Today was freshmen orientation, classes start next week so summer is fast coming to an end. 

Remember the good old days when Labor day marked the official end of summer for kids everywhere?!

I’m actually ready to get back to some routine.  I always love the beginning of summer – the much needed break from school, homework, and practices.  There is less stress, family vacation to look forward to and a sense of easier living and this year a college kid returning to the nest.

Almost 3 months later and I’m ready to go back to the controlled chaos.  I’m not completely ready for what’s ahead.  School brings about a whole lot of stresses . . . homework, early morning wake ups, packing lunches and coordinating schedules.  And this year I have a high school senior so add in college visits, applications and looming due dates.

Our summer was full and unpredictable at times  . . .

• three teens sleeping late almost everyday,
• various meal times
• a kitchen sink that always seeming full
• oh and the words  “we have nothing to eat in this house”  being said numerous times through the day even though the fridge was full
• a laundry room full of wet towels
• a revolving door of comings and goings
• and our annual family vacation

There was an easy feel of the house that will be missed.  I will miss the sounds of 3 siblings bickering at and with each other.  I will miss that battle of who’s turn it is to put gas in the car.  And I will also miss the peacefulness of sister and brothers just hanging out on the sofa watching tv together.  I will miss the friends dropping in and hanging in the backyard or kitchen at all hours.  I will miss having my full tribe living under one roof.

I think our house runs better on routine.  Okay, maybe I run better on routine.  It will be nice to know that Sunday – Thursday night everyone is home at a reasonable time.  Practices, tutoring and after school activities are easy to calendar and I have a better feel of where everyone is.  Family dinners will be more the norm which also means me cooking more.

It’s back to a more predictable routine so today I ordered a new planner for me to begin filling.  It’s new school supplies for everyone!!

I am a pen and paper gal and as much as my husband thinks I should go online for my calendar, I just love the old fashion way.  For years I had an Erin Condren planner but last year I tried something new with the Passion Planner.  It was okay but I really missed the Erin Condren Life Planner so I am finishing 2017 and into the new year with a new life planner by EC.

I secretly want so much to be organized so this little purchase is once again my attempt to live a more organized and planned life!  Oh, how I wish i didn’t have to wait for it to arrive in the mail!

I’ll share my new planner when I receive it but in the meantime you can check out Erin Condren planners here – – – > https://www.erincondren.com/lifeplanner-learn-more