27. Season Living Series | Summer Edition

[@jkp62]

I remember those seasons of life with my children! There were times I sent my husband and kids on a weekend camping trip without me because I needed alone time, it upset my husband and kids, but my head was ready to explode if I didn’t. We still did a lot of camping in the summer and a lot of backyard bbq’s with friends, heck we mom’s would send the husbands and kids away for the weekend to have a ladies only weekend where, don’t laugh, but we would gather for an entire Saturday to help clean each others homes (think 4 ladies on purpose cleaning when the men and children were away) and then have a sleep over that night and watch movies and indulge in treats we rarely kept in our own homes! 🤪 Now, my babies have babies and I watch them going through the summer season and I will step in and kick them out of their house for the day and do a Mimi take over and the grandkids and I will get the house and laundry cleaned and a nice dinner on the table and my husband and I get the grandkids (those that are 15 and under; we have 13 grandchildren and only 4 are under 15 now) and go exploring in our state and see historical sites and camping; the older grandchildren are either married or have summer jobs and they all sigh and will say how they miss the week with Mimi and Grampa. All that to say, you can still create summer routines and be “spontaneous” about it!

[@MariaSegovia]

Hahahaha I’m just like that too. Really enjoy being with people and have a hard time stopping and smell the flowers. I live in a country where we enjoy just the dry seasons and rainy season, so no “summer” all stopping for us here, however really enjoy the idea of Re- Creation for a while during the year. Definitely will try it out. Thank you for those beautiful words.

[@DH-qz2so]

When my kids were little, I had a love/hate relationship with summer! It was nice to not be so scheduled , but also draining as now I was home with them all, for 2 months, and had to keep them occupied! I did a mix of "go outside and play", swimming lessons, VBS at church, soccer camps, camping/holidays,...and playdates...visits to the library, or to the creek to much about...sometimes I wondered if it would have been easier to have a career and go to work every day and leave the kids in daycare... both have their ups and downs I am sure...

[@marthaswensen8202]

Today you made me cry, I was reminded of our family vacation time every summer we stayed at the same cabin with our kids and we did the same things every year. So many precious memories came back to me and all negative stressful ones disappeared. Thank you Cami❤

[@TIDBITSandCompany]

Well, Martha. I was worried this podcast was a waste of my breath and not anything impactful. You made me cry!! I feel so blessed that the Lord led my thoughts to help you hold on to those precious memories and lift your spirits. Thank you so so much for taking the time to let me know. It was such an encouragement for me to keep showing up here especially when I wonder why. Bless you!

[@mt1885]

hey girl- loved the chat😀😉 great tips👍 glad y'all had fun on your trip🥰

[@phyllisanngodfrey6137]

I’m with YOU, Cami……I have always been one to enjoy FUN, when all chores are completed and everything that needs attention is handled. Luckily, I am a very high energy level gal, so I have lots of time for fun after the work is done 👍🏻

[@erikastanger7848]

I'm the total opposite with winter and summer. I despise the heat, so summer is when I rest the most. A nap everyday, my house is in disarray most of the summer, I hate cooking, and I would rather spend every afternoon at the pool with my kids than do anything else. 🤪

[@TIDBITSandCompany]

You sound like my mama! Ha! Sounds like you are truly enjoying the dog days of summer - which is a great way to do it as well!

[@ramonawhisenant2045]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Beautiful! Wonderful!!

[@TIDBITSandCompany]

You are most welcome Ramona!

[@lindasmith5190]

😅 ❤

[@gracegamboa1819]

Agreed 💯! More work for fun summer.

[@TIDBITSandCompany]

Yes, sometimes the truth.

[@AcC7314]

This was wonderfully encouraging, Cami, thank you! I have enjoyed all of your videos pertaining to the seasons. So insightful!! P.s. I literally laughed out loud when u said you'd have to go home to eat 🥗 after the 🍦 because I was having the same thought as you were speaking it 😂 but what a fun thought to just truly let go of the cooking for an evening!

[@TIDBITSandCompany]

Haha! Glad I am not the only one who would not function with ice cream for dinner. Gone are those days! Ha!

[@AcC7314]

Haha! Yes 😂

[@florencecavallaro4599]

I hope it is a good spring and summer for growth/my mom just died 2days ago/so very sad/CANCER/so very SAD///////

[@jeannebee2935]

I am so very sorry. My mother also died of cancer about 31 years ago. No matter how old we are, we are never "done" with our mothers, especially if they were good ones. May the God of all comfort, comfort you in your grief and sorrow in this very sad time.

[@sarahleonard538]

Talking about (1)your family/children not seeing the 'fun' side of you very often, (2)changing from an extravert to introvert, and (3)taking time away from your kids/house and thinking 'there I am!' ...all seem to me like signs of overwhelm and burnout. I feel like it's very common and normalized, but not healthy. How can we, as primary caregivers in the US, design our lives so that overwhelm and burnout aren't the default... in evrery season?

[@sherridean9622]

Creating a balance. You have to simplify your plans. For example, if you’re planning a picnic day. Only choose one main sandwich, one fruit choice, 2 snacks. Watermelon is easy to afford, and you can cut it up in minutes!! Take your old table clothes or quilt, put on your outdoor table, under a beautiful shade tree. Place bubbles by your kids seating spots, and a box of crayons and paper and have them draw and color a picture, with maybe a poem. Or read a great book. If you use paper plates, there will be no dishes to clean up! Helps us all to be creative at home.

[@TIDBITSandCompany]

I loved all your ideas Sherri! Especially the bubble idea - I need to go get me some of those. Even my teens would no doubt get into that! Thanks for encouraging all of us!