July 2 12

We are in a new mode around here—summer mode.

For some people, summer mode means a much more laid-back lifestyle of more ice cream and fewer baths; later bedtimes and less homework.

And for us it certainly means a lot of those things. I mean, you will not see any homework around here until the day after labor day, I can assure you. But in the last little while, my kids have become something of slothy, sugar-addicted monsters who, well, kind of can’t stand to be in the same room as each other.

And while, sure, the hand-holding punishment works well on many an occasion, I am just so over this.

I’m ready for things to change.

So, as of Friday, there are some new rules afoot at Casa de Martell.

We are keeping sugar to a minimum. Sugar has become an expectation around here and not a treat. I can’t stand that. I firmly believe that treats and sugary things are wonderful for kids…in moderation. But it’s a slippery slope, that moderation thing. And multiple visits from family and friends and many get-togethers and playdates and birthday parties have given my kids an awful case of the gimmies. Gimme ice cream! Gimme cookies! Gimme chocolate! 

We are keeping screens to a minimum. iPads, iTouches, televisions, computers, xboxs, wiis, DSis. The kids are pretty addicted, and since their evenings are no longer filled with school work, they have taken to plopping in front of screens and slothing the night away. One hour a day—they can watch two shows, they can play at hour of DSi, they can spend an hour on facebook. It’s up to them how and when they use it, but the nice weather is so short-lived in Toronto, I want them taking full advantage by spending time on the trampoline, hitting balls in the backyard, painting chalk masterpieces on the driveway, or on their bikes.

Lest you think it’s a special case of DO AS I SAY NOT AS I DO type of thing, I want you to know that these rules are for ME as well.

I’m mostly off of sugar right now. I had my last chocolate buffalo yesterday and am now keeping sugar to a minimum, as I was starting to get a bad case of the gimmies as well. Gimme cooke dough! Gimme cupcakes! Gimme Chaya’s homemade personal blueberry pies!

I’m mostly off of screens right now. I mean, my job requires me to be in front of a screen all day, but between the hours of 4:30ish and the kids’ bedtime—I will be mostly unplugged, spending time hitting balls in the backyard, painting chalk masterpieces on the driveway and on my bike.

I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that they don’t ask me to step foot on that trampoline.

Or to play this game with them.

Because, you guys, at this current time and place, my children are happily playing a board game TOGETHER. Without being forced. It was their idea.

It is going to be a fabulous summer.

I just wish I had some more chocolate buffalos…

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  1. Awesome! I was babysitting Skyler this weekend and she was playing Wii and I was on my phone and I was like “something is wrong with this.” So we shut it off, went outside, took a trip to the dollar store and then played in the pool the rest of the day.

    It’s nice to have the break and just ENJOY life.

    Comment by Kristabella on July 2, 2012
  2. I love the screens idea, I just wish we could execute it here w/o it requiring me to take them out of the house for 99% of the day, since our yard is currently completely unusable for them. BAH.

    Also, and more importantly, what exactly is a chocolate buffalo? I think I want one.

    Comment by Meghan on July 2, 2012
  3. Yes, we need more info on the chocolate buffalo.
    I always have high hopes of cutting back on our sugar intake, but then I always slip right back to addicted. Good luck! It’s going to be a great summer.

    Comment by Gamanda on July 2, 2012
  4. http://instagram.com/p/MgfdVXyFr2/

    🙂

    Comment by ali on July 3, 2012
  5. As someone who just spent a beautiful summer day, inside, in front of my computer, watching tv and eating brownies, I also need to adopt the Martell house rules.

    I also would love to know what a chocolate buffalo is.

    Comment by Danielle on July 3, 2012
  6. What exactly is a chocolate buffalo… No wait! Don’t tell me!

    Comment by Maija @ Maija's Mommy Moments on July 3, 2012
  7. THIS is a chocolate buffalo. HEAVEN.

    http://instagram.com/p/MgfdVXyFr2/

    Comment by ali on July 3, 2012
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  10. […] mostly, you guys. I want my kids back on screens again. The little summer experiment was truly wonderful—it really was. We played lots of games and baked cookies and gave each other […]

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