The kids have been on Summer break for a full week now, and the rainy weather is still with us. My seasonal affective disorder is with me too. I’ve found myself stressed out with all of the extra cooking and cleaning, and kids fighting. I want to turn that around right now…

I’m tired of feeling as if I get through Summer, and I don’t truly enjoy it. I’m tired of over-planning, or under-planning, and having to explain that sometimes it is just best to stay home. I’m also tired of thinking about what August will bring, and the new stresses, and logistics with all three kids in school.

So I’m taking a deep breath, and treating Summer vacation, as if I am actually on vacation.

I’ve found that when I’ve been on vacation, I feel better mentally, and physically too. I don’t stick to a schedule, I nap when I can, I take time for extra walks, and eat better too. I also take the time to appreciate the beauty around me, and enjoy local fare too. I read, craft, relax, and enjoy the little moments.

So let’s make that happen everyday at home…

I’m taking time to craft. I work on little projects here and there whenever I have a minute to myself. Crochet calms my nerves, and keeps my mind positively busy too.

Spending more time with my family, and extended family too. We don’t have to have a plan, or an event to attend, spend a dime,  or even celebrate an obligated holiday for a visit. This Summer,  I hope to catch up with everyone, and enjoy quality time with loved ones.

Gardening from seed, or from help from the local nurseries. I’ve been  spending more time with my hands in the dirt. We have lots of plants indoors, and many outdoors. Time in the gardens is calming for me, and educational for the kids. We also get some fresh fruits and veggies too.

Appreciating the great outdoors, and all of the little creatures that call our backyard home. The kids have enjoyed taking care, and observing the little animals that share our home, and backyard. Dylan loves reptiles, and Agnes prefers the sweet wild rabbit that is hiding in the north garden. Both of the tiny kids love snuggling with the big kitty, and chasing Miss Mia around the backyard. I love to play fetch with Mia, or take her for a long walk in the evening.  I’m also looking forward to the lightning-bugs and butterflies of Summer.

Taking time to rest (when I actually need to). With seasonal affective disorder comes mental exhaustion, and constantly feeling tired… Instead of fighting it, I’m taking a bit of quiet time each day to rest. The kids have time to themselves, the little ones usually crash out for a bit too. The little bit of quiet time helps me regroup, and feel better in the late afternoon.

Taking time to get outside. Now I’m really going to sound like a mom… My oldest might not agree with me, but it is really good for the kiddos to get outdoors, and enjoy some free-play. He isn’t too happy when I say it is time to take a break from video-games, you-tube, and consuming the internets in general, but I make him get out there and do it anyway. They run, jump, play catch, or fetch with Mia. They also blow bubbles, draw with Chalk, or take a favorite book to read on the porch. Kids today (mom voice) really need the simple activities of our childhood’s past.

Baking more treats from scratch. This one might not apply to everyone, but I love to bake. Baking breads, cookies, cakes, pies, you name it, calms me down, and feeds my family too. I love to get my hands into dough, and make something delicious out of it. I’ve already spent a good deal of Summer break baking away in the kitchen.

Doing away with the daily to-do’s. When the kids are in school, I stick to my daily list. I pour over what to do, and where to be when. Now that it is Summer I’ve abandoned the to-do chores, and probably get more accomplished because it isn’t on my list.

Making weekends actual weekends. During the school year weekends stressed me out completely, they were indeed my work-ends. I was always playing catch-up, cleaning out backpacks, tending to school homework, and just generally being stressed out and waiting for Monday morning to arrive. Now, I’m taking time to relax with my family, catch-up on netflix, and not worry about planning out what comes next.

June is almost here, and I’m looking forward to warmer weather, and more time spent outdoors. I hope that you have a fun, and stress-free Summer too.

I know it is only Wednesday, but this week has been a long week already… Much to my surprise though, the kids are all still asleep this morning. Hello a bit of quiet, and a full cup of coffee.

I’ve been spending the weekend/week mostly on the three C’s, cleaning, crochet, and cooking.

I can’t believe just how much food the kiddos are consuming right now. They are all growing like crazy, and the boys are always HUNGRY. We stocked up at two stores yesterday, and I hope it lasts till the next Monday.

I’m cooking around the clock. I’ve been baking lots of bread, cakes, and I need to make some cookies and brownies today.

The kids are settling in to Summer. We have had many days of rain, so we’ve been hanging out at home. Yesterday afternoon the weather broke, so they got to spend the day outside. So far they are getting along fairly well, just a few little spats here and there.

I’ve also been cleaning, and cleaning, and cleaning. I’ve rearranged the kitchen pantry, and the fridge too. Deep cleaned the utility room, and made room for Summer tools. I’m still trying to tackle the pile of school stuff that the boy’s brought home. There is also just the day to day stuff that needs maintained.

I am enjoying the relaxed schedule though. It is really nice not having to make the school run to three different schools, and the kids like it too.

Well my cup of coffee has reached it’s end, so I had better get to it. Happy Wednesday!

The kids are enjoying Summer break, and I’m cooking non-stop for them. All three of them are going through a growth spurt, and they are hungry all of the time. The cleaning up after the lot is non-stop too, and then there is the laundry…

We have been trying to get outdoors in between the rain showers. It has been raining every day, since last Friday. The kids are getting a little stir crazy, so I am hoping that we see a break in the weather soon.

Today we are off to two stores to restock the house. I hope the big kids don’t mind going along and helping me out. Better get to it.

It is officially Summer break around our house, and the boys are actually sleeping in. The little Miss was up and going bright and early this morning. So far the day is plan free, and that is fantastic. We are all in need of a break from the everyday.

Happy Summer!

The boys have just four days left of school, and Agnes is down to her last two days of preschool. Summer is almost here. The big kids are already stating the fact that they are bored, and the little lady can’t wait for school to start.

I’ve been researching (and price checking) a few Summer day trips for the kiddos and I, for those days when we really need a day out of the house. For the most part though,  I’m trying my best to keep the Summer simple,  plan free, and relaxed.

I just hope that the kids will sleep in a few days this Summer. What about you… What are you looking forward to, as Summer is just around the corner?