Summer's "To Do" List (Update)

I was inspired by my friend Davene Fisher at http://www.davenespilled.com/ and decided to make a summer "to do" or wish list. As she stated, some of these are goals may not be reached, while others are sure to find their way into our days. Most of these activities are free or inexpensive, while a few will require some financial investment.

1. Explore the Bible as a family. During breakfast, we will read a passage and discuss how it applies to our lives. As we pursue holiness, we find that each and every day we need to be in His Word! (check...need to keep working on this one!)

2. Rest. Each and every day, find several hours to do nothing except rest or read. (check-ing!)

3. Read. Even after the allotted quiet time, find plenty of good books to devour. Choose two or three books to read aloud as a family. (check-ing!)

4. Participate in the summer reading program at our local library. The boys will earn lots of free goodies for doing this and their brains will stay alert! (check, one down, one to go!)

5. Exercise. D and I are getting up three or more mornings each week to walk together. I will incorporate Leslie Sansone DVD's on the off days or when it's too rainy (or too hot) to go out. We encourage the boys to exercise for several hours each day. They ride bikes, scooters or boards, play basketball, soccer or baseball, etc. (check-ing...Mom needs to work on this one!)

6. Limit screen time. Ironically, we just got cable. For the first time since we've been married we now have access to HUNDREDS of channels. Still, I feel the Lord is calling us to spend less time on the tube and more time in His Word. Each person gets an allotted time to watch TV each day and when that time runs out, it's gone. I do make exceptions for science and nature shows. I feel that those are so full of information and the boys are being educated without realizing it!
These limits also apply to video games and computer time. I will encourage the games that involve physical activity when possible! (check!)

7. Begin the Rosetta Stone Spanish program. During the school year, we have so much on our plates, I'd like to see if summer is a better time to use this program.

8. Lapbook. I have downloaded lots of free unit studies and hope to explore some of those.

9. Bike ride at Big Meadows.

10. Picnic on Skyline Drive.

11. Spend the day at Sherando Lake with other home school families.

12. Camp at Highland Retreat (two weekends are planned so far). (check--one!)

13. Go swimming. (check, check, check...at least 2-3 times/week)

14. Babysit my niece and nephew (once day each week). (check)

15. Have friends over for cookouts.

16. Have friends over for ice cream.

17. Have friends over for s'mores.

18. Have friends over for game night.

19. Participate in Renew, serve our community and build relationships with others. (CHECK!)

20. Schedule play dates for the boys.

21. Schedule sleepovers for the boys.

22. Watch fireworks from our back yard. (check!)

23. Chase fire flies.

24. Have water battles. (check!)

25. Play ladder ball. (check!)

26. Play corn hole. (check!)

27. Play golf (boys and dad).

28. Participate in First Tee (boys). (postponing this until the fall)

29. Play music and worship together.

30. Host our Fresh Air Child and explore the beauty of the valley and mountains with him. (CHECK!)

31. Go to Massanutten Water Park. (check!)

32. Buy deck furniture. We've lived in our home for ten years and I've never had a set to use. It's time to break down and just get a set! (check!)

33. Lay on a blanket in the yard and read. (check!)

34. Explore the Grand Caverns. (check!)

35. Hang out with 180 Youth from Truth and Grace. (check, want to see them MORE!)

36. Hang out with youth from Renew Camp. (check, want to see them MORE!)

37. Do community service projects to follow up from Renew Camp. (check--VBS at Blessed Sacrament, want to get back to Mrs. R's and to the OCP farm!)