Friends, the weather is really getting me down this year! It's been so hot. Even when the heat drags on at least we are usually in the low 100s or high 90s by this point. This year it's just a string of numbers over 105º week after week after week. Last week it was 112º. (Maybe it's going to break next week?)

Although summer is stubbornly holding on, Maeve and Cedric saw the first geese of fall during the last week of August. The evenings are getting darker a little earlier and the mornings are at least less hot. For the past few days I've lit a fall candle inside and the cozy, spicy scent has helped my summer weary spirit.

For years I've worked to be as optimistic and accepting as possible about the weather. And recently, after finishing Happiness Falls, which has many reflections on feeling happy in different circumstances, I've been thinking more about how to think about not loving the summer weather here. Inspired by Happiness Falls, I've thought about how thankful I am for so many things in my life: my kids, Chris, family, all of our good health, owning a home, being wealthy (relative to the majority of people in our country and world), living in a peaceful (not war-torn) country...and on and on. If one of these things were not true I bet I would happily trade the alternative for long, hot summers. So that's my latest gratitude perspective. I welcome other advice or suggestions!

We have no plans to move because although we really dislike the weather there are so other good things about living here. I suppose that's kind of my answer right there: focusing on everything we love about Gilbert. And I do! But I'm still really, really hot and quite grumpy about it this time of year. Plus, at some point, we'll plan to spend the kids' summer breaks at our house in Eau Claire, Wisconsin where the summers are glorious. Occasionally maybe we could spend fall break there as well. I think that will make a big difference. We're working on making that plan happen, which mostly involves trying to save as much as we can so we can furnish the house.

On another note, a big update to share is that Maeve is finally out of a crib and into a bed! At nearly four and a half. LOL. Did you just assume that she was out of a crib forever ago? That would be reasonable, but no! Being the baby of the family and because of her personality Maeve seems to stay a baby longer than the boys did. I love it, but also welcome the recent big girl milestones we've hit: turning her car seat forward facing, moving her into a bed, and also taking showers!! She had been too scared to try but randomly one day asked to shower and now loves it. Recently I've also noticed some short spells of playing on her own which is something that isn't usually in her repertoire unless she's in the bath (or shower!). I am noticing that we are moving into a new phase with Maeve and I'm very happy to be here.

Big things this month:

+ Chris's birthday! Today! Happy birthday, Chris! :) We made a scavenger hunt for the kids this past weekend (which was fun for Chris and me to put on) and then met up with family for dinner and ice cream. Plus we have an adults-only family dinner planned for the next weekend.

+ My workshop, Everyday Habits, Routines, and Rituals begins today and runs through October 10! I've been working so hard on this and it's exciting and satisfying to be sharing what I've created.

+ Both boys start sports with practices and games each week.

+ At the very end of the month the kids start their two week fall break already!

September goals:

+ Catch up on my family photos and photo book. This includes organizing recent photos I love into a Google Photos album for 2024. Then, I download the new photos and add them to my in-progress Blurb photo book. I used to do this all at the end of the year but now try to tend to it throughout the year.

+ Gallery wall planning. On my 2024 goals list, and a lingering project that I am determined to complete this year. I need to block out time, get out all the frames I have, decide what art and photos I'll use, and make a to-do list.

+ Have a day date with Chris.

+ Deal with a small pile of give-away things. Some I'd like to post to Buy Nothing, others will be for Goodwill. We also have a small pile of things to drop off at hazardous waste.

+ Have a planning session for this year's Your Year to Shine goals workshop.

Happy September, friends! Is there anything you really dislike about where you live? Any tips for me to accept what I cannot change? And did anyone keep their kiddo in a crib later than four and a half?

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