Summertime July '13

Hard to believe we are halfway through the summer!  

(Please don't point out that we are actually a little more than halfway through- that's just mean!)

This post is going to ramble but I'm going with the idea of just writing and letting the thoughts come as they may.  Maybe by just working on this thing, I can get back to a place where I feel comfortable with writing and posting.  I'm feeling thankful that I read Aimee's recent post to put me in this spirit.

We've been pretty busy with trips to the pool, parties, time with friends, a beach trip last week with Mike's family, a babysitting job I picked up and in a couple of weeks, we get to indulge in a second beach trip with my parents, my brother and his youngest kids.

We've really had so much fun-- some days, I can hardly believe how nice and easy and relaxing this summer seems.  And of course there are those days in the mix when I think I might LOSE my mind...but I'm happy to have lots of days when everything just seems to fall into place.

I love being outside with the kids and feeling the freedom that comes with a lack of a schedule.  Maybe we've been enjoying that a little too much-- I can't say we've practiced any handwriting or math skills or anything other than consistent trips to the library and reading time.  That's something, right?

During these recent heat waves, I've tried to go with the motto to "just do it".  If I'm thinking about a trip to the pool but have errands to run, I try to work out a plan and make it all happen without freaking out about it.  During our recent beach trip, I tried to avoid stressing about the details and just get all our basics covered (food, drinks, sunscreen) and then let the day ride.  It was a nice mentality to embrace- maybe I'm finally learning how to do that?

I think that somehow during the past winter (a tough winter for me mentally), I got into the habit of expecting the worst.  And we all know what happens with that pattern...self-fulfilling prophecies and such.  I'm not on my game every day but most days, I can get my brain on board.

I hope I can keep this momentum going through the summer and carry it into the school year.  It's easy to feel optimistic when I'm not freezing and bummed out and feeling stuck.  I need to harness this energy now and figure out a way to store some away so that when the chilly winter months roll in, I'm better prepared.

Yesterday was NOT a good day for me in terms of avoiding negativity with the kids. So I'm taking a moment, reminding myself of the good stuff and giving myself the chance to start fresh today!