on baby watch. Online of course. I am keeping an eye on  Twitter and Facebook in case Shynea from Penny Pinching Diva or Jennifer from Baby Makin(g) Machinehave gone in labor yet.  Shynea had a fall over the weekend but all is okay. This will be her fifth addition, a little girl Jennifer is at 40 weeks waiting for her first, also a little girl. Affectionately known as Spawnie and Lil’ J.  Both Moms and their families are in my thoughts and prayers.

I have been back and forth on this. I am looking forward to summer because it means a little relaxation. I want to sleep in and take a break from homework. My kids get a lot of it. I need a break from drop offs and pick ups. I really, really do. This is when I think no to summer school.  But then I think about what no summer school means. All four kids. Here. All the time. I’m going to try to plan for activities but that might not always work out. I think I will miss those couple of hours of peace and quiet in the morning. Ok, I know I will miss them. Summer school is only for five weeks. Four days a week.

Yeah, I am voting for summer school. Let’s just keep it real

Jazz came home with such an interesting award. The Quiet Can Be Strong Award. Her English teacher passed out awards to each of the students that described them. The award Jazz brought home had the Chinese symbol meaning peaceful and quiet on the front. There was also a message from her teacher that said ” You have amazing sense of self, strength and confidence“. On the back were encouraging words from all of her classmates.

Jazz was actually surprised with the way her peers see her. A happy surprise. Of course as her Mom I already see her as being strong and amazing. Ahh, another proud moment for me

The kids have noticed that school is almost done for this year. Yes, the official countdown has begun. There are 19 days until school is out for summer. I have to admit I am not totally prepared. I honestly thought I had way more time.  So I have to get on the ball. Summer is coming and these kids need things to do because I do not want to hear every day “I’m bored”. I  have a few ideas:

• A family Zoo pass. We can go there a few times a weeks. I can take all the kids and my nephew. That will cover exercise and give us something to do.
• For Jazz, a few of the high schools will have a evening recreation program just for teens. It is all summer long, Monday thru Thursday from 6-9 pm.  There will be swimming, music, enrichment classes and sport leagues to choose from. And it is free!
• The Park. I am thinking I can check out their event schedule and try a few things out. Maybe some outdoor concerts. We always can something to do at the park even if it is just playing, walking or fishing.
• Public Library. There is a lot of free things to do. Some of the events coming up include  family fun night with face painting and a scavenger hunt, magic shows, and bingo.
• Milwaukee Public Museum. It is free on Monday. We can pack lunches and make a day of it.

These are just a few of the things I am thinking we can do. What are your plans for keeping the kids busy this summer?