The Unbusy Summer – part two
July 1, 2009 by Marci
The Unbusy Summer continues. The kids and I are enjoying unscheduled time spent riding bikes, going to the library, going to the pool, playing with the kids in the neighborhood, reading, cooking…stuff that we wouldn’t have time to do with a full calendar. As I am writing this, I am sitting in my garage in a lawn chair (out of the sun and wind) watching my son ride his bike and my daughter organize the new tools we bought my husband for Father’s Day.
We are really enjoying the slow pace of this summer so far. The whole family seems more at ease and happy. Life is good. But, that didn’t stop me from almost screwing it up. You see, for weeks now, I have been nagging asking my husband if we could take a family vacation. I just have these visions of family bliss building sand castles on the beach or hiking through the mountains. My husband hasn’t exactly had those visions, but he did tell me I could look into it. When I did, I could see how uncomfortable he was with the idea. At first, I thought it was the money and while that may have a little to do with it, it was really more than that.
My husband is self-employed. He is a home builder. Summer is his busiest time of year. A week away from his livelihood during the most important time of year would not be relaxing for him. I was finally able to see that after I took my eyes off me for a second. I know that he would love to get away with the family, just not now. So…the kids and I are having great summer days and when my husband comes home we play in the backyard or have friends over. That is way more relaxing for all of us than packing, spending too much money and being away from my husband’s business. I have decided to put my energy into having a summer full of fun rather than just focusing on just one week.
How is your summer going? Are you enjoying the lazy days of summer or are you too busy?
Comments (6)
I completely agree! Scott is just like Tom; busier in the summer; it is hard, because it is our “relaxed” time with nothing going on and it is his busy time. I have taken your attitute though, the boys and I are having fun and when he can join us, GREAT!
aw man! I really was hoping you were coming this way! Ya know when the business gets slower with the changing weather up there. It’s always great here! LOL! I completely understand though, but seriously remember that you still need to get away every once in awhile! Maybe in fall or winter?! I’m glad you are enjoying your unbusy summer… I am too!
It’s nice when we have these ‘moments of clarity’, isn’t it? ; )
We’re not going anywhere this summer, but it still feels kind of busy. I’m keeping the week day un-busy, and at the same time, trying to find new and fun things for the kids and I to do. It’s the weekends that have seemed to have filled up with obligations. {sigh}
I’m singing a kid song “Walk a Mile in Your Shoes” – it sounds like what you did this week with your man.
As I put the girls to bed an hour after bedtime, I’m finding my summer too busy…The girls have been to the neighborhood pool almost daily, piano lessons every week, to church twice to work on a weekly mission project, and have had a few play dates, one barn day at the horse farm, and one book club meeting. They have completed the reading chart at the library one and a half times over (never knew they were this motivated by charts – will use this idea in the future). They have also made plans for a popsicle stand and for art projects they will submit for the Reflections contest at school.
This is the second full week of summer break… I need to breathe and slow my ADD down!
I think it’s awesome that you could put yourself aside and see your husband’s needs ahead of your wants. Sigh…I need to learn that lesson….My husband has been to Nicaragua on a mission trip three years in a row now and is leaving on Sunday morning with our churches youth group (my son included) for a mission trip to Pikeville, Kentucky. I SO need a break myself and I desire a vacation so desperately!! Of course, it’s been 5 LOOOONNG years since we’ve had one. But what a GREAT one it was…stardust in my eyes remembering.
Sounds like you are having a great summer in spite of no vacation. Good for you!! Ours has been pretty good but with a child just having his tonsils out and since he can’t go outside for TWO weeks…makes it rather hard. Hohum…boy I sound negative don’t I? LOL Where’s my Me and My Big Mouth! I need to get back to it =)
Your summer days sound heavenly!!!
I am busy – too busy, really! BUT, I am doing what I feel God has called me to do for this season, working feverishly and intently toward my goal of being able to cut back working dramatically when the baby comes, and that’s keeping me going. I am looking forward to lazy days of fall, though!