She slept in and then it was off for bagels and bacon, followed by swim practice. At first we were going to skip swim practice, but Margo told me she slept as long as she could and well that left room for swim practice. Now we are at the library with her friend Aria. We came to the Vineland branch, it has a great kids area, and special computers just for them. Ok, this will cover half the day, but I have an open slot between library and gymnastics, what to do then? Oh did I tell you I am trying to create TV Free Days. Yes I am crazy to even think of such a thing, but I want to know if it is possible. Do I have it in me to fill the day with creativity, quiet time, study time, play time and even cooking time? I do not know, but today is the first day to try.
Do I have goals for summer with Margo? Yes a big resounding yes! Whatever they are and I will lay them out here, each must be surrounded by friends, adventure and fun, FAF, if you need a mnemonic of some sort. FAF is a great way to start the first day of summer. Margo's adventure starts with a bit of 'controlled chaos', by playing a game of sharks and minnows in the pool with the swim team. Her coaches try to encourage her to catch someone, and she heads for them, then averts off towards the wall, wanting to get there first. Eventually she will figure out the order of sharks and minnows. There really is order in chaos, and eventually Margo will learn to understand that. But right now, I put her in the middle of it all. When she looks a bit confused the coach steps in and tells her that she is a shark now, or a minnow, and then all rights itself. Next week, one of the coaches will join in the fun, and then she will learn a bit more about order and fun in chaos.
Today, the library is her choice destination to share with her friend Aria. Right now they are on the kiddie computer playing games together. I just hear them laughing, so that is a good thing. Every day needs a large dose of laughter, not just for little Margo, but for me too. Now what to do with the hours after lunch and before gymnastics? hmmmm I think we will cook together. I better find an interesting recipe for all the vegetables I have in the fridge. I think 'stoup' is in order for dinner and weekend. See you all next time as I continue the summer story.
One week later since I started this post, we were TV free until today. Today she said she would not watch TV for the rest of the year if I let her watch Curious George today. Knowing that going the rest of the year would be way too difficult, I could not stand the thought of all the requests with please, pretty please, pleeeeeasssee mommmmmmm...I suggested how about until another week passes by. She thought that was a splendid idea.
