New routine, new season
We are settling into our newest routine now that there are two teens, instead of three, at home. Madeline is well on her way in LA, and while I know she misses us, she is immersed in doing something she adores. How lucky?! Would that we all could be as passionate and engaged in our interests. Elyse is already in rehearsals for the first play of the school year, and Parker is well into hockey games, tourneys and practices. It’s still quiet at home: Either the kids aren’t there, or they are studying. Not a big change from when Madeline was home, just less ‘stuff’ laying around. Tucker, our littlest fella, is always reminding us with his darling personality and boundless energy, to live in the moment and not take anything too seriously.
While jewelry production has been limited the past few months, it’s only because it was important for me to make my time with the kids a priority. I think many people may assume that once your children have reached the point where they are self-sufficient, you have all kinds of time on your hands. True, some time IS freed up when you don’t have to care for them 24/7, the way you used to when they were infants and toddlers. For me though, I’ve found I wanted to spend as much time with my teen kids as possible, because once college, jobs and life happen for them, there may not be as many opportunities to be with them. Such is life. And so it follows that I’ve tried to fill my time listening to them, being there for them and just appreciating the young adults they are becoming. Make no mistake though, my creative outlet is still on solid ground and is about to enjoy a resurgence in the coming weeks. So be on the lookout.
While we’re on the subject of changes, I’ll make this smooth segue into the new season. I always enjoy the settling of summer into fall. I could speculate about why for hours, but I’d rather keep things simple at this point, so I made up this little list of what makes me happy about this season. In no particular order, of course.
1. Crisp air
2. Cinnamon and pine scented candles
3. Colorful trees
4. Sweaters
5. Chili
6. Pumpkins
7. Boots
8. Messy leaves on the ground
9. Carmel apples
10. Bonfires outside; cozy fires inside
11. Pinecones
12. Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies
13. Scarves
14. Flannel sheets
15. Blue jean jackets
16. Bright blue skies
17. Vibrant sunshine
Do you agree? What did I miss?
Tags: family, life lessons, observations, opinions