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Summer scenes like these are heartstrings to me. 

 

Home Color Changes

I had the best day yesterday! Scott and I had an appointment with a color expert from Farrow and Ball. Recently we painted our family room. I wanted to try out the 'amzing in light' 'made in England' paint. Was it all worth it? What made it better than paint from Home Depot or Lowes? 

Oh my goodness. I still don't have photos of our painted family room but we are in love with this paint and the color we chose for our family room. The girls tell me that it looks like Calico Critters in there. (I promise to take some photos this weekend and post them here!) 

I had chosen the wall color from a recommendation (online, a house account I adore) but when we went to purchase the paint this 'color expert' recommneded a trim color if we were painting the trim in that room. And the trim (including the fireplace) changed the room more than even painting the walls. It went from a fine but kind of boring room to the coziest spot in the house... pure Calico Critters. 💕

Well, with the family room done we decided to meet with this color expert to talk through some other parts of our house. We were bit by the Farrow and Ball pain bug, that's for sure! 

He worked with us to choose: 

~ a main house color (entryway, hallway downstairs, up the stairs, and hallway upstairs... all one color) 

~ a living room color (still keeping it in the green family but a huge change (including that fireplace)

~ kitchen 

~ dining room (yes... we have chosen a wallpaper and I am in love!) 

All of these rooms, all of these projects will take so much time. Scott does it all himself and can only work on evenings and weekends and there is still a whole lot to do around home in the summer but bit by bit we are going to tackle all of our downstairs. 

Sure, I wish I could snap my fingers and have it all done, but I also kind of enjoy working on it together as a team and seeing it unfold slowly. 

I am so excited!  

A June Letter To Myself

I was thinking... I should write a letter to myself to read the next year for every month. It would help me out so much to remember. If I did, here's what I would write to myself in June: 

Dear Tara, 

Well, you made it to June. First of all, be so proud of yourself. You've taught those fourth graders from September til now. Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Fractions, Gemetry, Decimals, Science... you've helped them 'publish' four books. You've taught 6 units of literacy too. You've taught at least 3 mini lessons a day times 184 days. You've corrected, mentored, answered emails, gone to all of the staff meetings. And yes, you've even gotten up and and gotten dressed 184 times! So yes, first of all, congratulations. 

Try to remember the good that you poured into your family this school year while all of that was going on. I'm sure you've helped them through challenges, encouraged them, and just been there for them. Remember that and let go of what you are still worried about for this month. 

It's okay to feel exhausted. In this month you are navigating 'big feelings' with the transition to summer, and you've just celebrated both of your daughters one year older. It's a lot to make those days special for them but also you are feeling a lot in them turning one year older. You will feel proud of them but also a bit sad for the little days going farther away in the rearview mirror. 

Give yourself a full seven days of summer break (weekend days can count toward those seven). I don't know how you don't remember any year, but it takes a full seven days to feel 'normal', to feel good about down time, to get into a slower summer pace. 

Make a list of house tasks that feel overwhelming and out of order throughout June. Hang it on the frig and then add to it as you go through the month. Everytime you write something on the list, take it off your mind and don't even think about those annoying things you 'just can't seem to get to' until the last day of school. Think: on the list = out of my mind. Remember, the list might look overwhelming as you add and add but just a few summer days and it'll all get done. Ahhhhh. 

Try to prioritze sleep in June. If all else fails on a daily to do list: pray, read your Bible and sleep need to be a priority. 

Remember being quiet at home is a strength in this much pressure. Before school is out and you are 'going through' June is NOT the time to dig deep on a subject with your daughters. You will be so much more capapable of softening their hearts when you are on summer break. (Make a list for those topics too) 

Lean into your senses. As corny as it sounds, it works. Take a step back and look at what is in front of you. How wonderful it feels to 'hear' the chatter of your college daughter home. Taste your food. Light a candle at home every evening. Put on soft music in the morning before school, as soon as you get home, and in the evening. At school when it's early in the morning, turn on worship music. Let it fill your empty classroom and your heart - trust me, it will carry you through June. 

And finally ask God for help. You will feel so busy that you will want to do it all in your own strength. You can't. Talk to him like a friend. Pray while you are folding laundry, driving to school, as you feet hit the floor in the morning. 

And just know that this is the way June is. And it's all okay. You were meant to go through Anna's birhtday, Abigail's birthday, your Mom's birthday, you Mother in laws birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day all in this short period. Do what you can and let the rest go. It doesn't have to be perfect. Just done with good intention and love. 

