it with her.
I am thrilled my girls love school so much. They can have a fever and will beg to go to school during the year. I hope they always feel like this.
Kristen recently posted..Guest Post at Love Life Surf
I think our family is in the same boat. My little girl starts kindergarten next week and I think we are more than ready to get into “school” routine. This summer has been full of fun, and changes, for both of my kids so getting back on track is vital. I personally don’t thinks that we, or they, can handle this anymore. So glad Christine asked you to guest post. I’ll be checking out more on your blog moving forward!
Michelle recently posted..IronGirl Triathlon 2012 – Done!
Yes! My girls asked why summer break had to be so long. I told them that the teachers need to rest up and recharge to get ready for the new kids they will be teaching.
Looking forward to getting to know you better!
Kristen recently posted..Guest Post at Love Life Surf
My girls are ready too. They want to pack backpacks and choose which uniform (pants/skirt/capris/shorts) they’ll wear the first day. And you’re right; it does come down to being done. They’re just done. It’s normal, I think. No matter how much we have during the summer, they want to get back to “normal”. (And I’m giggling because laundry is my me time if I have to stay home to get the me time).
Arnebya recently posted..Yesterday I Wasn’t Nice
My girls have their backpacks all packed too! Their first day clothes are hanging in the front of the closet. Too funny!! I don’t ever remember being like that when I was their age.
And doing laundry when I am by myself is actually very relaxing. It is once again the “routine” of it all that soothes.
Kristen recently posted..Guest Post at Love Life Surf
Can you hear me whooping? I can’t WAIT. B has preschool three days this year and I am looking forward to some time alone- with the twins.
Your daughters are lovely and I admit, I utter the saying ‘I’m DONE’ daily.
I can hear you all the way up the coast, Farrah!! Our first two months of summer were awesome but we are all done! They need the structure and I need them to stop being so miserable. I guess having them grumpy about missing school is better than having them grumpy for having to go back though, right?! Pilsner half-full
Kristen recently posted..Guest Post at Love Life Surf
none of this surprises me..because you are such an incredible person and mom…Your girls wanting to go back to school or just being excited for their LIVES is such a compliment.
plus you are HERE (I finally got a subscription Christine…love your blog) , two of my very very favorite people in one space. I am giggling with the LOVE.
(plus please come and help me fold laundry, it wil our “GIRL TIME” !!!)
xxoo
Kir recently posted..Velvet Verbosity:Trifecta:Troth: Acquiescence
Thanks so much, Kirsten. We have our teacher meet and greet today and the girls are trying to choose their “outfits”. I am cracking up that they will get to meet their teachers for all of about 5 mins but they have been going through their clothes for an hour.
I will help you fold your laundry any day…as long as it is not a fitted sheet.
Kristen recently posted..Guest Post at Love Life Surf
Christine, Thanks again for inviting me to hang out at your place. I can’t wait to see how the day unfolds! Now, go get off of the computer and splash in the water with those sweet boys of yours!!
Kristen recently posted..Guest Post at Love Life Surf
It’s always a treat to hear that kiddos are eager to learn..I really don’t remember a time growing up when I was excited, or ready for school. Now that i’m older I enjoy learning, but I think it’s because it’s on my own terms
lol
Fall will be a welcome treat for us all this year..The girls will have their routine again and mom will have some more “quiet” time. Xoxo
kristin recently posted..Me, Myself & I Link Up
Yes, we all need some Fall routine in this house! We actually start field hockey tonight as well. It will be great to be back in the swing of things. xoxo
Kristen recently posted..Guest Post at Love Life Surf
My girls are ready – mostly. They are definitely ready to be done with each other! As excited as we all are at the beginning of the summer, like you said, they are just done by the end of summer. Too much together time means they are fighting almost constantly by the end of the summer. It’s terrible! I’m so ready for the routine of the school year, and I know my husband is, too. Waking up early will be a shock for them next week, but I know they’ll quickly adjust to the routine. And honestly? They both love school, and I’m pretty proud that we’ve instilled that love in them. The reason I say we’re only mostly ready is because we have a lot of nerves about starting middle school!
Katie E recently posted..The Longest Day #iPPP
I just replied on your post that I am freaked out about middle school. Holy shnikes!! It seems like they should get a whole day there to map it all out, not a crowded, crazy two hours.
Next year at this time, I will be calling Jenny for advice for Ash!
