Here we are, half way through July, and I can’t believe school starts in just a few weeks. Summer has been so amazing. Thinking back, it’s hard to believe I was worried about what this summer would look like.

I read a beautiful post by Emily at Jones Design Company and I thought I’d write down my thoughts, too.

Slow is alright with me…

There are very few times in my life that I’ve been forced to slow down. I figured this summer would drive me crazy since we’d be at home more than usual. You know what? I have loved every (well, most) seconds. I’ve gotten to know my children in ways I never would have, just by being with them more. (revolutionary… I know)

I’ve seen them be silly with their friends.

I’ve seen them be serious with their friends.

I’ve heard them discuss Minecraft strategies and I’ve heard them discuss Jesus Calling.

Music is good. Very good.

This summer, I introduced the kids to Les Miserables. (Yes, we fast forwarded a lot). They have fallen in love with the soundtrack and we’ve just about played it to death on You Tube.

On their own, they found an acapella You Tube artist that they love – Peter Hollens.

Our favorites this summer have been : Audrey Assad and Sarah Kroger.

I love hearing them all sing together, making up harmonies and taking different parts.

We can live without cable.

When we ditched cable last year, I wondered how the kids would do without it. They did fine.

This summer, we’ve watched Dick Van Dyke, I Love Lucy, the Property Brothers, Call the Midwife, and When Calls the Heart. Netflix works just fine for us and I love that I they don’t see commercials. They only thing we really miss is our beloved Texas Aggie football games.

4 o’clock is chore time.

Every day at 4 o’clock we do chores together. This keeps me from nagging them throughout the day. I just make a list of what I think of to save it for 4 o’clock. Without sounding too Mary Tyler Moore, I really do like having the house clean for Brian when he gets home from a long day at work.

I continue to be amazed at how much the kids are able to do. Julia can do absolutely everything, including make dinner. She is such a great example with laundry and dishes. I’m letting her teach the boys.

How is your summer going?!