Summer Reordering

Summer...it's a great time for ice cream, swimming, fishing, playing .... and pondering, planning and preparing. Especially for homeschoolers, summer becomes a time for examining the past year...what went right, what went wrong, what virtues do we need "beefing up" on. And I do mean "we". It is easy to pick out the behaviors we need to work on with the children, but when I look deeper, those behaviors most often have their roots in my own behaviors, routines, reactions and habits. In my house the areas that I am focusing on improving this summer include obedience (!!) for children as this is a foundational virtue upon which all others hinge, and really solidifying our morning routine and chores. For myself, I am intent on improving my prayer life, especially returning to the Liturgy of the Hours. See this beautiful post about order and peace and the Liturgy of the Hours. I also need to work out an exercise routine that will stand the test of the homeschool crazy days. I did really well last summer with exercise, but as soon as school started exercise disappeared...not good for me physically, emotionally or even spiritually. Meal planning is also an area that needs major organizing. Mealtimes are so much more peaceful and even healthier when a menu plan is in place. I hope to have shopping lists to match the menu plans....very ambitious!!! Some resources I am using are Simplifying Your Domestic Church, a free ebook put out by Catholic Heritage Curricula, these insightful reflections by Jen on bringing peace to your daily life, and as always the Mother's Rule of Life, and I'll even visit the Flylady for some inspiration. So much for my summer "downtime" :) We will certainly have fun, maybe even more fun than usual, because I know that by organizing my life according to God's plan (i.e. by putting Him first) peace and joy returns. "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt 6:33