The Weekly (Joy)Cap

Week of September 13th - September 20th (24') | One Day At a Time, Making Memories in Busy Seasons, + A Reminder That You're Not Behind

This is the (Joy)Cap where I share a weekly reflection or lesson and a roundup of links, recommendations, and everything that’s bringing me joy, inviting you to do the same. Think of this as a weekly coffee date with my close friends. ☕️💕🫶🏾 Join me on a weekly joy hunt and start receiving the (Joy)Cap by subscribing today! ✨

Last week, I shared that our family’s moving plan is officially underway. My husband left last Sunday to start his new contract, and while my Dad is still in town, I have been steadily packing whatever I could. Every time I pack up another box and chat with my husband while he’s over the road, I think to myself, I can’t believe this is happening, and simulatenously, I can’t wait for this to be over. Over this hump. Over this move. Over this major transition.

I’m not only planning a long-distance move, I’m planning for the fall season, birthdays, my husband and I’s anniversary, and the upcoming holidays. While there is so much change and transition, I want to challenge myself to prioritize creating traditions that will forge memories, even in busy seasons, while giving myself the grace to carry my expectations loosely.

I’m doing this by reading through Memory-Making Mom to get some fresh ideas on memory-making and traditions. I also plan on re-organizing and updating my Notion, which serves as my personal hub and family command center, to plan this upcoming move and brainstorm some fall and birthday traditions. I feel like fall always kickstarts the busy season as we prepare for the holidays, and with the move ahead of us, I know I will feel better with an intentional plan.

There’s still so much hanging in the balance and so many details to piece together, but I’m hanging in there, reminding myself to take it day by day.

What Brought Me Joy ✨

1. Spending quality time with my husband. It was my husband’s last weekend home for a while as he left for his new contract this week. I soaked up as many hugs and kisses as I could before dropping him off to pick up his truck.

2. A surprise visit from my best friend. I always love it when a friend unexpectedly drops by. It breaks up the monotony of our routine and adds freshness and fun to my day, so I was elated to discover my best friend knocking at the door during Tuesday night dinner. We caught up on the week as the kids unwinded before bed.

3. Park outing with the kids and Grandpa. Due to the Georgia heat and packing, the kids and I have been cooped up in the house longer than preferred. This morning, my Dad and I packed up the kids in the car and took them to the park to get some fresh air and burn through some energy. The kids got some time to slide and swing before the day’s heat and humidity kicked in.

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Currently Reading 📚

• This week I finished The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest, Cupcakes to Die For by Kathleen Suzette, and A Run at Love by Toni Shiloh

• I’m slowly working my way through Memory-Making Mom by Jessica Smartt, The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson, and Sacred Work by author Peggy Bodde.

• I remember putting You Are Your Child’s First Teacher by Rahima Baldwin Dancy on hold through Libby after it was recommended by

  Danica Pardini
  here on Substack. It finally became available this week, so I’m going to do my best to squeeze it in and have it read within the next few weeks.

• Last year, I read The Pumpkin Spice Cafe and ate it up. It has the perfect amount of sugar and spice. I thought it would be fun to reread it before starting The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, which was just released.

• My sister and I just started The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest as our next buddy read. I’ve been loving the female main characters in this series, and the 2000s music references are giving me all the high school nostalgia.

I’m always sharing my thoughts in real-time on Fable and Instagram. For ratings and reviews, check out my Goodreads.

Currently Listening 🎧

I really appreciated this raw conversation between Emily and Laura as they answered questions on nurturing family relationships, marriage, aging, and body image. So many wise nuggets were dropped, and I finished the podcast feeling encouraged not only in my motherhood but womanhood as I grow into my thirties.

I feel like most of us feel “behind” when it comes to something — marriage, kids, career, finances. The enemy does a great job of reminding us of what we lack. Thank God that in this episode, Meghan Ryan Asbury reminds us of our identity and inheritance in Christ and how we can trust God amid life’s disappointments.

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I would love to hear from you! What brought you joy this week? Leave a comment, or send me a direct message!

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The Weekly (Joy)Cap

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The Weekly (Joy)Cap

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