The End of Summer Blues

Have you got them? These ‘end of summer’ blues? Everyday I seem to vacillate between wishing the summer would never end to being overjoyed that we will finally be getting back to some kind of schedule here. So, as our last week of summer is quickly being played out, I can’t help but wonder:  Did my kids have enough fun, did we make good memories? Was I too engrossed with blogging this summer? Seriously, I worry about that.

My son starts kindergarten next week and my daughter will start preschool for two days a week.  And, although my heart aches a little bit with this anticipation, I also get these happy butterfly feelings in my stomach. Why? Because for 2 full hours for two days a week, I will be all.by.myself. My mind races with the possibilities…think of all the blogging cleaning I will get accomplished!

Still, the fact that this carefree time with my children is limited, looms over my head and heart. So, this week I vowed to set all else aside and bask in the warmth of these last few days of summer. Each day something special, something fun.

Well…a snag…my kids are seriously at each other like cats and dogs. That is, if cats and dogs constantly snatch toys from each other, run around the room yelling ‘stop it!” at each other, or keep poking each other until one of them throws him/herself on the floor in a fit of tears.

End of summer blues? Not my kids. In fact, I think they would welcome some time away from each other. You know that saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder”…well let’s just hope it’s true. Then, I will have something to look forward to once school starts.

Not that I’m giving up on making our last week of summer as bliss filled as possible. We’ve got big plans. There are water fountains to be splashed in, bubbles to be blown, a Yes day to be had, train museums to be explored, popsicles to be eaten, and smores to be made. Yes…we are going to do it all.

So kiddos, this I say to you: leave the cat and dog routine at home, grab your swimsuits, pack your smiles, unleash your sweet tooth because Mama’s got her happy blinders on and nothing is going to get in my way of these last few blissful days of summer!

So tell me, have you got the ‘end of summer’ blues? What is your favorite memory of this summer?

65 Responses to The End of Summer Blues
  1. Theta Mom
    August 11, 2010 | 5:13 am

    I go back and forth like you – sometimes I want to just veg out on the beach with a good book and other days I am sooooo ready for structure and a solid routine again.

  2. Theta Mom
    August 11, 2010 | 5:13 am

    I go back and forth like you – sometimes I want to just veg out on the beach with a good book and other days I am sooooo ready for structure and a solid routine again.

  3. Mrs.Mayhem
    August 11, 2010 | 5:24 am

    I had to smile at “mama's got her happy blinders on.” Isn't that the truth!?

    Hopefully the three of you will enjoy this last week of summer!

  4. Mrs.Mayhem
    August 11, 2010 | 5:24 am

    I had to smile at “mama's got her happy blinders on.” Isn't that the truth!?

    Hopefully the three of you will enjoy this last week of summer!

  5. Kristin
    August 11, 2010 | 5:40 am

    I'm in denial that summer is ending!

    Labor Day weekend my baby will turn 1 and then two days later Ellie starts preschool. It's all too much for me! 😉

  6. Maura
    August 11, 2010 | 6:08 am

    Wow, you said exactly what I've been thinking the past two weeks. I think I'll miss summer when it's over. There's just so much joy and sweetness at home with the weather is warm.

    Best of luck to you as you take your kiddo to kindergarten next week. Big day, Mom! :)

  7. Maura
    August 11, 2010 | 6:08 am

    Wow, you said exactly what I've been thinking the past two weeks. I think I'll miss summer when it's over. There's just so much joy and sweetness at home with the weather is warm.

    Best of luck to you as you take your kiddo to kindergarten next week. Big day, Mom! :)

  8. Ash
    August 11, 2010 | 6:16 am

    You're such a good mama! We've got another extra full week of Summer, and I've got nothin'. It has been go-go-go since the middle of June, and I'm imposing homebody status on both the boys.

    We'll see if all three of us survive.

    I'm feeling giddy about the alone time as well. Oldest starts second grade/Youngest preschool three mornings a week (not until Sept 8 though). I plan on organizing my closet the first week. My fingers are practically itching to get at it!

    Enjoy all the last week fun!!

