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Spring is busy. We kick it off with a ton of birthdays in my family, roll into an intense spring sports schedule, and run headfirst into all of the end-of-the-year school celebrations. It is busy. It is cooking big meals on the weekends so we can all heat leftovers as we drive all over the state for after-school activities at different times. It is busy, and stress levels run high. Time seems to fly by and never leave us with enough.

This year (maybe every year, but I’ll try really hard again), I am not interested in being the lighthouse for stressed-out ships passing in the night. I recently cobbled together a plan, with some help from the Easter Bunny and Google Calendar, to take slow-down time.  

Kim’s Plan (that may or may not work, but seems to be working for now)

1. We use Google Calendar to build out our schedule and print it out weekly to hang on the fridge. I used to use all the different cute apps. I had to cross-reference three different calendars, in addition to Team Snap, Game Changer, and the Dance Calendar. It was crazy. Google Calendar isn’t pretty, but it works. 
2. I plan for four dinners a week on a 16-meal rotating schedule. We eat leftovers or order out the other three days. We picked the 16 meals as a family to ensure that everyone will eat the meal or a portion of the meal most nights. 
3. I cook dinner as soon as one person says they are hungry or the snacking intensifies. Sometimes, we eat at 4:45, and sometimes, it’s 7:00. Whoever is home all sits down when it is done, and a plate is made for those who need to eat later. 
4. The Easter Bunny brought three different card games that we can all play: Skip-Bo, Five Alive, and Blink (perfect for younger kids)! The screens go off by 8, and the bigs are invited into the kitchen for dessert and to play cards with Bryan and me. So far, they have yet to turn us down. 
5. On the weekend, to the best of my ability, I send them outside for a long period (I have yet to say, come home when the streetlights turn on… but I do think it). They must rely on each other and whatever they can find for fun. 
   

It may not work for long, but it is working for now. This Plan is giving me back time, and I just want time. I want time with my kids and for my kids to have time to be kids. Something about having a middle schooler seems to have accelerated that time. When I stare at her over my hand of cards, and her biggest worry for the moment is what card to discard, I silently beg time to slow down.