Overscheduled

I took a mental health day from work yesterday. Much needed, although we went to a county fair with the kids and they're pooped out. Tonight I have a hot date with my dvr'ed Survivor China and some Jiffy Pop. Early bedtime for everyone!

Life is seriously overscheduled. M will wake up in the morning, asking, "Is today a school day or a family day?" We really only have daycare and M's dance class (today) as a "scheduled" activity, but when you sprinkle in a few playdates (crap, I hate that phrase, but really I guess that's what meeting up with a little friend her age is called), then some appointments (dentist, doctor, have to get the kids' photos shot by a semi-professional photographer before they enter middle school) and *boom* there's hardly any time to sleep.

Husband and I insist on a family dinner, even if it's soup from a can or freezer meal. We try not to do too much take out, but Husband is hurting for some fish and chips tonight. I would rather sit down with the kids than cook, but that's nothing new. But when do I have time to food shop? The other day I took the girls to Target to buy socks. I'm not a big shopper (freecycle, thrift stores and hand-me-downs look great on my kids), but I do draw the line at new undies and socks. I thought I would lose it in the middle of the big box store. Shopping - not my idea of fun and relaxing.

So this weekend we're going to a fall festival thing at a local farm (hey, it's free and there's farm animals there, the kids will love it) then we're going to a reunion of our adoption group on Sunday. I have to try out a new-to-me recipe from one of my supervisors. She claims it's quick, easy and that children will love it.

At some point, I'm going to try a kid-free for myself and one for Husband. I'm not talking about spa treatments or going to a grown-up movie. I mean one day where he will take the kids so I can clean the house and find all this stuff that seems lost in the shuffle. I'll trade him on the next day.

Rumor has it I can relax when I'm retired.