It’s the beautiful month of May out there and despite #covid19 and #socialdistancing (#shelterinplace has been lifted in my state with the exception of the medically fragile), the weather is gorgeous, the sunshine is bright, temperatures are in the 60’s-70’s (Fahrenheit), and we are verging on being ready to swim.  It will be very sad for us if the pools don’t open this summer, but hopeful the large lake near us will still be an option!

We are celebrating this month:

Eastertide

May 1- May Day

May 10 – U.S. Mother’s Day

May 14 – High School Graduation for our oldest!  Homeschooling is done!

May 18, 19, 20 – Rogation Days

May 21- The Feast of Ascension

May 25 – U.S. Memorial Day

May 31 – The Feast of Pentecost – you can see some beautiful cross-cultural images for inspiration

Ways to Celebrate:

These are a few of my favorite things for small children:

• Hiking on The Feast of Ascension, watching clouds
• Making Pentecost crafts
• Gathering for May Day and dancing around a May Pole!
• Making crafts for Memorial Day, this year decorating our own front porch and walking in the neighborhood since I doubt there will be parades of any kind!
• Pedal toys – trikes and bikes!

These are a few of my favorite things for grades-aged children:

• Seting up playing in the water and sand – we ordered a slip n slide for the backyard and are awaiting its arrival and a pool for our dogs
• Observing all the dragonflies, bees, and butterflies
• Calming rituals for rest times and the end of the day.  I strongly believe that children ages 8-13 still need earlier bedtimes and I work very hard to make that happen. Calming rituals and rhythm are soothing for sleep!

These are a few of my favorite things for teens:

• Spring cleaning and spring decorating of the home, gardening tasks
• Spring cooking, making special treats for The Feast of Ascension and Memorial Day
• Planning surprise May Day baskets for neighbors, and doing things to serve others.
• Picnics at the lake or park with #socialdistancing
• Later night walks in the warm air – great time to talk after the smaller children have gone to bed

These are a few of my favorite things for myself:

• Celebrating our family with family meetings and family game night.
• Celebrating our marriage with a night out on our anniversary – this year it might just be a drive together to celebrate our 28 years!
• Vigorously moving 5 to 6 days a week, whether that is through yoga, hiking, at the gym, or whatever I choose.
• Drinking lots of water and herbal teas.
• Daily Compline from The Book of Common Prayer
• I made notes for who I am praying for in my phone with One Note and it has helped me immensely to stay on track and not forget!

These are a few of my favorite things for homeschool planning:

I am starting to work on Botany as our first block for fifth grade in the fall!  Stay tuned, as I may put it out to be able to be purchased when I am done since it’s my third time going through fifth grade.

I would love to hear what you all are up to!

Many blessings and deep peace to you, stay safe,

Carrie