This will probably sound funny, since I am on my computer right now, ha ha. 

Sometimes life just gets too chaotic and you have to put your foot down. We decided to do just that. From July 21-27th the children and I have unplugged our phone, ignored our emails, put away the keys to the vehicles and just chilled.  Wow!  Of course, we still have to prepare our own food, wash our clothing, and such, but we have scaled back to the bare minimum.  Instead of all the running around, appointments, etc. etc. we are swimming, sitting under the maple tree, picking blackberries, star gazing, reading books out loud, playing board games, taking leisurely walks, visiting each other, listening to sermons at home, doing our favorite crafts (when we want to), and just having fun.  I am really trying to overlook any "messes" that happen and just let the children be. 

On another summer note, I have really enjoyed PEACHES.  They are in season right now, so I am drinking LOTS of spinach/peach smoothies. They are so good for you and I feel better when I drink them. In addition to that, I have been eating more fresh peaches as well. My two year old will eat two in one sitting...the juice dripping off his elbow and running down his chin. It's so cute. Much better than seeing a toddler walking around eating a Little Debbie, don't you think? I sure am going to miss peach season.

Unfortunately, Shawne is not able to join us on our mini-home-vacation, but has been working even harder than usual. We are grateful for his dedication and we miss him terribly. We do try to make the most out of every minute when he is home. I also have been packing a quart of my Green Smoothie in his lunch box, he says it gives him so much more energy than coffee. Yay!

So, if you can do it, I highly recommend having your Vacation At Home. Just tell everyone you'll be on vacation next week. When they ask where you are going, just tell them it's a secret! :o)