This convicts me. I have long hated summer because as someone who works outside the home, summer is stressful because of the added childcare costs. Usually my only goal for summer is to survive it. But this has made me think I need to make a measurable goal for myself and to also challenge myself to make time for some fun with my kids.
Erin, so much grace. The number of times I have said HOW THE HECK DO FULL TIME WORKING PARENTS DO THIS?!! about the summertime ... it is wild. Childcare is so expensive. Summer camps are so expensive. Truly, I have nothing but empathy and love for you as you navigate that! I hope this summer surprises you in the best way and that you find pockets of delight even when you're not looking for them.
Also a working parent who every year thinks “how is summer different from any other part of the year ?!” because in our house - it’s just shifting from one morning schedule to another (a later one which can be an issue with work!!). Which is also to say “I feel you!” - cheers to your goal of trying to reframe. I’m trying to celebrate it for my kiddos in little ways. More ice cream and popsicles. Turning on the hose in the backyard. Good luck, sisters!
This post makes me want to try to watch The Bear again. I watched a few episodes a couple of summers ago, but ... summer can be somewhat stressful, so my nervous system could not handle that on top of summer on the farm. 😂
Ashlee, I love this! I loved The Bear and Marcus’ story line, but my favorite episode was Spoons when Richie stages. That tough guy polishing spoons and taking pride in every detail—oh my heart! I have Broken Country on my library holds. Can’t wait!
My word of the year is flow and I am trying to be more open to life around me (instead of obsessing about following through on my own expectations). My kids have 1.5 days of school left and my summer bucket list includes long, solo bike rides when my husband gets off work, weekly paddle boarding (with or without kids), and reading to my kids in the treehouse. I’m also hoping to paint some of my friends’ favorite nature photos and connect with them over their favorite places.
Spoons is MY ALL TIME FAVORITE EPISODE. I think I've seen it three times and this is making me want to watch it again. I love that you guys have a treehouse! Magical!
Summer goals include participating in my yoga studios Summer Solstice challenge (21 classes in 21 days 😬)! Ending on 6/21 which is a special day for our family, the day after my birthday and the day before our first borns birthday-Summer Solstice is a highlight for us!
Also-letting my big(er) kids do big kid things, bike the neighborhood solo, make snacks on their own, climb trees, experience summer joys (can you tell I read anxious generation recently?). Trying to say yes when I can. Trying not to lose my cool when I can.
Mallory this is so fun!!! 21 classes in 21 days?! I did 39 classes from Jan 1-March 20th (before I turned 39!) and it was ... a lot of yoga 🤣 BUT YOU CAN DO IT. I believe in you!!! I love how summer solstice is a highlight for you - our neighbors host a summer solstice party in their front yard every year. All the neighbors are invited, BYOB style, and the kids play in the grass. We haven't been able to make it every year but it's such a sweet tradition. And YES to letting the boys ride bikes everywhere solo. Mine will be at the park, friends' houses, and running to the store for popsicles. ✨
Also worked in restaurants during college and have decided it is a requirement for each of my kids before entering adulthood. So many lessons to learn about people, food, service providers… invaluable. Also love The Bear. Love your connection to our summer experience and the encouragement to live. Words I need to hear! Thanks!
Wow what an inspiring article and comment thread. My first thought for my personal summer bucket list is:
1- stay well-hydrated and mineralized (lol that's the health nerd in me)
2- Read some christian fiction (no clue if this is a thing as I'm not really a reader... but something about sitting at the creek while my kids splash makes me want a book to dig into so badly)
3- embrace small day trips - i tend to be an all or nothing personality with adventure/travel and with a 9 month old i think this is much more realistic in my season!
4- Coffee Dates with acquaintances from church that I want to get to know more intentionally
I love this list, Jessica! Especially embracing small day trips, I should make an effort to do that too because there are so many amazing options where I live. I wish I had recs for Christian fiction but that's not a genre I read often 😜 Claire Swinarski's books are fantastic ... they're not "Christian fiction" but they're fiction written by a Christian. I LOVED the Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County!
Thanks for the authority rec! I took my kids to the library today but was so consumed with their pics didn't track down that authority for myself. I'm going to make a goal to go back by myself this weekend 😌
My summer bucket list? Read some great novels. Complete Fairy Tales workshop. Play with my kids. Monthly pizza pool parties with neighbors. Crush Peloton workouts.
Enjoy my last summer before my son is in all day school 😭😭😭
Ah! Tumbleweed is a fast casual southwest grille restaurant. We served chips and salsa or with queso for an uncharge 😉 I made myself many plates of custom nachos and we dipped chips constantly while passing through the kitchen.
I hope to be more present this summer. Weekly playdates, lots of time splashing in the baby pool with my toddler in the backyard, and daily walks. From a creative standpoint, I hope to start, and finish, my son's first year photo album.
