by Carie Moore
Only a month left of summer! Soon the school year and harvest will begin as will the flurry of fall activities. Much like a fellow blogger mentioned, we are enjoying the summer of few plans. I too spent the summer with my children at home and planned very little. We had two weeks of swimming lessons, vacation bible school, three days of football camp, Mady attended two instead of four away from home camps, and we didn’t even go to the fair. Usually we’re juggling farming, full time jobs, camps, lessons, bible school, and anything else we can cram in.
The wonderful thing is, I was able to help some amazing friends when they needed it. I was able to do some advocating for ag that my kids could attend with me, go to a weekly bible study, and just be a mom. It was something I wouldn’t have chosen on my own, but circumstances set in motion with God’s sense of humor played out this way. It wasn’t so bad.
We bought a pool pass and it was a life-saver. I was able to read and dive into some things I haven’t done for almost a decade. It kept the kids from sitting in a warm house and fighting with each other. They were able to see and spend time with their in-town friends and cousins which they’ve never done before. We worked on math and reading which was desperately needed over the break, and they took on some household chores. I learned to slow down a little and appreciate things I never took time to before.
As parents, we stress about a lot of things. Although we will probably be glad for the change of pace as the kids go to school at the end of August, I would be willing to bet this is a summer we will all remember. And not in a bad way.
Keeping three hungry kids fed all day was another adventure. I thought planning supper every day was a hassle. That’s nothing compared to planning lunch and supper and trying to find something three kids will eat twice a day! I didn’t know that two of the three would eat frozen pizza for every meal if they could. Good thing they are cheap, but when a nine-year-old eats three-fourths of one all by himself, it makes me dread what’s to come in a couple years when he’s a “growing” teenager instead of boy. I made sure to have apples, grapes, strawberries, ham, pb&j, egg salad, and cereal on hand. We had a lot of pork stock-piled in the freezer, so it’s been nice to have the chance to use that up as well.
Keeping kids active and fed were about the extent of my priorities this summer. Everything else has just fallen into place due to the grace of God’s will and plan for us. I can argue with a lot of things but that’s not one I will touch.
I hope your family is faring well this summer. There won’t be a family vacation, there won’t be any fair visits, there won’t be a bunch of new school clothes, but we have what we need – each other – and that’s what matters. Sometimes we have to be forced into a situation out of our control and comfort zone to fully understand and grasp the important things.
We are all blessed. Take time to realize it and appreciate it while you can.