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Whoah! I mean how long has it been? Over a year. Not something I expected or anticipated, but completely what needed to be done. This past year and a half has been so insane, some days I wonder how to even kept my head on straight. Between figuring out how to teach effectively on a year round schedule, kids in baseball, dance, swim team, and husband traveling basically for three months (just since January), I was definitely that hamster running full steam on a wheel that was going no where. But look at me now, I’m here, standing (well, sitting) strong, with a smile on my face.

 So, let’s re-cap… 

 Teaching on a year round schedule for me was very difficult. It seemed like every time I turned around we were “tracking out” which meant 2 weeks of reviewing when we returned. And let’s not mention the awful 2 day turn around period in which I had to end a school year and begin a new one with a happy face and lots of energy…I get a panicky feeling just thinking about it. Around the first of the year, the school board decided that our school would benefit more if we went back to the traditional school calendar. Hallelujah!! I for one am super excited. Don’t get me wrong, there are pros and cons to both schedules and I’m sure I will miss those breaks, but from a “teaching” stand point I’m excited. With us going back to traditional calendar means we actually get a summer! Woohoo! I kind of felt like Olaf dancing around the fields singing “In Summer” because I was so excited to get 6 weeks off. Yes, our summer is shortened this summer, but it is A-Okay. 

 There is so much I want to share with y’all and can’t wait to share them. However, I didn’t feel I could just jump into a project without welcoming y’all back. I am truly hoping to stay committed and write at least once a week. Things are crazy and we get pretty busy around here, but I am really going to try and keep up with it. You also might noticed some changes around here. Please stay patient and check back in here and there so you can see all the changes. I am ready to move beyond my “amateur” stage and move into more of a true blogger.

 I wanted to leave you today with a little top 10. I started thinking about it a couple of days ago and it just took shape. So, here you go, my… 

TOP TEN THINGS OF WHY I LOVE SUMMER 

 10. Laundry – yep you read that right…when I’m teaching I only have time to do laundry on the weekends, so it’s nice to be able to feel that I can keep up with the laundry a couple of days a week. LOL

9. Pinterest + Coffee – I love being able to scour Pinterest, pinning away, while I have my morning coffee instead of packing lunches. I mean who loves packing lunches? 

8. Not showering for days…haha –Ok, so I do shower everyday, but I literally go 3-4 days without washing my hair during summer. I mean why should I if I’m just going to the pool? Just throw on a hat…and we’re off. And make up?…eh, sometimes. 

7. Real Cooking – Let’s face it, between baseball, dance, swim team, hubby traveling, and lots of school work, cooking kind of went out the window. And I LOVE to cook. I love planning meals and preparing them, so I love that I can cook this summer. 

6. Projects – I’m finishing up a few house projects and look forward to some crafting, sewing, and school projects…but after vacation.

5. Working out…everyday – I love working out, but working full time and kids and their activities I don’t get much time to work out. I’ll tell you though, working out makes this mama happy!

4. Pool – I love that the kiddos and I go to the pool either by ourselves or with neighbors/friends almost every day!!!

3. Being a SAHM wearing workout clothes – some of this goes back to #5 and me working out almost every day, however, I love being able to throw on work out clothes (even with the intentions of going to work out), a baseball hat and running out the door.

2. Talking to my Mama and my bestie every day – I sure miss talking to Mama and Liz everyday like I used to…working is not conducive to phone talking, but in summer… Smile and… 

1. Playing with my kiddos – I love their laughs, their smiles, their innocence, and their pure sweetness towards each other. Love that they are mine. 

Well, there you have it….my top 10 things I love about summer! What are some of yours? I’d love to hear from you! 

Thanks for stopping by…y’all come back now! 
 Shana