Share 4 Somethings in June
Tomorrow is the last Saturday of the month and time for Share 4 Somethings with Jenn. This year we're sharing something we loved, something that sustained us, something we're carrying forward, and something we're making space for each month.
Something I loved: Obviously I LOVED our trip! We had such perfect weather for hiking-- cool and sunny with warm afternoons to laze around town. The views were amazing and the food was just fabulous.
Even though Evan really did not want a party or understand why we celebrate high school graduations anyway (as he put it "it's just the minimum bar everyone should reach so why do we celebrate that? And honestly the party seems like a money grab asking family and friends to help pay for college?"--- yep, my kids are weird)... BUT I was still glad we had a low key gathering with the grandparents to celebrate this "un"achievement.
I am loving getting photo updates from Alec! It sounds like he is having a great time in Greece.
Something that sustained me: My lists! it was such a busy month with our trip to Maine, Evan's grad party, Alec leaving for Greece and trying to keep everyone's regular work schedules and appointments strait that I lived by my daily to do lists, packing lists, and even our calendar. Crossing things off as they got done or got packed.
Something I'm carrying forward: I'm always trying to remember that my worrying about something will not change the outcome-- particularly since I'm always worrying about something that is completely outside of my control. I've been putting more deep breathing exercises and relaxation things into practice to let go of the worry and the anxiety I can feel making me tense.
Something I'm making space for: My birthday is coming up in another week or 2 so I'm making space for birthday gifts! I've also been rearranging all of Alec's college totes and boxes making room for the "more" stuff he wants to pack this year. Plus we bought him another extra tote to fill. And yet I might even need one more!
Linking up with: Spread the Kindness,
That is so funny! He is right about it being the bare minimum but celebrating even the smallest achievements is part of life right? Kayla had said the same thing and her mom said "maybe we are celebrating us who helped get you here?" I thought that was a great response!
ReplyDeleteMy reply to him was similar in that I was celebrating MY ending of homeschooling and having gotten him there.
DeleteThe weather did seem perfect for your trip! Fantastic photos!
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Evan said about the high school graduation but my youngest finished education this week and we're having a little celebration. hehehe
You have had a lot going on over the last month, I would have had plenty of lists on the go too.
It is exhausting worrying about things that we can't control, I do exactly the same. I am forever working on keeping my stress levels down.
It really is so exhausting.
DeleteGlad your son is enjoying his trip. My younger daughter and her hubs are going to Greece this year and her itinerary sounds so good. I've been to Greece and especially loved the ancient history and the food. I think we mark life's milestones, party or no party. It's a moment to reflect on where we've been and where we're going and the people who have helped us a long the way. And these young adults need cash too lol. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know much of his itinerary but knew they'd for sure be checking out several wineries, bakeries, and some of the ancient sites.
DeleteI worry a lot too. It's hard!
ReplyDeleteIt is! Even when I think "I'm not going to worry about that".. I still do!
DeleteI'm a worrier, too. I think at this point, it's a bad habit, but deep breaths do help.
ReplyDeleteYes, they definitely do.
Delete"Un" celebration...but he isnt wrong 😂😂
ReplyDeleteThat worry thing is in our family too...good luck and happy soon birthday
Xoxo
Jodie
He really wasn't so I couldn't argue much.
DeleteFunny about the whole graduation party thing: yes, it is a time for them to get some money from friends and family, but my son had no such worries. It ended up help pay for his deductible for his car accident and pay for some fun that summer. It was not a large amount of money, but it came in handy for him.
ReplyDeletewww.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Alec had no such qualms either!
DeleteHello Joanne. Your son's feelings about a graduation celebration made me laugh. He sounds like a practical young man. I am hoping to visit Greece soon, so I always perk up when I hear that someone else has recently or is spending time there. I can relate to releasing worries about things we can't control. Good luck with your mindfulness practices!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, very practical... and sarcastic! LOL.
