Friday, August 13, 2010

End of Summer Reckoning

It's been a while since I've linked up with the Company Girls.  While I've missed the connections and inspiration, I needed to take a break and regain some perspective.  Earlier in the summer I was very gung-ho about what I aimed to do offline.  Somewhere between my high hopes and low moments is where I think most of our summer days were spent.

Puddingstone necklace my husband gave me on our 10th wedding anniversary


What we did and did not accomplish in June and July:
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  • We did not pick strawberries, but my children did go out and pick fresh raspberries from the yard during our two week stay in Canada.
  • My husband took two of my children to the "mammoth museum" while my eldest daughter and I went to a book club at the library.
  • We made it downtown to the farmer's market on several weekends and bought local, ethically-raised ground beef.
  • Found peach ice cream to make Summer Spice Ice Cream Sandwiches (recipe here), but did not create the healthy version.
  • We did a few of the activities on the summer calendar from Thriving Family and attempted a fourfold approach to structure our days--for about two weeks in June.
  • Attended my husband's best friend's wedding in Ohio and made a customized recipe collection for my dear friend in California, whose wedding I was not in since our friends chose the same date.
  • Finally spent some time with my grandparents in Ohio, after being thwarted last December.  Not long after we left, my grandfather, who is 90, was hospitalized, so I treasure the moments we had in July.
  • Had a fun vacation for the kids in Canada, but not much true rest for my husband and I.  (I was not expecting much of a vacation for myself with three kiddos in tow, but my husband really needed more of a break.)

What remains (in the next 30 days):

  1. Read the New Testament and review my study of John
  2. Re-institute spiritual disciplines for myself
  3. Begin teaching them to my children
  4. Develop and follow through on chore lists for each child
  5. Remove excess clothing and goods from the premises (via garage sale, city mission, etc.)
  6. Devise and implement a schedule for being online.
  7. Celebrate our tenth anniversary in Kansas City while grandparents care for the kids.

Though refreshed from being away and enjoying natural beauty surrounding us last month, my deeper thirst remains unquenched.  I know the simple solution.  Draw near to God and he will draw near to me (James 4:8).  Only then can I become the woman I yearn to be.

How was your summer?  Have you been refreshed?

6 comments:

Ashley Pichea [PicheaPlace.com] said...

It sounds like you've had a busy summer. We've been busy, but July was a nice breather between two chaotic months! I've enjoyed getting back into the swing of things as summer is coming to an end and school will soon start again. Glad to be back w/ the Company Girls!

Alicia said...

Your last paragraph just makes me pause. So true.

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

Welcome back! What a wonderful entry and especially your last paragraph. I love that scripture and needed to be reminded of that today. Blessings to you!

One More Equals Four said...

Let's see, refreshed...maybe not. Sad that it is over, definitely! Had an incredible time in Idaho visiting with my family and still mourning over having to come home without them. :(

Trying to get back into the swing of things now that school has started back!

Hope you are successful with the rest of your to do list.

Unknown said...

I, too, have a list of what wasn't accomplished. But, on the flip side, I think our summer was great. Refreshed, not so much, but am hoping my new routine of morning quiet time will help.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you got to disconnect to connect, if you know what I mean. =) Enjoy the remainder of summer!