Over the last few weeks, my perspective on our new home has steadily shifted: from a feeling of dislocation (and frenetic energy to make it less so) to a feeling of almost total peace and contentment. Yes, there are still things I’d like to do over time, and there is still artwork leaning against the wall and a bin of things to give away, but in the midst of it all I feel at home.
While it’s tempting to attribute this cozy, settled feeling to the familiar Christmas decorations that now surround us, this shift predated them all. Time, and the way it makes space for rational sense to take root, definitely played a role. What made the biggest difference, however, was two things: the gentle encouragement from those around us to embrace this in-between stage (including many of you in the comments – truly, it made an impact!) and welcoming loved ones into our home. In November alone we hosted three families for dinner, a pair of pals for post-kid-bedtime chatting, and the inaugural Articles Club at our new address (not to mention neighborhood friends crashing in and out on a regular basis).
While these gatherings revealed a few gaps (fitting ten in our dining room was a tight squeeze!), they much more so shone a spotlight on all the best parts of our new home: the kitchen island it’s so easy to gather around, the flat cul-de-sac and big backyard that so safely allow kids to run and play, the aerie-like loft that so generously houses our kids as they stretch out and create.
Our friends’ presence and encouragement allowed me to see our home through their eyes — to see what I couldn’t quite yet see on my own — and I am so grateful.
The mountaintop rental where my family spent Thanksgiving!
On my calendar: — Caroling with June’s elementary school chorus through our neighborhood. Perks of living right across from the school! — Our church small group’s Christmas party. We’re doing a Yankee Swap like always, but this year with the caveat that all the gifts have to be handmade. I am loving this twist and think I’m going to attempt some hand-painted taper candles. — Dinner out with John for our 2025 review and celebration. We’re returning to an old favorite – Jujube! — A post-Christmas California trip to see John’s family. Disneyland awaits!
What I’m loving right now: — I’ve had a pointelle henley on my shopping wish list for months now, but the option I was considering was quite spendy. Somehow, I landed on Everlane’s henleys last week, and though not pointelle, they scratched the same itch. I bought this one (in port royale, note that it is cropped but an acceptable look to me with high-waist jeans) and this one (in bone, chic when tucked in!) on super sale and they are easily my favorite things to wear right now. They read a bit like cardigans to me and therefore are a dressier look than I was expecting! — This is more of a recommendation for the men among us, but John often forwards me Jon Tyson’s emails and gosh, he is a good writer. And a good thinker. I love learning from him about faith and family discipleship and think you (or your favorite guy) might, too. Just scroll down to the bottom of his site here to sign up. — Another man-friendly recommendation! I have been listening to the Walk in Love podcast for years (probably almost a decade!) and always enjoy catching up with Brooke and TJ. Recently I’ve shared a few episodes with John, and he’s enjoyed them, too – particularly how TJ, in his usual raw, honest, and funny way, gives voice to things that John has also felt as a father, husband, and provider as we approach midlife.
As a reminder, you can find allll the things I’ve loved over the last few years neatly organized right here!
What you’re loving right now:
This is where I highlight a few items here that have been popular in the last month with fellow readers, based on my analytics. Here’s hoping this will help you find something you’ll love!
— The Brick was far and away the bestseller of everything I shared last month! I am so, so grateful that so many of you took the leap and feel confident you won’t regret it. If you need a refresher on what the Brick is, I’ve got you. While their BFCM sale has ended, you can still get 10% off with this link. I think it’s a deal at any price. — Right behind the Brick was Camp Snap cameras, with so many of you snapping up the original or CS Pro for your families. This link gives you at least $5 off! — Continuing with the low-screen fun, Yoto Minis slid into third place. All three of our kids use theirs daily. (Would an updated post on their favorite cards be helpful? The options are so many now!) — John’s favorite comfortable-but-suit-appropriate shoes were quite popular. — Finally, all three of the kid gift guides were hits: shop picks for a nine-year-old girl (these lilac sneakers), a seven-year-old boy (this light-up soccer ball), and a four-year-old girl (these clickable markers).
