Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Random Summer Stuff

Well, Sean is home from school. Summer is officially upon us! My two weeks of non-homeschooling laziness are over and I'm feeling inspired to get back to work around here. Sean just signed two writing contracts for the summer, so he will be busy with that along with three weeks of leading teacher's workshops. I admire any wife who has a stay at home working husband. It is a hard balance for me to find what life looks like with Dad home all the time. It's hard to leave him alone and let him work. It's hard to drop my work and run off and play at a moment's notice. But, it's such a blessing to have him here. He's much more fun than me. The boys are already becoming more attached to him. Fall is going to be a hard adjustment for them I fear.

I got crazy last weekend garage sale shopping. I picked up a much needed vacuum with attachments for $3. I also found a love seat and couch for the school/play room to replace the couch that is literally thread bare from so much love. But of course, the addition required a complete rearranging of the room and reorganization of the school books. We'll be looking for a different solution for the TV. I'm thinking about a locking media cart that can be put in the corner. We'll see.


This week , in typical Monica fashion, I got a wild idea and decided to cook for the month of June. I find it hard to put dinner on the table in the summer. I'd much rather be outside, so there's the temptation to go out to eat or shop convenience foods which is really a waste of money. There's a sense of relief now when I open the freezer door. Now, I can work on other projects that are calling my name.

We're having a water drinking/exercising contest at our house. These are two areas of healthy living that we aren't consistently intentional about in our family. We are making a chart and checking off our daily progress. Those who reach their goals each week will get a prize. I'm trying to think of a good prize before next Monday. Any ideas? Hopefully this will spur me on in reaching my Weight Watcher's goals. I've committed to the program for one year (started in February). I don't want to be the mom with a five year old still carrying around her baby weight. It's been slow, slow progress thus far, but progress nonetheless.

I fully intend to take advantage of every free deal possible this summer. We've already enjoyed free Sonic Rootbeer Floats. The library coupons are rolling in which is always a treat. I think Sean is going to enjoy taking to kids to the free movies while I'm at work each week. Please let me of any deals you might run across.


I've got a few projects up my sleeve. It involves taking these to a whole new level. Stay tuned.



12 comments:

Andrea said...

Busy, busy, busy! But nice to be a different kind of busy than the regular 'school' busy, huh?
I'm wishing I could get myself together enought to cook for a month! I love it when I ahve something available in the freezer that I had from tripling a batch earlier!
Hope you're enjoying your break!

Unknown said...

Yeah, summer fun is here! Awesome to see that you're planning of meals is freeing you to be creative, equipping you to met your family and health goals, and bring you needed time with your hubby. Enjoy!

Shannon Schrage said...

How about a really cool bpa free water bottle, like a Nalgene? They are around $10 at Dick's Sporting Goods and you can find them in fun colors. That way whoever wins can have the cool reminder of winning and the motivation to keep drinking water.

Heather G said...

Ah, you found a coffee table with great legs! Looks very sturdy. Can't wait to see the finished product! :)

Monica said...

Thank you for sharing your accomplishments and goals with us! I really get encouragement from your posts.
I started a post this morning about my weight loss goals and how I hope to see some progress soon.
And "yay" for cooking for a month again! And a vacuum for three bucks. That's great.

Unknown said...

You're doing once a month cooking? You'll have to let me know how that goes! I'm bringing the girls to the free movie tomorrow morning at Shiloh. Will Sean and the kids be there? We need to get together this summer!

shay said...

I haven't been by in awhile and it sounds like lots of changes for you!
My hubby has been working from home now for almost 3 years. It was really hard to get used too but I LOVE it! Everyone helps me and listens to me so much better AND we've learned to leave him alone...mostly.
I may cook for June too or do quite a bit of cooking. Thanks so much for the advice!

Mary@notbefore7 said...

Go you! Can't wait to see what you do with the furniture pieces!

Love the water drinking contest.

I have one goal this summer: Survive ;)

But I can't wait for the summers of getting things done once again.

jasandmas said...

Saw this post on one of my favorite blogs. Hope you find something fun in there!

http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/2009/06/free-or-cheap-summer-activities-guest-post/

mindi said...

you're always so motivated (sigh) I wish I had your energy . . . you have such great ideas!

Brooke said...

So, how was Holiday World? Did the kids enjoy the vacation?

You could always try Lunch Bunch, which meets at the Avon Town Hall park at 12:00 every Tuesday. The kids get a free lunch and get to pick out a free book.

Heather L. said...

Was that couch really beyond? I LOVED that couch up in your loft. :) Sounds like you have some great plans for the summer. I need to research the movies.