As July winds down and August peeks around the corner, I’ve been reflecting on how much I appreciate the pace of summer. The days feel a little slower (most of the time), the kids are outside more, and our schedule isn’t quite as packed. There is still work to be done, certainly—but there’s something refreshing about this season.

As a homeschooling mom, I’m grateful for the break from structured school days. We still read plenty of books, ask a lot of questions, and follow our curiosities, but it’s a more relaxed rhythm. There’s space to explore, to rest, to be together. I’ve been trying to be intentional about enjoying that, especially with a new baby on the way next month.

One of the biggest blessings of summertime is having Brad home. With him off for summer break, we have more time together as a whole family—more meals shared, more hands to help, and more moments to just enjoy being home. It’s a rhythm I wish we could bottle up and keep all year. The kids love having him around, and I do too. It makes this season feel especially full in the best way.

We’re all getting excited to meet our new little boy, and the kids have been dreaming up what he’ll be like, talking about their roles as big brothers, and helping us get ready for his arrival. I know life will shift again soon, and we’ll all be adjusting, but that’s part of the beauty of family life. It’s always growing, changing, stretching… and there’s always enough love to go around.

While I’m not in a rush for summer to end, I do find myself looking ahead to the new school year with a mix of anticipation and realism. There’s something satisfying about fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and a clean calendar—even if I know that by October, it won’t look quite so tidy. Homeschooling isn’t picture-perfect, but it is full of opportunities—for learning, for grace, and for growth, both for the kids and for me.

For now, though, I’m holding onto these last few weeks of summer. The quiet mornings enjoying coffee on our new deck, the lazy poolside afternoons, the popsicles and ice cream runs, the evening walks… I know this season won’t last forever, but that’s what makes it so sweet, and so worth savoring.