{"id":4018,"date":"2022-04-25T08:27:25","date_gmt":"2022-04-25T15:27:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?p=4018"},"modified":"2023-09-19T15:03:48","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T22:03:48","slug":"4-helpful-steps-for-planning-summer-break","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2022\/04\/25\/4-helpful-steps-for-planning-summer-break\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Helpful Steps for Planning Summer Break"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the time April &amp; May show up on the calendar <strong>I am ready to start my summer planning.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If I am NOT the one deciding what my summer looks like then it gets decided FOR me. <\/strong>I stumble into August completely exhausted and worn out. I have no energy to start the school year well. &nbsp;I am resentful that I did not get time to myself or enough time for school planning. I am frustrated that I spent my time driving around in a hot car. My kids are crabby and ungrateful. We are angry with each other and I am depleted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I will not live that way anymore. I will choose a different path. I make decisions about what my summer will look like and feel like for my family ahead of time. I want to step into fall rested and ready for the next school year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/stil-837JygbCJo-unsplash-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/stil-837JygbCJo-unsplash-edited.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/stil-837JygbCJo-unsplash-edited-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So I spend a Saturday afternoon alone with my journal, my lists, our calendar, and a tall latte. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>I ask myself all the questions.<\/em> I make lists. I write out meal ideas and activities to try. I look up all the info on all the things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I usually forget my planning routine and it takes me extra time to remember. So I have written it all out here for you (and for my future self). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are the steps that I go through to plan out the many details of our summer break.  Some of these might seem simple or silly. But, hopefully, I am saving you time and mental effort. \ud83d\ude0a <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:100\">Planning Our Summer Break:<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#1 &#8211; the family calendar and scheduled events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, I place the big events and bookends of my schedule first.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>When is the End of the School Year \/ Start of Next Year?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Next, I block out all scheduled events.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Holidays &amp; birthdays<\/li><li>Long vacations planned  <ul><li>here is some help with that: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2022\/02\/07\/the-secret-to-planning-long-rv-trips\/\">The Secret to Planning Long RV Trips<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>The homeschool convention (in <a href=\"http:\/\/www.afhe.org\">AZ it is AFHE<\/a> and it is awesome!) <ul><li>see this article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/06\/23\/practical-tips-for-attending-a-homeschool-convention\/\">Practical Tips for Attending a Homeschool Convention<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Summer camps for the kids (church, science camps, learning camps)<\/li><li>Swim lessons<\/li><li>Sports \u2013 like dance classes or karate<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ian-schneider-PAykYb-8Er8-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1052\" width=\"758\" height=\"506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ian-schneider-PAykYb-8Er8-unsplash.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ian-schneider-PAykYb-8Er8-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 758px) 100vw, 758px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#2 &#8211; evaluating our time &amp; our goals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Then, I see where we are needing some structure or what we have too much of.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Do we have space for free time?<\/li><li>Can any<a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/11\/17\/6-tips-for-planning-weekend-rv-trips\/\"> weekend trips or short vacations <\/a>fit in?<\/li><li>Do I have a variety of activities planned?<\/li><li>When will I work on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2022\/01\/20\/homeschool-encouragement-12-helpful-tips\/\">school planning<\/a> and curriculum shopping?  <ul><li>As a teacher, this takes a lot of my time in the summer. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/05\/26\/homeschooling-is-a-job\/\">Homeschooling is a full-time job<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Will my kids have a chance to develop new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/06\/14\/why-hobbies-matter\/\">hobbies<\/a> and get bored?  <ul><li>I fully believe that bringing up well-rounded kids involves boredom.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>What kinds of meals do I want to make? <ul><li>Brainstorm my Summer Meals list for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2022\/04\/13\/tackling-meal-planning-1-the-why\/\">easy meal planning<\/a>. <\/li><li>Here is an article that will help: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2022\/04\/13\/tackling-meal-planning-1-the-why\/\">Tackling Meal Planning #1 (the Why)<\/a><\/li><li>(hot dogs, BBQ, pizza on the grill, pasta salad)<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Summer book lists! <ul><li>Booklist for me, for each kid, for us to read together<\/li><li>audiobooks to listen to on road trips<\/li><li>see these articles: <ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/06\/03\/summer-reading-tips-ideas\/\">Summer Reading \u2013 Tips &amp; Ideas<\/a>, <\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/06\/03\/how-to-revive-your-love-of-reading-this-summer\/\">How to Revive Your Love of Reading this Summer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/06\/03\/quick-ideas-to-get-kids-into-summer-reading\/\">Quick Ideas to Get Kids into Summer Reading<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/09\/14\/when-my-reading-plans-fail\/\">When My Reading Plans Fail<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>How can my kids keep learning fresh on their minds? <ul><li>Will I have them complete workbooks? <\/li><li>Should they keep working on math lessons? <\/li><li>Will I have them write about what they are reading?<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/10\/04\/fun-schooling-ways-to-learn-without-math-worksheets\/\">Fun-Schooling: Ways to Learn Without Math Worksheets<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>How can I reward them for keeping their brains from turning to mush? <ul><li>Sticker charts, tickets, cash for a vacation, shopping trips at Target?<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>When can I take some time to myself this summer break? <ul><li>How can I schedule some time away to journal, think, and be alone? <strong>Moms are important too!<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:37px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\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-full is-style-default\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"482\" data-id=\"2373\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/max-goncharov-E77RZ6HJ0i8-unsplash-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2373\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/max-goncharov-E77RZ6HJ0i8-unsplash-1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/max-goncharov-E77RZ6HJ0i8-unsplash-1-300x226.