Hi Neighbor!

Ten years ago this week, I wrote:
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“And . . .  it’s ON!  Summertime.  Kids at home.  All day.  Everyday. 

But you know what?  I’m looking forward to it!  I know there will be a day this summer when I write an intro about “When will they go BACK to school for crying out loud?!” . . . but for now, I’m really looking forward to spending some time with my girls.  The school year is just so crazy – it’s not just the school day itself, it’s the after school activities, the homework, projects, last minute errands, running around . . . you name it!  The days and weeks go by so fast you can hardly take a moment to breathe.  So each summer, I look forward to a slower pace and more time spent with the family.   My oldest is actually graduating from 8th grade this year and heading onto Conestoga (Congrats Brianne! ) — so I intend to have some fun with both of my girls while they still think I’m an “ok” mom. (periodically “ok” that is ) .  As we step into this new daily routine, I wish all of you the best this summer.  I know it’s always easier said than done, but try to slow things down a bit and take time to just enjoy family.  Time flies by awfully fast!  Before we know it, summer with the kids will be a thing of the past — so I plan to enjoy it while I can!”
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I have a funny feeling that for those of you with young children, the above is NOT what you are feeling after 15 months of togetherness.  It may even be hard to imagine that just a short time ago, time spent with your immediate family was hard to come by.  Life was fast paced, kids were going in a million directions with sports and clubs and social gatherings.  Then came Covid.

There is not much positive to say about the pandemic, but one thing is for sure – it slowed us down. A LOT.  As we finally get back into the joys of normal life, let’s not forget the lessons learned this past year.  There is something to be said for a slower pace, making time for family dinners, game nights and having less on our “to-do” lists – parents and kids alike.  Maybe “balance” should be the new word for 2022?

Wishing everyone a joyful, family-filled, friends-filled, fun-filled and relaxing summer!
Happy Father’s Day to all those fathers out there as well!

Be Well,
Laura