School Years Memory Book: Growing Up

When my oldest outgrew his baby book (that went up to his first day of school - which was pre-k for us), I may have teared up a bit as we closed a chapter. But as a lover of nostalgia, I wanted something else to continue this documentation. Nothing too complicated, just a way to look back each year. 

I found the most loveliest book - Growing Up: A Modern Memory Book for the School Years by Korie Herold (the cover is linen! it looks beautiful on the shelf). And we are three years in now. 

I fill out a simple questionnaire with him at the beginning of the school year and there is room for a school photo, something he made, and a few end of the year reflections. There are two blank pages for photos that I fill up with special events just about him and we are done for the year. I hope this will be a special way to look back at his school years. 

But really this is for me and holding on to every little piece of childhood that I can! ;)

I got one for my daughter as well and we just started filling hers out this year.

I also love to use my label maker for the dates and names.

And here are the books on our mantel. So lovely! Pretty enough to leave out.

Find the book here: Growing Up: A Modern Memory Book for the School Years

Turning 40

I turned forty last month and this milestone birthday came with a lot of mixed feelings. It felt like it needed to be a big celebration but I just couldn't muster up the time or energy to put anything together. 

A big party sounded like a lot. And 40 things before 40 sounded like I was a decade too late.

While our baby girl is getting older and easier, the reality is that I still have a baby. As I already shared, this summer was a lot for me, having all my four kids at home. This season I am in, with young children, is a lot. 

But it is also right where I want to be. I want to be present and attentive to them. I want to make memories even if it is just in our own backyard. It is not something I want to wish away. I just don't have time for anything else.

The thought of anything more in this very busy and exhausting chapter of my life sounded very overwhelming. So I told Brent I didn't want to do anything big. No party. No big trip. Just another birthday which would still include gifts, cake, and doing something fun. But nothing out of the ordinary.

And my kind and thoughtful husband, who I never let surprise me, planned to have my closest friend from high school come for a visit. She would spend the weekend with us and we would have a girl's weekend at a local hotel. 

Even when he finally told me about it and pulled me in to some of the planning process, I had a crying meltdown because some of the decision making just felt like too much. 

We ended up having a wonderful time, reconnecting with my friend, getting pampered, and simply getting away from my everyday to relax and rejuvenate. We talked through the woes of getting older, the complications of friendships after kids, and laughed and acted ridiculously much like we were in high school all over again.

I don't think I have ever felt bad about aging. But I think forty seemed so far away. With a baby and toddler in hand, I still think I am who I was five years ago. And yet my hormones are still crazy, I have many postpartum ailments that are improving but are still present, and am simply just tired most of the time.

It is a busy season of life I am in. I am so grateful for Brent, for seeing me in the midst of my chaos and literal brain fogs. To choose to celebrate me in a way that served me in my tiredness. For that, I will forever have special memories of this milestone birthday after all. 

I believe there are so many good days ahead. When I get a little extra sleep or have some caffeine, it is like I can see the light just a little bit. But for now, I am savoring these simpler days. So here is to 40...a new decade ahead. I look forward to the many good things that are yet to come.

Back To School

We are officially back to school and just like every other transition - it has been a whirlwind! But this year we sent off two of our kids back to school. I still can't believe our daughter is in kindergarten. The past five years felt like a blink. 

But with just two kids now at home with me, it feels like a new season. Back to baby and toddler days - it is a sweet and special time. While I miss my older two, it is good to give my little ones more time and attention.

Our first day of school breakfast tradition has become a special sugary cereal and decorated table. I finally got these clear apple containers I have been wanting for our cereal. And a yellow gingham table cloth (as inspired by The Mama Notes). They came out so cute!

Cloth Napkins | Kids Plates and Bowls - Target

I got my sweet girl matching bracelets for us to wear. As Brent said, I think it was more for me than her! But she liked it!

 

Lunch Boxes | Bento Boxes

After dinner on the first day we also celebrated with a "one smart cookie" treat!

Another school year is upon us and I am reminded to savor every day. It is hard to see my babies grow up but I am also reminded that they are becoming such sweet big kids as well. I can't turn back time but I can choose to be present and grateful for today.