{"id":3977,"date":"2022-04-09T15:53:59","date_gmt":"2022-04-09T22:53:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?p=3977"},"modified":"2022-05-31T11:01:13","modified_gmt":"2022-05-31T18:01:13","slug":"practical-questions-for-spring-reflection-planning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2022\/04\/09\/practical-questions-for-spring-reflection-planning\/","title":{"rendered":"Practical Questions for Spring Reflection &#038; Planning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">[Here is a favorite from the archive. I hope it helps you as we move through this season.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 24%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20210416_213702030-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-645 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20210416_213702030-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20210416_213702030-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20210416_213702030-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20210416_213702030-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20210416_213702030-1560x2080.jpg 1560w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20210416_213702030-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It is spring.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Palo Verde trees are blooming and it is heating up during the day. As I rummage for my flip-flops in my closet, I begin to think about our summer plans.&nbsp; What will this summer look like? What adventures will we have? What kind of camps are in the budget this year? Have we finished that history textbook yet? I don\u2019t want to even think about swim lessons\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The questions start rolling in. In rapid-fire with stress and excitement. I quickly shove the flip-flops back into the depths of that basket and escape to the kitchen to make blueberry muffins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:21% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"777\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/andrea-riondino-XXxqULHs19M-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1262 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/andrea-riondino-XXxqULHs19M-unsplash.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/andrea-riondino-XXxqULHs19M-unsplash-247x300.jpg 247w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a kid, summer vacation was full of so much freedom. No school! Backyard slip \u2018n slides and popsicles that stained my t-shirt. Reading all my favorite books from the library. Playing Mario Brothers on the Nintendo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was effortless and free.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But now I am a mom, a homeschool mom, a homemaker, the cook, and the planner of all the things. <strong>Summer does not feel the same. It is a lot of work.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I always remind myself that <strong>the first step is finishing the school year well.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the month of April rolls around, my focus is looking at where we are right now. I force myself to slow down and do some reflection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p><strong>Spring and summer do not feel carefree and easy. <\/strong><\/p><p><strong>As a mom it is a lot of work.<\/strong> <\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/alexandru-tudorache-JdjdIjzJl94-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3984\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/alexandru-tudorache-JdjdIjzJl94-unsplash.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/alexandru-tudorache-JdjdIjzJl94-unsplash-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>I look at these 3 areas to know where I have been and where I am going. Some questions I can answer easily, others take some time.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Homeschooling and Kids Activities:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>What does our schoolwork look like?  <ul><li>Since we homeschool I also wear the teacher hat. I have to think about how many lessons we have in each book and if we will finish all our curriculum. <\/li><li>My goal is always to finish all the schoolwork by the middle of May.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>What end-of-the-year activities do we plan to attend or participate in? <ul><li>Graduations, performances, special events, showcases\u2026<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>How can we celebrate accomplishments as a family?<\/li><li>What supplies, stuff, school materials, and books do we no longer need? <ul><li>(see here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/08\/26\/decluttering-my-home-school-space\/\">Decluttering My Home School Space<\/a>)<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>How can I declutter what was not used this year? <ul><li>If I declutter while it is fresh in my mind. Then it won\u2019t be in the way in August.  <\/li><\/ul><ul><li>(see this article for more ideas: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/06\/21\/declutter-clear-mind\/\">Decluttering Clears My Mind<\/a>)<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. The Home:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>What clothing will I not be needing in the coming months? What clothing am I looking forward to wearing this summer?&nbsp; What do I need?<\/li><li>What clothing needs do the kids have? What have they outgrown?<\/li><li>What foods are in my pantry that I need to use up? What baking goods do I need to finish before that summer heat rolls in?<\/li><li>Are there any potatoes, fresh pumpkins, or onions that I need to cook? Those are all items that get rotated into my Fall and Winter cooking but not as much during Summer dinners.<\/li><li>What is in my freezer that I need to get rid of? Roasts, casseroles, soup ingredients that need to be used up?<\/li><li>How can I organize the game closet so that it will get used this summer?<\/li><li>What are the activities that the kids can do when they are bored? How do I organize those things and where do I keep them?<\/li><li>Toy organization &#8211; What has been working? What needs to change? What toys can we get rid of to make more space for creativity and play?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Our Schedule:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>How can I enjoy the weather changing this week?<\/li><li>Can we go hiking to see the wildflowers blooming? What parks should we go to? What outdoor places do we want to visit before it gets too hot?<\/li><li>What activities are ending? What are those dates?<\/li><li>What in our schedule has been difficult or not fun for us? Why?<\/li><li>What did we do this school year that we definitely want to continue?<\/li><li>Which type of event did we have too much of? What do we need more of?<\/li><li>How often did I host parties, out-of-town guests, and playdates? Is there something that I need to do more often or maybe cut back on?<\/li><li>How much free time did we have? Can I make space for more next year?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"3983\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/jessica-fadel-HjKAx1kTKsI-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3983\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/jessica-fadel-HjKAx1kTKsI-unsplash.