I am a bundle of nerves this morning. Every year, we walk our children to school on the first day and every year I am a nervous wreck. Both of my children adore school but as a parent you wonder how their first day is going. Do they like their teacher? Do they know anyone in their class. Ugh. The stress of this day does it to me every time. Thankful they get out early today so I don’t have to sweat it out too long! Monday Morning Wrap-Up is a bit all over the map but we sure did enjoy our last weekend of summer.
We contemplated hopping in the car and going away for the weekend but then quickly realized that there is a ton to do around here and that we would feel a bit more calm going into the school year if we were all well rested. Just before the weekend kicked off I took the kiddos down to San Juan Capistrano with no agenda. We explored, walked around and had a blast. They are always up for anything. Except having their photo taken as you can see here. Why just stand and smile when you can do this?! If you’re local this is a hidden gem. No pun intended.
We also fed the animals and this kind llama took to spitting on us. Good times for sure. The nice thing is that even after the spitting incident my brave son still fed this little buddy. I backed up. Far.
Did I mention we put a pool in? I wish. But this was the best $20 I have ever spent at Costco. My kids have been having a blast in this. They play American Ninja Warrior challenges and it’s pretty hilarious. It’s just enough of a fun distraction to allow them to cool off where I can see them and still get something done in the kitchen. It’s a win-win.
We took the kiddos out to dinner to kick off their new school year. If you are anywhere close to BLK Bugrz, the salmon salad is really great. I substitute feta cheese for blue cheese and it’s seriously scrumptious.
This rug! It’s going in our great room and it was a major HomeGoods score. It’s super soft and works great with our color palette. These sandals are still my favorite.
We were also able to sneak in some girl/boy time. On Saturday morning my daughter and I spent time with other moms and daughters doing a service project while the boys hiked by the beach. Our son is about to test for his black belt in TaeKwonDo and this hike was one of his last challenges.
I am really so proud of this boy. He will have worked for 3 1/2 years towards this goal and I truly admire his determination. And get this. We told him that after the belt ceremony he could choose absolutely anywhere to go out to eat and celebrate. Instead he wants to forgo a celebration and just wants his sister to join him in a class at TaeKwonDo. He wants her to experience it. Sigh. Listen, they argue and bicker with the best of them, but they really do have each others’ backs.
This has been all over the place so I thought I better at least end this wrap-up with some gorgeous inspiration. Lauren Liess is one of my all time favorite designers. She can do no wrong. This room! We are about to embark on a design with contrasting sofas so this is giving me inspiration and hope that it can be done. While ours won’t be in this color scheme, I sure do swoon over everything in this calming space.
And now I drink more coffee and anxiously wait for my babies to come home. Yes. Despite them being 8 and 10, they are still my babies.
If your children are starting school today I hope they have the best day ever.
The first day is always the hardest! I still get anxious for my girls…one in grad school the other now a teacher herself!!
I am in love with that rug, and the snippets you showed on IG. Love the blue and white.
Congrats to Grady, he should be so proud of himself. That is a great accomplishment. And oh my, he is looking more and more like his dad. Look out girls!!
Isn’t it crazy that no matter what age they are we will worry. I remember my dad saying he has always been that way with us. Even as adults. I hope your daughter’s first teaching day went great! And thank you for the sweet comment about G. He really does look like daddy and has his same drive and determination. That’s for sure. Have a great, great day!! xo
I love your blog Courtney! We moved two years ago and my girls were 2 and 4 at the time. I can so relate to what you are going through, although you seem to be way more organized than I ever was. Anyway, moving is quite the process. I can relate to what you are saying about the first day back to school. Every year I am nervous, and will be this year more than others as my 6 year old is attending a new school for 1st grade. Every year, I drive my nervous self over to Starbucks, grab coffee, a treat, and some much needed “me” time. It’s such a journey, raising kids 🙂 Take care. Can’t wait to see how your beautiful new home unfolds!
Oh, you said it so perfectly. “It is such a journey raising kids.” Yes! isn’t that the truth. Something tells me will be a nervous wreck on their first day all the way through college. We signed up for those nerves, didn’t we. xo Wishing your first grader a wonderful first day. Transitions can be so hard but I always rely on how resilient children are.
