The Fun of Summer

I haven't posted all week because we have literally done NOTHING. So, I keep thinking, what would I blog about anyway? The number of laundry piles I've dug my way through this week? The number of days I've never left my PJ's, except to put on my swimsuit? (we've tried to fit in swimming time before school is here!) The number of times I've squeezed Braden's thighs or kissed his sweet cheeks? (Braden Boy and Aunt Cortni have come over every day this week for us to get some hangout time before her school starts up too!) Or, lastly, the number of times that Carlie has been put in time out for saying "NO NO!" while hitting or pushing her sister?

Well, none of that is all that interesting to most of you, so, here is just a random post because I felt like blogging.

With preschool starting back tomorrow for me (teacher workdays!), I have reflected on the summer a little bit, wondering where it went and what I really got done. If you know me, you are not surprised that I had a general summer "to-do list" with goals for each month and big projects I would like to get accomplished. As I read over them this morning, I was surprised at how much I didn't even start, much less accomplish. And, I was surprised at how overly ambitious I was back in June. Did I really think I could do all of that?? And, then, as usual, I started getting hard on myself, feeling like I should have done more or less of this or that.

And, then, I decided to think instead about what else I accomplished that I hadn't planned on. And, that was VERY helpful. One of my big challenges right now is to stop being so obsessed with "getting it all done" and enjoy more about the every day things of being a mommy, wife, friend, sister, and daughter.

Here are the biggest blessings and enjoyments of my summer:

*Every day art time with my girls...watching them create and have fun together.

*Summer "school time" with Kendyll....watching her grow right before my eyes and sharing the joy she has found in learning to read, add, or do workbooks for fun. (Yes, she's a bit nerdy like me!)

*Hangout time with Mark....watching 24 every night for weeks and weeks, having ice cream sundaes way too often, or spending nights talking about where we're going from here, planning vacations, or laughing at our kids.

*Quality time with God....not that this is just a summer thing, but it helps to have more days at home to focus. He has been teaching me alot about prayer, specifically, as well as challenging me on specific sins that I need to get rid of. I've learned alot, and hope that I continue this walk as school starts back.

*Finding out that we will be blessed with another child....this has by far been the most consuming part of my summer, since this baby has required many of my usually busy hours to just sit and be still (and nautious). I'm so thankful for that forced down-time and am still trying to imagine how totally different next summer will be.

*Popsicles outside with my kids. Morning, noon, or night...the sticky mess it makes on their sweet cheeks is priceless.

*VBS and its surprisingly-fun-craziness....although it took up most of my June, it is a blessing to me and I treasure the friendships I have because of getting involved in it. It is a ministry that I have a passion for and look forward to being a part of for many years.

*Great vacation time! Even if it was here in Dallas, Mark and I had many opportunities for time away from our children, which I believe is so important and healthy for all involved. We got weekends away to spend together, thanks to grandparents, and have had the blessing of planning a New York trip in a few weeks, as well as a cruise with Mark's family in a little over a month.

*Trips to the zoo, library story time, picnics in the park, walks in the neighborhood, swimming, long naps, and family movies...all the things that should represent summer to kids.

*Summer Musicals with the girls. Every couple of weeks, I got to go out with girlfriends for dinner and a musical and some great chat time as women. Such a fun addition to my summer!

*Extra extended-family time. With so many teachers (and some students) in our family, we are blessed with great summers together. All three of my sisters were off school, along with both my mom and dad. Mark's sister is now staying at home with precious Sophie, and his mom and dad get to come to town alot more often in the summertime. So, we have seen aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents just about every week. I know we'll miss that when school takes over everyone's time!

Anyway, we are excited to be back in Sunshine School! I can't wait to meet my new class, and see Kendyll and Carlie enjoy another year of learning and playing. Plus, fall is around the corner, and with it, comes so many more fun things! I am such a seasonal girl, and have things I look forward to for each and every one. I am thankful for the sunshine, outside fun, freedom, and fresh foods of summer. But, bring on the football watching, crisp cold mornings, fall leaves and their beautiful colors, and the sweaters, sweatshirts, tweed, and black patten shoes with sweet little tights . I can't wait!