Kristen recently posted..Guest Post at Love Life Surf
You are such a good mom and it shows in your girls desire to learn and be challenged. I feel the same way at the end of most days. Being a mom is such a full time job that sometimes at the end of the day I want to “punch”my time card and be done.
Julia recently posted..Merry-Go-Round
Julia, Thank you! Also, you may be on to something. We should at least have a timecard to punch out for a break, right?! Isn’t it a law that you have to have a break every so many hours?
Kristen recently posted..Guest Post at Love Life Surf
Sooooooo true- we went back this week adn they were ready and excited about their new textbooks- funny, since I remember being excited about them too! Tim for some school shopping and ice cream:) Tim for another MNO to the secret location you have chosen…I am there! xo
I always loved getting my text books too! I couldn’t wait to scan through them.
And yes…MNO is on! I’ll send out an email next week.
Kristen recently posted..Guest Post at Love Life Surf
Sorry for typos- “and” and “Time”
Wow, it’s already back to school time
I hated this moment when I was a kid.
I plan on having kids soon and homeschooling sounds better and better to me. Unfortunately, in Europe it’s a little harder to do that, so I’ll have to weigh all the options when time comes.
Mariella Lombardi recently posted..How Do I Tell My Teenage Daughter She Needs to Lose Weight?
Yes, it is that time again. When I was in school we didn’t go back until after Labor Day but now they go back earlier. Thank goodness too because my girls are sooo ready!
Kristen recently posted..Guest Post at Love Life Surf
This is the first summer where I’m not ready to send my kids back. They are now 11 and 7, and I think it’s that they’re at an age where I really enjoy doing things with them–they’re little people now! That said, these last (and final) two weeks of summer has involved more bickering than the rest of summer, so maybe they are ready for more structure.
Good luck with the transition!
misszippy recently posted..Running style
I am at such great ages too at 10 & 8 and our summer was awesome. We enjoyed it so much but I think they are just craving their routine. I am definitely going to miss them when they get on that bus.
Kristen recently posted..Guest Post at Love Life Surf
I love this post! And I understand completely. As we’ve talked about, this has been one of our best summers ever – truly. And I’m so sad to see it ending. But – you’re right – there comes a time when the routine and structure? They just need to be back.
Missy | Literal Mom recently posted..Back to School Week and a Vacation
If they hadn’t started bickering a couple weeks back, I would still be thrilled to have them home but they don’t see it as quality time like I do. They are kids and they miss their teachers, friends and school itself. I’m going to be the one all weepy when they skip back to their classrooms.
Kristen recently posted..Guest Post at Love Life Surf
Their excitement about learning, growing, and experiencing new things makes me smile!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell recently posted..Unidentified and Unwanted – WW
Me too, Liz. They have been playing school (between bickering) the last couple of weeks and have come up with some great projects to work on. I love that they love to learn.
Kristen recently posted..Guest Post at Love Life Surf
Your husband sounds amazing!! From the complaints I hear around the office, you really hit the lotto with him
P.S. I found a difference between me and you. I LOVE folding laundry no matter when or where. hahaha
Jax recently posted..Life: Bethany Beach
Thanks, Jax. I did hit the lotto. He is a great husband and an amazing daddy.
As far as the laundry, I have plenty if you are ever bored.
Kristen recently posted..Guest Post at Love Life Surf
My boys were definitely in need of getting back to a routine! This was a beautiful post. It seems like you’re empowering to very strong women! GOOD JOB!
Adrienne recently posted..$30 Guy and Eva Gift Certificate Giveaway
Thank you, Adrienne. I just want them to be strong and have pride in themselves so when it is decision making time, they make the right ones.
Kristen recently posted..Random Act of Kindness
I love this post. Adore it actually. You sound like me, but I felt that way at the beginning of August.
Leigh Powell Hines @Hinessightblog recently posted..The One Thing As a Mom I Can’t Do Without: Summer Camps
I just read your post about summer camps and I am totally with you. August needs more structure for my girls too. Flying by the seat of our pants just didn’t cut it.
Kristen recently posted..Random Act of Kindness
Love this, girl!
Teaching your girls about balance and taking control of fate is a gift, and a big one at that! {One that I’m still working on, too!}
Galit Breen recently posted..Watching, and Seeing
We still have a week but I think we’re all ready to get back into a routine even though it’s not an easy task.
Robbie recently posted..Clueless 2012