Summer Wrap-Up Coffee Date! 2021 edition (with a giveaway!)
A lot happens in a one summer! — Let’s have coffee and talk about it!
Hey Friends! Well – wow, that June-July-August came and went, didn’t it? 😮
I hope you had a good one…
I’m grabbing something hot and pumpkin-y (obviously)…what will you be having? You might laugh, but I really do imagine we’re having coffee as I write these, so hope you don’t mind playing along!
So, grab a comfy chair and let’s catch up!
First we have to just sit for a second and agree…Wow, there’s a lot of big things happening in the world. I don’t think we have many words but we can agree it’s a hard time, and pretty sure we can agree the division is just no fun. 😔 Yet, we also have to remember that nothing is a surprise to God, and He placed us on this earth in this time…So, we can pray for the things that seem beyond us, and do our best to love and care for those in our little corners of the world. ❤️
Though only a summer went by since our last Coffee Date, it’s incredible how much happens when you look back over a season. Here’s a quick recap and some photos from our last few months…
SUMMER with my whole crew…
The whole family was together, for what may be…the last summer. 😭 I hate to sound dramatic, but after Josiah graduates from college next spring, he is hoping to find a job and spend his next season in California being an independent man. You know, just what we raised him to do (gulp.) He loves loves loves Hawaii, and hopes to settle here long-term. but he realizes that for a season it is probably going to be best to plant himself on the mainland. That’s just his thoughts for now, but because of that I extra-cherished time with the whole crew so much.
And they’re off!
Josiah and Jonah are back at Westmont now. They were delayed ten days because Jonah got a positive Covid test the day before they were scheduled to travel, but now they’re settled in and so very happy! ❤️ I’m missing them, but we also needed to get back into a routine around here, so there is that. 🤷♀️ (or so I tell myself!)
If you missed it, these two joined me for a Q and A podcast episode last week that covered a lot of fun subjects.
side note: *I shared a few words in that ^^ episode about Jonah’s Covid experience and where my family has landed with vaccines (especially in light of my husband being a hospital doctor taking care of Covid patients.) Then, after lots of requests, Dave has agreed to join me for an episode just to answer questions sent in to him. (there are some really good questions!) We’ll work on that soon so stay tuned for a Q and A with Dr. Dave in the near future.
I’m getting a dining room!
Over the summer we knocked out our kitchen wall/sliding door and framed in the once-covered lanai to add an actual dining room to our home! Yippee… this has been my dream since we moved here ten years ago! We’ve never had an indoor dining area in this house and while it’s lovely to be able to eat outside most of the year, when it’s Christmas day and there are hurricane winds and rain, (which seems to happen every year!) even a Hawaiian covered lanai is not very comfortable. (There’s something just wrong about eating Christmas dinner at a kitchen counter, right?) I am so excited!
Here’s a quick not-very-professinoal-collage showing…
Left to right…(top to bottom)…
A. Before (or just after they poured concrete in the new addition area.)
B. How our kitchen has looked for the past few months — 😂 #tinykitchen
C. Mid-remodel, Luke showing us the new dining room, from outside towards the kitchen.
D. The new framed in room looking from the kitchen side out! Getting closer…
Sorry if I’m not great at capturing the scene, but hopefully by my next Coffee Date post 🙏🏼 , I’ll have some “after” photos that will make more sense.
SUMMER TRAVELS:
After a year which seemed like we did not go –ANYWHERE 😉 this summer took me off the island three times.
1. Dave and I made a trip to Oregon after his precious mom passed away. She had suffered from Alzheimers for the past five years and was very ready to be with Jesus, but oh it is still just hard to let someone go who has been such an incredible blessing. She and Dave’s dad had been married over 65 years!! (#goals).
Here’s a favorite photo of Dave with his folks just a couple years ago.
And Dave last summer looking out over the McMinnville country property his parents used to live on. (His sister lives there now ❤️)
2. Back in June, Dave and I met up with Luke (who had already been traveling between Mexico and California for a month) in San Clemente for US Champs. (My folks joined us too, which always adds to the fun.) He made it through a few rounds but did not make finals this year. Surf contests are a roller coaster. That I do know. 😉 (We still had fun! And we couldn’t be more proud of Luke.)
pictures taken by my sweet and talented friend Nicole from Maui.
