October

Hey guys!

It’s been a while since my last “What’s Happening” or what’s been going on in our lives post. It’s October and the leaves are changing colors and falling and I love it. October and November, here in Wisconsin, are absolutely beautiful. We need to get out to Devil’s Lake for a hike before it gets too cold.

I don’t know about you guys, but the weekends go by way too fast. We’ve been so busy lately and have just been trying to do as many family activities as possible. I love creating memories with my family and kids and have been feeling really thankful for all of our time together.

No October would be complete without a visit to Schuster’s Farm. we picked up pumpkins, went on a hay ride and the girls got to play around. We also picked up some apple cider donuts, fudge and caramel covered apples.

Friday, the girls have a Halloween party and then we plan to carve our pumpkins. We can’t do it too early here. .  because who wants a rotten, yucky jack-o-lantern on their front porch?

The girls are doing girl scouts this year and we’re so excited. When I was a kid, I just did Brownies and never continued on to girl scouts. .  I don’t remember why. . .

Phoebe earned her first drawing badge and had loads of fun at her first meeting. As I spend time with and watch my kids, my only wish and hope for them is that they surround themselves with good, kind kids and that they are also kind and accepting of other kids.

Kindness.

Recently, I volunteered at a school fundraiser where the kids ran laps to raise money for their school. Phoebe and Madeline both did great and made me so proud. It was so cute watching the kids run around and around.

We always tell our girls just to try their best and that’s all we ask.

My kids are starting to see how hard I am on myself, pushing myself, not striving for perfection but I try to set the bar high for myself. .  this might be back firing because I think my girls, definitely my oldest, are now doing the same. Don’t get me wrong: working hard and giving it your all is what I’m all about but I also believe in not sweating the small stuff, relaxing a little and understanding that perfection is not always the goal.

Perfection might actually never be the goal. .  but the process in which you do something. Your attitude, how you get there, your mindset. .

I had a good conversation with my daughter’s teacher. .  she said some kids are just built that way. .  they push themselves and always strive to do the best they can. Kids, at a young age, are taught A’s are good and C’s and D’s are not so good. .

So, my plan is to focus on encouraging and loving them and building them up. With whatever they are doing. And having as much fun as we can as a family in between.

I’m so thankful for times like these with my kids. All I need to see are their smiles.

I’m praying for . . .

I’m praying for my friend, Rina, who is now in hospice care, fighting for her life and trying to regain her strength. Her husband, Joe, who is her caretaker and does so much. My sister, Grace, who is taking classes and looking for a job. My parents, for their health. And for our country and this upcoming presidential election. God be with us.