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-id=\"2081\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/floh-maier-aFUHu9WNO3Q-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2081\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/floh-maier-aFUHu9WNO3Q-unsplash.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/floh-maier-aFUHu9WNO3Q-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-id=\"2352\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/greg-rosenke-7Bgm-_Sn09c-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2352\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/greg-rosenke-7Bgm-_Sn09c-unsplash.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/greg-rosenke-7Bgm-_Sn09c-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now I am ready to zoom out and ask some big picture questions&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#3 &#8211; big picture planning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:100\">What do I want this summer to be about?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/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 39%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"618\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Untitled-design-1-1024x618.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-600 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Untitled-design-1-1024x618.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Untitled-design-1-300x181.png 300w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Untitled-design-1-768x464.png 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Untitled-design-1-1536x928.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Untitled-design-1-2048x1237.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Untitled-design-1-1560x942.png 1560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If I could pick a <strong>one-word theme<\/strong> what would it be?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Examples: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Adventure \/ Relaxation \/ Sunshine<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:20px\"> Travel \/ Hobbies \/ Friendship \/ Nature<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#4 &#8211; Reflection <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:100\">&#8211; Does that one-word theme match my plans?? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:100\">&#8211; What needs to be adjusted? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:100\">&#8211; How am I choosing to make space for what matters to our family? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:100\">&#8211; What do I need to say NO to? What is not working anymore?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\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-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"4019\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/dakota-lim-n_2DimPwbEk-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4019\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/dakota-lim-n_2DimPwbEk-unsplash.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/dakota-lim-n_2DimPwbEk-unsplash-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I know. I hear you. I can feel the eye-rolling and the questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <em>Seriously? This is a long list of things to think about!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Why do these things matter? Who cares?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Do I really need to spend the time to think about this stuff?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer is No. You do not have to answer all these questions I have listed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Choose what is important to you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\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. <strong>It was effortless and free.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But now I am a mom, homeschool mom, homemaker, cook, and the &#8220;planner of all the things&#8221;. Summer does not feel the same. It is a lot of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But, for me, living a life with intention is at the top of my list. Even if it takes time and planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 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=\"445\" data-id=\"1057\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/skylar-jean-IViUPh1dpLE-unsplash-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1057\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/skylar-jean-IViUPh1dpLE-unsplash-1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/skylar-jean-IViUPh1dpLE-unsplash-1-300x209.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"481\" data-id=\"1059\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/goran-ivos-2KBGaj7Qzxg-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1059\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/goran-ivos-2KBGaj7Qzxg-unsplash.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/goran-ivos-2KBGaj7Qzxg-unsplash-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"424\" data-id=\"1060\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/kelly-sikkema-MVLhRT1H8Bs-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1060\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/kelly-sikkema-MVLhRT1H8Bs-unsplash.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/kelly-sikkema-MVLhRT1H8Bs-unsplash-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If I am NOT the one deciding what my summer looks like then it gets decided FOR me. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I get peace and clarity along with my planning. Now I know that whatever this summer holds I will be ready. I have adjusted my expectations, thought about all our events, placed the important things first, and created a theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then can move on to my other household tasks, or even relax on the couch with a book. I feel settled and ready for the season ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Welcome Summer! Let\u2019s do this!<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> Smiles and Love &#8211; April<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"178\" data-id=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20201017_155651903-scaled-e1620362732331-300x178.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1066\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20201017_155651903-scaled-e1620362732331-300x178.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20201017_155651903-scaled-e1620362732331-1024x609.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20201017_155651903-scaled-e1620362732331-768x457.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20201017_155651903-scaled-e1620362732331-1536x914.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20201017_155651903-scaled-e1620362732331-2048x1218.