What I read in November: I spent the majority of my month reading through an absolutely massive Atlantic issue (the Revolutionary War one, which I thoroughly enjoyed). I also finished a novel, but would not recommend so am not listing here. I’m a few pages into Code Name Helene and will report back next month. Also excited that Wild Dark Shore and My Oxford Year have finally arrived as library holds for me – picking them up tomorrow!
Revisiting myNovember goals: Lovingly hand off our first home well, equipping the new owner as I’d want to be equipped Finalize plans for June’s tenth birthday (Getting there! Made progress!) Begin painting the kids’ 2025 book ornaments Buy window candles, a Christmas tradition I’m so delighted our new home allows us to partake in (Yes! Mostly these plug-in ones plus a few of these battery ones where cords couldn’t reach.) Choose and order sconces for two spots in our home Help my Dad get his Storyworth off to print (Yes! This felt so good! We were able to gift everyone their copies at Thanksgiving.) Edit Sheptember Practice my Christmas recital song Send care packages to our college gals Finish designing, order, and send our Christmas cards (Done! Never done this so early!)
December goals: — Edit Sheptember, Volume 7 — Finish the kids’ book ornaments — Send care packages to our college gals — Finalize plans for June’s tenth birthday — Make progress on a big birthday project for June — Carry out our gifting plans with joy — Prepare well in advance for our post-Christmas travel, so that Christmas Eve and Day can be languorous and peaceful — Execute our end-of-year generosity plans — Savor the Christmas season by focusing on loving the ones I love most, and loving those who need it the most. Even to me this sounds somewhat trite, but also the best way I know to celebrate the arrival of a tiny baby king who did the same.
I’d love to hear: What have you read and loved recently? I’m working on my 2026 reading list and would love to hear your suggestions for what should make it on!!
While I don’t hold tightly to any one gifting formula (e.g. something you want, something you need, something you wear, something to read), I’ve realized we do try to check at least two boxes with each gift collection: an experience, and something that will bring immediate delight (a kit, a toy). This year, the experience is the same for all three kids, and it’s a big one: a day at Disneyland with the cousins when we’re in California at Christmas. I’ve never been, and I can’t wait (and I can’t wait to see their faces). We’re also gifting our trio the Wingfeather Saga boxed set – read aloud delight awaits! For everything else our kids will be finding under the tree this year, read on…
June (who is almost 10), will be receiving:
— A weekender of her own. She has been asking for a small duffle for weekend trips and sleepovers, and this colorblocked version is quite fun. — “Fashion” sneakers. Fourth grade came with a noticeable uptick in brand/trend interest, including a desire for fancier sneakers. She picked out this style in the store but we’ll surprise her with the online-only lavender colorway. — A Camp Snap Pro camera. We got Shep the original Camp Snap camera (a screen-free, old-school, easy-to-use digital camera!) for his birthday this year; he he has loved toting it on adventures and snapping away. June will love this upgraded version (and to stop borrowing her brother’s.) — A Kavu sling bag. June came home from camp requesting a Kavu bag after seeing many other campers toting one. She likes that they’re big enough to pack a paperback :)
Other ideas I gave to relatives: Crocs, a small jewelry case for earrings, outfits and accessories for her American Girl doll, a Doodle Crate subscription, the Mysterious Benedict Society books she doesn’t already have (numbers three and four!)
Other items she owns and loves or is wishing for:right here!
— A father-son weekend with John. This is how June eased into sleepaway camp, and it was the best opportunity to get the lay of the land, meet the directors, and set her up for success before her first session. Plus, we had the best time together, and I know they will, too! — A Charlotte FC jersey, since he outgrew the Nashville FC jersey my sister gave him that was very beloved. — Two soccer goals for the backyard. A dream for the guy who plays soccer at recess every single day. — A wooden block set. It must be his Montessori training showing, because this was his number one request this year. I’m not complaining!
