If you’re anything like me, a luxurious summer vacay, far away on a secluded island or in a cabin nestled in the mountains, is out of the question.  We are in the thick of all the things in our family life concerning homeschooling, with an upcoming kindergartner, a high school freshman, and a first-year college student this fall. We just celebrated our first homeschool graduate and have ended our homeschool year on a high note.

Next, I will need to turn my attention to all the curriculum/lesson planning that needs to be done for the coming homeschool year.  I will also need to write out a {flexible} plan for our day-to-day summer routine.  Since we continue some of our school subjects during the summer, it is good to have some touch points throughout the day.

But, rather than jump straight into those worthy tasks after a very full homeschooling year, I needed to step away and take a break.  And, that is exactly what I’ve done.

I intentionally stepped away from our school room, homeschool routines, and any planning for about a week or so.

 

Instead, I spent my days  . . .

relaxing with my family

playing Uno

eating the last piece of birthday cake

reading my Bible

looking for baby robins with the children

planting and watering marigold seeds

sleeping in a little bit

foot bath and pedicure

long conversations with my husband

bird watching from the front porch

reflecting on the goodness of the LORD

learning a little more Hebrew

enjoying a few late spring thunderstorms

taking pictures of my rose bushes and hydrangeas

baking up a batch of brownies

taking a nap or two

 

To some, these things might sound so ordinary.  But that was the point: I took the time to slow down and find refreshment in enjoying the ordinary things. It was wonderful!  Taking this time allowed me to enjoy a few simple things, but ultimately recharge a bit so that I am prepared to address the next season in my home life.

What do you do to recharge after the homeschooling year is complete? What ways do you enjoy the ordinary things in life? What plans do you have for the summer?