What a wild summer it has been...

I finished my big debt goal and started my doctorate and BAM--stopped blogging. Whoops!

I earned As in both summer courses and had many enjoyable family (and friend!) mini-adventures this summer, but preparing for the opening of this school year has been rather time-consuming. Now that our district is back in session, I hope to get back on this blogging wagon, if for no other reason than I enjoy writing a log of my life, even if only three people read it (hi, friends!).

Now in fourth and first grades--time has really sped up!

We're still living in the pandemic, of course. Covid-19 cases locally dipped really low this summer, but now with the Delta variant, are shooting back up. It's really challenging to pull back after enjoying the almost carefree summer, especially with school opening fully. We're just trying to mask and limit most travel/dining out, but are choosing to continue outdoor socializing with other families where all 12+ persons are vaccinated. I remain mostly concerned about our unvaccinated children, but remain hopeful that the natural partial immunity children seem to have, combined with mandatory mask mandates at school, will keep them mostly ok. Who really knows? It's exhausting to continue to be so on edge for so long. Finally, I now qualify for a third round of vaccine, due to my immune suppressed self. Hopefully that will keep me protected from the worst side effects of the virus if I do catch it.

Summer camping trip with good friends--so grateful for the pause on C-19

My mother is mostly recovered from her stroke, over one year prior. She is still in occupational therapy and has a vision therapy appointment this week to see if she might be ready to be assessed for driving again! I would love for her to be able to regain some of her prior independence. She is already back in watercolor classes at the local community college and even went out to lunch with friends without my assistance! Such progress is wonderful.

Enjoying the Fireman's Carnival with my best kiddos!

Financially, we're kind of at a good place of allowing a bit of purposeful luxury spending, now that the debt is paid off. We've automated a higher contribution to the IRAs and emergency fund, but mostly are doing well because of YNAB (or, You Need A Budget--that's a referral link!). They redesigned and are even more fun to use, so I highly recommend it as an all-in-one, goal-smashing budget app.

Ready to move into the end of official summer and see what fall brings. Two more grad classes, of course, but also perhaps getting back to a schedule of regular exercise and such.