It has been a great start to the summer so far, and we’ve been enjoying some really wonderful weather.  But I must admit having three children out of school for two months can be quite stressful as I’ve come to realize this year.  This is the first summer vacation that my children are not in daycare and I now recognize the challenge that many parents face each summer — the kids are off but the parents are not!  So now what do we do???  That has been my question since the beginning of June when I realized I have to somehow find a way to keep my children (aged: 13, 9, & 7) busy while my husband and I both work…. believe me there is no easy solution, we’re still struggling to work out childcare arrangements for each week & we’re only halfway through month #1, YIKES!

Looking back now I felt confident heading into the month of July.  My son (the 13-year-old) had to attend summer school for math, which at first I thought was unfortunate because as a mom I expected more from him but thinking it over now I realize it worked out better this way.  He is occupied for the entire month of July learning, so I see this as a blessing for sure!  When I was looking for day camps  and summer programs for the girls I realized they are really expensive and not something our family budgeted for.  Luckily two churches that we’ve had great experiences with in our community offered free VBS programs suited for daughters.  Those programs took care of weeks 1 & 3 for the month of July, but this week was the one where I had no idea what to do about childcare…. I’m so thankful to have a supporting family that jumped in to help.  Thanks to my aunt, grandma, cousin, & sister - I didn’t have to worry about where the girls would be this week, and I’m hoping they will do the same for the last week of July too (just putting it out there in case they happen to come across this blog :)).

Looking ahead to August this is the first year that my youngest daughter is old enough to attend the FREE overnight camp offered by Liberty - Camp Inner-Change! She is so excited and our own camp will kick-off the childcare planning schedule for next month because I know I won’t have to worry about the kids from August 1-5 while they enjoy a week away from the city at Braeside Camp.

As for the rest of the summer….I’m believing God will work it out as long as I do my part too! Hope you all have a refreshingly blessed week!

Nina

Summer’s here and this is why I get happy!

Top 10 Reasons Why I love the Summer:

10.   R & R-reading, good food, travel.

9.  Disney-just for the kids!

8.  In Canada it’s not always hot -and I love the heat.

7.  It’s my birthday -little frightening as I age each year, and my birthday gifts become few.

6.  I can play outdoors -without the risk of frostbite.

5.  No more bagged lunches to make for the young student in the family.

4.  I can spend more time with the family doing outdoorsy things.

3.  I can enjoy some time at the cottage- build a deck, go for a walk or just enjoy the evening starlight.

2.  I BBQ more- however, this plays into my confused waistline.

1.  There’s a very good possibility that if I sit long enough in the sun I may sweat out all that excess weight, thus looking like some sort of dried fruit from a tropical Island and maybe shed a few extra pounds that don’t want to leave me in the other 9 months of the year!

Hey, hope that makes you think about what makes your summer such a blast.  Just remember as in the words of “Body Break’s” Hal Johnson and Joanne Mcleod “keep fit & have fun!”

Sorry, the top 10 not very spiritual but hopefully some rest will help you tune into the joy you have today.  (whew, good save eh?)

Dave