Farewell, Summer

Hi friend! I can’t believe we’re into Week 3 of back-to-school. I honestly wish I could rewind to a couple of months ago when the days were slower and the pace of life wasn’t so hectic. The early wake ups and long drives to school, along with the new transition to high school has been A LOT.

It’s been a big change for everyone, of course my son included. It’s also been a big change for me and the routine for our family. 

I’m proud of James for venturing out and choosing the school he most wanted to attend, when nearly all of his middle school friends went to a different school. He’s having to make new friends and be the odd man out when lots of kids already know each other.

And my spunky girl is loving her third grade teacher, who is new to the school this year. She has lots of good friends in her class and gets to sit with her besties.

Summer Wrap Up

Although I love the Fall season so much and have already started decorating for the season, today I’m looking back at our beautiful summer.

It’s bittersweet to start a new season, especially when the one you’re leaving behind was so good. I wrote about how to have the best summer before it’s over and I think we did just that.

Intentional Time

I’m very thankful I had the self awareness and discipline to slow down and be intentional with my time. In years past, I would force work and be so stressed out with trying to get too many things done.

My kids would be vying for my attention and I’d been thinking “I need/should be doing x, y, z.” Or, I’d be so distracted by my phone. I’ve realized that when I put my phone away and don’t try to do three things at once, I’m so much more calm and patient with my kids. We are all much more content.

Reading Nook – my happy place! coffee mug • cozy throw

Although I have a lot of pressure on myself as a single mom to provide for my family, I tried to keep a better balance this summer. Since I’m divorced, I had time where my kids were with their dad and that’s when I focused hard to get work done. When my kids were with me, I backed way off.

Decluttering our home, simplifying our routines and just being acutely aware of how short summer really is helped me be more present this summer than I have in years past. I’m so glad I let my family and relationships take priority this summer.

Time for Fun

We played, we swam, we played basketball/baseball/football, had friends over, walked outside, completed 10k steps a day, worked in the garden, cleaned and organized the patio, read, did house chores, baked, grilled and watched movies.

Jordan played in a summer baseball league and had a blast, even being the only girl. She got to pitch some games and had several no hitter innings.

My Summer Bucket List served as an inspiration and reminder of how I wanted to spend our time. Rather than being a pressure filled to-do list, it was just an aid with ideas. 

My kids and I thrive with knowing what’s on the agenda, so although we have slow days, we all get a little restless if we’re just sitting around all day.

I’m happy to report we did cross several things off the list and had a good time doing them. 

Swimming

It’s the most fun having kids over and watching them play in the pool.

They have the best time and even my neighbor commented that she loves to hear the kids laughing and having a good time. She’s a dreamy neighbor to have and we even had a wine date this summer!

Rashguard

Swimsuit

Elliott’s dog, Maggie, LOVES to swim! Luke, not so much!

The pool has been a lot of work, thankfully Elliott helps me keep it clean.

One of the biggest pain points has been the beautiful holly trees that go through seasons where they are are constantly dropping berries that stain the patio. It’s part of my daily morning routine to power wash the patio now.

Gardening

My garden didn’t flourish as I had hoped, but I did get loads of jalapeños and basil. It’s a start and I’m planning to continue the garden through the Fall.

Raised Garden Bed • Top • Jeans • Shoes • Hat

Lemonade Stand

Jordan made a lemonade stand and that was a huge hit in our neighborhood . One of her friends ended up joining, and they had such a blast making lemonade and serving it to their customers. It was free, but of course they accepted tips and made a good little chunk of change!

Lest I make you think it’s all sunshine and rainbows over here . . .

We all have off days or get in bad moods sometimes.

I can’t even tell you how much basketball and football I played with this girl this summer. And she’s competitive! So, sometimes if I happen to get lucky, it’s not her fave!

And there was that hurricane . . .

but let’s not dwell on that.

Puzzles

If you’ve been here awhile, you know we love building puzzles and we got to do so many this summer. I love the puzzles by Galison if you’re looking for a good brand.

Reading

We also like reading – well me and Jordan anyway. We made several trips to the bookstore and read lots at home.

Summer Trips

We took a few trips this summer too!

Galveston

Dress • Sandals

We kicked off the summer with a family trip to Galveston.

Elliott’s parents were kind enough to invite us along and even let James bring a friend!

Coverup • Swimsuit • Sunglasses • Hat • Gold Bangles

I was doing 10k steps a day and kept up with it while we were at the beach.

Fredericksburg

Elliott and I went to Fredericksburg and had such a wonderful time connecting on that trip that we decided we would do a trip every quarter.

It didn’t have to be anything fancy or far, just a chance to get away and be together.

San Diego

My son and I have been taking a mother/son trip for the past three years.  This year we went to San Diego and had a blast. We saw two Padres games, did an Escape Room, went to Legoland, visited the Hotel Del Coronado and took a trolley tour around the city.

It’s interesting to see how your kids act around you when they’re alone with just you without the influence of siblings or friends. I love being around James, he’s thoughtful and mature and very helpful with directions on a trip!

Lost Pines

And my daughter and I have had two little getaway trips for just us in the summer. We went to the Woodlands resort the first time and we went to Lost Pines this year. Both are just small road trips so they are fairly easy to do.

Girlfriend Time

I got together with several of my girlfriends this summer.

Bodysuit • Jeans

Two of my besties visited from out of town. Karen (left) lives in Wimberley and Trisa (middle) lives in Ft. Worth.

Bodysuit • Belt • Shorts • Sandals

With our tradition of getting together for birthdays, I got to visit with lots of friends, Ali-Shaun included.

Rhonda • Steph • Kelly • Ali-Shaun • Me • Tarah

Even through Rhonda doesn’t work with me day to day anymore ;(, we still get to see each other often and I was at her house the other day when she drove James home from school. She’s doing great, but also transitioning since her daughter just went away to college for the first time.

It feels like forever ago that we were shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. That’s always a fun day with my girls.

Dates

Elliott and I try to make time for dates, whether it’s dinner or brunch, it’s nice to get out of the house and be together without distractions. We have some of our best conversations then.

If you follow me on Stories, you might have seen the night recently when we went and had margaritas . . . we talked more about marriage that night and both agreed that we want to marry each other!

I just feel so honored to be with him because he’s such an amazing person. We aren’t in any hurry and his daughter still has two more years of high school.

They live about 45 minutes away from me and since she’s high functioning autistic, it’s important to keep her in the same high school where she’s familiar, has friends, and receives the appropriate accommodations.

We wish we lived closer and it’s hard to be apart sometimes, but it also gives us space and quality time alone with our kids. And, it makes us cherish the times we do get to spend together. I’m REALLY looking forward to our trip to Round Top in a couple weeks!

I feel like this kind of a seasonal reflection is good to do for myself and maybe for you too. It also helps as I look forward to this next season. I’m excited for September and all that’s in store!

Have a fantastic day friend!