No school = family fun

Endurance. It's not something I ever associated as necessary for motherhood before I had children. Trying to get healthy and over this respiratory infection has been such a challenge. I feel I have no energy and would love nothing better than to curl up in bed. I cannot, alas, as my husband had to go back to work, I have no family here to help, and paying for childcare is simply not in the budget at the moment! The boys had no school Monday or Tuesday, which truthfully I was happy about. Having them home means I don't have to worry about drop-offs and pick-ups or packing lunches. They entertain the younger two and help so much with the puppy. And even though I feel I have no energy, their love of life and little adventures is an enthusiasm that pushes me along. I confess there are still moments when I feel so weary I could weep, but as a mum I have to smile through it and take care of the brood. I think I hear my Grandpa's voice in my head telling me it's all about building character!

We didn't do anything crazy or expensive for their days off. We took our puppy to the dog park along the ocean and had a ball. Everyone was happy in the sunny fresh air and loved getting to meet all the other dogs. We were out two hours the first day and then well over three the second. Albert tired himself out completely socializing with the canine crowd and the children searched for beach treasures, of course, and had a riot playing in a fort they found under an uprooted huge West Coast tree. And we all had the best time meeting Emma and Gus, two-year-old Newfoundland dogs, who lived up to their reputation as affectionate and playful gentle giants.

I'm betting they won't remember me lacking energy these early months of 2009. I think they're going to have great memories of playing along the shore of the Pacific Ocean with their beloved pet, Albert, when he was just a baby dog meeting all the other dogs with his happy wiggle. Good times, many little blessings.