We had already planned that when we got home from our ohRV trip, we’d go to our friend’s cabin and just relax as a family of four. Well, their cabin was being used so we decided, “Hey! Let’s go camping! That’s relaxing, right?”
Well, it might be relaxing in the Fall when temperatures actually dip below 70. But camping in Georgia in July? Can you say sweltering?! I don’t think I stopped sweating for four days. We stayed at Stone Mountain, rode bikes, climbed the mountain, rode a DUKW, watched the laser show, saw an 1800’s plantation and just had fun together.
(Do you follow me on Instagram? It’s become my social media network of choice. I updated some fun pictures from our trip there.)
Now we’ve been home for a few days and the bags are unpacked, the clothes are washed and I’m slightly feeling like we’re getting back into our routine. Then I realized AAAAAHHHH, school starts in three weeks! What in the world?!
And I’ve been in get-ready mode: meal-planning, making lists, (trying to) organize and push the kids into remembering things like “make your bed” and “brush your teeth”. Although I love the absolute we-have-no-deadlines of summer, I do crave those routines of the school year.
I even set our Mealtime Devotions book out on the kitchen table (it was on the floor in the other room) yesterday and am determined to get back to actual dinners where the four of us sit and read together. Lately, we’ve been doing “snack dinner” where the kids eat a piece of bread, cheese and fruit while Les and I eat after they go to bed. Our schedule has just been all over the place lately with all the vacationing, the new CrossFit gym and whoknowswhatelse.
Anywhoo.
I know you’re probably in the same boat–the end of summer sometimes feels like the New Year where you want to get yourself in gear and get school-life moving like a well-oiled machine. If one of your back-to-school resolutions is do devotions with your kids, I’ve got just the thing for you!
Remember my vlog about the Whit’s Mealtime Devotions? Another book in the Adventures In Odyssey’s devotions series is 90 Devotions for Kids and here’s a week’s worth of devotions (including some puzzles) as a FREE download for you!
It’s part of all the ACTS program I’ve been telling your about the last few months (did you download your free radio episode and ebook?). I so love Adventures in Odyssey’s commitment to bring good resources to parents that help us lead our kids to Jesus.
What’s your back-to-school resolution? or Are you feeling your summer come to a close?
Adventures in Odyssey asked me to be a part of their ACTS team. This is a non-paid post and I’m excited to share their ministry and fun ideas with you.
B2S Resolution…to be on time.
End of summer…drops mic and exits stage left. Nooo!!!
My oldest is going into second grade and my middle is starting 4K 2 days a week. That leaves my youngest home with me by herself for 2 days. My back to school resolution is to do intentional things with her and get to know her better as herself and not just how she responds to her sisters (if that makes sense).
I was having these somewhat irrational thoughts about how summer wasn’t fun for our daughters, because we’ve been chasing all over, and it’s been stressful for me. Then I realized, that all of the things that have been stressful for me, have been fun for them! Perspective is an interesting thing 🙂
Back to school this year I want to regularly have intentional discussions about what we are learning from God each day.
Back to (home)school resolution: Become and stay organized
End of Summer: Looking forward to the return of routine, looking forward to the pretty fall leaves and sweaters. Not at all prepared to meet my resolution though, I need a couple more months of summer.
My back to school resolutions is I would love to let go of my control of homeschooling and let God lead.
In preparation for our new school year, I’ve been working on getting everyone up early and back on a regular routine. During our chaotic summer, our schedule went out the window. While I’ve enjoyed our activities this summer, I’m ready for things to slow down. Our summers often seem busier than our school year.
I want to get up at the same time daily and stick to a better school schedule. I can’t believe that summer is almost over. I’ve wanted to do so many things this summer that we just didn’t get to either because of time or money. One of those was Stone Mountain. We haven’t been in a couple years. We are going to Atlanta Motor Speedway tonight for Thursday night thunder and the Braves game on Saturday! 🙂
Oh and we LOVE Adventures in Odyssey so I think my boys would think this devotional is awesome!
Tara: I just got an email in my inbox about 2 minutes ago that Stone Mountain is doing BOGO on the Adventure Pass for Stone Mountain! https://www.facebook.com/stonemountainpark/app_350243485053197?ref=br_tf Maybe it will be worth it! 🙂
a
Thanks, Amanda! 🙂
B2S…keep a good prayer routine.
Yes, Summer is ending…it’s sad!
I am resolving to clean out my kids closets before school starts. Summer is definitely winding down. We are also looking forward to routines, but I will miss the time with my kids when they are in school. Thanks for sharing!
School resolution = more focused, but more relaxed, if that makes sense!! We homeschool and since we moved this year, we’ve continued our school through most of the summer. We finished everything today and will have a week before we start the new stuff. That week is for me; the kids are ready to move on!
I’m not sure which link in our above post leads me to the free download? Help, please!
http://www.tyndale.com/blog/index.php/aio-90-devotions-for-kids/ Then click the orange link below the cover of the book. 🙂
a
I saw that, but didn’t understand that it was just a sample that was free. Thank you. 🙂
We are unschoolers, so no “back to school” for us, we are learning all the time! And we had a very rainy June, so we feel like our summer has just begun…many fun plans ahead, including a field day, visits to the farmer’s market, a camping trip in a new place…gotta make summer last as long as we can!
I am trying out Charlotte Mason this fall. Exciting!
Like you, not ready for summer to end, but getting in a routine is becoming more and more appealing! This year, devotions before school work is one of my goals. 🙂
Like you, not ready for summer to end, but getting in a routine is becoming more and more appealing! This year, devotions before school work is one of my goals. And, the Adventure in Odyssey one would be PERFECT!!
I am sad summer is ending so soon ! I am also starting to make lists & get organized.
My end of the summer resolution is to finish your fruit of the spirit study with my 3 year old! We are LOVING it so far!!
With the start of school, I’ll increase my hours at work (almost double) plus one kids starts piano and the other starts dance. So, my resolution is to be a better time-manager– to be more intentional with how I spend my time. There won’t be much that isn’t scheduled, so I need to be a better steward!
B2SR…pray with the kids before school not at them & everyone up 10 minutes earlier than i think necessary….has to help..right?
EoS….blah. My grandad went to be with the Lord this week. Wahoo for him but we miss him soo. It’s been a busy summer & we r glad we always made time for grandad, but wish we would have more.
But summers end brings a new chapter for me…teaching 4-6sunday school class at our little church…I know u will continue to inspire me Amanda. Lord work thru me!
I too am having to realize that bedtimes and chores will have to be more routine very soon. It’s been so nice to be care free over the last 2 months– but I do love order and schedules. ????