While summer isn’t officially over, the start of the school year signifies the end of one season and the beginning of another. I don’t often write about the little quirks about being a fire wife much anymore as I’m now used to this way of life, but over the past week as we took one last little get-a-way and enjoyed a family beach day together on Labor Day, I really tried to take it all in. I tried to take it all in because this time together has been few and far between this summer. Between over time and forced holds I feel like the only quality time we all had together was when we were away. As a fire family, summer time does not equal family time. I am thankful for the time that we did have of course, but as I reflect on this journey to simplicity that I have been working towards over the past few months, it’s a hard pill to swallow that our time together isn’t as organic as it used to be, that it has to be so planned, thought out, and intentional. Don’t misunderstand me here, there is nothing wrong with these things, we should all be intentional more often, but with these growing teenagers who returned to school today for grades 7, 9, and 11, I see how fleeting time really is.

So as I sit down for the first time today and eagerly await the first two teenagers to walk in the door in about twenty minutes, I can’t help but have mixed emotions. I’m sad that we only had one family beach day together but I am thankful that we got that one family beach day together and it was amazing(though a little chilly). I’m anxious to see what this new school year has in store, yet excited to see what amazing things my kids will accomplish this year. I’m sad that my hubby had so little time off this summer, but thankful and glad that the time he did have off he could relax and be with us.

This journey to simplicity is not over. But it will look a little different. For right now I plan to be fully present in this moment while trying to thoughtfully plan family time amidst the schedules that are creeping up on us. I hope and pray that with each day that passes, we do not take our family for granted and that we are thankful for the gift of time that we have together.