Oh Tara, you can do this. You've been through this so many times. Summer is coming, summer is coming, summer is coming. 

❤ Love me

Home Is Best

Somehow our routine has gotten a bit weird lately and I craving normal. It can be a bit tricky for me to transition to summer mode. I know I can't wait for it. But I struggle with the non structure and so much time. I remind myself that it hasn't even been one full week off of school yet and that it's okay for it all to feel a bit out of sorts.

We went out to eat tonight at a new to us restuarant. I had a huge gift card from my class. It was good. But I love home nights the best. 

Tomorrow I plan on getting up at my school time and doing some things that are peaceful, productive. And I'm actually looking forward to a 'regular' evening. Eating dinner at 5:30, a nice long evening walk, shower, cozy and reading in bed. I am so boring and I love it and being home is best!  

Father's Day

Simple. Grateful.

 

Just Mama

Friday was my first day of summer. Anna and I went out to lunch to an adorable new to us bakery type place for lunch. I had an appointment and I made a H U G E list of things that feel like they need attention right now in our home and yard!

After April break Scott and I just 'survive'. It's all hands on deck to make it to the last day of school and then when mid June rolls around we are itching to get some things done. 

I am so thankful that he feels the same way -- so let's go!!! Why are all of the pots and pans all neat and tidy all year long but then are shoved in from mid April to mid June? Why are all of the summer flowers planted but we just can't get to trimming any bushes that are overgrown? And on and on and on. It's becuase we moved our daughter out of college mid May. We celbrated both of our daughter's birthdays. There was Mother's Day and Father's Day, my MIL bday, my Mother's bday, my Father's bday, and closing out the last two months of school... that's why! Ha! 

We really do better than just getting through. There is still loviness from mid April to mid June but it's not for the faint of heart. It's go go go and we are so glad to get off that treamil and live! By live I mean finally find a routine, get to a million things on a growing to do list and start summer! 

Today (second day of summer) I was 'just Mom' and I loved it. I got up at 5:30, had my prayer/journal/devotional time, worked out, showered and got ready for the day and still was able to make Abigail's first day of work/camp counselor breakfast and pack her an adorable lunch. Then I got to drive her. 

It was the BEST feeling in the world to just be Mom and I am so grateful for this time to tune into my daughters and this precious family of mine. They deserve every moment of my summer and I intend to do summer with intention and love.  💕

Last Day of School

On the last day of school I got there when the parking lot of my school was empty. It was so early. I emailed every family with a selfie picture of me with their child and wrote a personal letter to them.  

I felt such gratitude and truly awe that God would give me the purpose of being their teacher all year. 

And I felt sad. Sad to see our classroom all down and away. Sad to have our last Morning Meeting. Sad for the goodbyes that were to come at 2:00 that afternoon. 

And relieved. Relieved because I'm soooOoooo behind on 'life' at home. There are just a mountain of things I want to do/get to/need tending too. 

On the first day of summer I am making lists and lists and list! 

You Know It's the Night Before the Last Day

I know it's almost the last day when my trunk looks like a garden. 

I have all of these plants lining the windows of my classroom all year. It looks too plain when they all come down so I wait until the night before the last day. 

Scott always comes with me. We load the plants into the car. He helps me with some last minute stashing things in my closet to make it all set, and them my exhausted self goes home, showers, and falls into a deep sleep ready for the last day the very next day.  

Re ~ Post from 2016 ~ I Still Like What It Says

 

Low Key Summer

(early morning sunshine making shadows = noticing what was there all along. I love summer and the time off because I really like light and sunshine and shadowed hearts on the walls)



Today was our first official day of summer vacation.  (school got out on Friday, June 10th) My car was in the shop for a tune up so car less we walked to our town library.  It was a cool, only 70 degree day with zero humidity.  It was wonderful.  I loved strolling there with my girls.  And our walk and our no car day made me think.  Really think about how I want to 'do' our summer.



(except for our 20th Anniversary trip) We are going to have a low-key summer.  I've set some rules for myself that help me as the Mom home with my girls all summer (which I love).

Summer is sooo good.  I love that the schedule has loosened up.  There is less on our calendar.  And the long days and longer evenings with no homework is just what my little family needs.  But sometimes all that down time can create a need for a bit of structure.  So I've come up with some rules for myself for this summer.  Always changing and always adjusting as I go.  For now...

