I love summer. More than ever. I think I live in a house that loves summer too. My house just lives better with the windows open, and the screen door banging, and the breeze blowing the curtains around. It's needs fresh air and sunshine just like I do. Even the real hot weather doesn't bother me much anymore. I'll take it a thousand times over the cold any day of the week.
This summer is busy of course-because having five children is busy even if you make a point to keep things as simple as possible like I do. I feel like we have four or five major events on the calendar-the last one occurring in mid-July-and then I can take a deep breath knowing I fulfilled all my outside duties to the world, and start preparing for that cute big "event" due August 20-pulling that dusty crib out of the attic and washing some white onesies and pj's.
The days are long-sometimes by 7 pm I am so ready for bed. (Not sometimes-always!) The good thing is that Patrick is too and I usually end up conking out reading him his books in spite of my best efforts to stay awake a little longer. I feel like I have been, more than ever, able to maintain my housework inside and outside and that
always makes me feel good. I haven't even given many jobs this summer-I ask for help here and there and it seems like the kids are responding well to that.
I have my little notebook out on my counter and on one side I have my TO-DO list, and the other side is divided into the days of the week-my trusty old fashioned planner. This week one of my to-do's is to teach Andrew how to make chocolate chip cookies completely by himself. I don't know why it's taken me so long. He loves to cook and I think I should be taking advantage of his little talent and expanding his repertoire. We'll move on to more practical things after he masters the cookies. (Cookies
are practical though aren't they?
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Cookies are EXTREMELY practical. :)
ReplyDeleteI just love your lists. And that photo with the wind blowing through the window... Heavenly :)
ReplyDeleteI have to say that your snapshots of the past couple days sound just like where I'd like to be right now: Summer breezes, baby cooking in my belly, the feeling that the housework is at least mostly caught up, a sense of peace. Of course your days are just that - a snapshot - but it is certainly something to aspire to. I have been reading your blog since nearly the start, and find it one of the few that doesn't make me feel like I should be able to do more in my days. Mine are already pretty full with my 2 yr old and almost 4 yr old, without feeling like I should be raising my own animals, sewing my own clothes, homeschooling, eating nothing but organic, etc. You remind me that there is still something to be proud of in the basics of keeping a family fed, loved and sheltered. Because it is damn hard work just doing the basics some days!
ReplyDeleteI also appreciate your unintentional example of how fast a family should grow. At age 35 I have felt some pressure that if I am going to have more babies it's "now or never". I came from a family of 3 kids in less than 3 years, so I have that as my unconcious template. But I can see that spreading them out a little more doesn't necessarily result in a family where the older kids and younger kids don't create good relationships. Thank you for that. I have more questions on having more than the standard 2 kids, but I don't want to bog down your comments tonight!
I love open windows more than anything..like you said it let's the home take a "breather". But on muggy summer days when it's not so breezy do you still keep the windows open?
ReplyDeleteI envy the fact that you can have your windows open. If I did that, I'd fry! ;) Yes, I will concur. Summer looks great on your house!
ReplyDeleteHappy First Day!
I used to love when I would fall asleep with the kids when I would read to them. It is such a wonderful memory! Thank you for reminding me of those precious times.
ReplyDeleteHappy summer Sarah! I love this time of year too. And I love seeing you with that cute belly! You look DARLING! And not too big at all. Of course this is coming from someone who is 5'4 and gets INSANELY huge with each pregnancy. Can't wait until August when we get to see pics of the newest addition to your sweet family!
ReplyDeleteI stumbled upon your blog. I love your planner idea notebook. Happy Summer!
ReplyDeleteAren't summers great?! So loving no set schedule. Just finished orientation. Headed back home tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI thought i was the only crazy lady who always keeps the windows open! my neighbors give me a hard time asking why i want to let my family bake in the heat. The funny thing is that my husband now doesn't even ask to close up the house anymore!
ReplyDeleteoh, I can feel that breeze on my cheeks. what a lovely image.
ReplyDeleteThat photo is what I needed today. I can close my eyes and almost feel the breeze.Living in Alaska I wish I could do this more often. Happy 1st day of summer where we have long hours of sunlight and mosquito machines.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for summer again - this has been a cold winter so far. But the change of season is what I like the most and winter does provide the opportunity for slow comfort food, and baking cookies with the grandchildren. Photos as always are fab.
ReplyDeleteCookies are absolutely practical ~ pretty much a necessity even! : )
ReplyDeleteI think I need Summer too!
ReplyDeleteCookies are definitely practical and should be a priority! LOL
My 16 year old son had a hankering to make cookies last week and made them. They turned out really buttery and very flat! Later I discovered when it called for 1 stick of butter he put in the "block" of Sam's Club butter!! (4 sticks) Too funny! Happy Summer!
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