My first summer at home!

Wow, been a while since my last post!  With the end of school and beginning of summer, I haven't had much time to blog.  Which brings me to this blog :)  My first summer at home....


We are two weeks into our very first summer at home together.  The first week was rough.  I thought to myself there is no way I can do this!  I mean 24/7 I am with children.  I know what your thinking...I had them so I should raise them right?  Well yes, and had I had the last 12 years of practice, I don't think this learning curve would be here right now.  But I haven't.  I've had to work....financially that is.  Still probably financially speaking I need to, but that's where God's plan comes first.  


We are now just finishing week 2 and I'm feeling much better.  I've had to take the focus off of me and onto them and others.  I've had to remind myself that I'm not living this life for me but rather for God.  I'm grateful for this opportunity and I need to show it.  We've gotten ourselves into a great routine and I'm for the first time ever learning how to love being at home.  I've always been the type to go, go, go.  I've always been the type to put my needs over others including my children.  Being still and at home has never been my gift.  I'm learning however that with prayer and practice, it can be.  My children long for home.  They don't want to go everywhere all the time.  Most importantly they don't need to go everywhere all the time!  


I'm learning a balance of life for all of us.  Free time each day is until 10am.  The kids watch TV, play video games, eat breakfast and get ready for the day.  Mine includes a little sleep without an alarm, quiet time with God, breakfast and morning coke :) Daytime chores surprisingly are done without arguing and complaining complimented by fun times afterwards.  TV is off from 10-5 everyday.  Fun times include board games, pool time, riding bikes, playing with friends (the list goes on and on).  All the while because chores are done and the house is tidy, I enjoy it with them!  Sometimes, depending on the day, we have to pick up chores again in the middle of the day.  Each of my children has learned how to use the washing machine, dryer, vacuum, dishwasher, duster, lawnmower and blower.  Some days of the week we have "big chores" that require more attention than just 30 min.  They've learned I'm not a drill sergeant but instead we are a family and working as team is better than hearing one person scream out orders :)  We had a day of each and they chose which mommy they preferred :)  5pm hits and typically we have dinner followed by evening practices.  Pierson swims and Reagan and Parker are trying out for soccer.  This occurs usually 3 days a week and by the time we get home its about 7.  Just in time for baths, a snack and downtime before lights out.


Of course not all our days are perfect...often we have dr appts and or a few errands to run.  But typically speaking our days run pretty smoothly.  I pray each morning for God to grant me patience and to keep my eyes focused on him.  To keep my eyes focused on loving my children and loving others!  Everyday I also thank God for such an incredible supportive husband!  He not only loves our family so unconditionally but fully supports me both financially and emotionally.  He gives me my me time and everyday makes sure we have our time together as well!  He makes me feel so special and complete!  Thank you Jason for being the man you are!!!