The Sound of Silence

If you're quiet, you're not living. You've got to be noisy and colorful and lively. ~ Mel Brooks

Here I sit, listening not to the actual sound of silence, because it is currently raining.  I hear the gentle pitter-patter of rain falling softly, dripping from the eaves, with brave birds occasionally tweeting their displeasure of the rainy day.  Definitely an acceptable alternative to complete silence. 

Today is the last day of school.  My life is about to become noisy and colorful and lively, and I'll be needing to stock up on alcohol and prozac...in that order.  Starting tomorrow, I will have  4 children at home who know how to push each other's buttons and actually take perverse pride in doing so.
I have their summer activities all set up but they are not "busy" 24/7.  Which means they will have to find something, other than the computer and TV, to entertain themselves.  And this has been MY failure because my children can't do this.  We have bikes, scooters, a swing set, rollerblades, an acre of property, a wooded area for exploring, several parks withing bike riding distance, every type of ball imaginable and I can almost guarantee that before  next Monday, one or more of my children will hit me with "I'm bored".

So, this year I am going to be proactive.  I have a list if chores that will need to be done the second the "b-word" exits their mouth.  Oh, it won't be slave labor...as I intend to  pay them for their efforts (done to my satisfaction...and important distinction), but having something ready and waiting for them to do should they be "bored", will hopefully nip that one in the bud.

Don't be surprised to see my recycling bin full on trash day.  Ahem.