— An enchanted castle. Do I want to get this for her? Not particularly. But it was at the very top of her collage wishlist (starred, highlighted, circled) and so it is the one item we will be getting from it :) — A deluxe bracelet kit. Annie specifically requested a bead kit after eyeing all of her sister’s crafty creations, and I think she’ll love this one customized with her name. — A unicorn air dough kit. She spotted this at one of our favorite local stores and I was happy to pick it up. — A glow-in-the-dark marble run. Another catalog request :)
Other ideas I gave to relatives: anything Frozen, a gift card to our local ropes adventure course (she’s hooked now that she’s conquered the zip line!), a pottery painting place gift card
Other items she owns and loves or is wishing for:right here!
A FEW OF OUR TIME-TESTED, VERY FAVORITE TOYS AND GIFTS:
— The Nugget, a key component for hours of open-ended play. — This ice cream play set, which has provided hours and hours of entertainment. FIVE STARS. — Roller blades. June and Shep got these for Christmas last year and they still strap them on multiple times a week. Go for the light-up wheels! — A set of MagnaTiles, because yes, they’re as good as everyone says they are. Definitely add the cars, and remember MagnaTiles and PicassoTiles are interchangeable! — A giant box of chalk. This sidewalk chalk is incredible – bold and vibrant – and with 180 pieces is still going strong one year later. — America’s Test Kitchen Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs, which has some of the most delicious recipes I’ve ever tasted (those chocolate crinkle cookies!). — A box of letter writing supplies (cards and envelopes, postage stamps, a fancy pen, stickers, a return address stamp, maybe even pre-addressed labels printed with the addresses of grandparents and friends!). — A Micro Kickboard scooter. These are hands-down the best scooters – we’ve gifted them to all of our kids around age 2, and 3-5 is the sweet spot. — A glow-in-the-dark soccer ball – perfect for street games after Daylight Savings Time! — A Priority Start bike. June started with the 16″ at age 4 3/4, graduated to the 20″ at age 6, and got the 24″ for her 8th birthday. Shep now rides the 20″ and Annie got the 16″ on her 4th birthday. These bikes are SO well-made – they’ve been through several kids in our family and still look perfect! — An art case coloring set. One of Shep’s most beloved items, used daily! — A game you can play together: try Cover Your Assets, Ticket to Ride, or Sushi Go Party, all family favorites. (More ideas here!) — The cutest personalized notepads. BIG favorite with June.
Whew! I hope that’s helpful! I’ve rounded up a bunch of ideas, but remember, kids don’t need much to be happy – in our family, we’ve actually found that too many gifts can be overwhelming and dull the whole experience. So choose wisely, and with joy – giving our kids good gifts is a really fun part of being a parent! :)
Below, tell me what you’re getting your kiddos this year — I love hearing your shopping lists!
Previously: — 2024: An 8-year-old girl, a 6.5-year-old boy, and a 3.5-year-old girl — 2023: A 7-year-old girl, a 5.5-year-old boy, and a 2.5-year-old girl — 2022: A 6-year-old girl, a 4.5-year-old boy, and a 1.5-year-old girl — 2021: A 5-year-old girl, a 3.5-year-old boy, and a six-months girl — 2020: A 4-year-old girl and a 2.5-year-old boy — 2019: A 3-year-old girl and a 1.5-year-old boy
As the Christmas toy catalogs have come rolling in, my children have gotten busy with scissors and glue — cutting and pasting to create larger-than-life wish lists. They won’t get most of what they’ve collaged, and they know that, but there’s still something exciting and anticipatory about curating a little collection of wishes.
I suppose even grown-ups aren’t immune :) In that spirit, I’ve pulled together a few items that would go on my own collage this year. Here’s hoping you might find something that would appeal to your sister, mom, mother-in-law, or friend, too. I’ve also rounded them all up here, if helpful!
