It feels like with each passing year that it gets busier and busier as the year winds down. Holidays, parties, activities, dress up days, etc., and November is basically December Jr when it comes to remembering and doing all the things! But, I will say, I really love the holiday time of year, so even when it feels like I’m losing it a little, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

We started off November wrapping up Halloween, and then jumping right into the Thanksgiving feast at Olivia’s elementary school. As we were wrapping up soccer, we jumped into one week of Nutcracker madness, along with a few more Thanksgiving feasts, and a trip to see the Winter Light Fest. Then we enjoyed a quiet week at home to rest and recharge before the crazy of December!

We spent Thanksgiving Eve picking up Dwayne from the neighbor’s because he “went visiting” as they said. It’s such a relief to have sweet neighbors that look out for one another!

Ranch time is our favorite time, and we got a lot of it last week! Steven told us girls that we could model for “Ranchy and Gabbana” 😂

Even though the sun sets entirely too early these days, we get such pretty sunsets around here! About the only way Henry takes a nap these days is konking out in the car, and there’s a 50/50 chance he continues in the house or wakes up completely recharged. If I’m honest, carrying sleeping Henry is one of my favorite things to do, but Steven got the honors this time 😉

Post Thanksgiving, we’ve been on a big “bowl” kick for meals. We’ve done salmon, veggie and rice bowls, burrito bowls, fajita bowls, and the rest of the week looks like buffalo chicken bowls, and hibachi chicken bowls. The ironic part is we typically use plates, but we are enjoying them! I’ve gotten most recipes or inspiration from Ashley McCrary. We also had our first Thursday of the month lunch date at The Gap Cafe and it was delicious as always!

Several months ago, I had actually cancelled our Paramount+ subscription, but we re-upped it earlier this month to watch Lawmen: Bass Reeves about the first Black marshall in the US. We’ve enjoyed it, and thankfully, it hasn’t been nearly as racy as most other Taylor Sheridan shows. Since really November started, I’ve been choosing Christmas music over most other music, particularly Lindsay Stirling and Matt Maher.

I’ve been in a little bit of a slump/ struggle with reading physical books, but spent less than a day listening to the Britney Spears memoir and woof, it was wild. You can’t help but feel for her, and all she’s been through, and apparently it’s been quite a ride. After Britney, I finished up the audio book for The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton. It was very whimsical and witty, and while it felt really slow, I still enjoyed it by the end. I’ve got a few actual books I’ve started and gotten a little bit into but nothing has kept my attention through the chaos of the time of year. I’ve got 3 books left to hit my goal of 36 for the year, so hopefully when things settle down for Christmas break, I can knock the last few out!

For the last six months since we’ve gotten him, I’ve been certain Crawfish was a mama’s boy, but he sat beside the garage door the entire time Steven was in there working out a few mornings ago, just waiting for him. It was kinda sweet! That dog is the calmest and sweetest. Nobody, repeat nobody, will ever match our Boudreaux, but he’s been a good next up.

And just like that, it’s time to take on December! We are excited for the elementary Christmas extravaganza, class parties, church celebrations, Christmas Bunco, and all the cozy nights of watching Christmas movies and drinking hot chocolate together. Happy December!