Happy November, friends! Kate texted me this week and said she had a dream about me. This is always an interesting thing to hear! She said she was scrolling through Instagram and I had a story posted and it was this hot mess of pumpkins and Christmas ornaments and lit up trees all over our main floor. What Kate didn't realize is her dream isn't too far from the truth. We've got a smattering of three holidays in our house right now, empty pumpkins that need to be stowed away until next year, thankful trees with a few leaves dangling from their branches, and Target Christmas ads, beautiful new advent cards, and Ann Voscamp's The Greatest Gift sitting on my end table, next to a pumpkin and the fall issue of Martha Stewart Living I might add. The house is also sprinkled with more evidence of this familiar end-of-year transition. Pajamas that no longer fit the kids are stacked high on the love seat, sweet flannel sets I just can't part with but haven't quite made their way to the storage room. Big empty boxes that housed four new bar stools became temporary fun for the kids, but now await a trip to the transfer station. Target sacks filled with gloves, stocking caps, and a couple of stocking stuffers have yet to be put away. And I may or may not have put up Christmas garland outside this weekend. Transition, anticipation, and so much gratitude fill this month of November. And Christmas shopping. Let's not forget about that.
We started our thankful tree promptly on November 1, and have been reminded of how important this little ritual is for our family. These little leaves serve as reminders that in all the transitions of these holidays and things of this world, God is our One constant, holding us up and making things work together behind the scenes of what often becomes a mass production. This month, and the next, I want nothing more than to pull open the curtain and let HIM become front and center in our home, in our hearts, and in these holidays.
Good things from October...
588. A pretty night after dance class. Beau had Cruz at soccer for another hour and it was just too nice out to go home. We stopped to take a couple laps up the hill behind Prairie Lakes, threw some rocks in the pond, and soaked up the golden trees and their reflections in the water.
589. One last soccer game. They weren't the best team in the league, but that doesn't matter. They had fun, learned a few new skills, and met some boys they now see at recess. And while I'm glad to have our Saturdays freed up again, I do miss the sweet community that formed through our boys. We all shared a love for these funny little kids, as well as a lack of knowledge (or passion) for the game of soccer. It worked well!
590. Charcuterie for dinner. One of the bigs, and one for the littles.
591. After school treats and chats.
592. Late night IF team reunions at the Bible Conference Grounds. We all wear our cozies and bring our tea and Jess makes something warm and delicious to eat. Then we talk and journal and dream and pray. I am so very thankful for them.
593. A sermon series on changing one's mind that has been affirming and challenging.
594. A monster Target trip and a good chunk of my Christmas shopping done.
595. This sweet little dress and the knee socks to go with it.
596. A basement nearly complete. Just a cushion for this cozy reading nook, some shelves in my craft closet, and a bar sink to hook up, and then a whole lot of organizing! Right now, everything is shoved in the back two bedrooms and I can't wait to dig through it all over winter break. We love this space so much. Last night, Beau put on drawer pulls and I cleaned. I found some Lincoln Logs and Ninja Turtles in the closet and spread them out on the floor for the kids. They played for hours together and it was so nice to all be in the same room together. We have one talented Daddy and are proud of all his workmanship.
597. Cruz learns piano! He had his first recital last weekend and it was so sweet watching him show his early skills. Afterwards, we asked if he was nervous and he said, "Oh yeah!" He didn't show it, especially when his hand shot up first when Ms. Dyan asked for volunteers!
598. Movie nights of Harry Potter and Night at the Museum.
Have a great week and look for grateful in these busy, hurried days!
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