~ Food: planning meals, writing lists of ingredients, putting away groceries, cooking meals, cleaning meals up, and starting all over again is my priority.  (Scott loves food shopping and does all of it... I know, lucky)  I do all that other stuff I just listed.  If I don't plan out our dinners, snacks, lunches there is a panic in the late afternoon.  When dinner is on time our family runs better.  Period.  Sure, it takes  a boat load of time (especially the planning and the cooking) but good, healthy food on the table every day is my priority this summer. (we don't eat out.  ever) (and yes, that fact has me worried about travel this summer)

~ Simplify, simplify, simplfy around the house. :  I don't need to get to every dreamy house project that is swarming around in my head.  Yes, I want to redo a wall in our upstairs hallway.  But that involves painting a mat for the frame to match the oil painting my Dad did.  It involves embroidery or cross stitching something, or looking for / shopping for one more piece that would tie the wall I see in my head together.  But that doesn't all have to happen this summer.  (and remember how many house projects we HAVE DONE over this past school year)

My priority is my children.  Being with them.  Not hurried, not frazzled.  And in order to be that calm mama I can be, I need order in my home.  Neatness counts.  I need to stick to my very simple cleaning schedule and not let housework pile up.  Just a little a day makes a big difference.  Keeping the kitchen counters clear makes my head feel clear.  No dishes drying, no papers, nothing.  The emptier, the better for me.

This summer I'm keeping the playing simple.  One thing out from our "feels like new" closet, one thing in.  One huge set up in the playroom out at a time (not counting the always out toys like the kitchen).  Toys organized and art supplies in a special drawer and cabinet.

 A less cluttered house lends itself to a less cluttered summer afternoon.  Like this afternoon when  were all sprawled out on the couch reading together.

~ Calendar:  Check it and stop and really think before saying yes to anyone or anything.  Even a simple dinner with friends or family might be too much in a given week.  Yes, I'm extreme in the summer at guarding our time but I don't care.  I need to do what is best for us.

~ Shows, Movies, Screen Time:  (please know that I have absolutely no judgement on different views here.  I just know what is best for my head... and there is nothing wrong with screen time... I am in the 'waaaay extreme' here... I know)
 Little or none for me this summer.  I plan on keeping my blog up because I don't want to forget our memories but that 's it for me.  No pinterest, only visiting the blogs of good friends, etc.  I don't need my head filled with "wow!  I should do that"  I don't want any other projects other than the ones I already have swimming in my head.  Very little screen time for the girls.  And by very little I mean none except for the 10 hours on our plane trip.  (thank you Grandma Bee for the kindles for the plane ride)  And they use their Kindle Fires for practicing viola and Abigail Irish Dance.  Other than that I want their head in books (with paper pages) this summer.



A few other little things I want to remember:  
~ get up at 5:00 to work out and have Bible time and head clearing time (I am in the extreme zone here as well and am very much a morning person ... a really really early morning person)
~ put on a cute outfit every day.
~ paint my nails.  just a bottle of pink polish opening makes me feel better
~ read every day on the couch with the girls
~ laugh every day with Scott
~ play all of our board games
~ keep their toys and art supplies accessible, organized, inviting
~ keep the house welcoming for the 4 of us when we get home from any errand or the pool or even just a walk
~ a walk around the neighborhood together instantly makes the day better
~ pack up for the pool the night before (with the girls help) and go A LOT.  summer sunshine, sunscreen and splashing is childhood.  (even when you don't feel like going, go!)
~ keep photos organized and not sitting around on the 'chips'
~ doing all this is really about not doing.  doing all this makes our home a place that the girls can relax in.  relax their bodies, their minds, their hearts.

Last Week of School

Today started our last week of school. Summer is so close I can taste it. Scott and I went on a long walk after dinner. It was just 70 and sunny with no humidity. Oh please, I hope we have a lot of those kind of weather days this summer. 

It's a weird week with a lot of different things going on. The day in school is not our 'normal' and there is a staff party one evening. Then there is packing up my whole room for the summer (thankful that Scott and I do that together). 

I know that by the time I walk in on Thursday afternoon I will be tired. But I will feel proud and sad at the same time. Proud to have done what God has asked of me day in and day out, loving those children and giving them everything I could. I will feel sad because they will be gone. Teaching is like that, a mix of emotions all year long. 

But then it is also: 

 💕time with my family

 💕mothering 

 💕projects at home I long to do

 💕unwinding

 💕reading

 💕not rushing

and I can't wait! 

Anna Turned 23!

Last weekend (and yesterday) we celebrated our daughter turning 23! I never pictured being a mama with children past the age of 8 or maybe 9. So 23 is well past 8 or 9. But it's still wonderful, especially when we get to celebrate who our darling daughter is and is becoming! 

