This September 2025 life update covers everything from starting a new job to sending three daughters off to school, plus book recs and fall favorites.
Life Lately in September 2025
We are in a new chapter here in the Houston household. All three girls are in school at the same time! We were nervous about this school year with each child adjusting to a new schools – middle school, upper elementary, and preschool. Nerves and tensions were high for the week before the first day, but I’m so proud to report daughters are thriving in their respective grades.
This new chapter is not just three kids in three different places – but also a Mom in an office! I am working part time, three days a week, at a med spa in town (keep reading for details). Between my office working hours, personal business hours, school and dance and soccer – our weekly schedule is more chaotic than ever.
My New Job at Glow Medical Aesthetics
When I was approached with the possible role of Office Manager at Glow Medical Aesthetics – I couldn’t turn it down. Don’t get me wrong, the prospect of going back to work was frightening and intimidating. I spiraled worrying how we could manage our daughters’ schedules when I would be in the office after school hours.
How would dinner before extracurriculars work when I’m the chef of the house? Who would pick up my oldest from cross country while the middle child was getting off the bus and needed to be at dance soon after? Won’t the laundry and dishes pile up? My list of worries was long – but the consistent paycheck, opportunity for long term job security, and the prospect of doing something NEW and challenging was too powerful to resist.
I love my job, I love my boss and coworkers, and I love having a reason to get dressed up. I still find time to practice yoga, grow my photography business, and record the Just 4 Moms podcast. Another happy bonus: Brandon has stepped up his cleaning/cooking/laundry game.
Back-to-School Updates: Three Kids, Three Schools
I am proud to report we are three weeks in and everyone is doing just FINE. My weeks of worry have proven to be pointless – because parenthood is all about navigating the unknown and we have got this part down. Are the girls (and my husband) having trouble adjusting to my absence after-school? Sure. Dinner isn’t ready by 4pm and Dad has to memorize the dance schedule. Is Arbor extra emotional and a little angry our Mommy and Me time has dwindled? Yup, but she begs to go to school every day. Does Ailey hate riding the bus instead of getting dropped off/picked up? Not at all – the bus rules.
Annabelle’s transition to sixth grade was not seamless, but she is loving middle school. I’m proud of her for making new friends, trying out for cross country (alone!), and signing up for various academic clubs. Each morning I drive Annabelle to middle school – and look forward to our alone time. It’s the only chance we have to chat without interruption about everything from music to easy no-wash hairstyles to preteen changes.
My middle child, Ailey, attends the upper elementary school for third grade. She was very emotional about leaving her K-2 school, but so far she enjoys the perks of her new establishment. Between weekly walks on the nature trail and her teacher’s contagious energy, Ailey often races to the bus stop.
As for my youngest Arbor – preschool is everything. I didn’t really talk about my and my husband’s feelings of her flying the coop. I didn’t know how to put words to our mixed emotions. On one hand, she was in desperate need of a place to call her own and a learning environment. But on the other hand, our third child is our last – school is a new stage of childhood and she still feels like our baby. Thankfully, we have no regrets about our decision to send our three year old to preschool – she literally LOVES going every day.
September 2025 Reading List & Book Reviews
I could not be happier to find time to read again. Here are my book recommendations for September 2025.
“Silver Elite” by Dani Francis – My sister in law recommended this dystopian romance before she was even finished with the book – and I did the same to my friends. I didn’t know how badly I NEEDED this book after mourning the end of the Maas and Yarros series. Nothing was filling the void – until I read “Silver Elite.” Sadly the sequel is a year away.
“Divine Rivals” by Rebecca Ross – After “Silver Elite” I worried I’d enter another book hangover until I randomly picked up “Divine Rivals” at the library. This book is so well written – like a true piece of literature – and tells a story of love and self-discovery. Just read it – I’ll leave you with a beautiful quote: “I think we all wear armor. I think those who don’t are fools, risking the pain of being wounded by the sharp edges of the world, over and over again. But if I’ve learned anything from those fools, it is that to be vulnerable is a strength most of us fear. It takes courage to let down your armor, to welcome people to see you as you are.”
“Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard – This story is about a divided society of reds and elites and a poor, but powerful, female protagonist who discovers she has electrical powers despite her low class red bloodline. It’s an entertaining story, easy to follow, and I’m already on the second “Glass Sword.” I listened to the first book of the Red Queen series on Hooplah and will continue listening to vs reading the other three.
Books I am Currently Reading
“Morning Star” by Pierce Brown – CURRENTLY slowly READING. I enjoy the Red Rising series, but they’re not an easy quick read (think complex sentences and sci-fi technical vocabulary). Also note – the series is two trilogies and are not about love/fantasy/magic like other series I enjoy.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han – CURRENTLY LISTENING. How could I not finally read the books after the series finale this week?! I’m so sad it’s over, but excited for The Summer I Turned Pretty movie!
September 2025 Favorites: Fashion, Wellness & More
- Arizona Slides – I’m so happy my love of socks and Birks are now approved by all ages. I’m actually sharing this pair with Annabelle!
- Greta Ballet Flats – Everyone raves about these flats and now I own a pair in the most perfect brown color.
- Autumn Yoga Set – Found the perfect orange Aligns and bra on the We Made Too Much section.
- Pro Yoga Mat – this was an early birthday gift from my Yogi buddies and I am OBSESSED. I’ve never tried a Manduka yoga mat because the texture and feel was strange to me after using Lifeform forever. However, I’m a change yogi with this extra long, non-stick, unbelievably comfortable yoga mat. I can finally practice yoga at my sweatiest without sliding around!
- Corduroy Mini Skirt – a staple for fall work outfits
What’s planned for the rest of September 2025?
I am turning 40 in 5 days. Woah. I am working on my birthday, but hope to visit my favorite pizza place for dinner. Then over the weekend my family is throwing me a party I’ve always dreamt of – one to take me back to high school/college. Just think: beer pong, 2000s rap music, ice luge. I cannot wait!
What’s your September looking like? Share your favorite fall reads or back-to-school tips in the comments!
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