As for the move. Nope. Not organized over here! Failed miserably but bouncing back now. Ha. Love that you can relate to it all. Hope you have a great week. Thanks for checking in with the blog.
Oh, please keep Grandma Sue updated as to their experience of first day of school. I’ve been thinking about them too!
Love the rug!!
Thank you, Sue!!! It was a rough day for us but the kids got through it and did so well. They were both so excited to go back today.
Courtney- thinking of you today! Those kiddos of yours are so bright and talented and have everything they need to set them up for success! Hoping the hours go quickly today so you are soon sitting with them hearing stories of their first day! We still have 2 1/2 weeks left of summer here, as in Wisconsin it is state law that the public schools can not start before September 1. We are starting to wear a little thin on summer but at the same time I realize I should treasure these last couple of weeks! Today our agenda is “go visit dad’s work” — he works for a large company so we will go have lunch with him in his cafeteria and check out his office. Haven’t done that in a couple of years!
Oh my goodness. This comment made me smile ear to ear. You’re so sweet. They did have a great first day and even though my daughter didn’t have any close friends in her class, she kept it so positive and is excited about the year. I was a complete disaster yesterday and could stand to learn from her calm demeanor! It’s so hard when you are ready to wrap up summer and yet not wanting to wish it away. I think we all go through that. LOVE that you went to visit dad at work. That is awesome. My son spent a few days “working” at dad’s office this summer. Even went through an interview process. It was so fun. Enjoy these next two weeks. The routine and grind come soon enough.
Thinking of you lovely lady, hope they had the best day x
Thank you so much, Caley. Appreciate that. They did have a good first day back and my daughter blew me away with her positive attitude. Turns out she didn’t have any friends in her class, but she met someone new and loved it. Always so hard as a parent to sit back and wait. xo
I’m feeling the same way! Our boys start tomorrow and I’m dreading it! I used to count the days till they went back to school as summer seemed so long when they were younger. But now with them just turning 11 and 15, I realize how FAST the time with them at home is going. Slow down time! Love following your blog, and wishing your kiddos and you a great school year!
I hope your boys have a wonderful first day today. I always am so nervous. Isn’t it true about it all going so quickly. Why can’t we slow it down? Savor a bit of your alone time. Thanks for checking in with the Monday Wrap-Ups! Fingers crossed for a great first day back.
Hope your kids had a great first day. My girls start kindergarten this month and we’re all excited (deep breath for mom!) My children would also be happy if I moved our family into Zoomars permanently. Am thinking of doing my son’s 2nd bday there soon. Love the neutral palette of the last pic!
“First day of school” is always filled with so many emotions.
My dear friend, Peggy, is sending her oldest of 3 girls off to college this week. She will be 4 states away! She was asking for advice as to how to “deal” with all these emotions.
And I ponder that from my “Purple Chair.”. (that’s what I call my place of prayer and ponder and rest) ……
And I think about all the years of beginnings for my four children (who are now 34, 32, 29 and 26) And I realize that those same emotions are there as at the beginning of pre-school, or kindergarten, or middle school or or or….boot camp, or a marriage???
I think I would sum it up as a “bittersweet sandwich” – so sweet to see our kids grow and enjoy new experiences and responsibilities and adventures! This is what we prepare them for – to soar!
And then the bitter part — or reflective part …. tears for a bygone time, tears knowing they will be soaring more and more as they grow and age and mature…. and they will need less of us for their needs and their care….and Change! Yikes! Can I deal with any more change in this short life???? “) –
Then to the other slice called the “sweet spot” – When our adult children are our friends – our confidants- Often times I see my own parenting style in them (sometimes good sometimes bad – I must confess :). I enjoy learning from my children now — and I think it is very sweet when they are concerned for our welfare. I see in my text messages – “MOM – where is Dad??? Shouldn’t he be home from work by now???” Or “MOM – where are YOU??? I have been at the house for a while and you are not here!” or “MOM – you know that’s not good to eat. Do you really want that right now?” or “MOM, don’t you think Dad should slow down a little bit?”….. etc. etc. etc…
So – dear sojourners – this thing called “family” and child-rearing is quite the bittersweet adventure — Just always remember the bitter part is between two wonderfully sweet slices call life and love!
A great reminder for me — thank you for allowing this moment of reflection and remembering…..:) <3