Starbucks released their Pumpkin Spice Latte yesterday and it got me thinking. Maybe this is the year that we don’t hate on everyone for their early autumnal flavor of choice. Let’s just celebrate it. Maybe, just maybe, fall will be the turning point for this garbage of a year, and we just need to welcome it with open arms and sweaters. 😉 I know I could use a little change, so fall…come right on in!
And to celebrate all things “Unofficial Start to Fall” (because if Starbucks says it is…then it is), I’m doing a little What’s Up Wednesday!
So here’s just what the Kemper crew has been up to…
What We’re Eating This Week
It’s so hot here in KC right now so I’m handing over the cooking duties to my grill master of a husband and settling in for a nice round of burgers and sides a la the gas grill.
So a little bit of burgers…
A simple side dish that the whole family loves…
And a helping of fresh garden veggies with this summer salad!
Need a little spark in your August menu still? Check out my August Meal Ideas!
What I’m Reminiscing About
It’s back to school time and buying the boys their back to school outfits and getting the first day of school signs all prepped makes me think back to all the first days of school in the past. How does it go by so fast?!
This is Colton’s first year of school and I’m so excited for them to start, but my mama heart hates to see them walk out that door.
What I’m Loving
Did you catch my Amazon Lately post yesterday in all its randomness?
You know what I’ve been loving? Amazon. 🙂
I talked about 12 recent purchases from Amazon that have been INCREDIBLE for a whole slew of reasons. I shared kids stuff, beauty, and pieces for the home that I’m so happy with. Everything from tanning mousse to window cleaners to kid-safe knives that actually work!
Amazon, I love you.
What We’ve Been Up To
Not much, and that’s just fine with me.
We got to have Jerod’s grandmother come down to our house and meet Mya for the first time. 92 years old and still the most fashionable, the most quick-witted, and the most independent woman I know.
She’s amazing and these photos with her great-grandbabies are going to be treasured forever. 🤍
What I’m Dreading
The unknown.
We have the excitement of back to school with the fear of what is going to happen in 2 weeks, 4 weeks, or 2 months down the road. I know some are starting virtual and that can be frustrating, infuriating, calming, or exactly where you hoped to be. Others are in person and are nervous, unsettled, or relieved that this is how it’s starting.
But regardless of how you’re starting this school year, it’s still hard to feel solid. We just don’t know how it’s all going to look over this whole school year, and that unsettled feeling is a major dread for me right now.
But we are mamas. And we put on the strong, secure, and calming face because that’s just what our kids need to see. And we thank God for what we have and what He is in control of, and we march on day after day, because it’s in His hands and He is good, guys. He is so, so good.
What I’m Working On
Putting all my finishing touches on our kid’s bathroom revamp I recently “completed.” 🙂
Anyone else do a project to about 95% and just can’t quite get it 100% for about 4 more months?! There’s so little remaining to do, but boy, getting over that finish line has been TOUGH!
The latest little addition to this space is this darling 18″ x 24″ poster I ordered off Etsy and hung in a frame.
Perfect reminder to seize the day and just be awesome, kids!
What I’m Excited About
I have family coming in town!! My brother, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew are driving through the night from Pittsburgh to Kansas City next week to visit, and my heart couldn’t be more excited. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this crew and to have the cousins play again is just what we need!
What I’m Watching/Reading
I’m currently working on my August Book Review for next Monday! Eeee…I’m excited to share what I’ve had loaded up in my Kindle!!
Did you catch my July Review?
What I’m Listening To
Currently, Darius Rucker’s new song ‘Beer and Sunshine.’ It’s basically my ode to 2020. 😊
Cause everybody’s down in a world gone crazy
Don’t know how to fix it but I think maybe
Turn on the good times, turn off the TV
Yeah, the only B.S. I need is beers and sunshine
What I’m Wearing
I’m all about clothes that don’t make me sweat any more than this KC heat is right now. Clothing needs to be 1. Comfortable. 2. Can not show sweat five minutes after going outside with my kids.
Sooo…workout clothes it is!
But I’m really looking forward to fall clothes and getting some great staples in my closet. Check out some finds I’m looking at while I’m “online shopping for my kid’s back to school clothes.” 😉
AE Hoodie
What Else is New
Nothing else! I’m off to work on my September Meal Ideas post that will be ready for Friday! So many great ideas to spice up your September meal plans with a little mix of warm weather meals and fall comfort foods.
Happy Wednesday, everyone! Let’s get after it!
xx Rachel
What’s Up Wednesday {9.30.2020}
What’s Up Wednesday {5.27.2020}
What’s Up Wednesday {4.29.2020}
What’s Up Wednesday {2.26.2020}
Oh, enjoy your visit with your family! And I hear you on that unsettled feeling. We’re currently going back to school in person and I’m just hoping it lasts for a few months, if not longer…
What a beautiful bathroom! I have been toying with the idea of remodeling (well, what remodeling I can do anyway) my master bath. I just are breakfast and those food images are making me hungry regardless. What delicious meals.