Hello November??

I cannot believe November is tomorrow. Where did this month go? I've tried to sit down and blog many times but either words escape me OR one of my children needs me. Here are some October highlights for my own memory keeping:

 *Emersyn got to go see Veggie Tales Live with her Nana. I was a *little* sad that I didn't get to experience her first live concert with her but was happy for her that she got to go. Her Nana said she had a fun time and was her usual people watching self. She doesn't get too crazy in public, more takes it all in. I had fun getting her all ready and she picked out a very colorful outfit for her special date!

*We went to the pumpkin patch. Sadly, we only went ONCE this month! Last year I think we hit 3 or 4 of them but this month was just too crazy. We had fun going with some friends though this year and managed to enjoy the pumpkin patch in between torrential downpours. Note to self, go earlier in the month next year while the weather is still beautiful!!!

*I got to go to Wisconsin for nearly a week and meet this little sweetie....

Elise Adelaide 

Isn't she precious?? I enjoyed snuggling with her SO much during my time in Wisconsin and also playing with her two brothers, Riley (4) and Aiden (almost 2). I can't believe my BFF has THREE kids!! They are each so sweet in their own way and they are truly a blessed family. I loved getting to chat with Tiffany and enjoy great conversation and venting about this crazy season of life we are in.  It's always interesting being submersed in someone else's *culture* as a mommy. We all do things differently, mainly because we are each different and our kids are different! There are always things to be learned from each other and I so wish that Tiffany and I got to do more life together, not just on visits. I wish our kids could play together and be friends! Someday maybe they can be Skype buddies and maybe even old fashioned pen pals. :) While I was gone Brett (and some dear friends) really stepped up and took amazing care of the kids. So blessed to have a wonderful husband and community that loves my family. I also had layovers in MN on my trip so I was able to have lunch with my mom on the way to WI and then have a long breakfast with my parents on my way home. They greeted me at the gate with a Venti Iced Coffee....they know me too well. WI was seriously lacking in the coffee department. Don't get me started. ;)

*We are getting ready to paint our downstairs and install new hardwood flooring. Our carpet is trashed...it's a very low grade carpet and it's nearly 7 years old. It needs to be replaced big time. I would have loved to do new carpet but with kids, carpet is just a breeding ground for stains. Brett found an amazing deal on hardwood floors from a clearance outlet and we were able to purchase them with the extra money that I have been earning from real estate and watching the little guy I watch now three days a week. Thank you Lord for provision! I'm not looking forward to the remodeling process. We need to paint in the next week and then I am headed to Sunriver with a friend while Brett installs the floors without us and the kids around. It's going to be a process but we have a goal of getting it ALL done by Thanksgiving. I want to enjoy the holidays in our freshly painted, new floored house! :)

*I'm considering doing a blog a day in November but I fear I would lack content! I'm wanting November to be a catalyst of change. I haven't been as diligent on my diet as I need to be due to traveling and then coming home sick (excuses excuses I know!). I also am wanting to get into the habit of getting up earlier, which I've said a million times I know. I actually started doing it before my trip and it was amazing how much of a better day that I had when I started out my day right. I want November to be a significant month for me this year. Who's with me? :) I'm also wanting to stick closer to our budget and be more diligent with our finances. I know that God will be faithful to us as we are faithful to him!

*Today is Halloween! Emersyn was very excited to wear her Oregon Ducks Cheerleader costume to school! She looked adorable and she'll get more use out of it during football season, yay for double duty costumes! Everett is going to be a Ducks Football Player and tonight we're headed to our church for a Harvest Festival. It should be a lot of fun! I'm thankful for a party to go to since our weather is icky and rainy!

Enjoy this last day of October and I'm excited to see what November brings!