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

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

We’ve shifted into spring mode, which means busier Saturdays, warmer weather, and swim team just around the corner. It also means getting to experience a new season for the first time from our new perch in the neighborhood; I’ve been giddy to spot the azaleas, daffodils, dogwoods, and more popping up on our walks to school and walks after dinner. Feeling grateful for every sort of season right now! Here’s what else we have planned for April… On my calendar:— Spring sports! Annie is playing soccer at the fields in our neighborhood, June is playing town soccer, and Shep is trying baseball for the first time. June and I are also enrolled in a four-week JUMP ROPE CLINIC starting later this month. Pray for my knees!!— A one-night campout with our church CG family. Fingers crossed for a warmer night and for the pollen to have washed away!— A bike ride with a dear friend on the American Tobacco Trail. We’re planning to bike the full length and then meet our families for dinner at the American Tobacco Campus before driving home! What I’m loving right now:— Is it weird to say my own podcast interview? I can’t say I really love listening to my own recorded voice – it will never not be weird – but I am so grateful to have been a guest on my friend Katelyn’s podcast and hope it’s helpful to anyone who chooses to listen!— I am super late to the game but I’ll go ahead and mention it anyway: I am loving Olivia Dean’s album The Art of Loving. Smooth, jazzy, fun – it’s my nightly dinner-making accompaniment.— I’m out of time to write a blog post about this year’s Easter baskets, but I did want to share some of the goodies I’ve

The other day, my friend Ginna texted me and another friend who’s recently moved “Happy What’s In My Yard? season!!” She was nodding to the unique delight of experiencing your first spring in a new house, with mystery around every corner (and popping up through every pile of mulch). So far, I’ve counted two unexpected daffodils. Here’s to other welcome surprises this month! On my calendar:— Spring break! We are road tripping to St. Simon’s Island, adjacent to one of our perennial favorites: Jekyll Island.— The fourth annual Articles Club retreat! We have plans to play Mahjong, exchange AC-themed favorite things, eat good food, make goal punch cards, chat, walk, read, craft, maybe cold plunge, and so much more.— June’s tenth birthday weekend getaway in Charlotte! The itinerary is finalized and we’re all so excited. I’ll be sharing more about it on TCF in the weeks to come! What I’m loving right now:— I’ve long been a fan of the Birds & Bees ladies — John and I took their course a few years ago and I highly recommend it — and I really enjoyed this recent episode with them on the Raising Boys & Girls podcast. — My Summersalt Ruffle Oasis one piece has finally bit the dust after 5+ years and I love the style so much I’m going to rebuy it (likely in this berry + melon combo). I also have the Sidestroke and though it seems like it’s ubiquitous on the internet I get compliments every time I wear it to the pool. I recommend ordering 1-2 sizes up!— Speaking of summer: I bought this oversize sun hat last year when I was ready for something new in the sun protection game. It’s giant and I love it. As a reminder, you can find allll the