Transitioning to Summer (Part 1) : Making a List

Currently: we are wrapping up the school year.

One preschool ends today, and the second preschool ends in two weeks. It's just a matter of time before we are faced with almost three glorious months of summer.

Relaxed schedules. Time to play. Time to explore. Time to enjoy a slower pace.

Right now i am in the mode of transitioning our family into the summer season. Sure that includes closet clean-outs and purchasing new summer wears for the kids. But more than that, I have been asking myself and my family, What do we want to do this summer?

one of our favorite things to do over the summer- eating dinner alfresco style!

With Jonah starting at "the big school" next year, life is about to change, and I want to maximize our summer months together as a family. Really enjoy it, and be proactive about this short period of time (rather than coast through the days and let situations, moods, and circumstances dictate our schedule).

Don't get me wrong about the word "proactive", see, I am craving a slower pace (jonah being in two different preschools has made for a busy, yet rewarding, year). However I want to be smart about the things we do this summer.

So, I started off by asking everyone in the family (including myself) "What are some things you want to do this summer?"

Jordan quickly informed me that she wanted to swim with sharks. (um, ok????) Jonah shared many things, one being that he wanted to play basketball (which surprised me!!). It's good to know what the kids would like to spend their time doing- however young, they definitely have an opinion.

my favorite photo from summer 2010

Interestingly enough, as I asked myself and Todd this same question, we both of us included "to-do" items on the list. Todd mentioned items like "stain the deck" and "yard/creek work", and for me it was some indoor redecorating and improvements that I would like to get done. All of them are very legit (and yes they need to get done), but honestly, that wasn't what I was going for when creating the list.

I decided we need to create a separate list for projects. I think as adults sometimes we have a hard time distinguishing between work and play.

Or maybe we tend to focus on one more than the other.

Or maybe we feel guilty to plan so many fun things when there are weeds to pull.

But I know one thing is for sure: "reorganizing my room" was not on Jonah's list. He shared his hearts desires. things he truly wanted to do... with his family.

So, I decided to keep these lists separate so that we can focus an appropriate amount time on "family goals" and "project goals" without confusing the two. oh we can be so grown-up sometimes, can't we?

So, the list. That is my focus this week... not thinking (yet) about what "needs" to be done, but rather my hearts desire for my sweet little family this summer. Making a list- and carefully evaluating what indeed "makes" the list.

Asking questions and taking notes. What do we want to do this summer?

After all, this period of time is short. the relaxed schedule is a gift...one that will be gone in a flash (just as anything that has to do with time). just as every season of life, we must determine what's important (and what's not).

it's our job to savor and cherish each and every day.