    Favorite memory – watching Youngest float in the ocean on his back thanks to his water wings, just slowly rolling with the waves. Huge smile. For both of us.

  9. Ash
    August 11, 2010 | 6:16 am

    You're such a good mama! We've got another extra full week of Summer, and I've got nothin'. It has been go-go-go since the middle of June, and I'm imposing homebody status on both the boys.

    We'll see if all three of us survive.

    I'm feeling giddy about the alone time as well. Oldest starts second grade/Youngest preschool three mornings a week (not until Sept 8 though). I plan on organizing my closet the first week. My fingers are practically itching to get at it!

    Enjoy all the last week fun!!

    Favorite memory – watching Youngest float in the ocean on his back thanks to his water wings, just slowly rolling with the waves. Huge smile. For both of us.

  10. Gigi
    August 11, 2010 | 6:58 am

    we need summer to be over. It's been a rough one for us. Kids have been at each other's throats 24/7, not something that has happened to this extent before. We need our routine back.

    But we've had some fun, too. I love this age where the kids can go anywhere and do anything.

    note: that 2 hours twice a week you have to yourself? You will be SHOCKED at how fast it flies by. :)

  11. Gigi
    August 11, 2010 | 6:58 am

    we need summer to be over. It's been a rough one for us. Kids have been at each other's throats 24/7, not something that has happened to this extent before. We need our routine back.

    But we've had some fun, too. I love this age where the kids can go anywhere and do anything.

    note: that 2 hours twice a week you have to yourself? You will be SHOCKED at how fast it flies by. :)

  12. Annette
    August 11, 2010 | 7:03 am

    I do have the summer blues. For me, it means back to work, which means less time for my little one and less time for blogging (which has now become an addiction.) I have so many happy memories, but I think the best is still to come. For four months now, I've been planning the two Lew barbeque–it's a combination birthday party for my husband (who's turning 40) and my little one (who's turning 2.) About 100 people are expected…Anyways, it's happening this weekend. I hope it's fun and not stressful.

  13. Tanya
    August 11, 2010 | 7:32 am

    I am actually looking forward to the fall weather. The summer has been rough on Makenna and I. Heat does nothing for you when you are pregnant and Makenna has a hard time regulating her temperature in the kind of hot weather we have had this year. PLUS, I have a new arrival coming in November. So bring on the end of summer :)

  14. Tanya
    August 11, 2010 | 7:32 am

    I am actually looking forward to the fall weather. The summer has been rough on Makenna and I. Heat does nothing for you when you are pregnant and Makenna has a hard time regulating her temperature in the kind of hot weather we have had this year. PLUS, I have a new arrival coming in November. So bring on the end of summer :)

  15. Bethany
    August 11, 2010 | 8:07 am

    You know what's weird? I'm homeschooling this year for the first time, and I still feel the end of summer blues! I didn't get to do all the things I wanted to this summer, and I feel like I want to rewind time for a re-do! The approach of fall is choking me! But I do so love the clothes of autumn better than summer. So I guess it's kinda ok.

  16. Katie @ The Kouture Mommy
    August 11, 2010 | 8:13 am

    Since my son is only 9 months, I don't feel like summer is ending. He's not going to school, and he doesn't have any siblings to steal toys from and pester. :)

    I am ready for 106 degree weather to be over though!

  17. Katie @ The Kouture Mommy
    August 11, 2010 | 8:13 am

    Since my son is only 9 months, I don't feel like summer is ending. He's not going to school, and he doesn't have any siblings to steal toys from and pester. :)

    I am ready for 106 degree weather to be over though!

  18. Leanne
    August 11, 2010 | 8:24 am

    I'm feeling those summer blues, too!!! This afternoon we are packing up the scrapbook materials and heading over to our local Archivers where the girls (my kids) and I will each be working on our own Summer '10 albums – I just finished ordering about 100 photos for us to share that captured some of the great stuff we did this summer. But look out Pumpkin Spice Lattes – I'M READY FOR YOU!!!!!!!! (Great Post!!!)

