School Breaks

We are in the middle of our first school break. Crazy right?! School just started back from summer break. But whatever.

In the name of minimalism and slow, intentional living, I have really focused this week on making memories with my kids and letting other things go.

Memory makings include a trip to the movies, playdates with the BFF, apple picking, fair fun, and a big family trip at the end of the week for an exciting adventure! The kids are having a blast! And these are days they will remember forever (or at least for the next year LOL).

Letting go of things is hard for this mama. She likes a neat, tidy house. She likes her to-do lists and checking things off. She likes a little quiet during the day. None of this is happening this week.

So what am I letting go this week? Here are the top 3.

1. A clean house and house chores: I have been cleaning up in the kitchen each day but other than that, I have let the rest of the house go. If you were in my house right now, there is clear evidence of this. The basement and the playroom are complete disasters. You can't even walk in either of them without stepping on toys. But the kids are home for the week and having fun. I don't care.

2. My to-do list: I usually have a long list of things I wish to accomplish in a week. I love checking things off and feeling accomplished. This week my to-do list is short and focuses mainly on what is a necessity. Groceries, laundry, fun activities for the kids. I scheduled no special appointments on this week on purpose. In fact, today is a FREE DAY. We are staying home to rest from our fun activities and trips this week and just hanging out at home. The kids love this idea and are burying their heads in tablets and video games. (which is just another thing I'm letting go this week)

3. What my child is eating this week: I'm not very strict in general on my kids' diets. But I do make sure they eat (or they are offered) plenty of fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. My focus is usually on a healthy dinner. And we don't eat desserts and sweets everyday. This week, however, I have let go of this. I allowed my 7 year old to buy a JAR of candy sticks at the apple farm with her own money. We ate funnel cake at the fair. And yesterday, they had ice cream and fresh apple turnovers that I baked from our apple picking trip. They are eating more snacks than they usually do. And I even let go of my own healthy diet a little this week. So there. Warm apple turnovers, fresh from the oven, are delicious!

Going into this week of school break, I set my intentions to do fun activities and trips with the kids. I wanted my focus to be on using this time wisely to make memories with them, to hear them laugh, see them grin from ear to ear, and watch them play. The house can wait, the chores will get done later, and there will be time to accomplish the to-do list when the kids are back in school. For now, I will savor the break and the opportunity to have fun with my kids while they are still young and want to be with their mommy. Awwwww