Slow Down

Go Go Go

Rush Rush Rush

Gotta do this. Gotta do that.

Busy Busy Busy

I'm sure that we aren't the only ones who have felt this way. Whether you have kids or not, life gets to be busy.

Hi! In case you are new here, I'm Melissa. What do you need to know about me? Well... I am a follower of Jesus Christ, I am a wife to the most amazing man, and I am a mama to 3 beautiful children (ages 6, 5, and 3). I am also beyond blessed to be a SAHM and a Homeschool Mama.

As you may imagine, my life is busy; however, I think about the kind of busy I was this last school year and I'm reminded of one of the many reasons why we decided to homeschool. You see, this last school year, our oldest was actually enrolled in a private Christian school for kindergarten. That's a whole story in itself, so see "Our Beginning" for more on that. Anyways, I have no bad things to say about this school; they were wonderful. But life felt rushed this whole last school year.

Drop off, pick up, volunteer hours, early care, after care, homework, dress code, sack lunch... all on top of the non-school-related things I still had to get done, while homeschooling our middle and caring for our little. The amount of relief I felt on the first day of summer was unreal.

Fast forward to now, we're enjoying our unschooling summer. Taking some much needed downtime and embracing each day as it comes. With that, one of the things I've been doing more with our downtime is reading. My current "backyard, sitting by the fire, watching the kiddos play" book is The Call of the Wild & Free by Ainsley Arment, and what a blessing it has been to me.

Click here to check out "The Call of the Wild & Free" by Ainsley Arment

This book has taught me the importance of slowing down and taking your time. My kids are already professionals at this. It takes them 15 minutes to get out the door, and lunchtime always turns into an hour-long playtime, where their crackers and raisins have conversations about being a chef. Some days these things might get me all flustered, but I'm learning.

I've also been reminded of the importance of letting kids be kids, not just in summer but throughout the school year. Homeschooling allows us the flexibility to choose how we learn, whether through math lessons or imaginative play.

This summer has been a valuable learning experience, and I am excited to continue learning throughout our homeschool journey.

I encourage you to slow down and relax. Put aside your phone, enjoy a peaceful walk, read outdoors, or try a new recipe with your family. Make the most of every day.

Why?

Because life is short. Don't waste it.

Proof of their wild antics at the dining table. Sir Teddy Bear (Vitamin) wearing his chef's hat (yogurt covered raisin)... ready to serve lunch to Mr. Cracker and his raisin children.