And then — just last week, I traveled on my own for a quick 3 days for my oldest brother Lance’s wedding. It was a lovely small ceremony right in Gig Harbor on the most beautiful day. (Professional photos will be much better!)
It was all such a reminder of God’s kindness and grace in the middle of hard times, in the world and in many families, too. (And…I love my new sister-in-law!)
Also, time at my parents home in Gig Harbor is always a treat…
SCHOOL (and Golf, and Surf…) updates-
LEVI: We settled on homeschooling Levi again after all. (long story. But God is good. This IG post shares a little of the honest heart behind it.) He’s in 6th grade this year and seriously — I LOVE this stage so so so much. Also: Character Training is no joke. 😉
Also: Levi is officially obsessed with golf.
(Though we’re happy he hasn’t thrown in his surf-towel yet either. 😉 )
Contests were back on for a minute this summer. Hoping they get to hold more this fall. 🙏🏼
Luke is a senior this year, and taking his first dual-enrollment college class through Liberty University. So far it’s going great. He plans to keep traveling and surfing professionally after high school, which means it does not look like he’ll be taking the traditional college route like his brothers after high school. This is a huge decision, but we’ve seen it coming and we are excited for Luke. (It’s unfortunate that there is not a college-route to being a pro surfer the way there is for most sports, but — thank God for online college!)
Love these photos by @wherediegoes
Of course, find more great photos and fun videos on his Instagram account.
And me…? Have I mentioned!?….I’m writing another book! 🤓
I will be working with Zondervan and I am over the moon excited!!
I love the topic so much (it’s parenting-related, but I’ll tell you more specifics soon enough. 😉) But writing a book is no joke, (obviously!) and my prayer request would be for: focus, inspiration, confidence in what I want to say, and TIME to get the writing done. (Thank you so much.)
Meanwhile I’m pretty excited about Turtle Bay Resort’s grand-reopening (It’s STUNNING) as I can get back to my favorite neighborhood “office” for serious writing…or at least deep thoughts as I try to write!
There is always more but I’m feeling like I have hogged the conversation! Let’s get a refill and now… it’s your turn!
Hit COMMENT BELOW and share anything you’d tell me over coffee! And if you do, I’ll enter your name into a drawing to win one of 2 $20 Starbucks cards! I’ll choose winners on Friday, September 17th and email you directly!
Much love to all of you!!
XO Monica
PS Keep an eye out THIS WEEK as I’ll be opening the doors to my Raising Tech-Smart Kids Mini-Course from Wednesday until Friday only! (September 15-17!!)
(I’ve only offered this on its own one time before!) Check out what’s in the course here, and mark your calendars!!
Hey there Monica! Nice to see things are well with you and yours. I can’t believe how grown up your boys are. I remember when your little one was a baby! Now we see them as young adults! Mind blowing, really.
Our older daughter is in her first year of college. We kept both girls as cyber the last three months when the pandemic started—2019? It has been so long I don’t even remember. I kept them home the entire next school year, cyber at the school. So my older one was at home her senior year. Both my girls got vaccine as soon as they were able, so she was able to attend senior activities at end of year. Now she’s about 30 mins away in Pittsburgh attending college. Close, but not too close, and adjusting to life on campus. My younger one is 18 months younger, but two grades apart. Since they were a captive audience at home for a year, with only the other as company, they grew closer. So she’s been adjusting to being an “only child” (sometimes !) and learning to drive. She’s back in high school. Both worked this summer too, so the house was quiet occasionally. It’s so odd! Our dogs make up for it in barking. Haha. We started going back to church in person about four months ago, and I meet up in small group once a week. I have been recuperating from an inflamed ligament? Tendon? Can’t remember — in my inside ankle that has hobbled me for about two months. I love to walk and that has hampered me somewhat, this year. Trying to take it easy so it heals up.
Aloha, Monica! Always love to catch up over “coffee”! Over here in Illinois school is back in session- both parents teaching, one 7th grader and one freshman! My historically school-loving freshman is a little underwhelmed with high school. That throws us for a loop because this kid LOVES school!. He doesn’t have a fall school sport ( only club swimming and gymnastics this time of the year) and all of his friends are busy with practices after school. I have referred to your lonely-season blog post a couple of times. Things seem a bit better this week.
This summer we were truly lucky to visit the Big Island right in the sweet spot. Everything was open and the COVID numbers were under control. That quickly changed about a week after we returned home. What an adventure! Bonus- my mom traveled with us! The boys tried spearfishing, ATV riding, cliff jumping and it was epic! The beauty and aloha left impressions.
