Hey, guys! Can you believe we’re in the second week of October already?! I’m really excited because this is my MOST favorite time of year! Although I like all of the seasons, for different reasons, there is something special about Fall: the warmth of the season, the changing colors and crisp air, spiced scents and cozy cardigans.
Today, I’m sharing what we did in September, and what we are looking forward to in October. This is a NEW blog format for me. I hope you find as much joy in reading it as I did in writing it. I’d love to know what you think!
September Wrap Up
back to school
We began our second year of cyber school. The girls were excited to decorate their learning spaces and pick out a new outfit in preparation of the big day. Since their first day, we have moved to a more asynchronous learning style, which the girls seem to enjoy and prefer on a daily basis. We are so grateful that the girls are supported and encouraged to learn in a way that best fits their needs.
Softball and Dance
Fall activities got under way and while it is a busy time of year, we enjoy watching them each love something different. Our oldest, Hannah, began her 12th year (I think. I lost count after 10. Ha!) of dance. She is growing beautifully as a dancer and is looking forward to being challenged this year, engaging in additional opportunities and taking courses through an extended learning program at her studio. Our youngest, Hailee, is playing for a new team. She has fit in perfectly, made new friends and absolutely adores her new coaches. She has been learning so much this season. It’s fun to see her become a different kid on the field and grow as a player. (Photo credit to a fellow Softball Mom, Jessica.)
preparing to heat our home
We are so grateful to be able to use wood as our primary heat source each year. Thankfully we got an early start this year so that we are able to enjoy all that October has for us.
a really bad virus
One of our girls came down with, what had appeared to be, a common cold. But, by day two, she had a VERY sore throat, you know the kind where you can’t swallow? She had an intermittent fever, vomiting, muscle aches, chills and a lack of appetite. With a suspicion that this was more serious than a cold, we visited her pediatrician. But then it got worse, so we went to urgent care. During both visits she tested negative for EVERYTHING. The virus lasted five (dreadful) full days. Then, she got hives for three days. It took a couple days after that for her to fully bounce back. In my thirteen years as a mom… this unidentified virus was the worst out of them all!
Celebrating 16 Years
Ross and I celebrated our Wedding Anniversary on September 28th. We spent the afternoon, just the two of us. We had a quiet picnic overlooking the mountains, took a walk and a little trip to a local farmer’s market for fall flowers. It was simply perfection!
fall decorating
As our cornstalks began to brown, I took the opportunity to make an arrangement for the table in our living room. I love decorating with cornstalks because they bring a lovely autumn color to any space.
an annual tradition: pumpkin carving
We have a few fall traditions, but pumpkin carving is what the girls look forward to the most. This year they chose their own designs, printed them out, traced the design and made the cuts with little assistance from us. It was a precious moment to see their visions come alive through their own creativity.
hello, october!
Celebrating Double Digits
Our youngest will celebrate her first double digit birthday! She always loves to party ALL week long, so I am planning a few little celebrations that will include her best friends, friends in Sunday School and her Softball team.
Spending Time with My Parents
Two years ago, my Dad and Mom retired and set out on their lifelong dream to travel full time in their RV. It has been a blessing for them to travel the nation together, taking in the beauty of everything outside of the state they always called home. When they are on the road, we miss them… a lot. So, when they come home to visit each summer, we embrace as much time as we can. In less than a couple of weeks, they’ll embark once more to see Washington and Oregon, two of four states last on their list. (A big THANKS to my Dad for his photo of Mt. Rushmore.)
A Day Trip
Each year we take a day trip to our favorite destination, Lancaster. It is a beautiful area, especially during the fall and spring. We are looking forward to the day away from our normal routine and busy schedule to enjoy time as a family and visiting all the shops we love.
Morning coffee on the porch
I began this habit a few months ago but stopped, unintentionally, when school mornings took most of my attention. I am missing the fresh air, birds chirping and sun on my face that brought clarity to each new day. So, although the mornings are crisp and chilly this time of year, I look forward to getting back into the habit of drinking my morning coffee on the porch.
garden clean up
After our garden sustained deer damage this summer, I decided not to grow a fall garden. With our nights expected to drop in the 30’s within the next ten days, our garden will be ready for one final harvest. After that, I’ll pull weeds and dead plants and remove vining crops from our cattle panel arches. I know there is a lot of debate about the best time to clean out a garden but fall works best for us. I’ll be happy to see a clean garden space so I can start dreaming for next year!
a sewing project: fall throw pillows
I have been gathering fabric for new fall pillows for a month, or two, now. There are so many beautiful prints this time of year! I have been avoiding this project because my sewing machine broke before I was able to finish my first pillow cover. Ugh! I am not too eager about sewing them by hand, you guys. But I need to get this sewing project finished before the fabric collects (more) dust.
eaRthley’s event calendar
As an affiliate, I am so excited to be able to share sales that Earthley will be having this month.
postpartum mama bundle
What is Included? Postpartum Balance – 1 oz, Ease the Ache (Alcohol Free) – 1 oz, Herbal Soothing Bath and FREE Postpartum Recovery Guide
Sale: 30% off + 10% off add-ons: Breast Balm, Baby Balm, Infant Tummy
Code: POSTPARTUM30
Link: Postpartum Mama Bundle
hormone balance bundle
This bundle is my absolute favorite!
What is Included? Nourish Her Naturally – 4 oz, Ease the Ache (Alcohol Free) – 1 oz, Metabolism Support -1 oz and FREE “What No One Tells You About Hormone Balance” Guide
Sale: 30% off; 10% off add-ons: Lunamore, Oyster-Min, Natural Balance, Berry Balancing Tea
Code: Coming soon.
Link: Coming soon.
featured product
What is included? Energy Plus of any size
Code: energy25
Link: Energy Plus for Healthy Energy, Herbal Iron, and B vitamins
free featured guide
What is included? Information on Yellow Dock, interesting facts and interactive activities.
