six people in october

This month's photo is the obvious last day of the month. No costumes for Jeff or me. I love dressing up for Halloween but in years past I've usually gotten the stink eye from my kids when I've put on a costume. Not sure why… Next year I think I'm going to boycott and do it anyway. 🙂

I've always loved October. I think it's safe to say it's my favorite month of the year. April comes in pretty close but there's just something about the feeling of October that I crave. It brings a welcome change. And this coming from a girl who despises change, I embrace all that October brings.

This month was everything I needed it to be. I was needing a little pick me up from the month previous and it was just that. It started off with General Conference and Dallin's baptism. I'm grateful that so many of our family and friends were able to come. It was icing on the cake.

Then fall break came along. We packed up the van and headed to our favorite getaway destination: D-land and to stay with our friends, the Thunells. It is just the right combination of fun for us. The kids get their fill of rides, Jeff gets to surf, and I get to spend time talking with Alexis. It's a win-win for everyone and we always come home happy and ready to take on the next set of adventures hurled our way.

And I do mean hurled. I wish I could slow life down but it seems like it's moving at warp speed and I'm hanging off the edge just trying to keep the bugs out of my teeth. Sometimes I don't know how I keep it all together. Actually I don't keep it all together. I forget things. I lose things. I'm late. I make messes and don't clean them up. I procrastinate. But enough about all that. I try not to dwell on it for too long and hope no one else does either. 

Amidst all the craziness, I've found peace in the important things. I'm trying to be more present for my children. I'm trying to listen better. I'm trying not to worry. I'm trying to hug them more throughout the day. I'm trying to get down to their level, look them in the eyes and tell them I love them. I'm trying to let things go more and become impatient less. I'm trying to hear what's not being said and see what is truly needed.

Little by little, I am trying.

I'm also trying to get rid of all the hidden Halloween candy stashes that keep surfacing around here. Good luck with that one!