Whew October flew by. There were so many days and evenings full of just taking life in that I didn't even think about blogging. I just lived in the moment.
This day at the park with the kids and the warmth of the sun on my feet was perfect...the breeze was perfect...the kids running round and playing was perfect. I wanted to capture it and hold onto it. Because at that moment I knew how blessed I was. And I love capturing that warmth...the warmth of the sun and the warmth of the moment.
I also love the cozy feeling of cuddling up on the couch with a hot cup of coffee and a good book. I want my kids to indulge in cozy moments like this. To be snuggle uppers and taker inners of moments and good books.
AJ has had "catch a rainbow trout and eat the rainbow trout he caught" on his bucket list for awhile now. It must be his Missouri roots from my side coming out. But although I was born in Missouri and love myself some country living, I am not a fish person. I do not like the taste and cannot handle the smell. Lucky for him, he has an amazing papa that picked him up early one day for a morning of fishing...where he caught many rainbow trout, helped clean them, and cook them for lunch. Papa even took pictures for this photo loving mama...and I did not have to smell fish one bit. I love the relationship our kids have with their nana and papa.
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Abby got to participate in a Victorian Tea Party one afternoon and learn about social skills and etiquette as part of an American Heritage Girls badge. It was such a special experience to take part in...and referring back to what we learned helps this mama reinforce some table manners every night at the dinner table...because I need all the help I can get! Ha! No, but seriously I do.
Jumping in a pile of leaves with a good friend is good for the soul. These two with rakes was a little terrifying and I had to dodge a few whacks to the face, but once we had a pile to jump in it was simply fall perfection.
I believe playing cards with friends and family is something everyone should take the time to do. Even if you are tired the next day...there's always coffee to look forward to.
Playing board games by the fire on a chilly fall day with this cutie is pretty awesome. And totally worth letting the dishes and laundry go by unfinished.
So I thought doing a puzzle as a date night would be a great way to hang out and visit...it's gotta be better quality time than watching TV together right?...except it was the quietest 2.5 hours as we were both concentrating so hard we couldn't carry on a conversation. Ha!
Scarf weather and fresh, hot coffee is one of my happy places...and they make the mad dash for carpool at 8:15am way better in the morning. It's the little things in life that keep us sane.
Baking with good friends is therapeutic and should really be planned on a regular basis...just make sure you have an entire day to get carried away visiting.
This puzzle was hell to put together. 1,000 pieces of pure torture. It will be hanging in our garage as a tribute to our victory...after 9.5 hours of 3 of us working away silently on it....through many late night Dr. Peppers and cups of coffee. That thing was a beast. And my puzzle picking privileges have been revoked...but that won't stop me...mahaha.
Teaching the kids new games is the best. Saying Farkel is pretty fun too. Try to say it without smiling...come on try it...AJ and I can't do it. Farkel...MAHAHA!!!
And hey, it's Thanksgiving week!!!!!!!!
mmmmmm cranberries and pumpkin pie and Tami's crock pot corn...I love food.
Peace out! Stay thankful for the little things...they are the things that pull us through the big things.