On my wish list:
— A Jess Ray tee | I reach for a graphic tee most days in the summer and it would be fun to rep one of my favorite artists, especially around her hometown of Raleigh – I’m sure I’d run into no shortage of fellow fans! (I also highly recommend Walk in Love tees – I’ve snagged a few last designs as they prepare to close up shop later this year!)
— Washable silk skirt | I have seen so many women rocking this or a similar midi number lately and they always look chic. I’m eyeing the “wine tasting red” color.
— A Five-Year Journal | With time slipping by and kids who change so rapidly, I think this journal would be a lovely, simple way to remember our lovely, simple days.
— An anthology of poetry (or this one) | I’d keep either one on my bedside table and slice off a poem to savor each evening.
— A family hymnal | I researched many options to find what I was looking for – chords and lyrics for a wide selection of favorite hymns – and think this is it!
— A block print tablecloth | The loveliest neutral tablecloth that would be on repeat on our table throughout the fall.
— A big white serving bowl | We have already hosted far more in our new house than we did in our old (so grateful!). A few new pieces would make setting out food for a crowd a bit easier.
— The Varley half-zip | Every influencer and her mother seems to own one of these – but I saw my sister-in-law in one last fall and that’s what made me want to add one to my closet. I like the look of the ivory marl color!
— Gold huggie earrings | Honestly, I have worn my pearl studs so consistently for so long that my face looks weird to me without them – but if I were to branch out, I think a sculptural set of huggies might be an easy option.
And now, here are a few things I own and love that I think are worthy of adding to your wish list – or considering for your loved ones!
Clothing:
— A cozy sweatshirt that gives back | Hope Heals, a camp where families with disabilities experience respite free of charge, is precious and dear. I bought these for five different women last year in addition to myself! — The best striped tee (above) | I understand that this is stupid expensive for a t-shirt. But at cost per wear, it is pennies for me at this point. I wear it AT LEAST once a week – it’s the first thing I reach for whenever it’s clean. Plus, I got mine on ThredUp, which I highly recommend. — Sleeveless linen dress | My favorite thing to wear in the summer! (Or this dupe, which my friend swears is just as good!) — Summersalt swim suit | I have the Sidestroke, the Oasis, and the Marina and I love them all. I would order up at least one size, as I think they run small. Very fun one-pieces and they’re always getting compliments from other mamas at the pool! — Lake Pajamas | It’s been almost a decade since I’ve worn any other pajamas (and in fact, still wear my original pair!). I wear the long-longs year-round and they feel so cool and silky. (I even added a holiday pattern last year!) — Joggers | My one and only pair of joggers, and they are regrettably worth it. I have the lake heather.
Shoes and accessories:
— A personalized charm necklace (also above) | I gifted myself the Jane charm with four charms after seeing a dear friend’s chic necklace from this shop and I treasure it so much! — My leopard sling bag | The chicest French silhouette and a fun pop of pattern. — Shearling slippers | At hours-of-wear, this item of clothing would probably clock in at the top of my wardrobe – they’re my go-to from when I walk in the door to hopping into bed. — Sneakers to wear with dresses | You may recall I asked for recommendations a few months ago for sneakers to wear with dresses. After considering many options, I’m happy to say I now have my own recommendations: the ultra low-profile Nike Killshot and the sportier New Balance 574. — Julie Vos Penelope Demi Studs | I wear these 99% of days. Classic pearl studs with the loveliest gold-rim upgrade. — A Boat & Tote with clever embroidery | I added a medium with long straps to my fleet this fall and it’s a welcome addition. I went with the antique olive color and had it embroidered with “a bientot” (“see you soon” in French!).
This post is already long, so I’ll save the non-clothing ideas – many of which feel more fitting for gifting to others – for next week! I also have posts in the hopper for grown-up and kid stocking stuffers as well as everyone’s favorite post: what we’re actually giving our kids this year!
