The "Command Center" Reality Check I have a "command center" of sorts by the entryway with a key rack, mail holder, and dry-erase calendar. I plan on completely re-doing this area, but it’s currently at the low end of my to-do list (it’s a want, not a need!).
I just wrote out December’s schedule and immediately felt overwhelmed by the amount of things going on. I took a deep breath—actually, several—and committed to trying not to stress. My new mantra: focus on one event and one day at a time. I keep reminding myself that God won't give me more than I can handle!
Setting Boundaries this Season I also reminded myself that I don't have to attend everything. Friendly reminder: you can always politely say no!
For example, I work in four different markets, and three invited me to holiday get-togethers. I ended up declining two. One is after hours when my husband will be out of town, and since my teens both work, finding a babysitter is just too stressful. I’m also declining one that is three hours south; it was rescheduled for a date when my husband is away, and rushing to get Lily to school before making that drive is just too much.
Finding the Joy (And Hosting Brunch!) With all that said, I absolutely love the holiday season. I love the Christmas lights, the excitement, the hot chocolate, and hiding the elf daily. I love shopping for people and seeing them smile when they open a gift.
Most of all, I love hosting Christmas Brunch! I’m so happy I’ll be able to do it again this year after having to skip last year (grrr, Hurricane Milton!).
Life After Milton: The Home Renovation Update I wanted to check in and see how everyone’s holiday season is going. We got our tree up—yay!—but I’m a bit behind on shopping. I just ordered the first two gifts last night.
I am on a budget this year because we are still finishing up renovations from the hurricane. We are almost done with the inside and will soon start on the outside, which includes re-doing the electrical that was destroyed by the flood. We have a septic and a well that used to be plugged in outside; currently, they are running on extension cords through my windows. Yes, it's driving my OCD crazy!
We are also getting quotes to have our home professionally lifted (approximately 3 feet higher) to prevent future flooding. Based on the numbers, it will be cheaper to lift the home and finance it than to move with current high prices and interest rates. It looks like the only way we can stay here, so I'll keep you posted.
Family & Personal Updates On a lighter note, I took a chance and got curtain bangs and darkened my hair for fall! I wasn't sure at first, but after "playing" with it this week, I'm starting to love it. The "half-up half-down" look is much better with bangs!
The kids are doing great, too:
Lily had her second competitive speed league competition this morning and won 3rd place in one of her divisions. We're insanely proud of her!
Riley turned 18 last week, so we had fun celebrating him. I cannot believe my first born is 18!
Brianna has been working for a few weeks now and getting into the swing of things. Her truck is in the shop, but they think they figured it out—which means hopefully I won't have to share my Jeep as much. Hehe!
I hope you all are doing well! I am going to try my best to keep you updated and post more often. Let me know what you have been up to in the comments!
Love your hair 😍 congratulations to your daughter and happy birthday to your son 😄 there's not much new in my life oh well I did buy these sketchbooks and on the cover I'm drawing things my little brother and nieces like, they're each getting one 😊
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