Happy Memorial Day, and happy (unofficial) summer to you all. In our neck of the woods, the classrooms have been cleaned and organized, the kids’ backpacks have been emptied, and flowers have been potted on the porch.
On Friday, Jason and I finished our 18th and 17th year of teaching. This year was a good one. Life in the school realm felt more predictable and more natural, like the pandemic was nearly in the rear view mirror. Harper finished fifth grade and is enthusiastically awaiting middle school. Jameson wrapped up third grade and will begin his “big kid” years of elementary in the fall. As we know, life just keeps ticking along, whether we stop to smell the roses or not.
This weekend, we spent a lot of time feeling tired. Our minds battled our bodies. Mind: It’s summer! We should do all the things. Bodies: We are exhausted. Please program sleep. We gave in and went to bed early, but as the weekend progressed, we began to see signs of what we love so much. We tooled around the neighborhood on our bikes and scooters. We played at a new park and didn’t worry about the clock. We had one more cup of coffee. We had friends over. We rested.
On the other hand, we also started lists. So many house projects. Chores to do. Things to fix. Budget to consider. Places to de-clutter. Boredom busters. Summer buckets. Birthday wishes.
And yet, I am deeply grateful to have time to slow down and to clarify my thoughts and priorities.
On that note …
Our first priority is taking care of the pooch! Finn got himself neutered on Friday. He was loopy and sleepy for approximately 42 minutes, but since then has been playful, not resting, and banging into our shins with his cone of shame. Bless.
Also a priority- planning for some special kiddos’ birthdays. Next weekend, Jameson turns 9, and the weekend after that, Harper turns 11. Needless to say, I don’t have babies anymore. They are busy growing into two incredible people.
In between, there are things like HVAC and carpet estimates, play-dates, meeting Nana’s new puppy, and hosting a favorite cousin from Indiana.
Harper and Jameson’s priority is getting their summer mom to reappear. She’s generally cooler, significantly more flexible, and forgiving of extra sugar and screen time. I asked them to please wait for the weekend to pass. I need just a tad more sleep, maybe a few more quiet reading minutes, and a couple more days of filtering school from my primary line of thought. But, I know she’s in there. I can feel her creeping back.
The plan for this Memorial Day is to take a hike and appreciate all the growing around us. And maybe have a s’more or two.
Cheers to the beginnings of summer.
I enjoy each of your entries more than the last—and your photography skills are amazing! Hope your body, mind and spirit all embrace and enjoy your summer break very soon!