Hello, friends! This last month has held multitudes. We spent the first half packing up our first home and the second half settling into our new home. We weathered the news of the original buyers backing out – and went under contract with new buyers – all while the movers shuttled our belongings between houses (a wild day). We’ve now met every neighbor on our cul-de-sac. We have loved walking to school most days. I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of purging, tossing on-the-fence items with glee and freedom. Our maple out the front windows has been ablaze and an abundance of squirrels are frolicking in the backyard with abandon.
Megan McArdle once wrote about how young adults setting off on their own subconsciously expect to start at their parents’ standard of living – which is, of course, the standard their parents ascended to over a lifetime, and likely far from where they started as young adults. They want to shop at the same stores, eat the same foods, take the same vacations, and live in the same sort of house with the same sort of furnishings. When their budget or circumstances don’t allow them to continue in “the style to which they’ve become accustomed,” they can feel cheated.
John and I had (and have) plenty of failings, but this was not one. I’ve written before about how we mostly reveled in our scrappy phase, that time of our lives when cardboard boxes were our coffee tables and splitting a Chipotle burrito was a grand night out.
I’ve been thinking about this idea a lot lately, wondering about its relevance to my current predicament. I find myself impatient that our home does not feel like us, that it does not feel “finished.” Which, when I write it out, seems absolutely ridiculous. Of course it doesn’t feel like us! Of course it isn’t finished! We’ve lived here for three weeks!!
I suppose I didn’t feel this way when we moved into our first home because we were moving from an apartment and there was no comparison – the home was an obvious upgrade. Updates didn’t feel urgent, which was good since our budget required making changes slowly. Over 12 years, though, little by little, we built our home into a place that met our needs and suited our tastes.
And now that home, so lovingly tended over time, stands in direct comparison to this one — which, while objectively nice, mostly does not feel like us. And so there is a desire to make it that way, and fast, to get back to what we had while also moving forward. I want the backsplash gone, the light fixtures switched out, the rugs in place, the built-ins built — all the things we worked so hard for in our past home, transposed to this one.
These are not necessarily bad desires. It is okay to want a home that reflects my tastes and meets my family’s needs and wants. Our life and finances look very different than they did 12 years ago, and moving quickly in this sweet and fleeting season of middle childhood can be wise. But when these desires stop me from appreciating what is in front of me, or drive me to move faster than my family is ready for, they sour the good that’s here now.
So that’s where I am – wanting our new home to feel like home, and reminding myself that transformation won’t happen overnight. And through it all, just trying to unpack the rest of the boxes :)
Big kids working hard to put together new shelves for the attic, in the loft! They were so proud to do it all by themselves!
One other little update, mostly for my memories but also hopefully as an encouragement: I did take my solo trip to New England, and it was wonderful! I spent almost no time doing any of the touristy things I envisioned (walking my favorite road, going out for breakfast, shopping in downtown) and instead spent basically the entire Saturday in conversation: five hours at the baby shower and three hours at dinner with my beloved high school teacher-turned mentor and friend. I am incredibly grateful for that time with those women. Let this be an encouragement to take the flight, make the time, be there in person. And thank you, Lord, for allowing me to do so!
Walking to dinner in Mystic, CT
On my calendar: — A special date night! We’re taking a mini road trip to Winston-Salem to see one of our beloved babysitters in her senior play at UNC School of the Arts and hopefully grabbing dinner with friends beforehand. — Meeting up with the cousins at the zoo on a teacher work day. It is supposed to be frigid – fingers crossed the lemurs brave the cold and venture outside! — A trip to the mountains for Thanksgiving with my family. Menu texts are currently flying fast and furious.
