We are back from our week in Michigan, and it was wonderful: 33 cousins on a beautiful lake, fishing, waterskiing, sand dunes, group meals, tubing down the river, skipping stones, sunsets, s’mores, and more. I Bricked my phone for the trip (so, no email or social media), and the feeling of remove from everyday life was almost total. (Aside from, you know, the unavoidable mediating of sibling squabbles.) The one drawback? The adjustment back to normalcy seems more challenging than if I had kept one foot in the digital world. And there’s been no easing in: I’m coming back to a full-court press of logistics, with VBS carpool arrangements to be made, a birthday to celebrate, a birthday party to throw, a kindergarten neighborhood ice cream social to host, a sleepaway camp to pack for, and a houseguest to welcome — and that’s all just this week. (Whew.) But the week’s reprieve was worth it, and I’m grateful. On to what’s next! On my calendar:— Annie, John, and Shep’s birthdays! Lots of number balloons, special dinners, and celebrations in our future.— June’s two weeks at sleepaway camp — a highlight of her year, every year.— Cousin Camp! After a skip last year, we’re thrilled to host our two NC cousins again for a week of sleepovers, bike rides, and bake sales. What I’m loving right now:— June recently requested a pajama shorts set that was less form-fitting and in the style of Lake. After a little searching, we went with this pair in the blue stripe for the stunning sale price of $10 and they are SO CUTE in person. Very much a Lake look and feel if you have a little lady in your life who wants to coordinate! (This set is also very cute!)— I always enjoy The

I’m feeling the wave of energy that comes with a new season! Yes, I know summer officially begins later this month, and that’s part of it, but my reasons are more personal: our two big home projects are complete, I finally edited Annie’s annual video, swim season has begun, I’m back on track with strength training and daily walks, and my parents are coming to visit this week — which means I will finally get to check off two little home projects that have lingered on my lists (hanging our height ruler and our backyard string lights — thanks, Dad!!). Plus, our trips to Michigan and Maine are drawing ever closer (YAY!) and planning for two July birthday parties has me excited. Lots to look forward to over here. I hope you’re feeling the same way! On my calendar:— The last day of school! Currently plotting details for our kick-off-to-summer celebration dinner and TTT.— A beach weekend in Emerald Isle. We’ve loved exploring different coastal towns in NC for the past few Junes and are crossing our fingers for the same excellent weather we’ve enjoyed in recent years. (A few past trips here: Bald Head Island, Beaufort, Swansboro/Hammocks Beach)— Father’s Day! I’m organizing a hot sauce bar for the men at our church and celebrating my own wonderful husband, Dad, and father-in-law. What I’m loving right now:— This is admittedly niche, but in light of last week’s ode to neighborhood swim team, I thought I’d share. One reason my kids love swim is because they get to be part of a team but also compete against themselves. To track their improvement over a season, I made simple charts in Canva, and they love marking off progress after each meet. Feel free to steal and adjust for your own fridge!— This

We’ve been in our home about eight months now. While the journey to contentment and feeling “at home” in this house has been a winding one, I can confidently say that, from today’s perch, I feel so grateful to be here. We have a long ways to go to before this home fully reflects our family’s personality, culture, and needs, but we’re here. We’re doing it, little by little. And I’d love to invite you in to see this at-the-beginning portrait. Shall we? Here is what we’re variously calling the piano room, the library, and the study — even though it currently has no piano and no books. Eventually, I would love to replace the keyboard with an actual piano and hang John’s guitar on the wall nearby, maybe put a little chaise lounge reading nook in the window corner. You might recognize this rug from our previous foyer. (This whole tour is going to be a bit of a Where’s-Waldo situation for longtime readers!) I don’t know that it will stay here forever, but it keeps things cozier for now. The classic wooden hutch is new to me, from Facebook Marketplace: I sold my navy desk because I needed something taller for this narrow space between the windows and pillar, and I love it. Hilariously, everyone who visits says, “my parents have one of these in their house,” ha. I keep desk supplies, stamps, envelopes, stationery, candles, notebooks, paper napkins, and more in the drawers. Moving a little further into the room, we have the second half of this space. Same sofa, armchair, chest, bookshelf, etc. from our last house. We are considering whether to do a sectional here, but there is more considering to do. (Plus, that tan beauty, circa 2011, is the comfiest, sturdiest, and most resilient

Something that’s neat about having published here for 18+ years and counting: no matter how often I share a new post (or not), there’s always something to dive into in the archives! I thought I’d highlight a few posts published in past Mays, just for fun and in case you’re in search of something to read… Our teacher graduation book signing tradition (2025)Our Google Docs family packing list (2023)Marvelous Money: The financial implications of having a third child (2023)I am the standard (2018)Marvelous Mama Beth (2017)On turning ten (2010) With many more Mays to come! And here’s what’s going on this particular May: On my calendar:— Teacher Appreciation Week! Our main gift for all classroom teachers is this snackle box filled with some of their favorite treats and a gift card to a local business.— A father-son camp weekend for John and Shep at the brother camp of June’s camp. I hope they love their parent-child weekend experience as much as June and I did!— The start of neighborhood swim team! Our family has volunteered to move the “swimmer of the week” signs around every seven days (as instructed by the coaches!) and the kids are so excited to get to be the swim team elves :) What I’m loving right now:— June and I started these five-year journals on April 1 and are enjoying the practice immensely! The cover is beautiful, the paper quality is great, and the writing space is just the right size. It’s crazy to think about the life change these journals will hold over the next five years.— John is a loyal listener to the Knowing Faith podcast and will occasionally send me episodes to listen to, including this one (“Is Retirement a Christian Concept?”). It was thought-provoking and encouraging and I recommend it no