Scream, from the inside out because of my crazy calendar in these recent weeks, is all I have wanted to do, because I deep down I keep feeling like I am failing on most levels, especially as a mom.
Whoever said the last few weeks before school ends is easy on us moms truly wasn’t a mom, I believe.
See, I am truly burnt from the inside out right now from all the end of the year school activities for both my girls.
Don’t get me wrong, I know they are meant to fun and rewarding for the the kids, but still trying to keep track of them all has been nothing short of mind frazzling.
See each day leading up to the conclusion of school, which doesn’t end here until June 26th at 10:10 am here on Long Island in NY, seems to include some sort of ‘fun’ school sanctioned pastime.
By the way, you read that time correct for the last day of school. I am truly not sure who decided the last day of school for kids should be less than 2 hours long, but still it is and that is another story for another day.
But still, the last three weeks leading up to this final day of school seems to find my kids having some sort of event that has had me running and practically hopping from one thing to the next.
Somedays multiple recreations even come into play.
However let’s just take for instance one recent day in particular to illustrate my point.
On this day in question, after both my girls were dropped off at school, the very first thing I did was to come home to finish up a recent blog transfer for a client. By the way, I am still trying my best to keep up with my clients if nothing else as time permits.
Then, I was off to the local mall to buy end of the year teacher gifts.
Next up, found me retrieving the pre-schooler from her 2 1/2 daily school stint.
It was now lunchtime, so I prepared lunch before leaving my younger girl with my mom so I could attend my older daughter’s very special person day picnic.
Bless her heart, I was hand-picked by her to attend as her special person guest and make no mistake I was honored by her kind-hearted request.
But that meant making sure I brought all her favorites with me, such as game, blanket, book and even a special snack, which found me stopping off at Dunkin Donuts for her favorite pink iced donut with chocolate milk before making my way to her school.
The picnic was so much fun and seeing her face light up was definitely worth it.
But once it was over, we had to switch gears as I signed her out of school instead of her taking the bus home, because she had an eye doctor’s appointment to check her eye that she scratched the week earlier with a candy bar wrapper.
Sad but true, only my kids manage to scratch their corneas while I am washing dinner time dishes (true story my friends!!).
Did I mention that it had been pajama day at her school for spirit week?
So before I could take her to her checkup, we had to stop off at our house to change her from her pajamas to shorts and a tank top, where she whined about which outfit she would wear.
Finally made it out the door, an hour passed and she was given the green light that her eye was healed by the eye doctor.
We raced home, so this mom could get some dinner into herself before needing to be off and running to a Daisy end of the year party for my oldest still.
We didn’t return until well after 8 pm that night.
Bedtime couldn’t come sooner for my girls, as well as this mom, too!
Still that my friends was just Tuesday!
Moral of the story is, if lately this mom has seemed a bit stressed, frazzled or just plain off the grind, it is because right now I am being pulled in quite a few different directions by all here with the end of the school year hustle and bustle and add to that two kids sick yet again, as well.
So I beg all to have a heart and for god’s sake don’t give me any more to add to my already jam packed calendar this week or else I might just have to scream at the very least!
This post was written for the One Word Blog Linkup that is hosted by Lisa of The Golden Spoons (who is off this week on vacation), Marcia of Blogitudes and yours truly, too.
The words for this week are: Trust or Scream; Please feel free to linkup and join us this week.
[inlinkz_linkup id=536371 mode=1]
Melanie says
Our last day was yesterday and as a larent and a teacher, I couldn’t agree with you more. The last few weeks of school are exhausting. I’ve never been more ready for a break! Good luck!!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Melanie and counting down here, too now!!
Bev says
I’ve heard how nutty the end of the school year can be. I don’t understand why schools jam in so many activities — it seems to put a lot of pressure on the parents! Good luck these next few weeks.
Janine says
Aw, thanks Bev and I get the fun aspect of it for the kids, but I admit I am been running myself ragged trying to keep up and not miss anything important for my girls right now still, too.
Liza Hawkins says
Agree. End of year was NUTS. (We’re done already, though – yay!)
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Got one more week and seriously it can’t come quick enough now!!
Alison Wilkinson says
It is totally overwhelming. Today is my son’s last “day” of school (3 hours long – I’d rather just keep him home!).
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Alison, next Friday is my daughter’s and she is there for less then 2 hours. Seriously, what is up with that!!
