The Summer BBQ - Stress and Destress.

Ah, sweet summer. I've missed you. The last days, weeks and months have been dreary. They've been wet. They've been cold. The nights have been arriving too early and the morning light coming far too late. Our heavy blankets are tired. Our fireplace is begging for a break. And, sweet summer, when you arrive, we slowly emerge from our cozy houses, ready for a breath of fresh sun-kissed air. And it's then, that we gather.

The iconic summer BBQ summoned us this past weekend, and after a busy week of work, and evenings that demanded activity, we decided to dust the cobwebs from the grill, shoot out a few text messages and make something happen.

That's what I love the most about summer, the friendships. Sure, soggy winters aren't without, but something is different when we can be outside. Especially here at Lancaster Land, there's so much to do, especially especially (yes, double especially) as our Phase 1 Remodel is coming to a close. 

And though the end result of these moments are reinvigorating, the first gathering of the summer can be overloaded with an overflowing to-do list.

Our top five before-the-party priorities:

1. Mow the yard.
2. Seriously clean the BBQ...cobwebs galore.
3. Meal prep.
4. Cocktail prep (it's just as important as meal prep, people).
5. Clean EVERYTHING.

Sometimes those moments that should relax us and help us find our centers are the moments that cause us the most stress. Think holidays. Think major life celebrations. It's true. It's easy to sink deep down into the worry and the pressure of planning, but it's important to remember that even if everything on our to-do lists don't get completed, that's okay. People still gather. We still laugh. We still connect. And we've got to remember that our best friends really won't mind a forgotten potato salad. They might mind a forgotten margarita, so don't neglect #4...just to be safe.

Soon the margaritas will be full of fresh blueberries, grown right here at our home.

So, perhaps the better top five list isn't about what we need to do, but what we need to remember.

1. Floors get dirty. Food gets spilled. Kids...dogs...mini-mess tornadoes are everywhere. The only thing we can control is how we react. So slow down, watch the messes happen. Enjoy them. Watch the fun that's being had, listen to the memories being made. Suddenly, it's not about the mess. It's about life.
2. Nothing is perfect, ever.
3. The best moments are built because of who we have around us, not where we are, or what we have. Focus more on people. Enjoy the heck out of friendships.
4. Pinterest is evil, because #2. Trying for perfection is exhausting. Wouldn't you much rather spend time with a friend who is enjoying the mess instead of trying to be perfect? I would.
5. Don't forget the margaritas.

Yup, that's the list that's going on my fridge.

XO,

Meagan

Rusty trampolines, tall grass, mowed track and our little buddy having the best time of his life.  #lifeatlancasterland #itsaboutpeople