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20201017_155651903-scaled-e1620362732331-1560x928.jpg 1560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" data-id=\"1068\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20210227_183754977-1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1068\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20210227_183754977-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20210227_183754977-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20210227_183754977-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20210227_183754977-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20210227_183754977-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PXL_20210227_183754977-1-1560x1170.jpg 1560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" data-id=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/PXL_20210402_200059651-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/PXL_20210402_200059651-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/PXL_20210402_200059651-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/PXL_20210402_200059651-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/PXL_20210402_200059651-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/PXL_20210402_200059651-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/PXL_20210402_200059651-1560x1170.jpg 1560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"> A few of the photos were taken by me last summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The other photos are by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@dakotalim?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Dakota Lim<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@philhearing?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Phil Hearing<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@pointblanq?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Point Blanq<\/a>,&nbsp;and others on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/collections\/1577330\/ziele%C5%84?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:31% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2022\/04\/09\/practical-questions-for-spring-reflection-planning\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/limor-zellermayer-VLOVJl_mLCA-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1608 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/limor-zellermayer-VLOVJl_mLCA-unsplash.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/limor-zellermayer-VLOVJl_mLCA-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some more helpful posts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/07\/13\/daily-theme-ideas-for-summer\/\">Daily Theme Ideas for Summer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/06\/14\/enjoying-summer-reading-big-magic\/\">Enjoying Summer &amp; Reading Big Magic<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/06\/02\/packing-questions-for-summer-travel\/\">Packing Questions for Summer Travel<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/06\/03\/how-to-revive-your-love-of-reading-this-summer\/\">How to Revive Your Love of Reading this Summer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/06\/03\/quick-ideas-to-get-kids-into-summer-reading\/\">Quick Ideas to Get Kids into Summer Reading<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:84px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\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-6490 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-intellectually-alive tag-book-list tag-book-rec tag-book-recs tag-fall-curriculum tag-intellectually-alive tag-mom-life tag-monthly-curriculum tag-monthly-curriculum-recap tag-movie-list tag-movie-recs tag-movies tag-november tag-personal-curriculum tag-personal-curriculum-planning tag-personal-growth tag-personal-learning tag-planning tag-tbr tag-tbr-list\">\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\/10\/19\/a-mystery-movie-list-hsp-friendly\/\" target=\"_self\" >A Mystery Movie List (HSP-friendly)<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">a curated list of movies for October that are a bit spooky or suspenseful I seriously enjoy leaning into the season in many different ways. My TBR book stack and meal planning are some ways that I embrace the season. But another is intentional movie nights centered around a specific theme. First, a little about&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-6483 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-intellectually-alive tag-book-list tag-book-rec tag-book-recs tag-fall-curriculum tag-intellectually-alive tag-mom-life tag-monthly-curriculum tag-monthly-curriculum-recap tag-november tag-personal-curriculum tag-personal-curriculum-planning tag-personal-growth tag-personal-learning tag-planning tag-tbr tag-tbr-list\">\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\/10\/12\/16-unexpectedly-addicting-educational-books\/\" target=\"_self\" >16+ Unexpectedly Addicting \u201cEducational\u201d Books<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Book Recs that will make you smarter, fun Personal Curriculum Tips In this video, I am going full learning nerd mode to give you the best academic book recommendations. \ud83e\udd13 If you want some books that are easy to dive into and get deep material from, this post is for you. Make sure you watch&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-6470 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-intellectually-alive tag-hobbies tag-intellectually-alive tag-intentional-living tag-learning tag-life-long-learning tag-mom-life tag-my-personal-curriculum-plan tag-october tag-personal-curriculum tag-personal-growth tag-planning tag-planning-hobbies tag-planning-out-personal-growth tag-productivity tag-productivity-for-moms tag-self-care tag-self-education tag-self-management-2\">\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\/10\/05\/my-october-personal-curriculum-plans-2\/\" target=\"_self\" >My October Personal Curriculum Plans<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">my TBR &amp; what I\u2019m making space for this month I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve noticed that I hold the term \u201cpersonal curriculum\u201d very loosely these days because of my schedule and life stage. \ud83d\ude01 I\u2019m a mid-life mom busy homeschooling my teens and finding ways to love and support my young adults. My schedule contains homemaking,&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By the time April &amp; May show up on the calendar I am ready to start my summer planning. If I am NOT the one deciding what my summer looks like then it gets decided FOR me. I stumble into August completely exhausted and worn out. I have no energy to start the school year&hellip; <\/p>\n<div class=\"readmore-wrapper\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2022\/04\/25\/4-helpful-steps-for-planning-summer-break\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read <\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4030,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stc_notifier_status":"sent","_stc_notifier_sent_time":"2022-04-25 08:40:24","_stc_notifier_request":false,"_stc_notifier_prevent":false,"_stc_subscriber_keywords":"","_stc_subscriber_search_areas":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4,278],"tags":[20,271,47,18,267,57,21,19,16,17,147,46],"class_list":["post-4018","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mom-life","category-productivity","tag-home","tag-intentional-living","tag-mom-life","tag-planning","tag-preparing-for-summer","tag-productivity","tag-reflection","tag-schedule","tag-spring","tag-summer","tag-summer-planning","tag-summer-routines"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4018","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=4018"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4018\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4034,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4018\/revisions\/4034"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4030"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4018"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4018"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4018"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}