  19. Leanne
    August 11, 2010 | 8:24 am

    I'm feeling those summer blues, too!!! This afternoon we are packing up the scrapbook materials and heading over to our local Archivers where the girls (my kids) and I will each be working on our own Summer '10 albums – I just finished ordering about 100 photos for us to share that captured some of the great stuff we did this summer. But look out Pumpkin Spice Lattes – I'M READY FOR YOU!!!!!!!! (Great Post!!!)

  20. SarahK
    August 11, 2010 | 9:11 am

    Fave memory- obviously I had my first baby- and thanks to you know more about vaccines, blogging in general and all sorts of other stuffs.

    I was in a summer funk this morning and listened to surfer tunes and sprayed my office with coconut body spray to feel better.

    End of Summer? How about Endless Summer!

  21. SarahK
    August 11, 2010 | 9:11 am

    Fave memory- obviously I had my first baby- and thanks to you know more about vaccines, blogging in general and all sorts of other stuffs.

    I was in a summer funk this morning and listened to surfer tunes and sprayed my office with coconut body spray to feel better.

    End of Summer? How about Endless Summer!

  22. Lynn
    August 11, 2010 | 9:24 am

    I'm ready for this dreadfully hot summer to give way to some crisp fall temperatures, that's for sure. I feel like in some ways our summer is just beginning though because for the 10 days following this week, my daughter will have absolutely nothing on her calendar for the first time. She had summer school and then a camp that ends this week. So hopefully our favorite memory is yet to be made!

  23. Lynn
    August 11, 2010 | 9:24 am

    I'm ready for this dreadfully hot summer to give way to some crisp fall temperatures, that's for sure. I feel like in some ways our summer is just beginning though because for the 10 days following this week, my daughter will have absolutely nothing on her calendar for the first time. She had summer school and then a camp that ends this week. So hopefully our favorite memory is yet to be made!

  24. Veronica
    August 11, 2010 | 9:51 am

    Summer Blues?? Not me! My youngest starts first grade this year (all day!!!), so I'm very excited to have a full 6 hours to myself! YES! It took 9 years, and I'm sure it will be worth the wait. The only thing I'm not looking forward to is all the upcoming homework. You're a great Mom to be doing all those activities to close out summer with a bang. They'll have great summer memories, including all the times they fought like cats & dogs. :-) I'm happy that you'll finally get some “you” time… the first week my son was in kindergarten, I took morning naps to recharge my batteries. I highly recommend it! Great post and enjoy the 2 hours of peace and quiet.

  25. Rhonda
    August 11, 2010 | 10:40 am

    My absolute favorite memories are spending time with my family on a lake in Minnesota. I was able to have my own kids experience that this summer. They loved it just as much if not more than I did as a young girl, which makes me so happy.
    I'm looking forward to the school year and so are my boys! One is getting ready to be a senior in high school and the other a first grader. It's quite the experience at our house!

    Enjoy your time. You deserve it!

  26. Rhonda
    August 11, 2010 | 10:40 am

    My absolute favorite memories are spending time with my family on a lake in Minnesota. I was able to have my own kids experience that this summer. They loved it just as much if not more than I did as a young girl, which makes me so happy.
    I'm looking forward to the school year and so are my boys! One is getting ready to be a senior in high school and the other a first grader. It's quite the experience at our house!

    Enjoy your time. You deserve it!

  27. Liz
    August 11, 2010 | 10:51 am

    this is the first year that they both will be going somewhere twice a week, so i don't think i've yet reached the point where i'll be sad for summer to end.

  28. Liz
    August 11, 2010 | 10:51 am

    this is the first year that they both will be going somewhere twice a week, so i don't think i've yet reached the point where i'll be sad for summer to end.

  29. The Empress
    August 11, 2010 | 11:24 am

    Please, I've been weepy all week. Autumn always brings out the weepiness in me.

    I will NOT be a good empty nester. My husband will have to put me on 24 hr suicide watch when the last one goes (I kid, ppl, I kid!)

  30. The Empress
    August 11, 2010 | 11:24 am

    Please, I've been weepy all week. Autumn always brings out the weepiness in me.

