Today is the offical start to our summer vacation and for the first time since I was a child I have decided to take the summer off. I've not worked outside the home for the past 6 summers, but I've
never taken the summer off. There will be no project list for me. The only thing on my to do list is to enjoy every moment of this summer with my girls. Instead of chores there will be trips to the pool, movies, libary, park, ice cream parlor and storytime. Instead of guilt there will be bike rides, snow cones, spoon races, reading, snuggling, badmitton, board games, walks, sparklers, catching fire flies and family time.
I am making a choice to enjoy every moment and to fill this summer with memories for all of us. Next fall will bring many changes to our family. Maddie will begin High School and Emma will start 1st grade and will be in school for a full day for the first time. There will be plenty of hours to fill then with all of the projects that I have swirling in my head. Plenty of time for deep cleaning the house and getting things organized. For now I am going to stick to the basics with maybe the occasional spur of the moment project thrown in. I am giving myself permission to just live in the moment. Without guilt.
Today is the offical start to our summer vacation and for the first time since I was a child I have decided to take the summer off. I've not worked outside the home for the past 6 summers, but I've never taken the summer off. There will be no project list for me. The only thing on my to do list is to enjoy every moment of this summer with my girls. Instead of chores there will be trips to the pool, movies, libary, park, ice cream parlor and storytime. Instead of guilt there will be bike rides, snow cones, spoon races, reading, snuggling, badmitton, board games, walks, sparklers, catching fire flies and family time.
I am making a choice to enjoy every moment and to fill this summer with memories for all of us. Next fall will bring many changes to our family. Maddie will begin High School and Emma will start 1st grade and will be in school for a full day for the first time. There will be plenty of hours to fill then with all of the projects that I have swirling in my head. Plenty of time for deep cleaning the house and getting things organized. For now I am going to stick to the basics with maybe the occasional spur of the moment project thrown in. I am giving myself permission to just live in the moment. Without guilt. 
That's a very good choice you took Jen! Now you've made me sing lol Summertime and the living is easy
ReplyDeleteThat is a terrific plan for summer! Our children's childhoods go by in a blur - they will always remember this summer with you!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Wow - great minds. Our summer plans are the same. My son is just finishing Kindergarten and it has been so much work to get three kids (5, 3 & 1) out of the house every morning, we too are not going anywhere or doing anything. No camps, just the backyard!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to tell you that we got those hooks in the mud room from Lowes. They are cute and good quality. Thanks again for the comments.
I think that's a fabulous choice. I've always been a SAHM and for some years we homeschooled. Even with so much time with my daughter - time has still gone by way too fast. As you say, there will be plenty of time for projects later.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, I think we should all take summers off! It could be a new American tradition.
ReplyDeleteBrava :)
ReplyDeletethis is going to be a wonderful summer for ya'll :)
Jen,
ReplyDeleteSounds like the perfect kind of summer! Thanks for the reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment.
I wish you many happy, relaxing and fun-filled memories with your girls this summer. Cammy
You are so right in doing that Jen!! Good for you :) Enjoy every happy moment with your family and create special moments for yourself to remember with joy, kisses from Aina :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so jealous. I want to take the summer off! My daughter is starting high school too...I have to say that I'm happy those middle schools years are over!
ReplyDeleteYou sound like a very nice mum...great priorities!!
ReplyDeleteLinda
Great news Jen! You won't regret your summer off for one moment! Have fun with your precious kiddos! They'll remember it always! And so will you!
ReplyDeletePat
Back Porch Musings
That is so great!!!
ReplyDeleteI did that too when my daughter was younger. It is a great time they will never forget.
Have loads of fun!!
Rosemary
Good for you, Jen! Your girls will treasure the memories of all the things you'll do together this summer.
ReplyDeleteRhoda
good for you-i'm so jealous! enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Jen! My going into 2nd grader asked to not have any activities this summer...I gladly gave him his wish. Plus, I've actually discovered I kind of like being at the neighborhood pool even though I'm not much of a swimmer.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! They grow up too fast. Creating a summer of memories they'll remember is much more important.
ReplyDeleteOh Jen, I would gladly take you with me to Silver Bella~You are so very creative, love your bag.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Carol
http://raisedincotton.typepad.com/
mmmmmm...sounds like heaven!
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful! Good for you! You *must* buy this book...I'm reading it now and it's about all the things you just described - living in the moment and celebrating the things that matter most..it's called- Living Artfully: Create the Life You Imagine by Sandra Magsamen...I know you'll love it just as much as I do! SUCH a yummy book!
ReplyDeleteHave a great summer and enjoy every moment!
Beautiful Blog! I also have a little cottage..please come by my blog for a visit sometime!
ReplyDeleteTori
rae danae designs
http://raedanaedesigns.typepad.com/my_weblog/
That sounds delightful. Good for you. I'll bet that it will be a summer that your children remember forever.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great plan. I hope you have a wonderful summer full of happy memories. Enjoy every minute of it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning choice!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBravo....I applaud you for that!!!!
I agree that living in the moment is best! Once they get into school time just flies by! I can't say my house has been deep cleaned yet, but there is always hope. The creative time you gain when they are at school definately reconnects you to the person you were before children, so make sure you get some art time for you!
ReplyDeleteJen, thank you so much for stopping by my blog! I 've only gotten a little peek at your blog so far, but I love it. Your personality shines through it.
ReplyDeleteI can't say how much I love your summer plans, or lack thereof. You are choosing the *important* over the *urgent*, and I know you'll never regret it!
Amen~ You are making an excellent choice, and won't regret even one second of it.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a very happy summer!
oh, good for you!! this is the perfect time to do it...make lots of memories for you and your girls.
ReplyDeleteThey grow so fast, wishing you lots and lots of summertime F*U*N!
Lidy
ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!!! We all say over and over again how children grow so fast, and what a wonderful opportunity you have to spend the entire summer with your girls!
ReplyDeleteI've been lurking on your blog for a while now and had to say that I completely agree with your plan for the summer! Make every moment count! Thanks for your inspiration in so many ways!
ReplyDeleteSophia
Sounds like a decision filled with wisdom. Life goes by so quickly with children.
ReplyDeleteOh, Jen. My eyes teared up just reading this. How fast our girls grow. I'm logging off to go play board games right now. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great decision...you know, I am overwhelmed sometimes by all the projects I want to accomplish & with my 3 very young girls it often leads to frustration. I think I need to make your summertime plans a metaphor for my life right now...I am in the "summertime" of their lives while they are young! Thanks for this reminder of what I should be focusing on more now. I bet you never really realize who & how you will reach out to people on here. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a wonderful plan!!! I'm very happy for you that you will have so much time for fun - it really sounds great. Also, sorry I haven't been here for a while. I haven't had a laptop for a while, but now I do and I'm going to get caught up on your wonderful blog!
ReplyDeleteallie
www.mycozyhome.typepad.com