September is always a bit of a hectic month. Birthdays, preserving things from the garden, trying to finish up any outdoor projects before it gets too cold, Fall cleaning, along with the regular day to day things just took over. I didn't really plan on taking a break for 2 weeks but it happened. It all started with asking Shane to take some days off.
Originally the days off were going to be for a trip to the Oregon coast but as it got closer my bank account told me to settle the heck down so it became a stay-cation. And then our stay-cation plans got rained (and snowed!) out so we worked on projects around the house. The kids were bummed the camping trip was cancelled due to crazy weather so we waited for the storm to end and spent the one of those days hiking and fishing.
You guys, Utah is BEAUTIFUL. If you are ever in my neck of the woods I will take you on one of my favorite hikes because everyone should see this stunning place.
I hope, that among other things, I am instilling a love of the outdoors to my sweet boys. Their excitement at the mention of heading up the canyon tells me I might be succeeding.
My youngest in his faux coon hat is killing me! He also wears an adventure vest with a million pockets for "examples" (samples or specimens) and his camo shorts.
Even Kevin loves it up there. He always comes home with a new favorite rock.
My oldest turned 16 this past week and not only does that mean driving, but in our family it is when our kids can start to date. Heaven help me! I am not sure if I am ready for girls to enter the picture. Two hot seconds after his birthday he was asked to a dance at the high school. Here we go! And parenting advice about teens dating is welcomed :)
I am not sure why, but I always get really reflective in the Fall. Most people make goals and self reflect at the beginning of the year but for me the autumn time is when I naturally do those things. Maybe it is because I know winter is coming and I struggle during the colder months. Maybe it is because it is such an obvious visual change in the seasons with all the leaves turning color and that sparks a desire to change, but all I know is that I took part of this break from the internet to focus on things that really matter to me and it was nice.
What have you been doing this month? Do I have any other canners out there busily filling bottles with produce from their garden? Are you rushing to get outdoor projects done as well? This weekend we (and by we I mean Shane) will be scaling tall ladders to paint the eaves and trim of our house. I can't go beyond the third rung so Shane is stepping in to me my DIY hero :)
I have a great giveaway and the upstairs bathroom REVEAL coming soon!
This month has been chalked full of home renovations. Just finished up the kitchen, built a barn door for the pantry (my wife says its too big but oh well) and going to do the same for what used to be hinged cabinets in our full wall bookcase. We went "Coastal" in our design and I have to say...she was right. LOL I love it.
Wow! You have been very productive! That is amazing. I love barn doors on pantries. I bet it looks great!
Cleaning out the basement. I do believe every time I haul a load of boxes out, a new pile of boxes appears magically. But, it has made me realize how much stuff I have that I haven't used in ages. Surprises in each box. It's nice to set some things out that I haven't laid eyes on for years and years. Doesn't cost a thing for some "new" decor.
It's been fun to see your charming boys grow up in front of us. Dating! All I can say is, I think over the years you two have instilled rock solid values in your sons, especially by setting an example as a loving couple, so I think he'll be fine. I imagine he'll be a perfect gentleman. Lucky the girl who catches his eye.
That is fun to find new treasures! My mom has spare bedrooms, a garage, and a BARN full of stuff. That will be quite the adventure to go through some day.
Look like you and your family had a nice, fun, happy, stress-free trip.
Wish I had some parenting advice for you, but as we go, we realize our kids just need us to be there, that's the really important part - and it seems to me you're good on that, so...just trust your kids! And awesome photos there =)