...summer, here I come!

For me, summer seems to start on the last day of school. I get so excited knowing that I have several weeks at a time to relax without stressing over deadlines, preparing lesson plans, grading papers, standing in the wind and cold temperatures on morning bus duty, and eating a cold sandwich (usually peanut butter) while walking around the cafeteria asking students to "please sit down", or "lower your voice level"----I could go on and on, you get the idea. I just love not having to wake up to an alarm clock and rush around to get ready to go somewhere. Not that I do anything spectacular or special during my time off, really just the opposite. I revel in the slower pace, enjoy having the days to do exactly as I wish, even if it includes taking a 2 hour nap! This year has been a bit different, or maybe I should say a bit delayed. While attending a 2-week curriculum workshop 2 days after school was out, my "last day of school" excitement had been put on hold. But, finally the day has come---school is out! workshop is over! my summer can officially begin! I get so excited with so much free time in front of me---I struggle with knowing what to do first. For example, since I woke up this morning I find myself multi-tasking, something I tend to do during the school year because I'm always in a hurry and want to get a lot accomplished. There are so many things I like to spend extra time on in the summertime, and I don't want to leave anything out. Since getting up this morning I have eaten my breakfast on the porch with Marley relaxing at my feet, finished reading a book, checked my email, done 4 loads of laundry, made a cake, started another book, written out a new "to-do" list, checked my fb account, and started a new scrapbook page. I need to keep telling myself over and over, s-l-o-w---d-o-w-n!!!! I have another quilt top started, I've ordered and received 2 new quilting books and new yummy fabric, a crochet project is started, and several knitting projects are in the works. I'm still working on, s-l-o-w---d-o-w-n! It may take a few days...
Another project in the works will be painting a wall in my classroom to brighten things up a bit. I'll post pics after it's all finished.

I'm happy to have more time to enjoy the outdoors and time to prepare fresh fruit smoothies in the morning!

I'm sure my family will appreciate more home cooked meals. I love to cook, but so often don't have the time or energy for it during the school year.

And, Marley is crazy about me being home all day! She keeps her toys all over the place, ready to play at a moment's notice. So, here's to a laid back, s-l-o-w, relaxing summer!!! I'll keep you posted on how it turns out.....In closing, here are some pics of the beautiful flowers my kiddos sent me on Mother's Day.

I LOVE fresh flowers!!!

And, I LOVE my kids!!!!