What a whirlwind this summer has been. In so many ways, we have been incredibly busy, but at the same time, we have spent a lot of time at home. Summer looked a little different for us this year. There were days filled with family, close friends, little adventures and moments I know I will hold onto for a long time. There were also many days when my chronic illness won and I spent most of the day in bed or on the couch. That is one of the hardest parts for me. I never know what kind of day my body is going to give me. I have days when I can get out and do things, make memories and feel almost like myself again, and then there are days when simply getting through the day feels like enough.
There is a lot of guilt that comes with being stuck at home. I think as a mom, you always feel like you should be doing more, especially when your kids are growing up right in front of you. I have spent a lot of time this summer thinking about that. The boys are going into high school, and honestly, I still cannot quite wrap my head around it. How did we get here so quickly? I felt like I was trying to soak in every second I could because I knew this season of our lives was coming to an end. I wanted to remember the little things, the ordinary days, the laughter, the lazy mornings and even the moments when we were all just home together doing absolutely nothing.
And even with my limitations, we still managed to make some really wonderful memories. The week before school started, we went to the Panda Festival, and we spent time bowling. Well, they bowled. I cannot do that anymore, but I was there cheering them on and enjoying watching them have fun. I had some really special one on one time with each of the boys too, and those moments meant so much to me. One of them and we spent a day exploring Seattle, and I will always treasure having that time together. I also had a food date with Brock, followed by a visit to the aquarium. Then we went back to the aquarium again as a family because apparently one trip was not enough. Those are the kinds of memories I want to hold onto. They may seem like simple things, but they are the moments that become the stories we tell years from now.
We had piano lessons, pool days, plenty of those lazy, hazy summer days that I honestly love. There is something beautiful about summer slowing everything down a little bit. But if I am being completely honest, fall has always been my favorite. I love everything about this time of year. I love the cozy feeling, the fireplaces, the hoodies, the decorations and the way everything seems to invite you to slow down and get comfortable. I love the feeling of coming home, lighting a candle, curling up on the couch and knowing there is nowhere else I need to be.
I am especially looking forward to the boys turning 15. Fifteen. That number feels almost impossible to say out loud. I look at them and sometimes I can still see those tiny boys who came into this world so early and fought so hard to be here. Now they are becoming young men right before my eyes. I want to celebrate them, but I also want to pause time just a little bit. I want to soak in who they are right now because I know these years are going to move even faster than the ones before them.
I am looking forward to craft nights, snuggling on the couch for movie marathons, going to the theater to see all the incredible arts and shows coming this season, visiting craft fairs and pumpkin patches, and of course, all the baking that comes with fall. I want the messy kitchens, the warm blankets, the laughter and the nights where we stay up a little too late watching movies. I want the simple things because I have learned that the simple things are often the things that matter most.
And now, I am ready to get back into the swing of things with the blog. I am ready to start writing again, connecting with people and sharing the stories that matter to me. I am excited to continue highlighting women in business, sharing women interest stories, covering the arts and events happening around our community, and bringing you along for the things I am experiencing in my own life. I have always wanted this space to be more than just a blog. I want it to feel like a conversation. I want to be honest about the good days and the hard ones, the things I am learning, the things I am struggling with and the things that make me excited to get up and keep going.
This summer reminded me that life does not always have to be packed with plans to be full. Sometimes life is a day at home. Sometimes it is a trip to Seattle. Sometimes it is sitting on the couch because your body will not let you do anything else. Sometimes it is watching your kids bowl while you cheer from the sidelines. Sometimes it is sharing a meal with one of your boys or wandering through an aquarium together. Sometimes it is simply being there.
I may not always be able to do everything I want to do, and I am learning to give myself a little grace for that. I am learning that being present looks different on different days. What matters is that I am here, soaking in the moments I can, making memories when my body allows it and loving these boys through every season of their lives.
So goodbye, summer. You were a little messy, a little unpredictable and full of moments I will never forget. And hello, fall. I am ready for you. I am ready for cozy days, new memories, new stories, new adventures and a whole new season of The Write Influence with Stacey.