    I will NOT be a good empty nester. My husband will have to put me on 24 hr suicide watch when the last one goes (I kid, ppl, I kid!)

  31. Dalia - Gen X Mom
    August 11, 2010 | 12:48 pm

    I am in denial that we are well into the second half of summer break. Sometimes I can't help but notice by the way the kids are 'not appreciating each other much' (to put it nicely). Absence definitely makes the heart grow fonder, I agree. It always gets this way at this time of year. The kids at each other, the thought of getting just one more thing into the summer, and the denial. Even though we are all eager to get that routine back, I always hate the first day of school seeing the kids get on those buses and leave for the day. And, this year my little one, the last little one, (my little innocent baby girl who will now have a taste for the real world) will be joining them :(

  32. Dalia - Gen X Mom
    August 11, 2010 | 12:48 pm

    I am in denial that we are well into the second half of summer break. Sometimes I can't help but notice by the way the kids are 'not appreciating each other much' (to put it nicely). Absence definitely makes the heart grow fonder, I agree. It always gets this way at this time of year. The kids at each other, the thought of getting just one more thing into the summer, and the denial. Even though we are all eager to get that routine back, I always hate the first day of school seeing the kids get on those buses and leave for the day. And, this year my little one, the last little one, (my little innocent baby girl who will now have a taste for the real world) will be joining them :(

  33. Magic Ear Kids
    August 11, 2010 | 1:10 pm

    It's hot and dry and I feel like a prisoner to air conditioned places. I'm ready for it to be over. But as my hubby points out, I change my mind daily. This has been two days in a row now that I'm ready for that bus to come. Perhaps I've made up my mind?

  34. Cheryl D.
    August 11, 2010 | 1:18 pm

    You're going to love having some “me” time! Yay! I'm sure your kids are going to love school too! I love the lazy days of summer, but I really love all the time my daughter interacts with other kids at school! Enjoy your last week of summer!

  35. Cheryl D.
    August 11, 2010 | 1:18 pm

    You're going to love having some “me” time! Yay! I'm sure your kids are going to love school too! I love the lazy days of summer, but I really love all the time my daughter interacts with other kids at school! Enjoy your last week of summer!

  36. Stacy @ Delighting in the Days
    August 11, 2010 | 3:31 pm

    I love that you crossed out blogging and wrote cleaning instead! How funny!

    Enjoy the last few days of summer.

  37. Stacy @ Delighting in the Days
    August 11, 2010 | 3:31 pm

    I love that you crossed out blogging and wrote cleaning instead! How funny!

    Enjoy the last few days of summer.

  38. Michelle @Flying Giggles
    August 11, 2010 | 5:02 pm

    I certainly do! It went by way too fast. My daughter started school today and when I picked her up, her teach told me that it sounded like Aiyana had s fun summer. So, I guess it was a successful one, but I still wanted to do a little bit more with them.

  39. Making It Work Mom
    August 11, 2010 | 7:53 pm

    I don't want summer to end. My oldest starts middle school and I am so not ready for that! We loved our trip to NYC and we also loved our family yard work day on Sunday. I guess it was all about being together!

  40. Making It Work Mom
    August 11, 2010 | 7:53 pm

    I don't want summer to end. My oldest starts middle school and I am so not ready for that! We loved our trip to NYC and we also loved our family yard work day on Sunday. I guess it was all about being together!

  41. Audra
    August 11, 2010 | 7:56 pm

    My best summer memory is giving birth to my littlest! Since my two are both under 2, I don't have the normal back to school issues. My hubby is a professor, so we still have some back to school! Actually, I am looking forward to him being back. As much as I love having him home, it will be nice to be back on a schedule and to be able to go on play dates whenever we want! My heart does ache watching my boys grow and thinking ahead to them being in school!

  42. Audra
    August 11, 2010 | 7:56 pm

    My best summer memory is giving birth to my littlest! Since my two are both under 2, I don't have the normal back to school issues. My hubby is a professor, so we still have some back to school! Actually, I am looking forward to him being back. As much as I love having him home, it will be nice to be back on a schedule and to be able to go on play dates whenever we want! My heart does ache watching my boys grow and thinking ahead to them being in school!

