It’s a new season – both literally and figuratively here at the James household. Summer is in full swing and all 3 of the kids are in school for the first time. Because the kids have a year-round school schedule, their new school year started this month and that has been quite the change. Maizah is in 3rd grade, Caliana is in pre-K4 and Christian is in the two-year-old class. Since Christian has been born, this is the first time that we haven’t had any kids in the house during the day. Because Chris and I work from home, this is lovely for productivity and yet quite the adjustment.
Summertime has always been my favorite time of the year. I love the fun it provides. Even with the kids in school (they get 2 weeks off at the end of May + at the top of June and 2 weeks off in July) our weekends have been packed with activities that encouraged having fun with others. Birthday parties, going to the park with cousins & maximizing our memberships at The Botanical Gardens & Children’s Museum have been our plans during the last few weeks. (And we have been slathering on lots and LOTS of SPF.)
At home, Christian is starting to potty train and I finally decluttered the kids’ playroom and drawers. (A weight lifted!) I’m slowly but surely starting to get the hang of having the house to myself during work hours. It’s such a blessing to be able to make my own schedule and work from home that I took for granted early on. As the time passes though, it’s not lost on me how wildly fortunate I am. I plan to maximize this in both a grateful & productive way by taking breaks when I need them, leaning into work sprints because I have a lot of uninterrupted time, and making use of our newly renovated basement turned workspace.
As someone who prides on consistency, the year-round school schedule is great because we don’t ever truly fall out of rhythm for more than two weeks. Routines are our saving grace, especially on days when any of us are cranky (because tired), overwhelmed (due to full schedules), or going through a change (like potty training). In Everyday MAGIC, I talk about how our family establishes routines and which ones make the most sense in our current season.
Lots of new things happening here besides the weather. Change can be a lot when we don’t willingly open our hearts to it. Many times it’s scary because it’s unfamiliar and out of our control, but that’s when trusting God really comes into play. I’m not sure about you, but He just hasn’t let me down yet – in any season.
Here’s to new seasons and keeping our hearts soft toward them.
