And Then There Were Two

High school, happy tears & the back-to-school finds we’re loving this season.

I wasn’t prepared for this chapter.

In less than a week, my baby girl heads to college. And just like that… there will be just two kids at home. Mom. Dad. Roman. Brody. Well… technically five if you count Mabel, Luci and Darla—the only girls left in the house helping me keep the estrogen alive.

How did we get here?

It feels like yesterday I was buying tiny Velcro sneakers and lunchboxes covered in Disney characters. Now I’m standing in the shoe aisle holding up men’s sizes, wondering when exactly my kids became… well… bigger than me. And while my mama heart is still adjusting to having two kids in college, another realization hit me square in the feels this week…

Roman starts high school.

High school.

I’m sorry… what?!

Wasn’t I just packing his kindergarten backpack?

Every August, I tell myself I’m going to keep it together. I’ll smile through the first-day photos, wave confidently at drop-off, and absolutely not cry in the car afterward. Every August… I fail.

Because here’s the thing about motherhood: the milestones don’t get easier just because you’ve done them before. They just look different. One minute you’re worried about whether they remembered their lunch. The next you’re wondering how your son is old enough to be walking the halls of high school. And somehow, in between, you blink… and they’re grown.

Thankfully, one thing hasn’t changed. Back-to-school shopping (any kind of shopping, who are we kidding) is still one of my favorite traditions.

Maybe it’s because it’s one of the last little ways I get to be part of their excitement before they spread their wings for another school year. Maybe it’s because I genuinely love finding great deals (hello, Old Navy sales 👋). Or maybe it’s because shopping for teen and tween boys has become its own Olympic sport.

Either way… I’m here for it.

Back To School Sales We’re Loving

This year, we’re stocking up on everything from sneakers and everyday basics to backpacks that might actually survive the school year. Roman is gearing up for football and lacrosse season, while Brody is counting down to another year filled with dance—and let’s just say sneakers are a love language in this house.

The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to get them ready. I’ve been stalking the best back-to-school sales (you’re welcome), and Old Navy and Nike have some of my favorite finds right now. Plus, if you haven’t heard of Balabala, what are you even waiting for?! Run, don’t walk…. incredible style, impeccable value.

Balabala For The Win

We’re loving these styles for Brody. Get them at balabala.com.

Something For The Moms

But let’s have a quick mom-to-mom moment… Can we agree that if we’re spending weeks getting everyone else ready, we’re allowed to throw one thing in the cart for ourselves?

Because this season doesn’t just belong to our kids. It belongs to us, too.

We’ll be back on the football sidelines. Back at dance competitions. Back to early morning drop-offs, late-night homework, and somehow surviving another year of “Mom, I need this tomorrow.” If I’m doing all that… I’m doing it comfortably.

I’ve officially entered my Sporty Mama Spice era, and you can pry my Adidas tracksuit from my cold, caffeinated hands.

Cute enough for school pickup. Comfortable enough for weekend tournaments. Stylish enough that I feel like I at least have one thing together—even if everyone forgot to tell me about Spirit Week.

As much as I wish I could slow time down, I know I can’t. So I’ll keep taking the first-day photos. I’ll probably still cry in the car. I’ll cheer (scream) the loudest from the stands. And I’ll keep soaking up every season, because I’ve learned they go by way too fast.

Here’s to new backpacks, fresh sneakers, unforgettable memories… and one more school year with my boys.

Let’s make it a good one.

Happy Back-to-School, friends. ❤️