I don’t really have words. I am just as shocked as you are that this little piece of heaven is six today. When I’m overwhelmed with big feelings, sometimes music (music that was on my birth playlist!) and a video says it better. The biggest feeling of them all, and one I can put my finger on quite clearly, is total and utter gratefulness that God chose me to be this little boy’s mom. I love you so much, Anders-badger. Happy sixth birthday to you, sweet one. I am so glad you’re in our family and I’ll never stop telling you so.
Relaxation for young ones (+ Notes for the Road).
Back when we were suddenly homeschooling, when we’d sometimes plug ourselves into the Mo Willems afternoon draw-hour (remember that? Early Covid? Sort of feels like ten years ago.)… back in those days, when I had a house full of virtual schoolers, the college was shut down, everyone was somewhat scared of their fellow man, up was down and down was up, I would try to start our day–sometimes, as often as I could–intentionally. Sage, a beeswax candle, holding hands and setting intentions, a prayer, what have you. Yes, very woo-woo, but I do love woo-woo sometimes. Well, I got away from it. But the last week, there’s been a lot of whining, pulling teeth to get kids interested, and why did I ever move away from that habit? We’re listening to an Insight Timer guided meditation almost every night recently, and I’m trying to encourage the boys to recognize how their bodies feel when they’re truly at rest. How their own breath can help calm them down, and bring them back to a less frustrated state. I just got that sweet pine cone beeswax candle and we put on a 10 minute guided meditation for relaxation. We all laid around the room, and started our day this way. Was the day perfect? Far from it. In fact, around 2:30 I texted Steve from upstairs, “You’ve gotta take them to a playground after we’re done. I’ve had it.” But even so, teaching your kids this sort of thing, and giving them the power and the knowledge that while they can’t change certain circumstances, they can change how they react to them feels really good. I wrote more about all of this here, if you’re interested.
Now… some weekend reading, shall we?
Five places I routinely look for sweaters (and a few I have or really love).
SWEATERS. I love sweaters. This time of year, you’ll find me in a cozy knit sweater just about every single day. Someone asked on Instagram the other day where I generally get mine from. If you’re one of the lucky ones beginning to experience dipping temperatures (am I being sarcastic or aren’t I? It changes day to day.), you’re no doubt pulling your sweaters on every day too. Give us cozy, give us warmth.
an advent calendar.
I’m more dedicated than ever to have a festive-in-all-the-best-ways Christmas at home. Putting this Advent calendar together the other day made me feel downright giddy. I was so excited for the kids to come up and see the Christmas tree in their homeschool space, I was so excited to dry and string the oranges, I was so excited to fill the little envelopes with different activities for every day leading up to Christmas. I’m so excited every time I hear the first few notes of Little Women’s Orchard House. Am I more excited than the kids about all of this? It’s possible. I’m riding this holly jolly wave till I’ve exhausted it like a spent balloon. For now, I’m here for it, and I love to daydream about their future selves looking back and thinking, “Mom and Dad made Christmastime really special for us when we were kids.” Within reason, within reason, folks, but it’s been fun. (P.S. You’ll see the remnants of our Native People’s Study taped to the wall and the tipi on the ground next to the tree; as we do each unit, Parker often googles coloring pages that coincide and does those while I read aloud, or for free time. I switch them out and squirrel them away in a binder of his for safe keeping.)
a simple Christmas.
I’m seeing the simplest, most beautiful Christmas decorations lately. Have you begun decorating? I haven’t but I am getting close. I’ll be waiting until after Thanksgiving, but when I do, it’ll be nice to do so with a glass of red wine and some Vince Guaraldi on. Here’s a few of my favorites:
holiday gift guide for the lady in your life who is really hard to shop for.
I am that lady that is really hard to shop for. It’s a good thing Steve really doesn’t know how to even login to my WordPress because he would probably give you a peek behind the curtain of just how “truly miserable indeed” that I am to shop for. It’s just that… money doesn’t grow on trees, ya’ll. So if he gifts me something, I want it to be just the right something that is worth spending our money on. He also doesn’t love getting me what I’ve asked for. It’s supposed to be a surprise, he says. As I read this back, and imagine you reading it in your own homes, I’m wondering if I should delete it for fear that I sound like a monster but you know what, I’m going with it. This is me! I think he probably goes into a cold sweat whenever Christmas or my birthday draws near. Anyway, here are some things I would genuinely love (a few of which I already have, noted below), all different price ranges, some from smaller shops, and others from larger. And, when you can, shop local… especially this season!
Also, I am proud of this gift guide. If I used words like curated, I would say here that it is a very curated gift guide list that I developed over several weeks (months? In my mind, anyway) and after many internet and local shop browsing hours. Without further adieu.
November 12.
It’s almost mid-November. It’s unseasonably warm — mid 70s — and we had snow two weeks ago. Here’s where my head is at.
Notes for the Road.
How are you all hanging in there during this strange election-limbo? I feel like I can see the electoral college map even in my sleep at this point. I know for many of us, the stakes on this election result are so high, the feelings on this outcome so strong–and I wish I could hug each and every one of you with weary, tired hearts. It’s been strange to see a lot of ‘business as usual’ on Instagram… or people even moving straight to Christmas decorating, even. I know I can be guilty of that myself (and perhaps that’s exactly what I’m doing by having a Friday links post at all…). My mind feels a bit crowded and anxious, and I’m sure for many of you, the noise is deafening. I’m thinking of you, and hoping we move out of limbo soon. And, that we begin to heal the many, many divides this country has. Hang in there, friends.
A few links for weekend reading for you… and a picture of the boys having hot chocolate at the park the other day.
Five things I’m loving right now.
Blessings, ones all. Today is a big day, all of us hoping for a certain outcome. There’s a collective buzzy energy in the air, and I’m hoping you’re able to take a deep breath–outdoors is a bonus–and find some peace. Now how about five things I am loving right now?
All about our chicken coop, chicken-rearing, and the like! Finally, the girls’ big debut.
Finally, the girls are getting the attention they deserve and have deserved for MONTHS! A blog post all about them and their fantastic little home in our backyard. And now that they’re out of their awkward teen phase (above–it’s an old picture), they’re ready for their close-up! 
Well, would you look at you, pretty girl, with your perfect red comb! Parker is here reading over my shoulder saying, “Rooster’s comb is my favorite. It’s like a hat.”