On days like this it’s hard to remember that only a couple weeks ago I was wondering what to do with all my spare time. The lack of preschool combined with the absence of grandparents (who normally babysit a couple times a week) has gradually been driving me crazy — the kids are home all the time and I’m running out of ideas for things to do. Brayden is also going through a phase involving lots of tantrums and not listening to Mom, so I’m approaching the end of my rope. But both boys start their preschool summer camp tomorrow! They’ll be out of the house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day, so I’m looking at a beautiful week. Harmony has been restored.

I’m also celebrating the birth of my new niece. Serenity Dawn Kingwell arrived right on her due date, which also happened to be Canada Day, so she’s always going to have a special day for her special day. I’ve been a mom for five years but I just became an auntie, which I suspect is way more fun, and which is certainly a lot less work. Serenity is that rarest of creatures — a Kingwell girl! (She has the same middle name as me, too, which is kind of cool.) I’m looking forward to meeting her at Christmas.

Here’s to happy times!