Let that not be misunderstood. What is summer schooling for us?

Scout camps, church camps, having more quality time to spend developing friendships, playing kickball, pickle, football, tag, hide-n-go-seek, building forts, exploring the woods, catching frogs, adding to the rock collection, riding bikes; taking school to the cabin where we explore, pick blueberries, go on mini fieldtrips, swim and play in the lake, learn about history and visit with family; go on vacation to the beach, read books, stay fresh with math a couple times a week, go to the dentist for annual cleaning and xrays, go to the doctor for annual check-ups, go to the park, build legos, bionicles, and knex, trade postcards .....

Gosh, we've been busy with school this summer!!  lol

When I was a kid, I can remember getting up early in the summer (because I didn't have to), grabbing a bite to eat, and running out the door. My friends and I would spend the day doing all the fun summer stuff you get to do. We had no time for TV! We had worlds to explore, salamanders to catch, and forts to build. lol I can't really remember ever being bored with that. I'd be so not bored, that I'd forget to even come home for lunch. I'd walk in the house right before dinner time, dirty as a little pig, hungry as a bear, and tired as our cat Nick (he sleeps all the time).

Just a few years ago, I would sign my kids up for a couple different VBS's, scout camp, church camp, art camp, and sports camp. We did a week for vacation and a week for the cabin. All in the name of having something to do! By the end of the summer, we were worn out from all the structured camps we did. I think it took a few firm "No more!"'s from my husband for me to realize that he was right. 

All our kids really needed during the summer was time to BE a kid and do kids stuff. To spend time with friends and family doing unique things that you don't get to do that often during the school year. The days are more relaxed. We stay up later. Sleep in if we want. And go swimming at least three times a week. =]

As a homeschooling mom, I've found it to be the best time for planning out our next school year. I begin to collect the books and materials we will need. I sketch out a rough calendar of events. I pencil in a picture of what our days will look like. This gives me an opportunity to get refreshed and renewed. I start to get excited when I look forward to the changes, and the things we'll be learning about.

This summer I've really been praying alot about things that I need to let go of.....I mean responsibilities that pull me too far away from our purpose and mission as a family. I don't know why but, I have to be reminded often of my order of priorities...God, Husband, Family and Home, Friends, Church, Community.....the list is endless. I tend to learn the hard way that anything outside of those top four categories needs to be chosen with wisdom and prayerful consideration. There are so many worthy causes and good reasons for giving my time. But, when it leaves me feeling too tired and grumbly to tend to the most important things, well, I'm in too deep again. Summer gives me that chance to do a little de-cluttering....around the house, in my heart and mind, within our schedule, and anywhere else I can think of. 

Last week, three very good friends of mine (Sheryl, Brenda and Marcy) and I got together with our eleven children. We hardly got to spend much time at all together during last school year. We decided to pitch-in with lunch, bring our curriculums to compare, and give the kids time to play. Five hours later, through sitting, talking about friendship, motherhood, home ed, marriage and church, rocking baby Abby, watching the kids turn the backyard into a "mystical medieval world", talking, comparing books, giving our own reviews, checking out from Sheryl's library, laughing, crying and talking, talking, talking.....we were filled up again. Gosh we needed that. And I am so blessed that we finally took the time to do it. In the fall, we're all taking Community Bible Study together (with the kids), and Marcy and I are getting together once a month to do some Mystery of History 2 activities together. Woo Hoo!!! '

Well, I hope you have a great day! More to come soon!

 Deborah