Don't forget August!

I can't believe it's almost August. I love autumn. It's one of my favorite four seasons . I've told you all my three month rule right? June, July and August are summer; September, October and November are fall; December, January and February are winter; and March, April, and May are spring. That's usually where people get messed up. They think of winter as November through April. No, no, no.

Yes, it snows in November, but mainly it's a windy month of wood smoke, bare trees and early evening cozy at home. December is winter. But, we're getting ahead of ourselves. The point I'm trying to make is that often times we "wish away" August by thinking of back to school, autumn and scarecrows. STOP! August is still an awesome month of summer! The entire last THIRD of summer! Keep cooking out, taking road trips and having fun!

I have to admit that August is sometimes a month of Home. Don't you agree? We've taken vacation, we done all the summer activities. August is laying in a hammock, reading. August is watching a late movie and eating ice cream. August is opting for visiting family instead of wild vacations. August is almost a re-centering of our lives to get ready for the busyness of fall and the inward turn of winter.

 I love listening to cicadas, locusts, crickets and birds. Even the birds seem less frenetic in August. Have an amazing rest of the summer.

Much love and joy,

Karen

Follow Your Own Path

Don't you love summer? No commitments to school, the days slow down and move at a sane pace and we have options on the weekends, unlike the winter months when we either shop or go out to dinner!

I used to push for summer school for Ryan when he first started school, mainly to stave off any regression in skills he experienced during the summer. I changed my tune after time and decided summer was a perfect time to NOT have school. I would've been soooo disappointed to have classes in the summer as a kid, why would I do that to a child with disabilities just because he doesn't know there is another option? Honestly!

So we quit summer school, continued with PT for a while (primarily because it was at the pool and he loved it!) but spent our summer months on road trips, going to concerts and just experiencing those wonderful warm events. You know what? Ryan blossomed. So did I. We have such a good time that it's hard to face fall again. When he was in High School he asked to be home schooled. I said yes and we've never looked back. Next year at 21 I will graduate Ryan. He's planning a big party.

All this to say ... don't let other parents, professionals or family members decide what is right for your child. Try on a size that fits! If school works for your kid, go for it. If home school works for him, try that. Do whatever decreases stress and gives you back your joy!

Have a great weekend!

Much love and joy,

Remember, I'm praying for you,

Karen