Simplicity

   Another school year has passed for us, and we aren’t doing any school work over the summer.  Friday was our last day, so we spent Monday cleaning the house.  Tuesday we finished getting the house back in order so that we can spend our summer maintaining it as needed.  During the school year this just doesn’t get done as it should.  We do enough to get by, until we just stop and take a day or two to regroup.  It’s now Thursday, and this week has been magical!  We’ve relaxed, we’ve laughed, we’ve played, Ive read 2 books, and I’ve even written a little bit.  With the exception of getting stuck inside due to storms, this is exactly how I’d like to spend our summer.
    Today I did something I’ve not done in years.  I baked cookies!  From scratch!  Sarai wasn’t so sure it was possible, because she didn’t see any packages or precut cookies anywhere.  She was quite confused when she asked what I was doing.  It felt so good to make those cookies!  I feel like a normal Mom again.  I’ve been so stressed out for the last few years and haven’t gotten to enjoy being a mom.  I love homeschooling, and it has its own joys, but letting that go for the summer and just being a mom feels like a dream.  This week has been simple, and even if it doesn’t stand out in the kids’ memories, it will forever stand out in mine.  This is exactly what I needed!
     Before we finished school last week, I’d already planned out next school year.  I even have some of our curriculum ready to go.  I made some adjustments so that next school year can be a little simpler.  I’m hoping that relaxing this summer, and just focusing on living a simple life will help us to integrate school back into our lives this fall in a much simpler way.  I don’t want school to be stressful.  I want it to be joyful!  I want memories of homeschooling to give my kids warm feelings once they’ve grown up and started families of their own.  I want them to remember me as a kind and loving mom, not a stressed out angry mom.
     This summer may prove to be difficult.  We all have attitudes to work on.  We have some habits to adjust.  I want to begin writing regularly.  This will all take work.  My plan is to take it easy, and keep it simple.  I want us to have a carefree summer break.  There’s a lot to be said for simplicity!