Our Monthly Spark | August Edition
This summer has been a tough one for us. At the end of June, on our daughter’s birthday, we lost our dog to cancer. It was a rough day all around. Losing a pet has always been hard for me, but this one hit differently. Even our other dog seemed to feel the loss—she was quieter for weeks and is only now starting to get back to her usual self. I’m hoping the second half of the year will feel a little lighter.
August, on the other hand, will be a whirlwind—but in the best ways. We have another family reunion the first weekend of August. Then, we are hosting a baby shower for my daughter, birthdays for both our son and granddaughter, and my husband and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary (I still can’t believe it’s been two decades!). Our son starts his senior year at the end of the month, and our granddaughter will be heading off to kindergarten. So many big milestones packed into just a few weeks.
With all of that happening, there won’t be a big anniversary trip or fancy dinner this year—and honestly, that’s okay. It got me thinking about how sometimes the quieter celebrations end up meaning the most.
Anniversary Reflections
Twenty years feels big, but what stands out most to me is that milestones don’t have to be marked with a big trip or a big budget to feel meaningful. Sometimes the simple things are what stay with you.
Here are five low-key but memorable ways to celebrate a relationship milestone (whether it’s 5 years, 20, or 50):
Recreate your wedding dinner – Cook the meal you had on your wedding day or your first date.
Write a letter instead of buying a card – Share the things you appreciate about your partner right now, not just in the past.
Take a memory walk – Go for a walk somewhere that matters to you (where you first met, your favorite park) and talk about the moments you remember most.
Plan a no-phones evening – Cook at home, eat outside, and enjoy being together without distractions.
Create a mini time capsule – Add a photo from this year, a note about life right now, and open it together at your next big milestone.
None of these take much time or money, but they’re a lovely way to pause and remember how far you’ve come.
As we head into the second half of the year, I’m reminded that it’s the small, intentional moments that make life feel full—whether that’s a quiet walk, a shared meal, or just pausing to take it all in. Whatever you’re celebrating (or simply holding onto) this season, I hope you find a little time to slow down and make it meaningful. Here’s to fresh starts, simple joys, and savoring what matters most.
Until next time—
Choose connection over chaos, and joy over “just getting through.”
Jaime
P.S. I’d love to hear from you—how do you like to celebrate milestones (big or small)? Hit reply and share your favorite traditions or simple ideas.
Still soaking up summer or already diving headfirst into fall? Either way, here are a few ideas and resources to carry you through the season:
Top Budget-Friendly Fall Destinations in the US
