Being Fun Mommy

Sometimes we all get so wrapped up in the chaos of parenting, that we forget that sometimes we have to just drop everything in the name of fun. 

The past couple of weeks have been full of long work hours, new camp schedules, high temperatures, too much to do, not enough time – probably the same stuff most parents are going through around this time. I don’t know why it is – but summertime seems to be as much, if not more work as the school year. I literally have a spreadsheet that I use to keep track of camps, carpools, and anything else that requires coordination. I think I have earned an advanced degree in Microsoft Excel by now.  

On top of all the hustle and bustle of parenting, we also hit a big milestone in my husband’s cancer battle. It was 3 years ago last week that cancer entered my family's life. For colon cancer patients, the doctors tell you plan a small party at the three year cancer-free mark and at year five – go ahead and plan the big blowout of all parties. Ninety-five percent of this type of cancer or related cancers will return within the first 3 years.  So as of last week – we are officially considered in REMISSION! 

As great as the news is – the past few weeks leading up to it were filled with anxiety. So, when my husband asked me around 1p on Friday afternoon, what I thought about dropping everything and getting away – I was all for it! We got off work, packed us all up, picked up the kids from camp – and headed out of town.  The look on their faces when they saw the suitcases in the car and found out about our plans – was priceless.  

We headed East – spent some time with my Mom aka 'Nana' in New York City and then spent a day at the Jersey Shore. We were even ‘lucky’ enough to run into Snooki & her MTV gang on the boardwalk! While the sights were great, it was the time we spent reconnecting with the kids and each other that really made it worth-while. 

Of course, coming home late to a messy house and piles of laundry are the price to pay for such spontaneity – it was totally worth it – at least this time!  

I read this quote recently by John Wooden: "Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." And it reminded me that we need to realize that it's ok to slow down once in a while and make a conscience effort to just let things slide in the name of being Fun Mommy/Daddy. Your whole family will benefit from it – trust me. 

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