As a mom of three, I know firsthand the whirlwind that is the end of the school year. Teacher gifts, school parties, dress-down days—there are simply not enough hours in the day! My career is very hard to keep up with as I juggle the chaos. The bags under my eyes are darker than ever, proof of the endless to-do lists and late nights where mostly I take advantage of the kids being asleep to have time to myself and do nothing at all. There were of course sweet moments, like Zoey being teacher for the day, Zach being awarded as a 2nd grade spelling bee champ, and Evan doing an EPIC dance to “Dance Monkey” for the school talent show (see my personal Instagram for proof).
But my gosh, the amount of things to do on top of things to do has been nothing short of chaotic. One of the craziest tasks has been packing Zach up for sleepaway camp. Can we talk about the insanity that is packing a kid for sleepaway camp?! The anxiety of making sure I didn’t miss labeling anything was at an all-time high, or if I got the right amount of stationary, wait what about the return labels or pre addressing envelopes?! Is the printer even working!? Will he even write us? HA probably not. Finishing this task felt like a monumental accomplishment and seeing him so excited, albeit nervous, makes it all worth it. Now, I’m bracing myself for summer, ready to embrace a slower pace with less… a whole lot of less.
This summer, I’m craving time with family, and yes, more time alone. Maybe earlier bedtimes. More nutrition, more exercise, more space. It’s so bittersweet knowing Zach won’t be here, and I’m curious how the dynamic will change without him in the house. But a silver lining is it’s a chance to focus more on Evan and Zoey, and maybe, just maybe, take a breather.
Embracing a Summer of Less
We all need a summer breather, don’t we? Here are some ideas to help you (and me) embrace a season of relaxation and self-care:
Treat Yourself to a Robe: There’s something about a luxurious robe that makes you feel like you’re at a spa. Find one that makes you feel great and wrap yourself in comfort.
Sauna Blanket: I have one of these and am obsessed. Perfect treat for your body, and a forced time to do nothing but relax and unwind as well as detox.! It’s like having a mini spa treatment at home.
Matching Comfy Set: Buy something you feel great in. A matching set can make you feel put together even on the laziest of days.
Making the Most of Family Time
While Zach is away, I am looking forward to focusing on Evan and Zoey. That middle and younger kid energy is going strong and I know the extra attention will not go unnoticed. Planning small adventures, spending quality time together, and enjoying the simpler things in life. Sometimes, less truly is more.
Remember, it’s okay to take a step back and breathe. We often feel the need to do it all, but it’s crucial to recharge and focus on what truly matters—our well-being and our families. Here’s to a summer of less stress and more joy. Let’s embrace the slower pace, the time with loved ones, and yes, even those precious moments alone. We deserve it!
![](https://jamwithjamie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-3.png)
But my gosh, the amount of things to do on top of things to do has been nothing short of chaotic. One of the craziest tasks has been packing Zach up for sleepaway camp. Can we talk about the insanity that is packing a kid for sleepaway camp?! The anxiety of making sure I didn’t miss labeling anything was at an all-time high, or if I got the right amount of stationary, wait what about the return labels or pre addressing envelopes?! Is the printer even working!? Will he even write us? HA probably not. Finishing this task felt like a monumental accomplishment and seeing him so excited, albeit nervous, makes it all worth it. Now, I’m bracing myself for summer, ready to embrace a slower pace with less… a whole lot of less.
![](https://jamwithjamie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/5.png)
This summer, I’m craving time with family, and yes, more time alone. Maybe earlier bedtimes. More nutrition, more exercise, more space. It’s so bittersweet knowing Zach won’t be here, and I’m curious how the dynamic will change without him in the house. But a silver lining is it’s a chance to focus more on Evan and Zoey, and maybe, just maybe, take a breather.
![](https://jamwithjamie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3.png)
Embracing a Summer of Less
We all need a summer breather, don’t we? Here are some ideas to help you (and me) embrace a season of relaxation and self-care:
Treat Yourself to a Robe: There’s something about a luxurious robe that makes you feel like you’re at a spa. Find one that makes you feel great and wrap yourself in comfort.
Sauna Blanket: I have one of these and am obsessed. Perfect treat for your body, and a forced time to do nothing but relax and unwind as well as detox.! It’s like having a mini spa treatment at home.
Matching Comfy Set: Buy something you feel great in. A matching set can make you feel put together even on the laziest of days.
Making the Most of Family Time
While Zach is away, I am looking forward to focusing on Evan and Zoey. That middle and younger kid energy is going strong and I know the extra attention will not go unnoticed. Planning small adventures, spending quality time together, and enjoying the simpler things in life. Sometimes, less truly is more.
![](https://jamwithjamie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1.png)
Remember, it’s okay to take a step back and breathe. We often feel the need to do it all, but it’s crucial to recharge and focus on what truly matters—our well-being and our families. Here’s to a summer of less stress and more joy. Let’s embrace the slower pace, the time with loved ones, and yes, even those precious moments alone. We deserve it!