Diane Roark says
Janine,
I truly feel your pain. It seems like the end of a school year is way to busy. This year was exceptionally hard. We had several kids with things on the same day and the same time. Luckily, Jerry was home and we were able to split up. Since Casey was a senior, we had all the end of the year senior events plus he play 4 to 5 baseball games a week and I was still trying to blog. He also had a state baseball game 2 1/2 hours a way the day before graduation. If they would have won, the baseball team would have stay to play the state championship and not went to graduation. We had family coming in town for graduation and we did not know if we would be home or if Casey would graduate with his class. It was a crazy stressful week. Luckily, that was in May and we are all finished for this year and only two more kids to graduation.
I love reading your posts. It helps to know I am not the only mom who thinks she is going crazy and failing. You are the best! Hang in there!!
Blessings,
Diane Roark
Janine says
Aw, you are the best too and truly helps to know it isn’t just me either. So thank you for that and more!!! 😉 <3
Lisa @ The Golden Spoons says
I totally feel your pain!!!!! I can’t believe your kids have school until the 26th. Yesterday was the last day for mine and even that felt like forever. Plus, their last two day were half days which meant they were dismissed 2 1/2 hours earlier than normal. Last week was all their end of year stuff – parties, awards, etc. and, as you know, Emily was sick with a sore throat & 100 degree fever for 4 of those 5 days which meant even more juggling than I had originally planned. Just hang on – there is a light at the end of the tunnel. (And, if it make you feel any better, this is our first day our and it took me 20 minutes to type this comment because my kids interrupted me about 5 billion times! )
Janine says
Lisa, I can’t believe we go to the 26th either and just crazy. As for the first week, they are off I am planning on running one guest post on Monday and then the rest of the week leading into the 4th off (As we have One Word off anyways), because I don’t think I want to fight those interruptions anymore than I have to. So god bless you for doing that and seriously sending you so much love right now!!! 😉
Seana Turner says
I always say that September, December and either May or June (depending on where you life) are the craziest months. I think June can be the toughest because it just doesn’t seem to be as “top of mind” to spouses and friends that you are frantic, whereas in December everybody is on the same page!
Janine says
I agree with you about June versus December as it seems it hits us all pretty much the same way, but not so for June.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
It’s that time of the year and honestly, it just gets worse as they get older. There is more and more this time of the year.
Janine says
Totally agree Robin and I am only just beginning though. So heaven help me!!
Amanda Rodriguez says
So happy our last day is tomorrow!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
I cannot wait for next week to be over, too!!
Mary Widdicks says
I think summer is busier than the school year for us…
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Mary, very much agreed and getting there these last few weeks is half the battle.
karen says
Totally here you and will scream with you. Even though I love what I do, I hate that two hours are wasted to commuting. My days are so busy with working, then racing home to do that HUGE list of getting ready for the next day and getting the AJ to bed. Then there’s rushing to karate , homework, and so on and on and on….
June is even worse with the damn NYS regents exams and AJ finishing school this week!!!!
Janine says
Karen, I would think June would be better, but agree it is just that much worse and hectic. Here is to a more relaxed July very soon for us!!
Bill says
You aren’t failing as a mother, silly lady. You just care too much. 🙂 Is that possible, for a parent to care too much? Probably not, but I think you understand my tongue in cheek comment….you love your kids but you are only human, so cut yourself some slack and enjoy the hell out of this day.
Janine says
Aw, thanks Bill and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. You are seriously one hell of a guy and friend, too!!!! Have a wonderful day, too once again 😉
Amy Nielson says
Yes!! It makes me crazy. Can’t anyone plan their end of the year reviews/concerts in, say April? Stagger these things people.
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
I know staggering truly would help wonders and couldn’t agree more!!
Ginny Marie says
The end of the year is crazy! It seemed like I was at school volunteering for all the end of the school year activities every single day! Our last day was over at 12:10, and my kids asked me why they just didn’t end school at 12:00. Those crazy ending times just don’t make sense, do they!
Janine says
They totally don’t and still trying to figure it out. Someone said it is so they at least get credit for the day, but still ridiculous!!
Emily says
I’m so with you on this calendar screaming…I used to think September was bad, but now I think June madness is worse. And why do NY schools have to end so late? It drives me nuts every year bc the last 2-3 weeks of school, they basically do nothing, have a bunch of 1/2 days the last week and then the final day — 30 minutes long!! I can’t stand that! Counting down until summer officially starts!
Janine says
Emily, I agree with everything you just said and seriously these last two weeks aren’t even worth it and if we just ended two weeks earlier and cut out all the half days and such I , too, would be a much happier and sane parent!!!
