My Summer List

It always seems to happen right around this time of year for me. The snow is piled high outside my window, I haven't seen green trees, grass, or flowers in months, it is so cold that I have to wear socks ;), and I just can't take it anymore. I start counting the days until summer. I start planning out what my garden will look like and what new flowers I want to try this year. I start to look back at old pictures of summer. Yes, I have extreme spring/summer fever, and I want the winter to end. I hear that we are supposed to reach a high temperature of 39 degrees this weekend, and I hope it melts the snow in vast quantities. While my husband is wishing for one more big snowfall so he can ride the snowmobile again, I am dreaming of sandy beaches and long days spent outside with the kids.

I realize that some of you are thinking that I should not wish time away. It passes too quickly, I know, and my babies are growing faster than I could have ever imagined. I suppose that is why I decided to make my summer list. I am going to try my hardest to enjoy the last few weeks of winter while dreaming about how I will enjoy my summer to the fullest. So here it is, my list of things I hope to do this summer.

1. Play outside with my kids every chance possible and enjoy every second with them to the fullest. I want to take them on picnics, camping, swimming, and lots of exploring.

2. Go to the beach. I'm hoping to take the kids on several day trips to St. Joseph where we can enjoy the sand and sun and a ride on the carousel. Maybe we will even get a chance to watch the sailboats.

3. Wake up early and enjoy the sunrise.

4. Take the time to really enjoy God's beautiful creation and take a lot of pictures.

5. Spend time watching the local farmers plant, grow, and harvest.

6. Expand my garden a bit from last year and spend a lot of time in it.

7. Run outside in the mornings and relish the fact that my kids are still small enough to take along in the jogging stroller, instead of wishing for the days when I used to be able to run alone.

8. Spend time with friends and family that I don't see often enough during the winter.

9. Plan a weekend away with my husband to celebrate our seventh anniversary. It has been years since we have actually celebrated, and I want this to be the year that we make/take the time to get away.

10. Have bonfires in the back yard and spend time stargazing.