We had a 'grandparent' party at our home last Sunday evening. I prepared all day Sunday (my favorite thing!) 

I baked the cake starting Sunday right after we got home from church but it couldn't be assembled until just before we cut it. So my Mom helped me assemble it all. 

Nothing makes me happier than to bake homemade birthday cakes to celebrate my daughters... what a privilege! 

There was a lot of time for talking and just being together (even though there are only 2 weeks left and my mind was swirling) 

The sun was beginning to set and my girls ran out so I could snap this one... love! 

On Anna's actual birthday (yesterday) after we came home from school we all went to one of her favorite restaurants and then had more cake and presents after. Simple but sweet. 

Happy birthday darling daughter. You are loved, treasured, and adored! 

Teacher Moments

Today was the "clap out" at my school. Here's what it means: 

All of the students who are graduating high school tomorrow that attended this elementary school where I teach wore their cap and gown and walked through the halls and we clapped them out. 

It so cool to see all of my past fourth graders in their high school cap and gowns! They are S O   TALL !!! It's hard to beleive becauase I 'froze them' as nine and ten year olds. 

But there they were in front of me and I was teary. 

Especially when it was all over and they came back around and into my classroom to give me hugs and take pictures with me. 

I am so grateful for teaching and having the opportunity to reach hearts. So so grateful and proud of MY class, the class of 2026!  

Concert

Scott took Abigail to a concert tonight: Christian singer, Forrest Frank. 

Makes me so happy that they spent this time together! 

 

Fourth Grade

I have this picture on a self behind my desk in my classroom. 

It's me - at recess - with one of my best friends from growing up. When I came across this picture from a billion years ago I had to pop it in a frame and have it in my classroom as a reminder that I was a fourth grader once too. It reminds me and makes me think, "what kind of teacher did that little girl want and need?" and then I try my hardest to be that teacher for that little girl and therefore the best I can be for the present fourth graders right in front of me. It's my motivation. 

Mr. Rogers once said, "I think the best thing we can do is think about what it was like for us and know what our children are going through." Here a clip of that interview here. 

 

Sunday is a Mini Easter

Every Sunday we go to 8:00 AM Mass at our church. Scott and I love early mornings at church. When we had a little family we always went to 10:00 AM. It was more a 'family' Mass and our family and girls thrived there. We met our best friends there. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the 10:00 Mass. 

But since 8:00 is crazy early for a 22 and 19 year old, we 'bribe' them with a brunch after. We have to leave by 7:35 AM but we are home by 9:20, and can be eating by 9:30. Some Sundays are simple, some more elaborate. 

This Sunday Scott cooked up a batch of his amazing waffles. I made tea lattes. I poured real maple syrup into creamers and heated it, and it was so lovely. 

It's our way of honoring the holy day that Sunday is. I've heard it said that Sunday is like a mini Easter each week. So our little feast feels just right!

 

Anna's Last Day

Yesterday Anna finished her last day at her elementary school as a math tutor. She pulled students in first grade through fifth grade for small group instruction and extra support. She tested students, reported to the principal in weekly SST meetings, worked closely with teachers, and the students had the scores at the end of this school year to prove that intervention works and Anna made it happen!

I am most proud of Anna for loving the students she worked with particulary students who stuggle emotionally and who are low in math. Many of her students have issues such as ADHD, low self-esteem, tricky home live and behavior issues. She loved them, helped their teachers, and put her whole heart into her work. 

She is meant to work with children and I am grateful that she is following the call that God has on her life. She is serving him when she helps the children. 

She did this almost full time work with she was a grad student at Fairfield University (about an hour away) three evenings a week in a three year progam for School Phychology. She balanced both work and school with care. She is loved by the students and staff at her school and I couldn't be more proud! 

Although it would be wonderful for her to have the summer off (as I will in about nine more days), she is enrolled through her three year program for two summer classes. And of course she will work this summer as well. 

I have found that the twenty-something age can be a bit challenging. No longer a child, graduated from college and move toward adulthood. It's a time when almost adult children still need support, mentoring, a listening ear, and love. Often their hours are different than they used to be as a child and it takes some creativity to find the time to connect. But as a family we made it a priority and we did it! 

Anna, I am so proud of you this year. Never would we have known what God had in store for you even a year ago. I am grateful for His call on your life and for you listening to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit to guide you. Look what He has done for you and through you. 

I have such a peace as your mama knowing God has a plan for wonderful things for your life. ❤️

Anna writing gratitude notes to very single teacher she worked with in her school.