It's (Almost) Summer Time!

 

As per my normal routine, it is time to "plan" our summer.  This is the time that in years past I lay out what our basic plan is for the next few months.  Some years I have planned a lot of activities (especially when my guys were younger) and some years I've planned less and let my guys take the lead (as they get older).  This summer is unique - a first for us really.  Why?  Because the two "kids" I have watched for almost 14 years (well, the oldest one), will not be here this summer.  My official time with them ends on the last day of school.  So this summer will be the first time since my guys were babies that it will just be "Us" (Nate was 8 months old when I started watching Cooper!)  While we will miss them being here daily I think we will also enjoy our time too.  I'm sure we will see them throughout the summer - either swimming at their house or inviting them along for some outings with us but it won't be the daily thing we are used to.  Change is good though.  Another unique thing is that I actually have a small job that is not babysitting.  It isn't much - just one day (4-6 hours) where I clean our church.  So one day a week I'll be off doing that for a good portion of the day.  

At this point of my guys lives, as teenagers, I like them to be able to enjoy their summers.  There will be weeks of camp, visits with family, and stays with grandparents.  Not to mention outings with friends and I hope to do a few fun things with just "us".  They are also looking forward to some events at the Library for Teens as well.  So really, our summer plans itself!  

Then, at this stage of the game, I have more freedom to plan some things for myself.  I have some goals of things I'd like to accomplish. Summer is my prime time to get things done as during the school year my time is limited.  I am really hoping to get my two co-op classes completely planned this summer (I say that every year HA!).  

Even as I start to think about summer and planning out my/our weeks first thing is first - we are still wrapping up school.  Nate is trying to finish by the end of the week.  Josh is aiming for the end of the month.  Music lessons will wrap up for the year by the first week of June.  Both youth groups are wrapping up by this week.  So things are really starting to wind down!  

I really cherish these summers with my guys.  They are so fun to hang out with and be around - I don't want to miss these moments!