My goal is to have the photo book done by August 13 (my daughter's first day of Pre-K) - want to join me with a tentative deadline?! With room for grace of course, and summer popsicles and movie nights ❤️
I might need mine to be closer to August 31st to finish up the summer and actually get the rest of the film developed! But I am confident I can have this ordered by end of August!
Super late but my summer bucket list / challenge to myself is that if I have the opportunity to swim or get In the water, I’ll take it. And get my hair wet. Big commitment for a curly girly.
Love all of this, Ashlee! I opted for retail for the discounts. My closet was filled with all things American Eagle for years. And The Bear is my show! Can’t wait for season 4 later this month.
Traveling and creating are two things I’m doing for myself this summer. My mom and I are taking a trip for my birthday (a week before baby boy’s 1st birthday—eek! I’m excited and a smidge nervous about being away from him for the first time). Then, I’m looking into an art studio program at the library in July, which includes an art show.
Brandie! So glad to see you here!!! ❤️ And girl, American Eagle is MAKING A COMEBACK. I just bought a dress from there two months ago and couldn't believe how cute their stuff is. How fun you're taking a trip with your mom (baby will be fine! absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that 😉). Can't wait for the Bear to come back, we'll have to debrief after!
Me and 3 other mom friends (13 kids between us!) made a weekly rhythm for summer fun and we added in a weekly mom fun date. We have Movie/Museum or Make it Mondays, Walking Wednesdays and Field Trip Fridays. And we all added fun things we wanted to do and then added it to the calendar. I'm excited that we'll have regular socializing and things to occupy our children. And I love living life with friends which isn't as easy to do in the school year. We have a combination of homeschool and public school kids.
My summer list includes:
Collect tan lines.
Hike dirt trails.
Eat picnic lunches.
Wander the neighborhood.
Float. Linger. Splash.
Lovely piece! Thanks for the inspo!
float / linger / splash - love that ❤️
This convicts me. I have long hated summer because as someone who works outside the home, summer is stressful because of the added childcare costs. Usually my only goal for summer is to survive it. But this has made me think I need to make a measurable goal for myself and to also challenge myself to make time for some fun with my kids.
Erin, so much grace. The number of times I have said HOW THE HECK DO FULL TIME WORKING PARENTS DO THIS?!! about the summertime ... it is wild. Childcare is so expensive. Summer camps are so expensive. Truly, I have nothing but empathy and love for you as you navigate that! I hope this summer surprises you in the best way and that you find pockets of delight even when you're not looking for them.
Thanks for this, Ashlee. 😊
Also a working parent who every year thinks “how is summer different from any other part of the year ?!” because in our house - it’s just shifting from one morning schedule to another (a later one which can be an issue with work!!). Which is also to say “I feel you!” - cheers to your goal of trying to reframe. I’m trying to celebrate it for my kiddos in little ways. More ice cream and popsicles. Turning on the hose in the backyard. Good luck, sisters!
Also. Spoons. YES. 😍
This post makes me want to try to watch The Bear again. I watched a few episodes a couple of summers ago, but ... summer can be somewhat stressful, so my nervous system could not handle that on top of summer on the farm. 😂
It's ... a lot. But ugh, so many good hidden gems in the dialogue, particularly around the creative process.
It stressed me out too! I only made it through the first 3 episodes!
Ashlee, I love this! I loved The Bear and Marcus’ story line, but my favorite episode was Spoons when Richie stages. That tough guy polishing spoons and taking pride in every detail—oh my heart! I have Broken Country on my library holds. Can’t wait!
My word of the year is flow and I am trying to be more open to life around me (instead of obsessing about following through on my own expectations). My kids have 1.5 days of school left and my summer bucket list includes long, solo bike rides when my husband gets off work, weekly paddle boarding (with or without kids), and reading to my kids in the treehouse. I’m also hoping to paint some of my friends’ favorite nature photos and connect with them over their favorite places.
Spoons is MY ALL TIME FAVORITE EPISODE. I think I've seen it three times and this is making me want to watch it again. I love that you guys have a treehouse! Magical!
Now I want to re-watch Spoons!
Summer goals include participating in my yoga studios Summer Solstice challenge (21 classes in 21 days 😬)! Ending on 6/21 which is a special day for our family, the day after my birthday and the day before our first borns birthday-Summer Solstice is a highlight for us!
Also-letting my big(er) kids do big kid things, bike the neighborhood solo, make snacks on their own, climb trees, experience summer joys (can you tell I read anxious generation recently?). Trying to say yes when I can. Trying not to lose my cool when I can.
