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While I’ve probably stated that “August is the worst month ever” about a hundred times this month, and there is some pretty solid evidence I could round up to support this notion, I will say that this particular August wasn’t awful.

We got a nice little peek at fall this month, which was a total gift, since this summer has been a super hot one. I got to make a couple birthday cakes for some friends and family. I went on a LOT of walks and started shooting for 10,000 steps a day. It’s been fun. Here are the highlights!

the olympics.

I’m definitely one of those people who turns their entire entertainment focus to the olympics when they come around. I have really enjoyed watching all of the events - and let’s be honest, I recorded all of it so I have loads to catch up on still - but mostly gymnastics, equestrian eventing and swimming.

stone bath mat.

This might be gross, but hear me out. Since Mollie has joined our family, we’ve had a rubber mat under our dog bowls because she loves to lap a bunch of water out of the bowl when drinking. It’s a mess, and since their bowl spot in this house is in a shaded corner, it’s been difficult to keep mold from growing. Recently, I came across this stone bath mat on Amazon and one of the reviews shared that they used it for their dog bowls. I figured it couldn’t hurt to try and I’m so glad I did. This thing actually dries in seconds when water drips on it. It is so cool. Some reviews said the white color was harder to clean, so I got it in grey.

williamsburg.

This month we were able to spend a long weekend in Williamsburg with my best friend’s family. It was our first time “camping” as a family and we had a wonderful time exploring Jamestown, colonial Williamsburg and the Capital Trail. I think Will’s favorite part was the swimming at the campground pool, and all the extra camp snacks.

bloom tearpad.

I bought this planning pad on a whim last Christmas and I just started using it to keep myself straight during this busy work season. I found I really like the sections for to-dos, emails, meetings and the reverse side has personal items. I’m thinking I won’t use a planner for work next year, and stick with this pad for my to-dos, and use a notebook for any notes I need to take. I mean, it’s $6 and super handy for both work and personal items.

grad school.

I started back to school this week. Eek! My plan is to slowly work toward my MBA over the next few years. I’m very nervous to add this additional workload into our already busy schedule, but I know God’s got it and we will make it work. My house just might not be as tidy, oh well.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6