Summer Break 2013

Do you ever feel like you are juggling your children?  I think all mothers, even if you have only one, can relate.  And the more kids you have, the more balls you have to keep in the air!

I know summers are for fun and relaxation, for being outdoors, and especially for a break from school and routine.  However, it is also a time for dentist and doctor appointments so they don't interrupt school days.  (Remember I'm a foster parent, so in addition to my 8 year old, I have 3 other boys right now). I have two boys that are in occupational therapy for sensory issues (SPD) at least once a week, one boy has monthly chiropractic visits, plus there are bi-weekly therapy visits for a different 2 boys.  Some days we have no appointments and I cherish those days.  Other days we may have 3 or 4 places to be, and so I juggle.

Throughout the last eight weeks, the boys have swam at the lake, played in the sprinkler or with water guns.  They have enjoyed the new play set and trampoline and a 3D movie.  They liked Camp Invention and vacation with grandparents.  Still to come in the next 4 weeks is a visit to other grandparents, Communicare day camp, and some more fun family time swimming and playing.

During the time I've had to myself, I've spent time on the AO Forum and reading homeschooling blogs.  I've searched and bought some school books for the upcoming year, took the schedules like last years and tweaked to suit, and started pre-reading the school books (Ambleside Online year 3) so I will be more prepared this year.  I'm also downloading the free audiobooks for those days when I don't have time to read to him, or he wants to listen to extra books before bed.  I went to a homeschooling conference in Nashville with my husband, and we really enjoyed the time together away, listening to Christian speakers and talking with other homeschooling families.  How refreshing that was!  I've also tried to find time to learn to cook some new, healthier (gluten, dairy and soy free) recipes, and am pleased to say that most of them have been quite crowd-pleasing.  I've read some "beach" books (join me on Goodreads to see what I'm reading!), several homeschooling books, and participated in a AO forum discussion on The Scarlet Pimpernel (affiliate link).  To me, nothing says summer like swinging on the front porch with a good book while the kids play!

How have you spent your summer?  What's your favorite part?