What I’m loving right now: — With the dark coming on earlier and fall extracurriculars ending, the kids have had a renewed interest in board games. Sushi Go Party, Monopoly Deal, Zombie Kidz, and chess (this is how they learned) are in the nightly post-dinner rotation. — Having known Lara Casey and Katelyn James up close for over a decade (almost 20 years for Lara!), I can tell you that they are both as genuine and faithful as they come. This conversation between them about business and faith was honest, hopeful, and so good that I stopped it halfway through to tell John we needed to listen to it together. — You get a mini tree in your room starting the Christmas you’re four, which means Annie’s finally eligible! I just checked and our very favorite flocked 4-footer is back in stock. We now own five of these – two flanking our front door and one in each child’s room. More Christmas decor from our actual home rounded up here! — Are you sleeping on ThredUp? Don’t do it! My trick is to set alerts for just a few favorite, expensive brands (for me, Faherty and Alice Walk) in my sizes so I don’t have to spend time looking. I just bought a perfectly fall dress for 1/3 of the retail price and I’m always on the hunt for more of my very favorite striped tees.
As a reminder, you can find allll the things I’ve loved over the last few years neatly organized right here!
What you’re loving right now:
This is where I highlight a few items here that have been popular in the last month with fellow readers, based on my analytics. Here’s hoping this will help you find something you’ll love!
— My Lulie Wallace ESV New Testament Journaling Bible. Our next sermon series is on Luke! — The new eucalyptus + rosemary cleaning spray I’ve been using. Kind of reminiscent of the Thymes Fraser Fir candle but non-Christmas-y enough for year-round use. — The Eby Relief bra. I’m tickled so many of you are trying one of these! I hope you love them as much as I have! — The tiniest white noise machine – perfect for traveling. — The Yoto card case. We now have two: one for cards geared to younger ears, and one for longer chapter books.
What I read in September: — American Wife | Though I’m about 20 years behind in reading this book (it released in 2009), I’m considering it better late than never! Alice, the main character, is a thinly-veiled Laura Bush, but Curtis Sittenfeld paints a compassionate picture of a woman who is fully her own — and easy to fall in love with. Spanning over a lifetime, American Wife reads more like a marriage portrait than anything else. My one complaint: instead of being divided into chapters, it’s split into just four hard-to-stop-turning-the-pages sections. That made for some late nights :) — The Love Haters | I’m not sure I’m cut out for romances, pals! This one was clean, funny, and had likable characters (including a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, close to my heart!). Still, it just felt like… it didn’t matter? I suppose I’d rather read something a little more substantive — something that leaves me in awe of its prose or helps me see something new about the world — in the limited time I have to read. I know I’m in the minority, here, though!
Revisiting my October goals: Gather our family Halloween costumes (Done! We went with a Star Wars theme – Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Rey, and R2D2 :)) Help my Dad get his Storyworth off to print Finish editing June in June (Done, finally!!) Edit Sheptember Make Halloween ghosts with Shep (This was highly overambitious with all the move to-dos – we only got our Halloween box out three days before the holiday!) Make a plan for my solo weekend in New England Choose a Christmas recital song and begin to practice Send care packages to our college gals Choose and order our Christmas cards (Designed the photo card, just need to finish the newsletter.)
November goals: — Lovingly hand off our first home well, equipping the new owner as I’d want to be equipped — Finalize plans for June’s tenth birthday (in January) — Begin painting the kids’ 2025 book ornaments! — Buy window candles, a Christmas tradition I’m so delighted our new home allows us to partake in — Choose and order sconces for two spots in our home — Help my Dad get his Storyworth off to print — Edit Sheptember — Practice my Christmas recital song — Send care packages to our college gals — Finish designing, order, and send our Christmas cards
I know I have a ton of carry-over goals from October to November, but with the worst of the unpacking behind me, I’m feeling hopeful I’ll be able to make significant progress as we close out the year!
Friends, I would love to hear: Is there a project or goal that you’re really hoping to finish by the end of 2025? Personally, I’m hoping to wrap up most goals by the end of the month so I can focus on Advent and Christmas in December. Godspeed to us all and I would love to hear about what you have planned in the comments! xo
