My children were enjoying their first day off; visiting friends, pool parties, and camping out. All was well until the youngest called me at work to tell me how much she missed me. The working mom syndrome (and the guilt that goes with it) kicked right in. Seeing as she was the only child home for the evening, we quickly cleaned up after a rather lame dinner and started a craft together.

A few weeks ago, after noticing that the wooden painted tulips on my kitchen door wreath were already out of season, I had picked up a few items at the craft shop. I got a straw wreath, unpainted miniature picket fence, and a few mini straw hats. I knew I had more stuff at home.

My daughter and I set out to assemble the wreath! We started by shaping small articles of clothing out of wire. We then made a paste of flour and water, cut some narrow strips of newspaper and proceeded to "paper mache" and paint these bits of clothing that will hang on a little clothesline behind the white picket fence. We added a few bows to the little straw hats, hung them on the fence and added a great big red gingham bow to the wreath itself. My daughter and I experienced a wonderful bonding moment.

I'm rethinking a few of the priorities for this summer vacation. I have a middle daughter who loves to cook and wants to, when the time comes, to go to culinary school. I've decided, to her delight, to let her prepare and cook our dinners this summer. We are into day 2 and her excitement level is still high! My son has hinted he wants to paint his room and the adjacent family room. I must go purchase the paint before he has a chance to think twice.

I think this summer vacation could be quite enjoyable!!