We are already itching to plan our next trip to Oahu to visit family. But, we respect that COVID is unpredictable at best, and respectfully have decided to table any discussion of a 2022 visit.
I am so incredibly excited to learn more about your book. I am intrigued by the specific topic. Selfishly, I am hoping it centers around the teen/launching chapter in parenthood. Whatever the topic, I’m here cheering you on and sending prayers!
I’ve been reading a lot more lately, what with all that going on in the world, so I’d keep it easy and talk books with you.
Yay for the dining room and book contract! I’m guessing if we were together drinking coffee, we’d talk about books and dremaing up/creating content and timelines for courses. 🙂
I hate a cluttered inbox. My unsubscribe game is strong 😆 I am only subscribed to two emails that I read each time they land in my inbox, yours and Asherita CuiCui’s. Your emails are a breath of fresh air Monica. I can also feel that island breeze hit my face as I look at all of your stunning pictures that you share. Ahhh, to someday visiting Hawaii 🏝. Your words help to remind me not to be envious of yours, or anyone else’s life, but to cherish mine, right here, right now, with my three wonderful boys. Thank you for always being encouraging and challenging us to be in the presence of Jesus, be present, and be intentional. Much love Monica!
Oh this is a very favorite comment ever!! 🙂 Thank you so much for the encouragement! Big hugs to you and your three wonderful boys!! I wish I could transport you here for a coffee on the beach!
🥰 Someday!!
I have to share with you a moment where I felt the character training, your wisdom and of course God’s goodness showed up. I have 2 junior high boys, 11 & 13. It’s hard. They are fun, but as you said above, character training is no joke. Well, at a football game the other night one of their fellow players (and my sons best friend) was injured. In the midst of the paramedics tending to their buddy on the field, my 8th grade son asked his teammates to kneel and pray with him. What an answered prayer of mine! That in times of need they will seek God’s hand. This was such an affirmation that he does get it and seeds have been planted. He has just recently really began to complain about going to church so this to me was such a blessing. I appreciate you sharing your experiences raising your boys, the character training you are so intentional about and the speakers that you have had on the podcast that share tips, prayers and wisdom of how to raise Godly children. Thank you! It blesses me so much!
ohhhh you made me cry!! I love this so much and appreciate that you took time to share! Big hugs to you and your sweet boys. Keep up the great work — yes it does pay off! (also, is your son’s friend ok? 🙏🏼) With much aloha, Monica
Congratulations on all the happy things going on in your family’s lives! After a week in NC at both the beach and the mountains (my fave) at the beginning of summer, the rest of it was filled with my boys working summer jobs and my youngest attending 3 different camps. Then we took my oldest to his first year of college, which he is absolutely loving so far. Now we are busy preparing our high school senior for college as well, working on apps, essays, test prep, etc. And trying to keep my sophomore guy from failing school (just keeping it real here). Would appreciate any prayers for wisdom and healing of kids’ mental health.
Ahh. Love our coffee dates. I do hope someday we can have one in person. My son has gotten the golf passion as well and it looking at colleges for Golfing. Continue sharing the pictures.
After my prayer time this morning, I brought my coffee to my computer and read your blog. It did feel like you were sitting here with me. So many of your comments resonated since I, too, have two that have recently gone back to college, and two that are still home with me. Reading all of your homeschool experiences really inspired me to homeschool my younger two sons last year. I struggled with whether to send them back to traditional school this year, but have taken the plunge because in my heart I know it is the best decision for our family. God bless you and the work you do! Anne-Marie in Colorado
Hi Monica. It sure sounds like you had a great summer! We also had a fun one. It began with my youngest son’s Nationals Dance competition. He’s only 7 but it’s truly his passion. His team/group numbers did well, with one winning first place in their category, and his trio won first place in category and 9th overall…which is huge. My oldest was allowed to join the high school marching band this year even though he’s only in 8th grade. I was a little nervous but it’s actually been a fantastic experience and he’s making some great older friends and has started to come out of his shell more and grow in confidence. It was a long summer of learning how to play while marching but it paid off and he loves it so much. I haven’t see him this happy in a long time. We finished with our annual family vacation to Fenwick Island, Delaware and enjoyed the beach, pool, and fishing. It was exactly the summer we needed, especially post-Covid. Congrats on the dining room and I look forward to the new book!
