What I DID This Summer

Every year when school ends, I have grand summer plans in my mind.  LOTS of organizing.  Redecorating.  Fun travel.  Visits to the lake or river.  Tackling the stack of magazines I have only partially read. 

And every year when August rolls around and I see my "break" coming to an end, I feel panicked.  And defeated. And sad.

Sad I didn't do SOOOO many of the things I was just sure I would.

In those times, I could wallow in the pit of despair.  It is a good excuse to eat a lot of chocolate.

OR...

I can stop and reflect and think about the things I DID get done (even if they weren't on my original list).

That is what I am choosing.  I still may eat chocolate though...

• Supported husband as he launched his own business
• Cleaned out my medicine cabinet (which had not been cleaned out in quite a while apparently)
• Sorted kids' schoolwork (only the saved pieces) from last school year
• Baked and decorated the girls' birthday cake
• Organized the girls' birthday celebration
• Exercised at least 5 days every week I think, actually hitting 6 most of the time
• Tried several new recipes (some that have become favorites already)
• Took the kids swimming at the river
• Transported kids to swimming lessons
• Sent Child 2 to her first week camp
• Transported two other kids to their camps
• Visited my sister for a week while the girls went to a horse camp
• Had shaved ice dates with my husband
• Planned, packed for, and went on a week long vacation at the beach...our pup's first vacation!
• Enjoyed a day at the lake with friends
• Met TWO "virtual friends" (friends via adoption but only met through the Internet prior to our real meetings)
• Hosted a friend for a couple of days
• Read two "fun" books and more parenting books than I can count
• Lost a couple more pounds...about five more to go
• Took the kids swimming at their grandparents' house
• Played numerous rounds of Candyland and Apples to Apples, as well as dramatic play with Little People
• Washed, dried, and folded at least 6 loads (usually more) of laundry a week
• Organized Child 4's books (with his assistance)
• Planned the girls' "new" room (though we haven't implemented yet...)
• Shredded
• Experienced some "life changing" parenting training via a book, DVD, and a mentor who thankfully answers questions any time I have them
• "Re-adopted" our younger two (now I have to get the youngest's name changed on everything...)
• Organized under our bed
• Weeded out clothing in the closet
• Worked on a puzzle with child 3
• Started journals with both girls to keep the lines of communication open
• Celebrated hubby's 40th birthday
• Hopefully encouraged several via Facebook and blogs
• Watched the meteor shower
• Had a night getaway with hubby
• Tried some new foods (like edamame and quinoa)
• Took kids to doctor's appointments (3 I believe)
• Took the pup in her for her yearly checkup and booster shots
• Took the youngest school supply shopping
• Menus planned and executed each week
• Got a deep freeze (and filled it with cow meat)
• Climbed a light house
• Blogged fairly regularly
• Cleaned out the car...a couple times :)
• Cooked lunch for the church interns
• Watched several hours of Lock Up
• Pulled out child 4's first tooth :(  I wasn't ready for that one)
• Read up on and started implementing activities to help with sensory issues one or more of my children are dealing with
• Took and edited TONS of pictures
• Donated my hair
• Got a new roof
• Started parenting "intentionally" (will explain one day)
  

I am sure I can think of more, but I am getting tired.

I do know that thinking about what I did makes me feel much better about the things I didn't...

Reba