Summer is quickly coming to an end. There is a part of me that feels like routine and school work are just faint memories replaced by wading pools, summer afternoon walks, and water balloon fights. It feels like summer has lasted a lifetime. When you enjoy every moment the moments last longer somehow. Yet, when I think upon planning for the next year, it seems we did not enough time to enjoy the summer sun. Save, math practice, summer reading lists, and nature study, we take the summers off. I do follow that part of the traditional year because I work out of my home and it is nice to have a break from school so I can get enough work done that when school comes around I can focus on that.
Have you enjoyed your summer break, if you took one? We spent most of our days at home playing. We had a few days when we visited family, went out of town for aquarium and museum visits, and had a fun day at the zoo. We saw Brave and celebrated my youngest daughter’s birthday. My birthday also falls in summer, which is nice because I can take the day off. Homeschooling moms rarely get a day off. But as the days go by, I long for busy school days and comfort of schedules and routines. My mind wrestles with itself over the loving the lazy days of summer and the busy days of fall. So, I stand grateful to enjoy the best of both worlds. I do not know what the year will hold for us. I have one daughter who will begin her first year in re-mediation for dyslexia and one going off to high school. Our home dynamic will change. My son will no longer be in K12 but homeschooled once again. I am excited to start a new year even if I will miss having my oldest around. So, as I relish these last days of summer, I have learned that time goes by quickly and no matter what we cannot stop it. It is a continual lesson as we take for granted the days we have. So, I will enjoy the wading pool and water balloon fights for the next week. I will try to remember to relish every day I have teaching and guiding my children. Sadly, my daughter going off to school every morning will keep that thought planted in my mind.
Enjoy these warm summer days and don’t get too caught up in curriculum, scheduling, or even laundry. Get caught up in life and your children’s giggles.