What I'm Doing This Summer

Anyone that knows me or has followed my blog for the last few years, knows I like summer and I like to get things done in the summer.  As a homeschooling mom, it really is a nice break from the regular teaching routine and from all the usual extra-curricular activites.  I typically make a bucket list of sorts to get done during the summer.  Things like organizing and deep cleaning the house, scrapbooking, exercising more, etc.  But this summer I've decided to chill. To just enjoy the break, enjoy my children and not try to get all the lists checked off.  This past year I had a lovely homeschool mom friend pass away with cancer, another dear friend also get diagnosed with cancer, my oldest son was almost deployed to Iraq and my mother will be turning 80 soon and becoming more frail. All these things have made me ponder life.  I've realized that we aren't guaranteed tomorrow with those we love and we won't have these precious years forever with our children at home. 

So here is my list of what I'm doing this summer:

1.  I'm not setting my alarm unless I really have to. 

2.   I'm taking my kids to the pool when they want to and actually getting in the pool and playing with them.

3.  I'm hiring help so that I can do extra things with my older kids or spend more time with my mom.  

4.  I'll get my older kids to do the organizing and cleaning out, if they need things to do and want extra money.

5.  I'm going tent camping for the first time!  My kids and husband have always wanted me to go with them and now that the baby is 4, I think I can try it!  (I'm sure that I'll have a blog post on how it turns out.)

6.  I'm going to stay in my PJ's longer and spend time reading fun books and play more with my kids.

7.  I'm not going to be so obsessed with the clock or my schedule.

8.  I'm going to hug more, laugh more and say "I love you" more. 

9.  I'm going to go on more dates with my husband, even in the day time. 

10.  I'm just gonna chill!