Summer is such a special time. It’s hard to feel it coming to an end.
Ellie and I had a campout on Saturday. Probably our last campout of the year. As I was packing up the tent yesterday, I thought to myself, “I hope Ellie remembers this when she’s older.”
I hope she remembers the things we did and the fun we had. I hope she feels like her Mom put in the effort to make things special for her. I hope she realizes how much I love her and that she’s the most important thing in my life.
The two phrases below came up in one of the books I read this summer. They fit with how I try to live my life and feel especially appropriate now.
Hora pars vitae. Every hour is a part of life.
The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton
Serius est quam cogitas. It’s later than you think.
Here are some other things I came across this summer
We are in the midst of our summer tradition of raising monarchs. We’ve released two butterflies so far and our last caterpillar changed into its chrysalis this weekend.
The lifestyle of the world’s oldest chicken.
Ellie’s fascination with Greek mythology continues, and we’ve been “Greeking Out” with this podcast. The Oracle of Wifi is hilarious.
Another summer read that I’ve been thinking of as I prepare to return to the classroom.
“Every young person has the potential to contribute. When we respect, honor, and support that potential through a combination of high standards and high support, then we motivate and inspire young people from all groups to reach higher, accomplish more, and make our society stronger.”
10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager
We are continuing to “do” summer through this last week. There will be a park, possibly a beach, and our annual tradition of a “fancy waffle.” The more ice cream and toppings the better.
Home on 129 Acres 
As the summer draws to a close, my wife and I are finding it harder than usual to feel the enthusiasm for September and the return to the classroom than we once did – her because this will be her first semester back since maternity leave, and both of us because the spectre of AI has sapped the work of cultivating writers of much of the joy it once held.
Like you, we are going to make the most of the remaining summer experiencing things with our daughter. At only fourteen months old, her future lack of infant memories is something we have commented on a lot as first time parents. However, I feel strongly that while the individual moments might not be retained, the sense of love and wonder we tried to create for her will anchor independent of the context, and she will carry those with her into the experiences she has independently now that we have to entrust her to the daily care of others.
And, of course, we document everything to show her someday. Your daughter will likewise have your blog as an artifact of your love. What a great gift it will be to her in the future to have your perspective on what being her mother meant to you to!
I love your perspective on this time with your daughter. I was not as intentional as you , I don’t think, with our girl at that age, but as I look back, I do feel the experiences we had have stuck with us.
As we all progress through life, our experiences and relationships build. We are supposed to change as we grow, even little ones. As my daughter returns to school–and the care of others–I feel that separation with sorrow. But also with pride as I know she is supposed to grow into her own person and have her own experiences without me.
Having that strong anchor of our relationship, our love and our home is still central, and that’s what you are building with your daughter and wife.
(The topic of teaching, motivating, writing and AI is something I can commiserate with you on. I strongly recommend the 10-25 book I mention if you’ve not read it.)
Good morning Julia,
Sounds like up you and Ellie are had, and still having a wonderful summer. Our grandchildren enjoyed tent camp outs too this summer with s’mores over a campfire. A few backyard fireworks and sparklers all made for enjoying the summer evenings in a special way.
Loved the story about the oldest chicken. What heart that story held. It certainly touched my heart with my love of birds. I take such joy in having our cockatiel and budgie with their distinct personalities. The bond they share with me and each other is undeniably committed.
How is Steve doing?
This summer has been good to us. We’ve enjoyed having two play subscriptions. One in Port Dover and the other in St. Jacobs. We took our grandchildren to see Snow White last week at the Lighthouse Theatre. It was wonderful to see a packed playhouse full with children, parents and grandparents like ourselves. A excellent performance from students aged 11 – 17 years. William and Faith enjoyed it very much and having that special time together with us.
We are looking forward to having the kids overnight for a sleepover in September. I picked up Connect Four and UNO from the Salvation Army store to play with them.
The week after next we head to Huntsville with friends for a three night stay at our favourite cottage resort on Peninsula Lake.
This Labour Day weekend on Saturday we plan to go to the Paris Fair to see barrel races, followed by a Western horse show. On Sunday a day trip to Peacock Point in Selkirk with friends from Burlington.
Enjoy the remaining days of summer. Hope you and Ellie get to enjoy a beach day.
All the best to you both for school start up.
Pam 💗
It sounds like you have been making the most of summer as well, Pam. And are continuing to max it out too. All the best to you and your family.