Yesterday was a great day. I drove to Charlotte to meet Julie and Lexi for coffee. We used to meet fairly regularly when I lived in NC but have relied on text and voice messages since I moved. Fortunately a well-timed text thread made a coffee date come to fruition and it was so, so nice for so many reasons.

First of all, it’s fun to “talk shop” with other OG bloggers. Blogging has always been a unique business but in today’s world of influencers, social media, and a million ways to make money online, it’s gotten even more unusual. I have friends with businesses all along the online spectrum (selling courses, digital products, with a million IG followers, etc) and all have very different communities, strategies, and some even have teams of people. Getting to chat with two other bloggers, who are also incredibly plugged in moms in a similar phase of life with similar values, is so helpful. We just get each other.

And that’s why over the years they’ve become dear friends to me. Finding girlfriends who support, uplift, cheer on, have empathy, and are honestly just fun to brainstorm and chat with is such a gift.

.

The day prior, September 1, I had the opportunity to hang out with neighbor friends to celebrate a very important day. Some of you know already right? I mean, September 1…?

It’s HARRY POTTER DAY, the first day back to classes at Hogwarts and us Harry Potter nerds, ahem, enthusiasts, like to mark the occasion. My friend does it so well with decorations, games (this year was a themed triwizard tournament with three tasks/games), and everyone contributed themed snacks. With ages 2 to 42 in attendance, it is great fun for all involved.

Since the wizard kids are officially back at Hogwarts and my two muggles are officially back to a co-op schedule, it feels like the fall season is upon us (despite the 95 degree sauna outside). However, inside my home, fall has arrived. I decorated this week and the subtle change of texture and colors has started to make the mornings and evenings feel cozy.

.

Today, in between IEW, Saxon math, and garden club duties, I’ll also be meal planning for Labor Day. It’s my favorite weekend of the year and Nana, Kris, Cara, Kyla and Lacey are coming to spend it with us. We plan to crank down the AC, put out a spread of snacks, and cheer on Kirby and the dawgs! Also, how about that LSU/Clemson game? Predictions? I think Lane and LSU probably have it in the bag but I’m hoping and cheering for a Dabo upset for my newly adopted hometown team.

On the menu so far: smoked pork butt sandwiches with homemade pickles, Kris’ Mexican layered dip, watermelon, pigs in a blanket with a spicy mustard, veggies and dip, burgers and grilled corn, and onion dip. Not all at once, but looking forward to it all nonetheless.

Despite our full days, I’m really doing my best to start savoring the ‘ber months now. They are my absolute favorite. Kicking thing off with September, which includes Labor Day weekend, my Hailey girl turning 15 (how?!), college football with friends, soccer games to watch, and my birthday thrown in there, too. I’m a planner so it helps me to look ahead and see what is in store for the week, but then I keep reminding myself to just live in the day.

I’m probably a little behind on my checklist of admin tasks. I have a cyst on my noggin I need to call and schedule to remove per my dermatologist. The girls need haircut appointments. I need to drop off Finley’s “business” for her regular fecal evaluation (ew). I have homemade bone broth that I need to can today. And I really should figure out what we’re wearing for family pictures.

But I also recognize that feeling “caught up” on everything is an illusion. It’s not going to happen so I’m not going to let it stress me out. I’m just going to bop along, checking off what I can and remembering that my main focus is to be a present and joyful wife, mom, and friend. Perhaps that progesterone I started taking a week ago is indeed working or perhaps it’s just knowing the ‘ber months are here, but either way, it’s nice to feel busy without feeling overwhelmed.

Wishing you the same! <3