welcome september - back to school, back to routine

I love the freedom that comes with summer - the unplanned days and the spur of the moment trips, but after two months of little structure, something in me starts to feel unsettled. I start to find myself longing for more routine. To return again to the familiar comfort of a well-planned week and a steady, slow rhythm to my day.

This year our summer, while lovely, has been particularly unplanned, and to be honest, I noticed I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. I think Ryan picked up on it, and decided to take the boys out over the weekend for back to school haircuts and a matinee. That time was so important to me.

I put on the kettle, found a calm Autumn playlist, lit some candles and spread out all of my lists. I filled out my month's calendar, then the upcoming week in detail, with to-do lists. 

Then I made a grocery list and filled out my prayer journal for September.

I'm quite particular about the products that I use to keep myself organized. I like them to be simple and of good quality. It's important that the aesthetic appeals to me, as well, because I have them out on my desk, and in the case of the weekly tablet, displayed on my fridge for my family. (The one and only thing on my fridge, though on the side of it, where it's mainly out of sight!) I know a few of you will message looking for sources, so I'll link them at the end.

Maybe it's from having four babies, or maybe it's just that our life seems to get a lot busier as the boys get older, but I need all the help I can get to stay on top of it all - physically, in front of me, not on an app. I need to see it laid out before more. I enjoy seeing it laid out in front of me.

A mini Pumpkin Spice cupcake went perfectly with my cup of tea, too.

Cupcakes are also therapeutic.

(Don't worry, I'll post the recipe soon!)

- sources -

Notes Notebook in Navy - Target

Monthly Day Planner - Rifle Paper Co.

Grocery and Weekly Tablets - Everyday Occasions

Yearly Prayer Journal - Val Marie Paper (I pre-ordered it in French Blue for 2020!)

And also, because someone will ask, the napkins are the Washed Cotton Napkins in Chambray from Pottery Barn, and right now they're on sale for $11.99 for a set of 4 (reg $20).

The Start of September

While this post may be titled The Start of September, to my disbelief, somehow we are already more than half way through.

School has started, the temperatures have dropped slightly, and those usual feelings of fresh starts and routine have settled in.

With both boys in school all day now, and no sign of baby arriving yet (though he does have two more weeks), I've been making the most of these past two weeks by making small day trips around the region and visiting some of my favourite spots.

Labour Day weekend brought the Fall antique show at Augusta's in Gasline. Her charming little farm is always a hit with the boys. They are particularly fond of Hudson the mule. And the pumpkins and Fall decorations always bring inspiration for the coming season - like this giant Lumina pumpkin up on a pedestal with bits of vine trailing down. So simple, and so gorgeous.

When Ryan has a morning or the day off, he joins me. We always like to drive about and discover new places. Here we had breakfast at the Flying Squirrel cafe in Ridgeway.

I've also popped in to all of the local antique shops! I'm hoping this week to share all of my finds. I've managed to pick up some great things.

I've also enjoyed being able to sit and read quietly and enjoy a coffee - or, at this time of year, a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I swear, if this baby doesn't come soon, he may slightly resemble an Oompa Loompa.

As much as I'm loving the quiet time, I do miss these boys. Thankfully they are loving school, and soon enough I will have another to keep me busy.

And we have finally been relieved of the unbearable heat and humidity we've been under for what has seemed like forever! Our poor gardens have suffered. Thankfully though, as we've finally had rain and cooler temperatures, they seem to be reviving. My Hydrangeas have started turning their shades of pink with the cooler evenings, and my Rose bushes are in full bloom!

I've enjoyed browsing through so many blogs all decorated for Fall, and while I am so looking forward to that, I can't quite commit to it just yet. Maybe this week, once Fall has officially arrived, I will start to add bits of Autumn around the house.

In the mean time, I am hoping to show you the nursery and boy's room I've been working on, as well as the progress on our front entrance, which is complete, but awaiting paint. It's been on hold as we were advised to wait until the temperatures drop and the extreme humidity lifts. I would love for that to happen before I bring home pumpkins and things. And then there are some other little projects I've been working on, like a gallery wall of family photos upstairs, and getting myself organized for the baby.

All in due time. For now, I'm just taking it one lovely day at a time.