Hi Monica,
Just wanted to share that we had a lovely summer, the most enjoyable yet with our boys (5, 4 & 2)…we made a fun bucket list & accomplished most of it…which included going to my parents cottage, kayaking, swimming, reading, doing sparklers, making s’mores & all that sort of fun stuff. It was the first summer I felt like I had a bit more capacity & after the lockdown here in Toronto Canada this winter/spring, it was refreshing to have a the kids play freely with other kids like they are supposed to! Blessings on your book writing and the ever changing seasons with your little men!
Thanks for sharing with us! The world is heavy right now, so more than ever we need God and each other. Can’t wait to see the rest of your remodel! I grew up where Liberty University is and my husband graduated from the online program. It’s a great school! This summer we had our 5th boy. So it’s been a busy, but oh so fun summer. Now we are into our homeschooling year, and I’m learning how to balance teaching 3 elementary kids, a toddler, and a baby. Lots of grace and flexibility going on right now 😂. Hope you have a wonderful fall!
Hi Monica! I love enjoying this cup of coffee with you! ☺️ We had a great summer. We took a quick trip to Savannah, GA over the 4th which was so nice. Our kids in GA went back to school on August 1st. The boys started high school and my daughter started 7th grade. The boys’ social life has kicked up 7 notches it seems. Lots of football games, Airsoft, and hanging out with friends. They are very close with their church small group and staying on the right path so far. My daughter is doing great in 7th. She is a very talented flute player and overall creative little thing. She has surprised us this year with her love for mountain biking. She reluctantly joined the team (the boys ride and hubby and I coach) and she now asks what we’re doing at each practice and begs to go night riding with her Dad. 😉 Our Fall break is next week and we’re going to the beach. ☺️ I’m praying for you! So excited about your next book!
Hi Monica! Thank you for the updates! I am so excited for your new book. I will be praying for you during this process
I loved what you shared on IG about your thoughts on homeschooling Levi again this year. We decided it was best to keep our boys with their cyber school this year (as well as starting our daughter with Kindergarten) vs. sending them back to their b&m. We are in our 2nd week of school here and although it’s going well, there has been a bit of adjustment. The 3 year old is quite a bit of a distraction when we are all doing school!
We made a lot of great memories this summer and enjoyed a lot of family time! However, I am ready for fall now!
Oh Monica, it’s been so long since I read your blog! I loved this post and it’s like talking to an old friend! I have been busy all summer helping raise my 7 younger siblings, and I start my first term of community college in late September. I am very excited! Last week I endured a short struggle with an ovarian cyst but I am feeling much better now! I have many prayer warriors!
I hope you have a lovely day!
❤️Emma
So good to see you Monica 😉
We had a lovely summer here in Gig harbor! Lots of time outside swimming and playing. As fall approaches Audrey is starting preschool ( insert excited but nervous squeal) and it just so happens to coincide with Theos napping so I get two hours twice a week to do whatever I like which is new since covid shutdown all our moms groups last year. She is starting ballet friday which she is so excited for. And they both got their first haircuts so alot of firsts! Audrey really is getting her own personality ( and it’s coming through with the potty training) so that character training is coming in handy. We are excited to take in fall and all the things that go along with it ( changing leaves, sweaters and cozy rainy days) so good to see you again 😊
I’d love to chat a bit about transitions over a cappuccino! This is the first fall my boys (9,12,14) are at three different schools (elementary,middle,and high school). Different schedules, busses, opportunities, and friends. So very thankful they are actually attending school in person, however this creates more time/space to contemplate MY transitions as well. As I witnesses their many changes, I have felt the weight of rediscovering who I am apart from being mom.
Wow! You’ve had an exciting summer! We’ve had a lot go on as well. My husband left his full time construction job to pursue full time ministry and start licensing school. (I stay home with the kiddos and do some side work so he was the main financial provider). God is so good! My husband was offered a full time pastor position within our church, God provided us with not one but two new home options and provided me with more VA work to help supplement our income to keep the boys home with me.
We’ve had a wonderful summer getting to see almost all of our family. It’s been a hot one, so looking forward to fall!
After a year, we have finally started to patch up, paint, etc the house we moved into last summer! We lived for months with holes in the wall where old medicine cabinets used to be, dings from the previous owners, and a torn out half bath (that is even more work than we anticipated!). It’ll be a slow and steady process but I’m excited to see the outcome once it’s all done!
