I am ready for spring, and warmer weather, a little relief, and some freedom to stretch out! Most parents I know are like us, in the middle of all the things. I know April will likely bring some changes, though, so in the meantime March turned out to be about simplification where possible and patience. The daffodils bloomed, peonies are pushing their way through the soil and the dogwoods have flowered. Things change.
It also turns out that March had many hidden lessons. Synthesizing what the month looked like, how we balanced play and work, makes me realize the depth of those lessons.
There were also books we read and things we loved through the month. All here for you…
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Seeing Manassas Battlefield
March brought a lesson on how to balance commitments (particularly kids’ sports) with fun. When The Bug had a travel soccer tournament in Manassas, Virginia for a weekend, I tried desperately to make it an adventure, too.
It was just the two of us and I really appreciated the opportunity to focus just on him (and I think he appreciated it, too). But the frigid temperatures — it actually snowed!! — and timing of the games didn’t allow for much exploring.
However, when he said they had just started studying the battle at Manassas in school, I knew we had to stop at the battlefield before we came home.
The battlefield was eerie. It was majestic and beautiful, too. We didn’t stay too long due to those temperatures, but I am so glad we went.
It turns out, though, that trying to make a crappy hotel room and hours spent being solidly beaten in soccer a fun experience takes a considerable amount of effort. My creativity felt tapped when I got home, and I still feel exhausted.
The Right Clothes
March, as mentioned, was all over the place in regards to weather.
But these boots have been a mainstay. They are so comfortable, and waterproof!
This peasant dress has been great for layering with rain boots and leggings or wearing with flip flops.
And this jacket has made me feel stylish, but it is also warm and works well with a casual or fancy vibe.
(March was all about the layers.)
A Trip to New Orleans with a Friend
I snuck away on a complete last minute impulse with a neighbor-friend of mine to New Orleans. I will be sure to share the trip in its entirety (if you haven’t already seen it on Instagram). I hadn’t been to New Orleans as an adult and it was really fun to experience this unique city!
But the lesson learned was that traveling with friends is FUN – and I don’t understand why women don’t make time for that more often. I have so many beautiful, fun women in my life, yet it has been years since I’ve successfully managed to convince anyone to take a weekend trip with me. It’s always been so hard to coordinate the time. New Orleans, though, was a reminder as to how simply enjoyable it is to travel somewhere with a friend.
My March Tending List
My powersheets once again kept me on track this month. (Get your own set of goal-setting powersheets here.) They helped me feel as though I was getting things done and living in line with my values, while simultaneously keeping me from feeling overwhelmed by all the things I want to do.
We had a lot of fun with a home escape room game; I went really easy with my new office settling in (because who knows when I may move offices again); I did a gentle refresh of our master bedroom that I am so pleased with; and I made a conscious effort to slow down each day.
While I felt we never had one big “family adventure” in March, we did have a rich month filled with a lot of laughter. Our home continues to fill me with joy.
Good Books
If you follow me on Goodreads, I have been on a tear lately. I am on my 20th book of the year already! A glass of wine and a good book, curled up on the couch, is how I prefer to end my day.
This book spoke to my wanderlust – and also made me wonder why I didn’t think to do the challenge first and write a book about it!
And this book filled me up with all the feelings, including hope.
In the realm of hope: it is my hope that your April is off to a wonderful start. I hope that whatever spring break is available to you (we’ll be staying home) is full of memories. And I hope you’ll continue to follow our family trip here on the Internet. More big trips to come…