The last day of school is on the horizon, and the kids are already buzzing with excitement for summer. As I brainstormed what to write about for May, a few obvious topics came to mind: summer activity bucket lists, spring cleaning and toy purging, summer survival guides for moms. But everything I thought of seemed to revolve around one thing—making sure the kids have a great summer.
And then I had a moment where I thought… what about me?
I want to have fun this summer too! I put a lot of energy into making sure my kids soak up every sunny second of these Nebraska summers, but it’s easy for my own enjoyment to slip to the bottom of the list. This year, I’m doing things differently. I’m planning ahead and creating my very own summer bucket list—just for me.
Reading & Poolside Bliss
In 2024, I started hunting for hobbies that worked with mom life. I dabbled in scrapbooking (which was fun but didn’t stick), and I picked up reading again—with the help of an e-reader and a recommendation from another mom. That’s the power of community, right?
Like a lot of moms, I hadn’t read a book purely for pleasure in years. But one fiery, dragon-filled fantasy totally pulled me in and reminded me what I was missing. Since then, reading has become one of my favorite ways to carve out quiet, satisfying me time.
So yes, on my summer bucket list: a pool reading party. The concept is simple—bring a book, bring a beverage and bring yourself. Talking is optional. Reading is required. I’ve already texted a few friends to see who’s down for a day of lounging poolside with good books and great vibes.
Hiking Toward a Long-Time Goal
The next item on my bucket list takes a little more effort: hiking Pikes Peak. This has been on my radar since before my two-year-old was born. I actually tried to hike it once while I was pregnant—got three miles in and realized I wasn’t up for the climb. (I blame Zoey.)
This time, I’m going back—and bringing a friend. Choosing the right hiking partner was key because, well… I turn into a bit of a monster above the tree line when the air gets thin. I needed someone who wouldn’t just tolerate me in that state, but would still love me by the time we reached the top. One person came to mind: Nicole. She’s the definition of good vibes, always positive, and most importantly, she brings the best snacks. We’ve got our climb on the calendar. Stay tuned!
Sacred Time: Blocking Off Two Hours Just for Me
The final thing on my list isn’t an event—it’s a boundary. Every Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m., I’ve blocked off sacred time just for me. I know I’m incredibly privileged to be able to carve out two hours during the workday, and I don’t take that for granted. But I’m training for Pikes Peak, and I need that time for a long cardio session (and for my sanity).
It’s non-negotiable. No clients. No meetings. No errands. Just time dedicated to myself—because I deserve that. I’m not just a maid or a butler to my two- and five-year-olds. I’m a whole person too.
Now, I get it—two hours might sound completely out of reach for you. That’s okay. Maybe your version is 30 minutes every Sunday to take a solo walk, enjoy a bath, read a few chapters or binge-watch your favorite show without interruption. The time block doesn’t have to be long—it just has to be yours. Let your partner or support system know about it so it actually sticks.
Summer will fly by in a blur of sunscreen and snacks—but let’s not let our own joy get lost in the shuffle. Make a little room for your fun, too.
Because moms? We just wanna have fun!
Cassidy Vineyard Pflanz
I’m originally from North Platte, NE, and Lincoln has been my home for more than a decade. My husband, Justin, and I have been married for almost ten years. We welcomed our first child, Maxwell, during the pandemic, and our youngest, Zoey, arrived in a much calmer chapter of history.
Justin and I are both small business owners—his in the motorsports industry, and mine as a personal trainer and social media manager. Our flexible schedules have allowed us to prioritize family life. When I have a spare moment, you can find me diving into photography, a good book, a favorite podcast, or the kitchen. Motherhood may not be as glamorous as social media makes it out to be—it’s demanding, exhausting, and often messy—but I can’t wait to share the beautifully messy journey with you!