DeleteLove your son's outlet on the whole graduation party/gifts. Seems like he knows what really matters! Oh, your trip looks fantastic!! I live by my to do lists too!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
curlycraftymom.com
Aw, thank you.
DeleteIf you found the solution about not worrying about things we are not in control of, let me know! Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteOh I wish!
DeleteYour trip looks amazing! We are planning a trip to Acadia for our anniversary next year!
ReplyDeleteI bet you are going to love it!
DeleteThat's a great goal about worry. I don't a lot except when Rick is on a ride. I try not to -- and I'm better than I used to be. But it's tough! You've had a wonderful week -- and a lot of change in your life coming. I hear you on the party and presents and agree!
ReplyDeleteIt is tough; I definitely think I'm better than I used to be though.
DeleteNice catching up with you today! Your photos are wonderful! Your son is truly funny, my kids never even liked birthday parties so they tend not to enjoy things like that either, so they would say the same. I always like to throw a big party for them though, like it or not :) I hope July treats you wonderfully!
ReplyDeleteYou too!
DeleteLooks like you do an excellent job of keeping track of everything whizzing around your world. That's wonderful. Nice to cross stuff off that list too. Well done, you!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I sure try.
DeleteI imagine Alec is having a wonderful time of his life experiencing Greece. I’m glad you got to have a little celebration for your son. I always felt since we homeschooled it wasn’t just celebrating their accomplishment it was celebrating me helping them get to that point! Lol!! A lot goes into homeschool. So much commitment, care, worries and work!
ReplyDeleteI love lists! Can’t live without them.
It looks like it by his photos! I told Evan even if he didn't want a party we were having one anyways because I was celebrating the end of homeschooling.
DeleteGlad it was such a great trip! You are right on the worrying. It is a hard battle some days though. I am in full on list mode planning my upcoming trip. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful time on your trip!
DeleteWe had a graduation party and one of the 3 kids of the family loves her families parties so much she was already telling everyone to be ready for her college party within the next year. Her parents were like uhhh haha! Looks like you had a great trip!
ReplyDeleteThat's like my middle son Alec!
DeleteI kinda agree with him. lol. All the food looks great..
ReplyDeleteHe definitely was not wrong! I couldn't argue that he was but did tell him all the grandparents were asking about/expecting something so that was the compromise-- grandparents only.
DeleteI understand what your son is saying. Maybe, if you'd called it a commencement party? We always had very low key celebrations anyway. My sons ended up graduating from college and high school the same year so we even combined one (though I don't think the younger one liked that much). I really need to get back to making lists. I can accomplish so much more with a list. You had a wonderful month, and I hope Alec's trip to Greece continues to delight all of you for a long time!
ReplyDeletehttps://marshainthemiddle.com/
Thank you!
DeleteLoved hearing about your trip, Evan’s funny take on graduation, and Alec’s adventures in Greece.
ReplyDeleteLists are lifesavers, and I’m glad you’re finding ways to ease the worry.
Thank you!
DeleteMy son was the same about graduation, LOL! It was very low-key. Despite it being a busy month, it sounds like it was good. We are still enjoying hikes as often as we can. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI think our hiking might be done for the summer.. as it's about to get real HOT but we'll see..
DeleteThings are moving quickly in your family with college and such. I know what happened, you blinked!
ReplyDeleteRight?! It really has been a whirlwind around here lately.
DeleteJoanne,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for taking the time to visit!! Your trip did look truly spectacular...I am a worry wart as my Mother would call it...But I am learning to kiss it up to God and place things in his hands...I can't believe that it is going to be the 4th of July already....
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
I know! The time is just flying by so fast.
DeleteI love that you still make paper lists. A girl after my own heart! And that's excellent advice about worrying. I'm always trying to remember the same.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks! It's just easier to remember that way. Once it's written down I rarely have to look at my list again to remember what's actually on it (though of course I do just in case I forgot something).
Delete