Summer

I have always loved summer. Every kid loves summer, of course, and I was no different. As the years have passed, I have grown to appreciate our beautiful fall weather (rather than seeing it as the prelude to the COLD winter), and of course spring is lovely as well.

I've never lost my love for summer, though. I love not needing a jacket, being in the sun, and all the  outdoor activities around town. We love to go peach picking, swimming, and just playing in the backyard. No, I don't love walking into the "wall of humidity" that our lovely city sometimes presents to us--but I'd still rather have that "can barely breathe" feeling than be in the cold!

As a teacher, of course, I have an extra incentive to love summer. Although I am teaching summer school this year, it's only in June, only half days, and then I get July off (back to school in early August these days--the days of 3 months of summer are behind us).

I love having more time, more lazy days, more days of adventure with the family. I'm not rushing around every morning like a madwoman, trying to get everything ready for school. And then again in the evening, trying to fit in dinner, clean up, reading time, bath time and bed time--not to mention meetings, Bible study, and kids' activities. I can actually relax and play on weekends, rather than rushing around trying to do all the laundry and clean the house, plus run errands, only to be exhausted Sunday night, wondering where my weekend went.

I can go places with my family. I can stop whatever I'm doing when my sons want to play a game or read a book. I can sit and have a conversation with my husband. I can read a book. I'm more relaxed, less stressed, and more willing to be spontaneous.

I feel like ME!