I have mentally titled this the “Summer of Nothing.” This happened long ago, but I have maintained my stance . . . which is the unusual part in that I almost always end up planning a bunch of stuff at the last minute then wondering how it is that I’m not getting anything done. I did have things planned for this summer – play dates for the kids, time at the pool, lots of reading, time to be bored, and a few projects – but my real goals were to 1.) spend time with friends and 2.) get caught up on a few of the projects that have been sitting undone at our house. I have simplified everything – food prep, cleaning routines (still getting the house clean – just not as clean as usual maybe), piano lessons, sports, blogging, and most everything that I have figured out a way to simplify.
It has been good. The kids are fit and happy. We all feel connected. Our home is peaceful. Our schedule is not chaotic, and it’s been months since I’ve said, “Ok, we’re going to have to eat in a hurry, so we can dash out the door!”
There will be a season when we pick it all back up and hurry about, but today I’m so very, very thankful for:
516. teaching Dimples to tie a bow – unhurried
517. playing Dutch Blitz over and over . . . and over
518. reading with my kids – for fun
519. sorting out the mess on my desk
520. reading the pile of books that has been sitting at the end of my bed, waiting, for way too long
521. capitalizing on curiosity (We’ve been reading all about bats – not because we have to do “science,” rather because the kids WANTED to.)
522. learning new games
523. trying new recipes
524. enjoying slow the chores that are often burdensome hurried
525. watching every video that the shuttle crew has posted and savoring the lasts
526. standing for way to long after all the other parents left to watch my oldest sit atop a horse
527. enjoying stuff again
528. smiling – for no reason at all
529. nights out with Handsome
530. taking time to mentor
531. and be mentored
532. catching up on scrapbooks
533. chronicling family laughter
534. working out
535. praying long
[...] [...]
Good Girl!
that sounds like the best summer ever xo