Our church plant is growing and God has been doing great work in our lives! Satan has also been attacking us but we are so thankful for our body and the way we have seen them come alongside to love and serve as Christ does.
What would I tell you over coffee? I would say summer has been lovely spending time visiting wider family round the uk, That I am looking forward to meeting church family in the flesh (we joined online in lockdown) and how September brings an excitement for Chris as the nights draw in.
Hiiii Monica!!
I feel like it’s been a while since we’ve talked and I missed you! I’m so happy for you and that your summer was very action-packed! There are so many great things happening in your life and I’m oh so excited for you!
I wish I could say that the seasons are changing here in the desert, but that would be the opposite of what’s happening, it’s actually getting hotter, woohoooo🙂 playing golf in 115 degree whether has not been super fun oddly enough, but if I can endure that, nothing’s impossible in the Lord😌 Senior year is pretty gnarly so far, lots of good lessons being learned and God is definitely putting me through a season of uncertainty, but it’s been wonderful learning to give absolutely everything to Him and I definitely have a lot more to learn, so that’s exciting. I’ve been going to a wonderful church and youth group for about a month now and that is really really helping me through the season I’m going through and it gives me a lot of motivation and hope. I’m missing summer and the beautiful ocean so much, but I’m thankful for everything I have now. I’m praying for cooler weather to come sooner than later so I can be outside more often and not have to be sweaty 25/8. Lord, please grant us a miracle and get our temperatures below 100🙏. All in all, I’ve been very blessed and I’m happy to have all these events going on in my life.
I hope your booking writing is going well, lots of my prayers go out to you and your family. May there be an outpouring of blessing in your life! May your fall scented candles be a burnin’, may your pumpkin bread be a bakin’, and may all your wonderful fall wishes come true. Lots and lots of love and blessings!!❤️😌
I had a very relaxing summer, We went out in our Kayaks a few times each month, took out jet skis a couple times, I ended up with covid myself on fathers day, luckily I had my vaccine so I was only sick for a day and 1/2 and didn’t get anyone sick. It was right thru the hottest days our area ever had 115 degrees where everyone heat pumps well a lot of them crash and needed about a $30 dollar part, We help our local Lions club with a food booth for 4 weeks make so money which we will give back to our local people, We try to head to Hawaii about once a year but with covid and how crowded we hear Hawaii is now, We will skip a year, and hopefully everything will closer to normal soon to be back
Ok, so no coffee for me at the moment (it’s 11pm here!), but I did enjoy reading your update. You sound like you had a very busy summer! We actually had the very opposite. My 2 boys did not have their usual sports to join (thanks COVID), but we made the most of the summer anyway. 2 camping trips and a week away at a cottage. It was great family time and I really feel like we’re heading into fall with a new appreciation for each other.
Thank you for sharing your family life and wisdom that comes with it. Happy Fall days ahead!🍁☕️🍁
You and Dave are obviously doing an amazing job with raising your boys. I only have one, and I feel like I am in a season of preparing for launch. He’s a junior in high school, and I am sure that adulthood will be here when I blink. I am overwhelmed with a sense of urgency, of running out of time to teach him all the things. At the same time, I am seeking out my path for what lies ahead. Did you know than women can have mid-life crises? That’s where I am at the moment. But I have done a thing, a thing of my own. I finished ice hockey lessons, and I will join a group of ladies tomorrow night for Girls Night Out on the ice. After a summer of struggling with my anxiety and depression, I am feeling some excitement again. And it will be important to have this when my nest empties.
I completely understand anxiety and depression. I have an endocrine disorder and it is a struggle to stay positive. Keep up with doing special things just for yourself! Try to cultivate joy in small things. You are already doing an amazing job!
❤️Emma
I would love to pick your brain about raising four boys because I am pregnant with my FOURTH BOY! Also would love to hear about health and wellness after baby since I’m ready to reset my diet and exercise consistently ESPECIALLY since this is my last pregnancy. And most of all, I’d love to talk about training and instilling godly character in each of my boys. You’re so right, it IS no joke. So hard but so worth it. So thankful for you, Monica.
wow, Ali! Congratulations!! I’m so happy for you. Oh I love all of those topics so much — wish we could chat. Keep up the great work and thank you for the very kind words! xoxo