Monday is here! I hope you all had a lovely weekend. Ours was beautiful! We spent so much time outside, used the fire pit on Saturday and Sunday, and went on a lovely ride to a nearby lake to enjoy the foliage a little longer. And more personally, I managed to finish two books, am halfway through the body on my current knitting project, and am all caught up on the Baking Show (but am gutted by the cut on caramel week). I didn’t want the weekend to end and was kind of dreading today when I crawled into bed last night. Our little vacation is over and now it’s back to the real world.
Today I’m going to share how I’m psyching myself up for a return to school and a little glimpse into my notebook from last week:
I’m trying to remind myself how cozy homeschooling can be. One of my favorite ways to think about homeschooling is that it’s an opportunity to teach my children how to live well, how to embrace learning in all of its forms, and how to slow down when it feels necessary. So of course, I have a school plan for this week which we will mostly follow, but I’ll also be bringing out candles and sweets (along with our usual fruit and veggie filled snack plate during our morning read aloud) to help with our transition. Honestly — I think the transition is going to be hardest on me, so I’ll need to remember that this morning.
As you all know, last week had a different structure and was much more relaxed. Look at all the dots! That’s either time spent reading (pink or brown dots) or knitting (green or blue dots). Sometimes both at the same time thanks to so many audiobooks at my disposal right now. It’s difficult to think about giving all of that up this week. But I know once our morning really starts, then it will be easy to fall back into our old rhythm and all will be well.
Clearly I’m in a strange mood today! I hope you’re not as ambivalent about your plans for the day as I am. Here’s to a great Monday for all of us. Take good care!
The Cozy Burrow 
Katie, your sentence about homeschooling is note worthy! So glad you had a great week and that is fuel for today. All is well! Blessings as you go forward!
LikeLike
Thank you, Linda! ❤️
LikeLike
Ugh, we have to finish the caramel episode tonight and now I’m worried about who is going home! I’m glad you were able to enjoy being outside all weekend — sounds like the weather was pretty spectacular in all of the Northeast.
LikeLike
It was the most perfect fall weekend … my gosh, I do love these days! I am so glad your vacation week was as perfect! And while it makes the return to “normal” a bit disappointing, I am reminding myself of all the memories I carry from our week away and will be drawing on them as I tackle this week!
May school re-entry be smooth!
LikeLike
Such a good reminder – thank you! And our re-entry to school was a really good one. Thank you!
LikeLike
As a homeschool graduate, your homeschooling thoughts definitely resonate ❤
I’ve been playing catch-up with Bakes, and will watch the caramel episode tonight (most likely) – now I’m nervous!
LikeLike
Thank you, Rebecca! I don’t want to give anything away from the baking show, but let me know when you’ve watched it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve watched. Ohmigoodness, that was a wild (and hard!) week/challenge! 😮😮😮
LikeLike
Yes! I love this show so much!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your passage about making the return to homeschool cozy and slow, it reminds me of a book I’m reading right now called Njuta: Enjoy, Delight In: The Swedish Art of Savoring the Moment by Niki Brantmark. What you’re doing sounds very Swedish. The snacks and candles can help bring a sense of presence to the moment. I love that!
Haven’t watched the latest Bake Off episode yet – don’t like the sound of what you’ve said! This is such a great cast. They’re all so talented and lovely.
LikeLike
Thank you for that book recommendation – I love those kinds of books! The snacks, candles, and afternoon tea time were a great way to ease into the week. Here’s to staying consistent!
So sorry to create such dread with my Baking Show comment. Let me know when you’ve watched caramel week!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Re-entry into the regular routine is always hard, whether it’s going back to school or work! As much as I would love to live in vacation world, I know that realistically it would never pan out like that. It just makes those breaks more precious knowing they are limited. I’m glad you had such a nice time off, and I hope the transition is easier than you think!
LikeLike
Such a good reminder, thank you Sarah! And yes – the day was lovely and reminded me why I love homeschooling so much!
LikeLike
Hoping today went smoothly … you were certainly prepared! I think sweets & candles is how everyone should embrace the afternoon. (also. naps!)
LikeLike
Thank you, Mary! The day went really well. The kids were ready to get back into the swing of things and made it easy to get started. Candles, teapots, and stroopwafels pulled from the way back of the cupboard helped too 🙂
LikeLike
I love the idea of sticking a mini cover of the book you’ve read/are reading in your planner! 😄♥️
LikeLike
It’s such a fun reminder!!
LikeLiked by 1 person