Live in Your Season

+ a whole lotta photos!

Jul 06, 2024

Hey friends!

I’ve let too much time pass since the last newsletter, and I have too much to share, so this is just a whole bunch of rapid fire things I’ve really been wanting to share with you!

For the last couple of months, I’ve been inspired by The Lazy Genius encouragement to live in your season. The idea is simply to be present, do what works right now in this season. This has specifically impacted our family’s meals. I know meal planning is not a new idea, but it hasn’t always been a part of the Dryer family rhythm.

Since we’ve settled into our new home, and I’ve had lots of extra time at home, I’ve enjoyed developing a new rhythm of planning our meals out a month at a time. I know that sounds a little crazy, but it’s working for us in this season! I’ve specifically been using the meal planning methods from The Lazy Genius Kitchen and Naptime Kitchen. I won’t explain it all here, but if you need some help in this department, I recommend clicking those links! My favorite part about having a meal plan is when I hear my kids only halfway ask, “What’s for dinner to—….” and then they remember they can check the calendar on the fridge to find out for themselves. WIN!

Last night, I joked with my family, “I hope I don’t forget how to cook when I start working full-time again!” My husband responded with, “That’s exactly what I hope doesn’t happen!” I giggled, and then I got to thinking about how grateful I am that I’ve had these summer, settling-in months to develop some habits that will make the school year easier on our family. Not much is worse than getting home from a full day at school and not having a plan for dinner. The rhythms I’m learning in this season will fuel my rhythms in the next season. I think it’s safe to say that my school-year self will be thanking my summer self!

Beyond the dinner menu, this concept has worked deeper into my own heart as well. In a season of transition, of exploring a new community, of learning a new way of life, of meeting new people and making new friends, of grieving what is behind us, I am learning to live in my season. Occasionally I feel the tug of discontentment, either gazing at what is lost or rushing ahead to what is to come, but the Holy Spirit is gently and graciously reminding me to remain here, in this season. Because He is here with me today wanting to speak to me and teach me. And I know with confidence that what He teaches me in this season will certainly fuel me in the next.

READ LATELY:

My cookbooks! — Anyone else have a collection of cookbooks that are basically decor? That’s mostly been the case for the handful of cookbooks I have. But in my meal planning journey, I’ve been reaching for the cookbooks more often, and it feels like a very practical way to slow down. Flipping through the pages, looking at photos (that make me hungry), and being inspired by lots of meal ideas. I’m loving it.
‘That Thing Is Alive’: How the Bible Affected Its 6 Newest Narrators — Such an intriguing article that made me want to set out on my own journey to read the entire Bible aloud!
The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer — If you’re into historical fiction, specifically the Holocaust…wow, this is an excellent read.
Tide, Feather, Snow: A Life in Alaska by Miranda Weiss — I felt some camaraderie with this author as she tells about adapting to life in coastal Alaska. I learned a whole lot too!
Raising Mentally Strong Kids by Dr. Amen & Dr. Fay — I’m about halfway through this one, but I am learning so much and trying to put it into practice right away! If you’re a parent or a teacher, I highly recommend this book!

LIFE LATELY

At the beginning of June, we had a missions team come up from Florida/Kentucky to help us do a Mega Sports Camp + some other projects around town. We had an absolute blast getting to know them, and my kids cried buckets when it was time for the team to go home. It was so special to see my kids bond with them so quickly, and the team truly blessed us by loving on our family and church so well. Here are a few photos from that week (click photo to enlarge):

Of course, June involved lots of hiking and exploring. Not only are we finding some new favorite beaches and views (pictured below), we are also building fortitude and stamina and learning “The Dryers can do hard things!” Said another way…our hikes also include complaining and crying (not pictured below). Ha!

Another highlight from the month was visiting Fairbanks, where we lived for six years and all three kids were born! We got to see lots of friends, visit some of our favorite places and restaurants, and I got a whole week with my best friend!

MRS. DRYER UPDATE

While I don’t want summer to end anytime soon, I’m slowly getting back into the teacher mindset. I get excited when I think about getting to meet my students and their families! I got to take a peek at my new classroom last week, which made it all the more real! I can’t wait to get in there and make it my own!

Here’s a shameless plug for my classroom wishlist on Amazon! Teachers couldn’t do it without all the support our friends and family give!