Since today is the first day of the traditional school year, it seemed appropriate to write a "Summer of Change" wrap-up post. We've had a great summer with lots of firsts and lots of family time.
What have I learned from my experiences this summer? I think it is important to our overall health and well-being that we continue to challenge ourselves. As a family will will continue to force ourselves outside of our comfort zone and to stretch our minds and bodies in new ways. The benefits are definately worth the effort.
Joey and I discussed our family's dietary plan a couple of weeks ago and we are both comfortable continuing a "vegetarian" lifestyle. We both feel better physically than when we were consuming meat on a regular basis. We may, on occasion, partake of small amounts of meat...my homemade chicken noodle soup would be lacking without it...but on a regular basis we will continue to prepare meat-free meals. Our decision was reinforced this past weekend. Joey was away for a fantasy football draft weekend and I was home with the kids, my sister and her new baby. We all ate small amounts of meat during the weekend and we all experienced discomfort as a result. It literally made Joey sick to his stomach...so we feel confident that a meat-free diet is best for our family at this time.
I am still continuing to practice my embroidery. It is a challenge to squeeze projects into our schedule, but I am having so much fun that I am making the time. Here is a picture of my latest project, a "Lilybug" shirt for Lily's first day of preschool. :)
Joey and I are also taking more time out for exercise. Planet Fitness opened last week so Joey has been hitting the gym and I continue to exercise at home. I sometimes have a hard time completing my exercise routine first thing in the morning - the kids must have a mommy radar because they get up extra early on the mornings I am trying to exercise - but I have made it a priority to work exercise into my day. Monday I took the kids to White Deer Park and walked/ran on the trails while pulling 60 pounds of kids behind me in the wagon. Yesterday I did Power Yoga in my room while Lily watched a video downstairs.
Joey and I have also been reading the bible several nights a week before going to bed. It is a very relaxing and profitable way to end our day and each night - no matter what we end up reading - we find ourselves saying, "Wow, that passage was very timely...exactly what we needed to hear!" We are very blessed to take this time together sharing in the greatness of God's Word.
Even though the summer is coming to a close, our family's time of growth and change will continue. The beginning of the school year brings new opportunities and challenges for each of us. I am very thankful to live in a country where we have the freedom to explore, learn, and grow without bounds. I am very excited to see what autumn has in store.
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