Meghan Carver: School’s out, school’s out, teacher let the monkeys out!

Our school is officially out now, and, in fact, it has been since mid-May. (I could whisper to you that we’re starting up, just a little, again soon during those 90-degree too-hot-to-go-outside days, but I won’t. 😊 )

There’s something about summer that feels like freedom. But I think it’s just a holdover from my childhood when my mom worked and I could stay home and read all day. As I think of our family’s list of activities this summer, I start to feel a little stretched for time. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I remember days spent with sleeping babies, wondering what I was going to do with all my time.

There’s a balance there somewhere that depends on the person and family. This is what we have going on this summer ~

We have a Taekwondo tournament this month. My six children just started TKD last August as part of a homeschool co-op. Quite frankly, my two initial reasons were simply to get the PE credit for the high school students and for my children (in particular, my beautiful girls) to know how to defend themselves. But their interest has abounded, so five are competing in a tournament. It’s their first time, and they are equal parts nervous and excited. All five will compete in forms and board-breaking, and three are sparring. It’s been an adventure just to purchase the protective gear.

Bible Bee study for the test in August has begun in earnest. We’ve amped up our time memorizing Scripture, and this summer is a study of the book of James. My 9yo is learning to use (and wanting to use) Blue Letter Bible! I am blessed.

The 18yo is taking the ACT. We’re a bit behind on getting it done, according to the public school schedule, but in the big scheme of life, it doesn’t really matter. She’ll be taking transferable classes from the community college this next school year anyway.

My husband has returned to doctoral classes. Does this make us officially insane? 😊 It’s very much part-time, but he’s about halfway through the degree (an Ed.D.) and eager to get it done.

I’ve signed a contract for another Amish suspense with Love Inspired Suspense. It’s tentatively scheduled to release July 2019, so I’m in the thick of writing. I love these characters!

My youngest lost both of his front teeth within a week, so we’re trying to absorb all that cuteness before the adult teeth come in.

My oldest, with the help of her sister, is illustrating a children’s book. I hope to have this out this fall. It was the first book I ever wrote, and I wrote it because I wanted to provide a good, wholesome story for my children. It is near and dear to my heart, and I’ve been trying to figure out how to get it illustrated and in the hands of readers. I think we finally figured it out. Would you like a sneak peek?

In between all that, we’ll find time for the playground and the splash pad, for games and Vacation Bible School, for reading and trips to the library for programs and more books. That’s our summer. What are your plans?