You know dad jokes? The ones that make you groan while he giggles? Are there such things as mom jokes? Because I feel like I have some lines I always come back to that are slightly eye roll inducing. For example, when typing this paragraph my fingers ached to begin it by typing “tap tap- is this thing on?“

Sometimes I look back to the days of writing a post THREE times a day and wonder- how? Sure it was mostly just a (blurry) picture of my food and what I had been up to during the four hours since I last checked in, but still. It was the social media of that time I suppose.

Nobody would read that now anyway, but I do miss getting to write 3 blog posts a week. I have so many thoughts and things to chat about, but the hours in the day keep getting applied elsewhere. Thank goodness for my weekly newsletter. It’s my central hub for all things happening lately and a personal weekly check in and connection I enjoy so much. I have a giveaway in my latest one if you want to check it out!

OK, lets catch up on life a bit shall we? What’s going on in your world?

Around here, our days have been quite scheduled, but we are in the heart of what I knew would be a super busy 3 weeks. I’m rolling with it, letting the girls sleep in a bit to balance the late nights (my 12 year old getting home at 10:45 from theater is hard for me to wrap my head around), keeping the fridge stocked with simple to throw together components, and filling up with gas way more than I ever have before. It’s also the prettiest fall I can remember and seeing all the bright yellow and orange leaves sure adds some magic to all the driving.

Wednesday

Let’s start with my poor problem chicken. This girl must be at the bottom of the pecking order and it’s hard to see as a chicken mama. Why can’t they all just be nice to each other??

I put a saddle on her back to protect the skin from pecking and hope that it helps some new feathers to grow in. You can see her chest is pretty bare, too, and even though some new feathers are growing in, I worry about the colder temperatures moving in.

Two days ago I noticed a swollen, leg lump on her chest/throat and thought it was an impacted crop, but thankfully when I checked on her the next morning, it was all OK. I added a splash of apple cider vinegar to the water anyway. It can help support an acidic/yeast free environment.

You can see new feathers growing in so that’s good! A few of hens are molting right now, so I have quite the funny looking flock at the moment. I’ve learned so much over the past year and a half of having these babies, but still learning more each day.

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Riding with My 15 Year Old

Honestly, I kind of love it. Hailey is a good driver. She’s careful, attentive, and gives other cars space. I find myself more comfortable with riding in the passenger seat while she’s in control than I would have guessed. We probably need to take her for some more highway practice but for town and country roads, she is doing so well! Also, how cute is her sweater?

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Soccer CHAMPS!

Ok, will you allow me to share a longer story about soccer than you probably care to hear, but it was just such a happy mom moment?

Quick back story: when we moved here we were looking for a soccer team. For one to exist, David had to volunteer to coach so he did. Unfortunately not enough girls signed up so there was no team formed. However, since David had volunteered and showed commitment, they ended up letting Hailey onto an already formed/full rec soccer team.

We’ve spent three seasons with this FABULOUS coach and a great group of girls. They’re sweet and play so well as a team. To end the season, we entered an invitational tournament with all club teams; we were the only rec team.

Day one we won a game and then lost a game. Day two we won a game and advanced to the championship against the team that had beaten us the day before. They were good. But our girls played their hearts out! The game ended in a tie. Then the overtime ended in a tie. So we went to PKs. …which ended in a tie (4-4). We went to more PKs and this second group included Hailey. Sports moms get it, but I was halfway between crying and throwing up watching Hailey step up to kick because my mom heart just wants it so badly for her… AND SHE MADE IT!

More kicks ensued until finally our goalie blocked one and our next girl made hers. They clenched the championship and the crowd went wild! Truly, parents hugging, kids jumping. It was such a special moment to be a part of and I was so happy for that special group of girls and their dedicated, encouraging couch.

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Slow Drip of Christmas

Our home is slowly transforming into holiday magic. I’ve been taking out a single bin at a time so it’s all felt very doable and not overwhelming. However, I’m now ready to have it all up, so I’m hoping this Sunday we can finish it all up!

One of my favorite festive decorations is the garland. I have pre-lit from Hobby Lobby set on a timer and the corners topped off with these affordable burgundy velvet bows. Long live twinkle lights on these dark evenings!

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Easy Slow Cooker Meal

I feel like it’s my seasonal duty to remind the masses of this easy, seasonal slow cooker supper. It’s one of mine and Hailey’s absolute favorites because it’s so cozy and delicious.

2 lbs stew meat seasoned with salt and pepper, 1 chopped onion, 1 can Pacific Foods Cream of Mushroom Soup, 1 packet of Simply Organic Brown Gravy Mix – all into the slow cooker on low for 10ish hours. Half way through add some chopped carrots, then serve it over rice. It’s SO good.

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Fire Cider Class

A neighbor of mine is a professional herbalist and offered to host a class for some of us interested in learning how to make it. I’ve been wanting to make this potent tonic for years and to learn from such a knowledgeable source was super fun. She put out a beautiful snack spread and made us some tea from ingredients in her garden, then we all got to work prepping and chopping. Those are some strong aromas and we all laughed about how we felt like just smelling it all cleared our sinuses out!

Here’s all the info on fire cider if you want to check it out. I made one jar that was Rosemary Gladstar’s core recipe including onion, garlic, ginger, horseradish, cayenne, and ACV, then another jar that I doctored up with all kinds of fun stuff like lemon, orange, peppercorns, elderberries, turmeric, and more. I have to wait 3-4 weeks to try it and I’m counting the days!

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Walks Outside & Windows Open

Basically fresh air every chance I can get because it is SO gorgeous out right now. This is one of the prettiest falls I can remember. The leaves are so bright and have been hanging on so long. They glow in the morning and evening light and crunch delightfully underfoot. The chickens have absolutely loved rummaging through them. Fall is so much fun.

Kaitlyn joined me for a morning walk recently and brought H’s bow and arrow. She had several direct hits on trees but then we almost lost the arrow. We didn’t think about the thick leaves everywhere and after searching for a solid 15 minutes had resigned ourselves to the fact that we must have lost it. K then popped up and said she had a gut feeling it might have gone over the creek so we took one last look and… she was right! And just like that she escaped the wrath of her sister who is quite protective over her things 😉

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A few last things

…in my digital scrapbook. A picture with my selfie queen to ensure proof of mom. The mountains in all their glory. Finley ruling the figurative roost. How is it that dogs wear us down over time? We went from “no dog on the bed” to it being her favorite place to chill during the day… and I love it.

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Ok, talk to me! Fill me in! What’s filling your November days? What good is happening in your world right now? Hoping you are well in body, mind, and soul. Thanks for stopping by <3