  43. One with many names
    August 12, 2010 | 5:08 am

    Summer in Minnesota never seems long enough! My mother came to visit me for two weeks and we had the girls and we just had so much fun. It was relaxing and a good bonding experience. But, I prefer the cold to the heat, so I don't usually get down when summer ends, fall comes and I love the fall :) And, I'm so ready for my children to go back to school. THey are playing the “how annoying can I be to my sister” game way too often!

  44. Licia
    August 12, 2010 | 7:27 am

    I woke up feeling the summer blues today. I had not felt them since I was in school, but this is my son's first summer break from school and I'm already a little sad that it's almost over. Fortunately, we are going on a one-week vacation soon and I think our memories from the trip will be our favorites.

  45. Licia
    August 12, 2010 | 7:27 am

    I woke up feeling the summer blues today. I had not felt them since I was in school, but this is my son's first summer break from school and I'm already a little sad that it's almost over. Fortunately, we are going on a one-week vacation soon and I think our memories from the trip will be our favorites.

  46. Heligirl
    August 12, 2010 | 1:38 pm

    I sort of have them. I know the day is coming when they're both going to be off to school and I try to cherish every moment I have with them. Our very favorite was our trip to the ocean last month. I'll never forget that visit. It was our first family vacation with the four of us where we went somewhere other than grandma's house. This time next year I'm sure I'll feel differently as my youngest will be talking and the real fighting will commence. Sigh.

  47. Heligirl
    August 12, 2010 | 1:38 pm

    I sort of have them. I know the day is coming when they're both going to be off to school and I try to cherish every moment I have with them. Our very favorite was our trip to the ocean last month. I'll never forget that visit. It was our first family vacation with the four of us where we went somewhere other than grandma's house. This time next year I'm sure I'll feel differently as my youngest will be talking and the real fighting will commence. Sigh.

  48. Crazy Goan Girl
    August 12, 2010 | 9:26 pm

    My son starts a play-group next month and I can't wait for him to start! Sometimes I feel guilty about wanting him out of the house…but it can get crazy keeping him entertained every second he's awake! I'm also eager to start him socializing though, coz he's an only child and in serious danger of turning into a brat, living as we do with adoring grandparents! I think you're doing a great job and I wish I could be as together as you are :) Kudos!
    Enjoyed your blog…I'm a pediatrician turned stay-at-home Mom too!

  49. Crazy Goan Girl
    August 12, 2010 | 9:26 pm

    My son starts a play-group next month and I can't wait for him to start! Sometimes I feel guilty about wanting him out of the house…but it can get crazy keeping him entertained every second he's awake! I'm also eager to start him socializing though, coz he's an only child and in serious danger of turning into a brat, living as we do with adoring grandparents! I think you're doing a great job and I wish I could be as together as you are :) Kudos!
    Enjoyed your blog…I'm a pediatrician turned stay-at-home Mom too!

  50. Laura Elliott
    August 12, 2010 | 10:27 pm

    I love your enthusiasm. I'm in Australia so we're just coming to the end of winter. Your post reminded me of all the wonderful things about summer to look forward to. We live by the beach and I can't wait to take my daughter for her first swim of the summer, she loves it. Mind you it gets super hot here so I'm also taking a little bit of time to enjoy what's left of winter!

  51. Laura Elliott
    August 12, 2010 | 10:27 pm

    I love your enthusiasm. I'm in Australia so we're just coming to the end of winter. Your post reminded me of all the wonderful things about summer to look forward to. We live by the beach and I can't wait to take my daughter for her first swim of the summer, she loves it. Mind you it gets super hot here so I'm also taking a little bit of time to enjoy what's left of winter!

  52. Melinda
    August 13, 2010 | 4:44 am

    We hit the beach yesterday (my son and I). My daughter is already back in school. I totally understand what you mean about not wanting to let go of summer, but needing routine. I thrive on routine!! But I also thrive on sleep and I'm not looking forward to those 5:30 mornings starting next week!

