November included some of my favorite traditions – Friendsgiving and our Christmas Tree Hunt. Surprisingly, it also included a snow day. November also means Thanksgiving, Ben’s birthday, and National Adoption Awareness Month. This month’s view from the porch is actually my son throwing a snowball at the kitchen window while I was watching the kids enjoy the early snow that gave them a day off school.
Highlights
In 2011, we started cutting down our own Christmas tree on my mother-in-law’s land. Then we moved to the country and continued the tradition on our own property. Thing is, these trees weren’t raised and trimmed to be Christmas tree, so we’ve had unruly trees right in our living room. Despite all my Type A ways, I really love the perfectly imperfect trees. They help me enjoy the holiday season more.
The perfectly imperfect one from 2013 may have been my favorite tree. You can read about the adventures from 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2016 too.
With November having five Thursdays, we have more time after Thanksgiving before December begins. This is the earliest we’ve ever put up our tree, but that’s just how the calendar worked out. And I’m not sad to ease into December.
Earlier in the month, went to see Zach Williams and Matt Maher in concert. It’s one I’ll remember for a long time. Of course, I shared about that in a post too.
In honor of National Adoption Awareness Month, I shared about our past Novembers, offered a free download of the Kindle version of my book (that 173 of y’all downloaded!), and welcomed two friends to share their stories on my blog. (If you missed those, Kelli shared about how waiting for and adopting her daughter gave her passion for other mommas that she’s turning into a ministry and Michaela shared about how God unites families for his glory.) I also got to see “Instant Family” with some of my dear friends.
Favorite things
Good Grit magazine – I heard about this on That Sounds Fun because Annie Downs was the guest editor of the November/December Beholden issue. It’s a beautiful magazine filled with so many lovely stories. The actual magazine even feels beautiful. I’m happy I subscribed. Magazines in general have been among my favorite things this year. I currently also subscribe to Southern Living, the Magnolia Journal, and the Pioneer Woman’s magazine.
Canvas pictures – I really love documenting our memories on our walls. My new canvas is a favorite addition. And I’ve actually added a couple things to the gallery since I took the picture in this post and have another canvas (which I got free during Black Friday sales!) on the way.
Thirty-One’s Casual Carry-All – I’d been on the hunt for the right everyday bag. I wanted it to be big enough for my planner, Kindle, and all the normal purse things, cross-body strap, pockets, and durable. I don’t change purses often, so I wanted to find the right one. And I did!
Lego Table – For Ben’s birthday, I wanted to give him a huge Lego table that would fit in his bottom bunk, and I love how it turned out! Greg got a piece of wood cut at Lowe’s that would sit down in the bunk bed. I ordered enough off-brand base pieces to cover that piece of wood and glued them down. Greg trimmed the edges with a Dremel tool. Ben told me it was the best birthday present ever, and I’m happy the Legos now live off the floor.
From the bookshelf
“Secret Daughter” by Shilpi Somaya Gowda – I bought this paperback at a book sale for 50 cents this past summer. I wish I’d picked it up sooner because I really loved this fiction story about family that spans two countries. The story provides bittersweet peeks into culture in India, international adoption, and motherhood.
“The Storm-Tossed Family: How the Cross Reshapes the Home” by Russell Moore – Usually I read quickly, but I’ve been taking this one slow over the past several weeks because there is a lot to digest. Moore’s perspective on marriage, children, and church family is encouraging, convicting, and thought-provoking.
“Come Let Us Adore Him: 24 Daily Advent Devotional” by Paul David Tripp – I’m excited to read this devotional as Christmas approaches.
On the screen
“Manifest” – Greg and I have been binging the episodes we had on our DVR. We’re caught up and totally intrigued.
“Grinch” – On Thanksgiving evening, we went to see this new movie in the theater. I love going to the theater and I especially loved watching this one with my youngest, who laughed at all the right parts and ate her body weight in popcorn.
How’s your November been?
I’m really liking that extra week between Thanksgiving and Christmas as well.
It certainly helped me ease into the Christmas season! Thanks for being here, Barbara!