Sum...Sum...Summer Time!

I have a confession.

Sometimes I really miss homeschooling

I have another confession.

Summer usually cures that for me.

I mean that in the best way possible.  Summer gives me a good amount of time to do all the things I have been yearning to do with my kids. But, allows me to send them back at the end of summer, when I've just about reached my threshold of hearing constant bickering amongst siblings.  I know you mommas know exactly what I'm talking about!

With that said, I feel like summer is off to a really great start, and I wanted to share a little about what we've done so far that's been working:

First off: We joined a gym.

Now, this was an investment, I will admit.  And it hurt a little to spend the money.  But this was an investment well worth it!  The temptation of lazy days of constant screen time is very real, and I want to encourage my kids to be active! Let's face it though, in South Louisiana the threat of heat stroke is also very real!  That is, unless you are swimming.  We have already spent countless hours in the pool and I imagine we will spend many many more!

In addition, the gym gives momma a break, everyday, and a chance to take care of myself. This, in turn, helps me to take care of them better!  Not only that, but my kids get to socialize with other kids and make cool projects while I am working out.  It's a win-win for everyone!

Lastly, our gym has exercise programs designed specifically for kids, so they will have the opportunity to learn new skills and be active all summer.  Like I said, "Investment WELL worth it"

Second: I made a daily schedule.

Now, this schedule will change as we begin going to VBS and family vacations.  But it is a basic schedule we can stick to, and adjust when necessary.  It includes chore time, free time, quiet (alone) time, and tea time.

I was inspired to add "Quiet Time" and "Tea Time" to our summer schedule after reading The Life Giving Home, by Sally Clarkson, and so far they have been very meaningful additions!

Quiet/Alone Time is a time where each child has a their own personal time and space to read, write, think and create.   I prepared a basket for each child containing books, paper, color pencils, puzzles, Legos, etc.  Each child's basket is a little different based on his or her interests and hobbies.  Everyday, they have an hour, alone, to think, dream, build....The sky's the limit.  It has taken a bit to get used to, and the kids have complained about being bored a few times.  But, I always remember the quote: "Out of boredom comes creativity" and that's exactly what ends up happening. It creates the perfect opportunity for a peaceful moment amongst the crazy, and allows me the chance to think a little more clearly myself!

Tea Time is a time we set aside, each day, to enjoy a snack, drink tea or coffee, and read aloud to one another.  This occurs after quiet time each day, and I can honestly say we are absolutely LOVING it!  Seems the English have a pretty good thing going...

We usually read one picture book and one chapter from a chapter book, however I encourage them to share things they may have written or learned during their quiet time as well. We are currently reading "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, which has given us opportunities to try new and interesting foods like, "Turkish Delight"  We have even had friends join us, which makes it even more fun!

Third: Cooking.

I am a HUGE believer in cooking with my kids.  Its a great way to spend one-on-one time with them, it teaches them great skills including math and reading skills, it prevents them from making messes in other parts of the house, and it builds their confidence.  I could go on and on!  I usually allow each one of my kids to contribute one meal idea to our menu each week, for which they will be responsible for helping me prepare.  The other two kids are responsible for setting the table and clean up on the days they are not helping cook.

Eli chose to make Meatball Subs.  He wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty rolling out the meatballs!

 Cooper set the table like "Mario's Meatball Sub House"

 Landry chose a slightly more difficult dish: Garlic Alfredo Tortellini.  I assisted her minimally, and it turned out amazing!

Fourth: FRIDAY FUN DAY!!!

On Fridays, we throw the schedule out the window and do something out of the ordinary.

However, this Friday our plans were squelched due to E having a nasty cough and fever. So we stayed home and watched Star Wars Movies and munched on "Wookie Cookies" instead!

However, the next day he woke up feeling much better and fever free, so we declared Saturday our Fun Day instead.

After a HOT morning at the baseball field...

... I gave the kids three clues about where we were going for our fun day:

"What do these three things have in common?"

- Your Elementary School (The Pelicans)

- The Place we go swimming (Pelican Athletic Club)

- The Name of a Basket Ball Team (The New Orleans Pelicans)

It took them a minute to understand - But they soon figured out the running theme: PELICANS!!!

They were still a bit confused, especially when I told them we were going pelican hunting with friends..."Isn't that Illegal?!?!"  But they caught on really quickly when we told them about the "Pelicans On Parade"  which was just a short drive from our house.  

We loaded into my van and kept our eyes peeled as we arrived to the hometown of these gorgeous Pelicans.  At first we tried to follow a map, but as the kids began spotting the pelicans, left and right, we threw the map out the window and allowed them to lead the way.  It was so much fun exploring the town, this way, and seeing the beautiful artistry of each painted pelican.  

After a while, we had worked up an appetite and I knew the PERFECT place to go: The Old Town Soda Shop!  We had taken the kids there, once before, and I wanted to go back ever since.  

It hit the spot!

Finally, we piled back in my van and headed home, where we gave the kids an opportunity to sculpt and paint their own pelicans!  We supplied them with books and pictures for inspiration, as well as  oven-bake clay (so we would be able to paint them the same day), sculpting tools and a variety of acrylic paint colors.

Landry chose to decorate hers to resemble a Lakefront Sunset.  She named her Pelican "Sunset Sally"

 Cooper kept his pretty simple.  He wanted his pelican to be his favorite color, red.  He named his "Flying Cooper Pelican"

 Eli decorated his pelican to look like one of his favorite characters from Mario: Toad!  He named his pelican "Toady"  And I especially love that he made his "tree stumps" look like mystery blocks.

This was a wonderful outing and I totally recommend you doing it with your own kids. For little cost, we created memories to last a lifetime.

The summer is looking bright and it's only just begun!