Yesterday was officially our last day of school. My daughter wrapped up her final exams last week, and my son completed his last day of homeschool. I know it’s not summer yet, but in our home, it has “unofficially” arrived. I’ve decided that this summer I would slow things down, and simply enjoy the season. Here’s how I’m hoping to accomplish this:
How I Plan to Slow Down This Summer
I’m staying local
I know this may not work for everyone, but we won’t be taking any vacations during the summer. Since we homeschool, we’re able to travel during the off-season, and it’s also what we prefer. This summer we plan to keep our schedule open for daytrips, and family adventures that will happen locally. We already picked up our season passes to Hersheypark, and the kids visited twice last week.
I’m taking a break from homeschool
Last year, I decided that we would be homeschooling year-round. We started our school year in July, and continued through this past week. Although I enjoy pouring into my kids, I’ve come to the realization that I can’t give what I don’t have. I need to recharge, and take a break from our homeschool routine. Plus I need to select new material, and organize our lessons for the new year.
I’m simplifying my to-do list
I’m guilty of taking on (or creating) unecessary house projects. Besides the occassional purging session, I don’t plan on starting any major projects. I’m sure my husband will be thrilled to hear this. 😉 As far as daily cleaning tasks, I won’t be changing much, so those will remain the same. I do plan to makeover our meals to include grilled food and crockpot meals, because I refuse to spend warm summer days in a hot kitchen.
I’m making time for the things I love
I love books, and I want to be more intentionally about reading on a regular basis. This was one of my goals this year, and I’m hoping to get through my small stack this summer. Beyond that, I simply want to ensure that we’re spending time with our family and friends. We’ve been praying about a possible relocation, so I’m not sure if we’ll still be living here next summer. In the meantime, I’m really looking forward to a quieter, and more relaxing summer with family.
How will you be spending your summer? I’d love to hear from you!
I would love to have a slow Summer! Except that’s not going to happen xD We’re moving…sometime in August, as it stands right now. We got our first batch of boxes today, and the packing will be starting soon (books and things of that nature) and it’ll just get busier from there! Add in making sure there’s time for motorcycle trips, my mom’s wedding in August as well, and trying to not melt from the crazy heat we’re having already, slow is not the word for our summer. But it’s all for the greater good – our living situation will be getting about 1000% times better than it currently is, so totally worth the loss of a Summer, ha.
As for not starting any new projects – I think it makes sense to do that stuff in the summer. You can have the house open and put things outside if necessary, no worries. There’s more daylight to work by, it’s just not as depressing as Winter can be. But taking a break from all of that is great. Yeah, there can be lots to do, but Summer can also be filled with sitting around and just enjoying the fact that you can be outside and you won’t get rained on and that there’s more daylight 😛
Moving is definitely not “slow down” material. 🙂 But yay for a new place!! I agree that house projects are great during the summer season, but I go overboard and my poor husband suffers in the process..lol Since my oldest is heading off to college (plus doing some travel), I’m even more aware of how we spend our time this year. Good luck on your upcoming move, sounds exciting!