HIGH // SCHOOL SUPPLIES ON TAX-FREE WEEKEND
We just had Virginia’s tax-free weekend for school supplies and I stocked up on crayons, colored pencils and a few things the kids will need for co-op.  Sophie is beyond excited about her very own pencil box full of supplies and has been begging me to start school early.  If only my big boys had the same enthusiasm, hah!


HIGH // THE SCALE IS MOVING 
I’ll call this a high even though it’s really not that extreme.  After months and months of hovering at the same weight, or (worse!) creeping up and up and up, the scale has finally taken a downward direction.  I’m only talking 2-3 pounds, but it’s something!


LOW // WAKING UP TO A FLAT TIRE
Mark was about to leave for work when he found that one of his tires was flat.  Thankfully, the puncture was tiny and the mechanic was able to patch it, but he also mentioned that it may be time to replace all four tires soon. ($$$)  This is already a very full season for budgeting, so it hurt a little to add this to the list.


HIGH // RESELLING ONLINE AND LOCALLY
I’ve been making a little extra money selling unneeded items on various websites and apps. (Full details will be coming in my monthly debt update post later this month.)  I’m thankful to get rid of things collecting dust, I earn a little extra cash to pay for things like new tires, and it gives me a teeny entrepreneurial rush again.  Win/win/win.


HIGH // SIMPLE LUNCHES
I am all about simple lunches this summer.  My current favorite is sourdough bread fresh from the oven, a bit of ham, cheddar cheese and tomato.  So delicious.


HIGH // AN (ALMOST) UNEVENTFUL SUNDAY MASS
We almost made it through the entire Mass last week without having to take out either of the little boys!  I always say that ages 1-3 are the hardest stage for church behavior – so many wiggles and wanting to tell me a story and asking for a snack and having to pee, etc etc etc!  Mark and I often feel like we’ve run a marathon afterward, so it was such a nice reprieve to spend three-quarters actually sitting in the pew.

LOW-HIGH // THE WATER HEATER
We had been without hot water for about two weeks.  A plumber came out to look at the water heater, confidently assured us that he fixed it, and….he was wrong.  A co-worker came two days later, spent 20 minutes poking around and declared that he didn’t know what the problem was.  We called a new company who sent a guy out yesterday and thankfully, he easily fixed the problem!  I’ve never been so thankful for a hot shower!

I’m having a bit of writer’s block lately, so how ’bout a random assortment of this week’s highs and lows?

HIGH // RUNNING 
Geez, I love running.  I need to run.  My introverted self is so thankful for those 30(ish) minutes of peace!  I’ve been surprised to discover that I get a lot of creative ideas while I run, which is both exciting and frustrating.  (I panic that I’m going to forget them, so I scramble for pen and paper the second I’m finished, hah!  #oldlady)  Running is also the best time to listen to podcasts, so that’s been a fun addition to my life too.  Tell me your favorites!

HIGH // WATCHING FIVE TINY BABY BIRDS 
If my forgetfulness didn’t solidify the fact that I’m an old lady, my bird-watching habits certainly do!  The baby birds on our front porch fan hatched last week and I have religiously checked in on them every day since.  New life is so amazing.

LOW // SMOOSHED BANANA IN THE LIVING ROOM RUG
Alternatively titled, “Why We Can’t Have Nice Things.”  How in the world did it get there?  How long has it been there?

HIGH // SENDING POSTCARDS
I just finished another batch of postcards for my Springtime Postcard Project.  I really enjoy addressing them and learning about cities I’ve never heard of all around the United States.  (Makes me want to plot them on a map!)
P.S. I still have over ten spots left if you’re interested – I’d love to send you one!

HIGH // TODDLERS IN SUMMER CLOTHES
Those bare legs!  Those little feet in little sandals!

LOW // STINKBUGS
I sound more than a little crazy, but stinkbugs are my nemesis.  After finding one crawling on my bed one night – and then getting the willies and a horrible night sleep after! – I’ve become obsessed with eradicating them from the house.  I think I’ve figured out their entry point, but need a bit more surveillance.  See?  Crazy.   

HIGH // CHICKEN SALAD
I made my go-to chicken salad for lunches this week and it is so good.  Easy to make and it has tons of protein.  I’ve been eating it open-faced on a piece of bread (even better if it’s homemade) or just in a bowl by itself.  I may have to make a double batch next time because it only lasted half the week.

HIGH // A PLAYDATE WITH FRIENDS
We went to a playdate on Tuesday and it was so nice to chat with another adult about everything from homeschooling to family issues to home decor.  So thankful for friendship.

LOW // MODELING CLAY SMEARED INTO MY TEXTURED WALLS
My THREE-YEAR-OLD.  Why???  I’m still trying to figure out the best way to remove it (the texture walls are just destroying everything from a dishtowel to a Magic Eraser) so that loveliness is there to stay for awhile. 

HIGH // KIDS CUPS IN RAINBOW ORDER
I may or may not line them all up when the kids aren’t looking.

HIGH // BRICK EDGING FOR OUR FRONT FLOWER BEDS ARE GOING IN NEXT WEEK! 
Barring any rain, our brick flowerbeds are being installed next week.  I am so excited!  If you need me, I’ll be scrolling Pinterest for plant ideas.