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/jessica-fadel-HjKAx1kTKsI-unsplash-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reflecting on our current school year is helpful in many ways. It informs my decision-making for our summer vacation and for the next school year. I can make a list of ideas while it\u2019s fresh on my mind. Each year is unique and requires adjustments. There are some events that are in my control and others not so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>After I have spent some time going through this reflection process then the month of May is close and I am finally ready to plan for summer.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whatever this spring brings you, I hope you can take some time for reflection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Happy Planning, April<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">                 To see how <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/04\/18\/my-summer-planning\/\">I Plan For Summer<\/a> check out this article.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/source.unsplash.com\/FHnnjk1Yj7Y\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Photos from &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@khurtwilliams?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Kh\u00fcrt Williams<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@jessicalfadel\">Jessica Fadel<\/a>, &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@andurache\">Alexandru Tudorache<\/a>&nbsp; and others on <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Unsplash.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">(Check it out this amazing creative resource!)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-query is-layout-flow wp-block-query-is-layout-flow\"><ul class=\"wp-block-post-template is-layout-flow wp-block-post-template-is-layout-flow\"><li class=\"wp-block-post post-5691 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-mom-life category-writing tag-april-edwards tag-substack tag-subtle-resistance tag-writer tag-writing-updates\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2025\/02\/21\/join-me-on-substack\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1560\" height=\"1040\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-1560x1040.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Join me on Substack!\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-1560x1040.jpg 1560w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1560px) 100vw, 1560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2025\/02\/21\/join-me-on-substack\/\" target=\"_self\" >Join me on Substack!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Hey! Hello! \ud83d\ude01 I am so glad you have found my blog! This is my home place where I test out writing work, post weekly articles, and share updates on my books. I love having my own corner of the internet that I can call my own. Unfortunately, because of bots and ugly internet trolls,&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-6278 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-home category-mom-life tag-budgeting tag-home-management tag-homemaking tag-how-i-meal-plan tag-meal-allowances tag-meal-costs tag-meal-planning tag-mom-life tag-planning tag-practical-meal-planning tag-productivity-for-moms tag-reducing-spending tag-saving-money\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2026\/03\/31\/a-homemakers-guide-to-spending-less-on-food\/\" target=\"_self\" >Spending Less on Food &#8211; A Homemaker\u2019s Guide<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Real-life meal planning tips that actually make meal planning easier and cheaper (+ free PDFs) We have all had that moment when we stare into the fridge, see only random ingredients, and wonder what to make for dinner. Today I\u2019m sharing 3 simple, repeatable habits that make my meal planning easier and cheaper. I am&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-6281 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-intellectually-alive category-my-reading-stack tag-book-reccomendations tag-book-recommendations tag-book-recs tag-books tag-communication tag-my-book-stack tag-my-personal-curriculum-plan tag-personal-curriculum tag-personal-learning tag-writing\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2026\/03\/25\/10-book-recs-for-effective-communication\/\" target=\"_self\" >10 Book Recs for Effective Communication<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Check out the recording from April Edwards&#8217;s live video: https:\/\/embracinghome.substack.com\/p\/10-book-recs-for-effective-communication One of my biggest fears in life is being misunderstood. When I encounter a situation where I communicated badly it is guaranteed I will spend a few days rehashing that interaction and second guessing the whole conversation. (Not necessarily a good thing\u2026 which is why&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-6257 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-intellectually-alive category-mom-life tag-analog-bag tag-analog-tools tag-babies tag-books tag-growth tag-homemaking tag-intellectually-alive tag-learning tag-mom-life tag-my-learning tag-my-personal-curriculum-plan tag-my-reading tag-new-hobby tag-newborn tag-nursing-basket tag-personal-curriculum tag-personal-curriculum-planning tag-personal-growth tag-personal-learning tag-productivity tag-productivity-for-moms tag-reading-stack tag-sahm tag-self-care tag-slowing-down tag-spring-curriculum tag-stay-at-home-parent tag-stay-at-home-mom tag-study-types tag-winter-curriculum\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2026\/03\/24\/your-brain-deserves-better-than-survival-mode\/\" target=\"_self\" >Your Brain Deserves Better Than Survival Mode<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">A practical analog tool for stay-at-home moms who want more than getting through the day. Creates a solution for monotony, mindless distraction, and mental drift. As a new mom, I created something I called \u201cMy Nursing Basket\u201d. I knew that feeding my baby would take 20-30 minutes of sitting in a chair with not much&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[Here is a favorite from the archive. I hope it helps you as we move through this season.] It is spring. The Palo Verde trees are blooming and it is heating up during the day. As I rummage for my flip-flops in my closet, I begin to think about our summer plans.&nbsp; What will this&hellip; <\/p>\n<div class=\"readmore-wrapper\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2022\/04\/09\/practical-questions-for-spring-reflection-planning\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read <\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3982,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stc_notifier_status":"sent","_stc_notifier_sent_time":"2022-04-09 17:07:30","_stc_notifier_request":false,"_stc_notifier_prevent":false,"_stc_subscriber_keywords":"","_stc_subscriber_search_areas":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4,37],"tags":[266,26,80,47,18,267,57,21,100,16],"class_list":["post-3977","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mom-life","category-seasonal-planning","tag-end-of-year","tag-home-management","tag-homeschooling","tag-mom-life","tag-planning","tag-preparing-for-summer","tag-productivity","tag-reflection","tag-seasonal-planning","tag-spring"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3977","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3977"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3977\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3995,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3977\/revisions\/3995"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3982"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3977"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3977"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3977"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}