Let go of what does not serve you. So for a few years the kids have been taking gymnastics once a week from a fabulous group, and they loved it. I made mom-friends in the waiting room, and the kids learned some great skills and worked on their balance and coordination. Then, our schedules changed and we had to switch days and into our lives Florence flew like a bat out of hell. I think many people would call her a “rainbow child” but she was more like a flash of lighting and a loud clang of rattling thunder. She carried a different stuffed animal to class every week, she wallowed all over the floor, sassed the teachers, distracted the other students, and generally derailed what had been a well-oiled machine that we all previously enjoyed. On watch days, her mother would giggle in delight at the kid’s shenanigans, encouraging her indolence and inattention. My kids told me she’s a “hot mess” (their words). I’m sure Florence is a really sweet kid, but she singlehandedly ruined my week every week. She sassed me, too, about leaving my work bag in the parent-observer area when I went to change the kids into their leotards. So this mediocre mom had enough, and just like that we quit gymnastics. It was as much a decision based on safety, as the kids were doing more high-stakes tricks on the beam and bar, and I didn’t want Flailing Florence to get one of my kids injured. I can’t tell you how much my life has improved in the past few months. #byeflorence

The kids and I spent the afternoon clearing decades-old weeds to make room for the she-shed. I hope they sleep well tonight.

Because I’m taking my first disco bath and it’s pretty amazing.

4.5 turns to me tonight with a play scalpel from the doctor kit and says “let’s play amputation”.

“I think all moms suffer from mom guilt,” she said. “I think we could all do better at that and it’s important to still do the things you love. Don’t let your children completely take over your life. Navigate that balance and find that balance.”

https://people.com/parents/nicky-hilton-kevin-jonas-kids-party/

Frittata with ricotta, red pepper, and sweet potato.