Joy @ Yesterfood says
Janine, you totally win the Crazy Schedule!! Oh, my gosh, and bless your sweet heart! I bet there is no one on the plant who is looking forward to June 27th more than you are! 🙂 ♥
Janine says
Joy, thank you so much and trust me June 27th cannot come quick enough right now for me!! 😉 <3
Marcia @ Blogitudes says
Okay – just reading about your Tuesday makes me feel tired. Think I need a nap. Wow! Hang in there, Janine. Slower days are coming. I hope your sick little ones feel better very soon and that you all can enjoy lazy summer afternoons in the very near future. 🙂
Janine says
Aw, thanks Marcia and I would so take that nap if I could, too!! 😉
Rabia @TheLiebers says
We went straight from the last week of school to a vacation week at home, and BOY! What a difference! Things are so much more relaxed right now. Even though I’m shuttling the kids around to camps and having them hang out in my office some afternoons, this is so much better than HOMEWORK!
Janine says
Rabia, I cannot wait for no more homework. Believe it or not the kindergartner has no more homework, but the pre-schooler graduates tomorrow and had homework tonight! So over it!!
Kristen Miller Hewitt says
You are soooo not failing! Hang in there and glad your little one is on the mend…
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Aw, thanks again Kristen and mean that from the bottom of my heart!! 🙂
Eli@CoachDaddy says
Wait until the kids get older, and the complain that they do NOTHING the last week of school after EOGs. But then there’s yearbooks to buy and library books to return and final grades and transcripts. Oh, and this girl is having a pool party and I want to visit that college next week.
Know what? It’s all a beautiful mess, isn’t it?
Janine says
It really is Eli and as much as this mom doth protest too much, I still enjoy most of the ride, too! 😉
Kristen says
It is SO overwhelming – school that is. It really maxes out most parents…you are so NOT failing! Hang in there…you are almost done!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Kristen and seriously can’t say enough I appreciate you saying that, because man do I feel like I am sinking quickly here with all that has been going on.
Aunt Gloria says
What a crazy schedule! Too much to keep up with. I can’t help but think what it must be like for the parents who have jobs away from home! The kids are put under too much stress…..and no wonder they get sick! Stress will do that to me. But it is what it is and hope you are winding down now. That 10:10 am end of school year is probably related to hours the school needs for funding….not thinking about the kids and their families! What’s new?
Oh well, not to continue along this line…..hope most of it was fun and the girls enjoyed the activities and parties.
Hope Emma is feeling OK. We’ll catch up with a visit when it works for all. Love…..xxoo
Janine says
Aw, thanks Aunt Gloria and will definitely catch up soon now!! Love you too xoxo 😉
Leslie says
Oh, Janine, that is one insane schedule! And as far as I’m concerned, a school day less than four hours doesn’t actually count as a school day. Glad to know that your daughter’s eye healed. I have to admit, though, being on the other side is nice and relaxing – even though our schedule starts only a half hour later than it used to, and the girls still have an alarm, our mornings are so much easier. Only one week left and then you get to have a break from that insanity (just to replace it with a different kind of insanity I’m sure).
Janine says
Thanks so much Leslie and I really cannot wait for this week to be over now to be honest!!
My Inner Chick says
I work for the Duluth Schools.
The last 2 weeks were WILD & Crazy w/ dunk tanks, picnics, hotdogs, goodbyes, & LOTS of field trips.
I get your pain, girlfriend! It’s sort of bittersweet.
Janine says
Definitely is very bittersweet and agree totally 😉
Tamara says
Our last day of school is the 24th at noon and I thought that was the latest one I’d heard about. Your school takes the cake.
And sheesh – calendar help is crucial. I can barely breathe by your schedule! Really hope everyone is on the mend. Scratched corneas and spring viruses – boo! Cassidy has a weird one right now.
Janine says
Aw, Tamara I am typing this as I hold an ice pack on Emma’s head as she got so upset tonight taking her medicine that she made herself sick to her stomach. She finally just fell asleep and wore herself out. More over sicknesses, I could not be now!!
Nellie says
Girl I am in the same boat. JUNE IS CRAZY ON THE SCHEDULE!! just a couple more weeks though and we will make it through.
Janine says
Nellie, together we can do this 😉
Claire says
Oh my goodness, I was exhausted just reading about your day! you poor thing! you need a day where you stay in bed all day and do things you want only!!!! (if only that existed once becoming a mum). Good to know that we all have those kind of days – mine thankfully are not as hectic as I only have one littler person to look after! Thanks so much for sharing, and fingers crossed you get a break soon!
Janine says
Aw thanks Claire and I have my fingers crossed now, too!! 😉
Pam@over50feeling40 says
As a high school teacher for 16 years, the end of school is always nuts…just the nature of the beast. Thanks for sharing your parenting journey with the Thursday Blog Hop!
