{"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>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><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>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>So I spend a Saturday afternoon alone with my journal, my lists, our calendar, and a tall latte. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><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>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>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><\/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>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><\/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 style=\"font-size:20px\">Examples: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:20px\">Adventure \/ Relaxation \/ Sunshine<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p 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>I know. I hear you. I can feel the eye-rolling and the questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&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><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><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>The answer is No. You do not have to answer all these questions I have listed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Choose what is important to you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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>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>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><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>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>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\"><strong>Welcome Summer! Let\u2019s do this!<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> 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\"> 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\">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\">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-9d6595d7 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;&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-9d6595d7 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;&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-6248 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-intellectually-alive category-my-reading-stack tag-april tag-april-reading tag-books tag-growth tag-learning tag-march tag-march-reading tag-monthly-curriculum-recap tag-my-book-basket tag-my-book-stack tag-my-learning tag-my-personal-curriculum-plan tag-my-reading tag-new-hobby tag-personal-curriculum tag-personal-curriculum-planning tag-personal-growth tag-personal-learning tag-productivity-for-moms tag-reading-stack tag-recap tag-spring-curriculum tag-spring-planning tag-winter-curriculum\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 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\/03\/my-march-april-personal-curriculum-plans\/\" target=\"_self\" >My March\/April Personal Curriculum Plans<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">What\u2019s in my personal curriculum basket &amp; how I planned it out Today I am sharing all the reasons behind my planning based on my personal study-type (Relaxed but Intentional) as well as my book list for the next 2 months. Right now my personal curriculum is all about learning that fits into my real&hellip;&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-6243 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-intellectually-alive category-seasonal-planning tag-books tag-february tag-growth tag-learning tag-monthly-curriculum-recap tag-my-learning tag-my-personal-curriculum-plan tag-my-reading tag-new-hobby tag-new-years-resolutions tag-personal-curriculum tag-personal-curriculum-planning tag-personal-growth tag-personal-learning tag-planning-for-the-new-year tag-reading-stack tag-recap tag-spring-curriculum tag-winter-curriculum\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 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\/02\/26\/february-recap-reflections\/\" target=\"_self\" >February Recap &amp; Reflections<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">I\u2019m still figuring this out, but here is what captured my attention in the midst of this busy month. \u201cI love that you wear an apron unironically.\u201d I said while chopping celery. \u201cWhat? What does that even mean?\u201d my sister Mandy laughed and looked a bit perplexed. \u201cIt\u2019s just that whenever I do anything in&hellip;&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}]}}