Hi, friend! 💛 Happy Monday!  How was your weekend?  I hope it was restful.

Ours was pretty relaxing, which was much needed — our kids go back to school and I go back to work this week.  We’re gearing up for a school year that looks like no other, and while I’m feeling some anxiety for sure, I’m also feeling peace.

I felt so much solidarity while reading Kelle Hampton‘s Instagram post yesterday, about how we can add “for now” to the end of the big choices we’re making for our families.

For example, “Our kids are doing virtual learning for now.” or “Our kids are returning to the classroom for now.” or “I’m working outside of the home for now.” or “I’m working from home for now.”  It makes it all feel a bit less heavy, you know?

This weekend was full of looking at the calendar and everyone’s schedules and starting to adjust accordingly.  One thing I am looking forward to though?  More of a routine.  With school starting for our kids and work starting again for me, I’ve again found myself with a super quiet house by 10pm (AKA no teenagers staying up all night, watching movies and raiding the pantry).  It’s kind of amazing.

This past week, my kids and I made some birthday cards for their great aunt.  We used the Hooray! collection by Crate Paper and they all turned out so cute that I ended up making a few extras for my Etsy shop.  If you need a birthday card anytime soon, feel free to check them out!

I mailed out the birthday package this morning at the post office, along with some orders and some free cards.  If you’d like a sampling of some handmade Happy Mail Monday cards, please know you can DM me @happymailmonday on Instagram and let me know where to send them.  I’d be more than happy to send a few free cards to you!

If your kids are starting school this week, please know I’m thinking of you and cheering you on.  Whether you’re sending them to school or keeping them home, you’re doing a great job.  And remember — if you need to encourage a friend, a fellow mama, or a teacher, send her a little note letting her know she’s doing awesome.  We all need extra encouragement right now.

Have a great week, friends!  Stay safe and be well! 💛