A midsummer check-in, with a side of granola.
On habits, connection, and (slowly) letting some things go
Confession time: I wrote this a few weeks ago—BEFORE our Alaskan cruise. And then I did what I so often do…I left it 95% finished, saved in my drafts, waiting for that “right” moment to post.
I thought I’d finish it on the plane to Alaska, then on the cruise ship. Nope. I finished a wonderful memoir on the plane, The Many Lives of Mama Love. And on my downtime on the ship, I’ve walked the promenade, looked for whales, played cards and board games with my kids, practiced hand lettering (with my new pens and workbook, a birthday gift to myself!) AND this is the first time I’ve opened my laptop the whole trip!
Now, here I am at the end of the trip, realizing that waiting for perfect timing is its own habit—one I’m hoping to shake. So before I share all the Alaska magic (coming soon!), I’m pressing publish on this midsummer reflection, just as it is. Late is better than never, right?
Summer is moving at warp speed.
One minute we were wrapping up school with recitals, end-of-year parties, and a block party that involved a Grecian archway (!). And now—somehow—we’re halfway through July. In this blur, I’ve been thinking a lot about habits, rhythms, and the ways we take care of ourselves and each other when the schedule is anything but consistent.
This is a little midsummer check-in from me to you. A peek behind the curtain at what’s working (and not), what I’m learning, and what I’m letting go.
From Morning 5 to Daily 5
One of the first things to fall off when summer began was our beloved Morning 5. With no consistent wake-up time, a constantly shifting camp schedule, and different drop-offs for each kid, our smooth school-year rhythm just disappeared.
But here’s the surprise: even without the checklist, a lot of the habits stuck.
Vivian still gets dressed, tucks in Lovey, and makes her bed. The kids still brush their teeth and (mostly) do what needs to be done. Progress, not perfection.
That said, when my friend Dottie texted me a photo of her Morning 5, still posted proudly on the fridge, it reminded me: this little system I created? It’s helping people. It’s making a difference. And that felt so good.
So we rebooted—with a twist. We’re now doing a more flexible Daily 5, which includes:
Make bed
Veggies + Vitamins
Teeth + Hair
Brain (read, write, piano, workbook, etc.)
Body (pull-ups, soccer, dance, trampoline, you name it)
We also added a “chores and extras” space for things like folding laundry or cutting pineapple (a real example from Owen’s list—’cause he keeps putting a whole pineapple in the grocery cart and I hate cutting those things!)
And guess what? The kids were excited. Vivian still gets that satisfying little dopamine hit from checking boxes, and the reboot felt like a fun reset, not a chore.
Small Habits, Big Shifts
This summer, I’ve also stuck to some of my own wellness goals in ways that make me proud. Since April, I’ve been going to Eunoia Fit, a women-owned, women-only gym, and it’s been a game-changer. I’ve also had a couple of months of personal training with Chelsi Gaines (a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift from Jim), and I’ve managed to work out 3–4 times a week—even with the summer’s chaos.
Even more meaningful? I haven’t stepped on a scale in months. And I don’t miss it. I know my body is getting stronger, and that’s enough. That’s the only measure I need.
Oh, and another tiny joy: I enjoyed grocery shopping. If you know me, this is shocking. But Oak Cliff finally got a Sprouts, and it’s so good. I felt like I actually had great choices. I bought veggies I was excited about. I even made homemade granola (thank you, Kimmi Peacock, for the recipe). A moment of unexpected joy in a place I usually dread.
Social Shifts
One more thing I’ve been thinking about deeply—maybe more than ever—is connection.
It’s something I care about naturally, but also professionally. At Sunny, we’re in the business of social well-being. We think about the science of relationships. We design tools that help people connect.
And this summer? I’ve noticed how much I’ve missed connecting with some of my closest friends.
Everyone’s in and out. Some are working remotely from other states. Kids are scattered across different camps. It’s not like the old days, when all our little ones were at the same school and we saw each other daily by default. I’m still in touch with my people—via texts, audio messages, group chats—but it’s not the same as sitting face to face. I’m craving that time again. And I know back-to-school will help bring some of that natural rhythm back.
On the bright side: the Sunny app officially launched in App Stores, and I’ve been using it personally. I check in on my social battery in the morning. I pin a small action. I follow through. And I’ve found myself thinking more intentionally about who I want to reach out to—and when I need a break.
It’s a reminder to practice what I preach. And to say if you’re someone who’s been reading my blog, or if you care about the work we’re doing at Sunny:
👉 Download the Sunny app. It’s completely free. No ads. Just thoughtfully designed tools to boost your social health. And if you do try it, I’d love your feedback (via a review or shoot me a note).
Visual Habits for the Win
One last little update: Owen recently joined a competitive soccer team (go FC Bayern!). Jim and Owen had been asking for a visual reminder for his soccer gear, so I made a little luggage-tag-style checklist that goes on his bag. It’s not a checklist you mark off—just a visual cue for what he needs to bring each time.
It was a small thing, but a meaningful one.
And it reminded me that structure can be beautiful in its simplicity.
I haven’t listed the new Daily 5 or the Soccer Bag Tag on Etsy yet—just prioritizing other things in life right now. But if you want either one, email me or message me. I’m happy to share or even make you a version.
Next up: our Alaska cruise recap
I’ll be back soon with what we packed, what we learned, and what we loved.
For now, here’s your gentle nudge from me:
✨ What’s one habit you’ve built—or one you want to rebuild?
✨ How are you tending to your relationships this summer?
✨ What’s something small you’ve done lately that made you proud?
Wishing you a season of progress, connection, and small joys—whether that’s strength training or discovering a new grocery store.