    My favorite memory is our vacation … taking my kids to Chicago for the first time, going to Ed Debevics, heading to Minneapolis to watch the Twins. Really good (expensive) memories, but so worth it! ;0)

    Enjoy

  53. Melinda
    August 13, 2010 | 4:44 am

    We hit the beach yesterday (my son and I). My daughter is already back in school. I totally understand what you mean about not wanting to let go of summer, but needing routine. I thrive on routine!! But I also thrive on sleep and I'm not looking forward to those 5:30 mornings starting next week!

    My favorite memory is our vacation … taking my kids to Chicago for the first time, going to Ed Debevics, heading to Minneapolis to watch the Twins. Really good (expensive) memories, but so worth it! ;0)

    Enjoy

  54. Zen Mama
    August 13, 2010 | 5:12 am

    I, too, get sad at the end of summer. But I'm realizing that my kids are ready for some structure. I'll have a little peace and quiet until I start my job in two weeks. Melissa, you're started a great time in life with both kids at school! I know you'll be writing some inspiring posts!

  55. Zen Mama
    August 13, 2010 | 5:12 am

    I, too, get sad at the end of summer. But I'm realizing that my kids are ready for some structure. I'll have a little peace and quiet until I start my job in two weeks. Melissa, you're started a great time in life with both kids at school! I know you'll be writing some inspiring posts!

  56. Alana, Author of Domestically Challenged
    August 13, 2010 | 6:00 pm

    I cannot wait for the end of summer. We just moved and my kids cannot wait to get back around kids. And away from each other. LOL

  57. Alana, Author of Domestically Challenged
    August 13, 2010 | 6:00 pm

    I cannot wait for the end of summer. We just moved and my kids cannot wait to get back around kids. And away from each other. LOL

  58. WhisperingWriter
    August 13, 2010 | 10:21 pm

    No blues for me.

    I mean, I guess I'm going to be bummed having to wake up early again. But really, I'm ready for my kids to get to school. With my husband gone I could really use a break.

  59. WhisperingWriter
    August 13, 2010 | 10:21 pm

    No blues for me.

    I mean, I guess I'm going to be bummed having to wake up early again. But really, I'm ready for my kids to get to school. With my husband gone I could really use a break.

  60. Miel Abeille
    August 13, 2010 | 10:25 pm

    The fall is my favorite time of year. I always have been on an academic calender, so September means new beginnings to me.

    Enjoy your 2hrs a week of alone time!

  61. Miel Abeille
    August 13, 2010 | 10:25 pm

    The fall is my favorite time of year. I always have been on an academic calender, so September means new beginnings to me.

    Enjoy your 2hrs a week of alone time!

  62. scrappysue
    August 15, 2010 | 3:23 am

    i have the mid-winter blues! i WISH i had the end of summer blues lol. here from sits saying hi

  63. scrappysue
    August 15, 2010 | 3:23 am

    i have the mid-winter blues! i WISH i had the end of summer blues lol. here from sits saying hi

  64. ZippyChix
    August 15, 2010 | 11:40 am

    Took a 2 week awesome family vacation this summer. It was great and for the most part everyone got along great! I am off in the summer, so am craving that structure of work once again, the beauty is that by next summer I will forget that I need structure and will be excited about the upcoming time off. How quickly we forget…sort of like childbirth:) Bittersweet fall as I have one going off to college and one going into high school. My college bound child is ready and as much as we argue….I will miss her like crazy! I hear that they come back much more appreciative by Thanksgiving. Anyone know this to be true?

  65. ZippyChix
    August 15, 2010 | 11:40 am

    Took a 2 week awesome family vacation this summer. It was great and for the most part everyone got along great! I am off in the summer, so am craving that structure of work once again, the beauty is that by next summer I will forget that I need structure and will be excited about the upcoming time off. How quickly we forget…sort of like childbirth:) Bittersweet fall as I have one going off to college and one going into high school. My college bound child is ready and as much as we argue….I will miss her like crazy! I hear that they come back much more appreciative by Thanksgiving. Anyone know this to be true?