the take home folder vol 129
the bridge years // do the new thing when it's new to everyone // books to gift your child's classroom library // what makes a standout read // + more
welcome to the take home folder
This week I found myself questioning all of my life decisions, firmly planted in my ugly era, and with the energy level of a potato.
Two days later, my cycle started.
Soooo…joys of being a woman? Hold on a few days if you’re in a rough spot? Hormones are real?
What helps me during these days of the month: getting out for a walk - any pace is fine it just feels good to move, focusing on solid sleep, an ice cold crispy fountain Diet Coke or Diet Dr. Pepper (have you had a DDP lately? It slaps).
my sunday questions
What is something I can do for our home?
What is something I can do for/with our family?
What is something I can do for myself?
Today for me it’s dealing with our formal dining room table which has become a dumping zone, a family bike ride or walk, and planning something for lunches for myself this week.
here’s this week’s take home folder, enjoy!
one // do the new thing when it’s new to everyone
Oftentimes we think we are helping our kids (or ourselves) with big transitions by delaying some of the new experiences in favor of familiarity.
But something I heard a few years ago that I constantly think of is that it is easier to learn/do the new thing when it is new to everyone.
An example - you are planning for your kids to eat school lunch every day.
We sometimes think packing a lunch - just for the first couple of days/weeks - will feel like a familiar hug and our kids won’t have to figure out the lunch line right away.
But it’s actually best/easiest to learn when the lunch line is new to everyone.
Same with driving your kid to school the first day when the plan is for them to ride the bus as their primary mode of getting to and from school. The best time to learn the ins and outs of riding the school bus is when it’s new to everyone on the first day.
Does this make sense to you? It really resonated for me.
p.s. I swear I heard Gretchen Rubin talk about this on her podcast once, but can’t find any evidence of it. If you know what I’m talking about, please send me a link to the episode and I’ll share.
two // yesteryear
I finished the book Yesteryear and really liked it. The main character was pretty insufferable, the story reflected some yucky/uncomfortable realities of social media and trad wives, and I did not see the ending coming.
Standout books for me are those that I can’t put down or I can’t stop thinking about, even if the characters are unlikeable or the premise is strange. And Yesteryear sure kept me reading. Jury’s out on whether it’ll be a top read of the year, but I’m glad I picked it up.
If you've read it, what are your thoughts? I feel like people are pretty firmly in their camp of either loving it or hating it.
three // corral it
Little thing, big functionality. I finally corralled our checkbook, stamps, and envelopes in one zipper pouch and not having to rummage around for those items has been wonderful. I keep the zipper pouch in a basket in my office. Simple for the win, always.
four // books to gift your child’s classroom
A book donation to your child’s classroom library is always appreciated. I try to gift a book or two within in the first month of school with a little note that says “for the classroom library”.
Why? Because teachers generally fund their own classroom libraries (absolutely bonkers) and I like knowing that my kid’s classroom has some high interest/new titles that will be enjoyed now and in years to come.
Here are some ideas that I think would appeal to lots of kids:
picture books
Some Days (my youngest and I read this week, it’s adorable! would be perfect to gift a preschool - 1st grade classroom)
early readers/graphic novels
new Pizza and Taco
new Cabin Head and Tree Head (weird books but my sons think they’re funny)
new Mr Wolf’s Class (eek! this series is a fan favorite in our house)
graphic novels for older kids
Offside (build on that World Cup excitement)
new PAWS (such a good realistic fiction series)
The Endless Game (my 11 year old’s fave graphic novel of the summer)
chapter books
The Academy (every ~4th grade and up classroom should have this series!)
Or, gift a copy of one of your child’s favorite books.
Not entirely sure about gifting books in middle school - I’ll do some investigating and report back with any findings.
five // the bridge years
We’re embarking on a big milestone with our oldest son - the start of middle school. I was so emotional the entirely of his fifth grade year but now I am (mostly) feeling at peace and he is excited for sixth grade. It is such a gift to get to watch our kids grow up.
What’s not as regularly talked about at this age is how it’s truly the bridge between childhood and the teen years.
He’s practicing his locker’s combination lock, but he still tells me every detail of his day.
He has middle school orientation in a couple weeks, but isn’t ready to part with his stuffed animals.
He’s chooses playing sports over playing with toys, but I don’t think he’s seen a PG13 movie. (ha)
His biking boundaries have greatly expanded, but I still occasionally find him reading picture books.
He hangs out with friends daily, but still needs me to tend to the wound on his knee he got when trying to do wheelies on his bike.
He’s getting close to being taller than me, but still likes to be tucked in at night.
Every stage brings its own set of things to figure out and challenges, but - more than that - every stage brings such joy, fun, and love. Our kids really are our hearts walking around outside our bodies - and I’m glad he’s out in the world learning and growing and doing good things.
see you right back here next week,
recent faves
Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar snackers. Grab one of these and a handful of Dots Pretzels and thank me later.
Cotton dress - this is easy to wash and wear. Will transition beautifully into fall with a layered sweater/cardigan/jacket. True to size.
brown sneakers - I wore these all around the streets of Chicago. They’re comfy and go with skorts, shorts, dresses, and jeans. Great price point and part of the BOGO sale that ends today.
Our Helix mattress - Todd and I sleep so well every night, there is a reason this continues to win awards. I recommend taking the sleep quiz on their website to see which mattress is your perfect match. They also have an excellent mattress for kids. Use code BEGINATHOME for extra savings.
fresh sweet corn! It’s incredible right now.
Eby Support Bralette and the Relief Bra. All other bras are dead to me.😜 These are so comfortable, no underwire, have held up well. I air dry them. They gave me a discount code: NICOLE15 for 15% off your order.
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Just placed some holds in my library app for some of the kid books you mentioned! I needed the ideas ! Thanks!!
I love that advice to start doing new things when it’s new to everyone!! Gretchen Rubin often talks about getting involved in the first few weeks of school! Habits are often formed in the first 3 weeks so start doing what you want to do right away! Routines, new organization, etc. I found it in this episode of her podcast too!
https://gretchenrubin.com/podcast/make-the-most-of-the-first-3-weeks-use-an-alarm-amp-cope-with-exploitation-of-obligers/