The last summer I had off I think had to have been the year 2022 I think? I was still working Preschool, but I was part day and part year, so I got the summers off. It was a nice perk, however it was also difficult since that would mean I also wouldn’t be getting paid. This year will be my first time staying home, with 3 children. One of which has more energy then the other two combined.
Because my son can be so high energy I want to make sure he has a lot of time to play outside and enjoy his summer. Based on his lat report card however, we do have some work were gonna try and catch up on. I.E. Handwriting practice mostly. So for him I’ve created a schedule, allotting for plenty of play time, as well as time to work on the skills we are going to try and improve before the next school year.
I also am going to try maintaining my regular schedule as much as I can as well, things like grocery shopping, chores, and my butter and seasoning making. Theirs also a few things I’m hoping to get to now that my kids are home to help watch their sister, such as working outside. When the kids were in school all day my time was limited for spending time outside, at least until I get my pack and play out of storage so I can bring Dani outside with me. But now with the kids home I know my son would 100% love the chance to ‘babysit’ his little sister, even if its just so I can go do some weeding or watering.
Dinner Time
Once a week, my teenager is going to make dinner this summer. I’m sure this means I’ll be sick and tired of Mac and Cheese by the time the summers over, but shes getting to that age where she needs to learn her way around the kitchen. I want to do something similar for my son, but with him I’ll probably just have him assist me more. The last thing that boy needs is unlimited time on his computer. He’s great about watching his baby sister while I cook dinner, but just like my teenager, I want him to know his way around the kitchen, and my son takes after me, so it takes a bit longer for him to learn something, so I think starting him out now is perfect.
Watering the Garden
My kids, mostly my son has expressed an interest when it comes to watering my plants. So, that’s going to be one chore that I plan on off-shooting to him that I’d think he’d enjoy. The boy loves to be outside, and is always asking to water the plants, so Its a no brainier. He also loves taking care of, and playing with his baby sister, so anytime I can have him entertain her for a while so I can get some work done, is also another thing I plan on doing.
Elizabeth and Daniel’s Birthday
During the summer will also be a couple birthdays. Elizabeth is in June, while Daniels is in July. By the time this post is up, Elizabeth’s birthday will have already passed. Birthdays in the Lemke house means dinner of your choice, cake of your choosing, and just a day all about you and what you want to do (within reason). This is something we started very early on, because for a few years, we couldn’t afford gifts, but thanks to having Food Stamps, I could at the very least bake them a cake and make them a nice dinner.
I’m hoping this summer I’m able to create the perfect balance of providing stability but fun memories for my children. After all, you only get 18 summers with them!