Mallory this is so fun!!! 21 classes in 21 days?! I did 39 classes from Jan 1-March 20th (before I turned 39!) and it was ... a lot of yoga 🤣 BUT YOU CAN DO IT. I believe in you!!! I love how summer solstice is a highlight for you - our neighbors host a summer solstice party in their front yard every year. All the neighbors are invited, BYOB style, and the kids play in the grass. We haven't been able to make it every year but it's such a sweet tradition. And YES to letting the boys ride bikes everywhere solo. Mine will be at the park, friends' houses, and running to the store for popsicles. ✨
Also worked in restaurants during college and have decided it is a requirement for each of my kids before entering adulthood. So many lessons to learn about people, food, service providers… invaluable. Also love The Bear. Love your connection to our summer experience and the encouragement to live. Words I need to hear! Thanks!
Thanks for reading, Kellie!
Wow what an inspiring article and comment thread. My first thought for my personal summer bucket list is:
1- stay well-hydrated and mineralized (lol that's the health nerd in me)
2- Read some christian fiction (no clue if this is a thing as I'm not really a reader... but something about sitting at the creek while my kids splash makes me want a book to dig into so badly)
3- embrace small day trips - i tend to be an all or nothing personality with adventure/travel and with a 9 month old i think this is much more realistic in my season!
4- Coffee Dates with acquaintances from church that I want to get to know more intentionally
5- more hugs/cuddles with the fam 💖
I love this list, Jessica! Especially embracing small day trips, I should make an effort to do that too because there are so many amazing options where I live. I wish I had recs for Christian fiction but that's not a genre I read often 😜 Claire Swinarski's books are fantastic ... they're not "Christian fiction" but they're fiction written by a Christian. I LOVED the Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County!
Thanks for the authority rec! I took my kids to the library today but was so consumed with their pics didn't track down that authority for myself. I'm going to make a goal to go back by myself this weekend 😌
Author* auto-correct failllll
My summer bucket list? Read some great novels. Complete Fairy Tales workshop. Play with my kids. Monthly pizza pool parties with neighbors. Crush Peloton workouts.
Enjoy my last summer before my son is in all day school 😭😭😭
Fairy Tales Workshop is a bit more work than I was expecting 😜 But I'm loving it and so glad you're taking it, too!
I worked at Tumbleweed in college. Did you sling fajitas and $1 marks too?
What is tumbleweed?! Never heard of it! And no, I was slinging chips and queso 🤢
I heard smoky hair and remembered my hatred of serving steaming fajitas that got a squirt of oil and water before heading out to the table.
Ah! Tumbleweed is a fast casual southwest grille restaurant. We served chips and salsa or with queso for an uncharge 😉 I made myself many plates of custom nachos and we dipped chips constantly while passing through the kitchen.
Does the thought of that give you the ick today or can you still eat it? I have not stepped foot in a Chili's in 15 years. 🤣 I CANNOT.
Totally!
Autocorrected margs to marks 😞
I hope to be more present this summer. Weekly playdates, lots of time splashing in the baby pool with my toddler in the backyard, and daily walks. From a creative standpoint, I hope to start, and finish, my son's first year photo album.
Yes to daily walks. I am doing Jenny's 100 days of summer on film and it's my goal to make a book at the end of the summer! Hold me accountable 😜
My goal is to have the photo book done by August 13 (my daughter's first day of Pre-K) - want to join me with a tentative deadline?! With room for grace of course, and summer popsicles and movie nights ❤️
I might need mine to be closer to August 31st to finish up the summer and actually get the rest of the film developed! But I am confident I can have this ordered by end of August!
Super late but my summer bucket list / challenge to myself is that if I have the opportunity to swim or get In the water, I’ll take it. And get my hair wet. Big commitment for a curly girly.
My summer list: as many beach days as possible, a few true beach reads, at least one *BIG* hike, pitchers of pickle lemonade and pitchers of beeritas.
You're doing it right. 😜
Love all of this, Ashlee! I opted for retail for the discounts. My closet was filled with all things American Eagle for years. And The Bear is my show! Can’t wait for season 4 later this month.
Traveling and creating are two things I’m doing for myself this summer. My mom and I are taking a trip for my birthday (a week before baby boy’s 1st birthday—eek! I’m excited and a smidge nervous about being away from him for the first time). Then, I’m looking into an art studio program at the library in July, which includes an art show.
Brandie! So glad to see you here!!! ❤️ And girl, American Eagle is MAKING A COMEBACK. I just bought a dress from there two months ago and couldn't believe how cute their stuff is. How fun you're taking a trip with your mom (baby will be fine! absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that 😉). Can't wait for the Bear to come back, we'll have to debrief after!
I loved broken country too!!!!
Me and 3 other mom friends (13 kids between us!) made a weekly rhythm for summer fun and we added in a weekly mom fun date. We have Movie/Museum or Make it Mondays, Walking Wednesdays and Field Trip Fridays. And we all added fun things we wanted to do and then added it to the calendar. I'm excited that we'll have regular socializing and things to occupy our children. And I love living life with friends which isn't as easy to do in the school year. We have a combination of homeschool and public school kids.
I couldn't love this more. "We have to live our stories before we write them."