Great news, friends. I cried far less in month two than I did in month one. I’d call that a success!

It seems the start of the new school year has brought a welcomed and much needed routine to our family life. Aden and Ava have settled into new classrooms and thus far, things are going very well. Aden had a rough adjustment to fourth grade so I was anxious about him starting fifth grade. His teacher has been wonderful, he has a few services in place to support him during the day (#autism) and he comes home happy. My momma heart is very, very glad. Ava is doing well in school (as always) and her dance schedule has doubled this year. This means a TON of driving/shuffling/pick up/drop offs/kid/carseat switching and more, but she loves dance, so we love to support her in it.

As for sweet Carolina…she’s doing better! We still have the occasional meltdown and some separation anxiety but we’ve seen that lessen in these last few weeks. She’s in preschool 3 full days a week. Scott picks her up between 3:30-4:00 PM and she’s happy as a clam. She’s so sweet each morning as she puts her little backpack on and runs to the door. She has a few “best” friends that we meet on the play ground. Kyle, Sol and Saige. They’re quite the posse! She kisses me goodbye and goes running, ready for a day of giggles, learning and more.

Add this new excitement about school, the cooler temps here in the desert and an almond milk pumpkin latte in my hand and I am one happy momma! In all seriousness though, this shift in Carolina’s heart has been huge for our family, and especially for me. I don’t feel like I’m making a mistake by working in full-time ministry. God has called us to it and He will see us through it. Thank goodness for that!

A few things I’ve learned in month two…

1. Taking ownership is scary but necessary. I’m settling into my new role at Southwest Church and moving into decision-making territory. I’m not sure how I feel about it yet but there’s no stopping the inevitable.
2. Apparently I have a problem with perfectionism. This affects me big time when I make a mistake, when we have a technical failure or malfunction during services, when an upload goes wrong and more. I have the ability to extend grace to everyone but myself. I’m working on that.
3. I really, really love our intern program. This program is championed by our music director, Zach, and it’s just so cool. Reaching high schoolers and college aged kids for Jesus, helping them grow professionally and spiritually…no better way to spend our time than investing in the next generation. We start with a new group of interns this week and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for them.
4. Juggling Video Director responsibilities with worship leader responsibilities is hard but not impossible. I was able to lead worship on main stage for the first time in over two months in the beginning of September and I felt a bit rusty. My voice was tight and even wearing IEMs (in ear monitors) felt new as it had been so long. However, my entirely volunteer based video team was incredible, executed services flawlessly and I was so proud of them! I really do have the most talented and selfless people on my team. How did I get so lucky?!
5. Christmas planning meetings are so much fun.
6. I have to carve out time for my business. Period. The End. I mean – I’m able to work in my business but not able to work on my business. Those are two entirely different things and the latter is a must for growth.
7. I’m really, really missing the rush of a wedding every weekend.
8. I also have to carve out time for my friends. I have literally seen my girls once since my birthday back in June. ONCE. Apparently working full time, being a photographer, wife, mom of 3 and more is a lot to juggle.
9. Scott and I have been doing pretty well, all things considered, but we could always make more effort to spend quality time with one another. Thankfully my momma or sister can jump in and babysit for our last minute trips to Fleming’s for happy hour.

All in all, this month has been smoother than last. School has helped and I’m so, so grateful that the seasons seem to be changing in more ways than one. Month three – here I come.