Janine says
Aw, thank you for sharing with me, too Pam!! 😉
Jack says
I hear you, the end of the school year comes around and I always want to go charging into it except half the time I feel like I am stumbling/falling . It is such a crazy time.
Janine says
I know you described exactly how I do feel!!
lisacng @ expandng.com says
Sounds like a crazy Tuesday indeed! I guess that’s just our lives. Crazy crazy crazy. Just remember to breathe 🙂 Adorable that she chose you as her special person to invite.
Janine says
Aw, thanks Lisa and breathing is a great tip 😉
Dana says
This is our last week, and I’m pooped. It doesn’t help that we leave for vacation on Sunday either. Hang in there, Janine – the end is in sight!
Janine says
Thanks Dana and it is almost within my reach now – almost 😉
Jen says
Eeek I hear you! We have been on summer break for about 3 weeks now and I am happily mostly calendar free right now. Hang on Mom you are almost there 🙂
Janine says
Aw, thanks Jen and I just can’t wait now!! 😉
Anonymous says
Your day sounds like a day off I had with my two a few years back or the days my wife has when I am off at school teaching kids. The end of the year has its issues – there just is too much to do in the time allotted – something has to go. AND, June 26? That’s crazy, haw many days were added because of the weather? Here we had three days added and our last day was 6/8 – legally they can only add 5 extra days to the end of the year. Oh my – have a great weekend and kick up your heels!
Janine says
Aw, thanks and we truly didn’t have much added with the weather to be honest. This is NY and technically we usually end around this time, but it stinks in my book, because feels like we end and summer is already in full swing. Wish we would end closer to the beginning of June like most of the rest of the country, because definitely so fried at this point to be honest!
lisacng @ expandng.com says
Did my comment not go through again? So strange. I can’t see it using the “find” function in Firefox. Anyways, just wanted to say that I know what those days are like. Just remember to breathe :).
Janine says
I just checked and you were comment #59 on my end. And thank you again for the advice to breathe 😉
Kristi Campbell says
I so get it, Janine!! Today was my son’s last day of school – he got out 2 hours early. There were two kindergarten concerts, an ice cream truck one day, a field trip to the library… and I did all of it because I kept thinking how much I’ll miss these young years when he’s older. So tired though! Good luck next week and I hope you find some time for you!
Janine says
Aw, Kristi, you said it perfectly and did it all so that I wouldn’t miss a moment and regret it down the road. But seriously so, so tired right now and sadly just can’t wait for next Friday right now, but so glad you are all done right now. Hugs 😉
Aunt Gloria says
I’m not sure my posts are registering. I wrote a comment the other day but I don’t see it. I also wrote something on your piece about Lily’s tantrums (4 and 5 year olds). Let me know if you are seeing them.
Hope Emma is OK and have a good weekend. xxoo
Janine says
They are and not sure why you aren’t seeing your comments, but can tell you I am answering and can see them when I search them on the actual page. Sorry for any confusion here. Love you and have a great weekend xoxo 😉
Oana says
I hate the last 2 weeks of school too. I really really do not see the sense of it:) . i am a teacher too and for me as a grownup the last weeks are verry verry stressy, My concentration =0. I can imagine it’s 10 times worse for the kids…
Janine says
Oana, I know I was a teacher before having kids and very much agree about the last two weeks of school. Just glad to know it isn’t just me.
Rea says
Looks like the end of school is really a busy one! I’m sure you can manage though! I’ve been quite out of the blogland lately only to be back during weekends at the very least. Hope everything goes well!
Janine says
Aw, I hear you on just being plain busy and taking off now when I can from blogland, as well. Hope all is well with you again now and have a great rest of the weekend!! 😉
Corinne Rodrigues says
Hugs, Janine! I have no kids to say that I empathize, but I know that parents often pay the price for the teacher’s creative projects! Deep breaths, my dear!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Corinne and hugs right back at you 😉
LINDSAY KLEIN says
I get this way ALL THE TIME! I don’t even have kids yet!!!!! Calendars just intimidate me, the week ahead intimidates me! I don’t have any anxiety most of the time except when I think about my “calendar”….sigh, it’s because we value “time”, and spending it wisely…..xo
Janine says
Lindsay, you said this perfectly and I agree about just thinking ahead – always does stress me so much xoxo
The Pinterested Parent says
Mai isn’t in school yet, but I have heard the horrors of summer vacation from my friends that do. We are doing an expansion and rebuild on a new house, while staging our home and getting it on the market. I am feeling stressed with a full schedule too. Hang in there mama, we will all make it through.
Janine says
Aw, thank you Kim and got my fingers crossed for us both now 😉