End of Summer Post

Here's my obligatory end of summer post.  Tear.  Tomorrow is my last day at home with the kids.  (The rest of the week is errands, appointments, and working in my classroom.)  It's a weird feeling to know that it's coming to an end.  But like I always say, it's time.  This year, however, I don't know if I'm ready for it to be time.  When the weather was hot and dry, I was ready to go back.  The kids didn't want to play outside, it was too hot to play.  But lately, we've had some beautiful, comfortable days.  We've played outside so much and loved it!  I want more days to eat lunch outside, have snacks on the porch, read a book outside while the kids nap, ride bikes and play hopscotch.  But, all good things must come to an end.  It will be hard for everyone to adapt to the new bedtime and wake up time, and it will be harder for mom and dad to get everyone in the house and in bed at a reasonable time.

This school year will be different.  For one thing, Vera is going to kindergarten!  Gosh, I just can't believe it's real!  That routine will be a new normal for us all.  I'm really excited for her, but I don't know if I'm ready for all things that go with having a child in school.  I pray that she makes good choices, works hard, is a good friend, and shines like I know she can.

My school year will also be filled with changes.  Some of my closest teacher friends are no longer at Ansonia due to retirement and new positions elsewhere.  I will miss them dearly.  One thing I love about my job is the people I work with.  Turnmire, Lentz, & Dena, I will miss your friendship, but wish you nothing but success and happiness in your new endeavors!

Our summer was awesome.  I accomplished so many things, like I always hope to.  There were plenty of things that didn't get done, and that's ok too.

I was so lucky to watch all 3 of my kids change for 3 months.  Vince is talking so much more, and has really become a little boy who loves to work hard and get dirty.  I just love watching him run fast and listen to him giggle.  Annie is crawling, jabbering so much, and is starting to respond and communicate more.  Vera has grown up also.  Her imagination and ability to play pretend are amazing.  I loved watching her draw with sidewalk chalk, dance & dress up like a princess, and interact with Vince more and more.  She was also an awesome helper when I needed it most.  I would've lost control of the household on a daily basis if it weren't for her helping hands!  We successfully weaned her from an afternoon nap, and I must say that I loved having quiet afternoons with her.  We did crafts and she helped with projects.  We did some Kindergarten readiness activities like handwriting, reading, tallying, sorting, cutting and pasting.  She loved it!

We did a little vacationing and camping this summer, though not as much as last year.  Good memories!

On numerous occasions, Adam and I would verbalize how thankful we were for central air this year.  What a great decision to install that!  We worked on other home projects; there's always one of those going on.  We bought a new washer and dryer, which I love.  The front loader has definitely lightened the laundry burden.

This is the mound of laundry I had when my washing machine conveniently died after our camping trip.  I loaded all of this laundry, 3 kids, 1 double stroller, a purse of quarters, and a bag of toys and snacks in the car bound for the laundry mat.  Surprisingly, it wasn't a total disaster.  I filled 6 large capacity machines, and had all of my laundry done (for a day!)  ha!

We slept in.  I stayed up late.  I found that I really enjoyed the quiet and alone time after everyone, even Adam, was asleep.  I did some soul searching, trying to find a hobby or pass time that I love.  I sewed, scrapbooked, and read.  I shopped online (love that!), explored Amazon Pantry, Hello Fresh, Stitch Fix and Le Tote.

Having groceries delivered to my door was nothing short of awesome!

We swam and got dirty in the backyard.  More recently, Vince's #1 pass time outside is playing in the mulch.  He digs and scoops.  Pours it in cups, shovels it on his bike, and gets it absolutely everywhere.

Our garden was successful.  Vera and her dad had so much fun with that project this year.  The green beans were the highlight, for sure!  Vera loved them, and even Adam learned to like them.  They're already talking about their garden plans for next year.  For the first time ever, I did some canning.  We had one cucumber plant, and it sure did produce!  My pickle-canning was quite novice, but all of the jars sealed, so that is a success.  No guarantees on how they'll taste, though.

Harvesting green beans.  Notice the monkey and Vera's red skirt.  She wore that skirt almost daily, inside and out!

You were good to us, summer.  Thanks for many memories and fun opportunities!
I pray for a successful school year:

God of wisdom and might,
we praise you for the wonder of our being,
for mind, body and spirit.
Be with our children as they begin a new school year.
Bless them and their teachers and staff.
Give the strength and grace as their bodies grow;
wisdom and knowledge to their minds
as they search for understanding;
and peace and zeal to their hearts.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.