Good Monday morning, my friends! Happy November! Yes, October has come and gone for another year, and as much as I like all things Halloween, I am ready to tuck them away for another year. We did have a fun, festive, and low-key Halloween this year. Flynn and I did some homeschooling, and then Madison came over to carve a jack-o-lantern, before they headed out to our little town's Halloween festivities. Steve went along too, so I put on a Halloween movie while I prepared a fun Halloween dinner.
Here are my firstborn and my last, all set to go!
I will be forever thankful for the love all my children share with each other. These two have the very best time together. I remember like it was yesterday, twelve-year-old Madison and her friends having the best surprise baby shower for me when I was pregnant with Flynn. Now, these two talk about movies, makeup, and hair. Thank Heaven, because at my age, I am out of the loop!
We had candy corn pizza, still in the oven here, taco dip, fruit salad, and macaroni and cheese, still on the stove! Madison made delicious cupcakes, too. Then Flynn and I watched one more spooky movie to close out the season. Saturday, I went for a walk, and it was as pretty as always.
We went to Mass on Saturday afternoon, and then Madison hosted us for her First Annual Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead dinner! She decorated with candles and pictures of our loved ones, who we miss so very much. Madison and I both had a moment where we were really missing my momma, so I reminded her that she would love it, and I could see her enjoying it with us!
She made the most delicious sweet potato stew/chili with cornbread. I will get the recipe for you because it is that good! For dessert, in honor of my Mom's Mom, Grandma Mil, she made the best pumpkin pie ever from Gram's recipe.
It was delicious! It brought back memories of Grandma Mil and my Mom making it every Thanksgiving. After dinner, we snuggled on the couch and watched one of my favorite, and highly underrated Disney Pixar films, Coco. This movie is all about the Day of the Dead, family, love, and all the things.
Yesterday, Steve went to watch football with his friend, and Rhett was at work, so Flynn and I had a quiet, cozy day. I packed away Halloween, changed our bed sheets, vacuumed the rug in our bedroom, caught up on laundry, made a meal plan and grocery list, and helped Flynn change out her bedding for winter. Steve called and asked me why I didn't just relax, and I told him that, oddly enough, that was my way of relaxing. Working around my house, doing mundane things, lighting a candle, talking with my Flynn, and watching the evening come a bit sooner are the things that make me happy. Not to say I didn't enjoy a cup of afternoon coffee on the couch as well!
Today begins an ordinary week of homeschooling, making dinner, doing laundry, watching TV, and snuggling in. I couldn't be happier. Have a wonderful week, however you are spending it, my friends. Thanks for visiting!
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Billie Jo
I love your kids relationships too - such a blessing. I also like the remembrance of those who've gone before us.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos!
Good No-vember thoughts too. I need to remember that in the craziness that can come with the holidays.
Oh rats! I should have watched Coco yesterday.What a lovely tribute Madison paid to your loved ones. That you gathered as a family is even better. I am sure you talked about each one with both sadness and smiles.
ReplyDeleteOur Church has a lovely All Saints day where each member who passed during the year (from All Saints Day'24 -All Saints Day'25) has their name said aloud, a bell rung, and a candle lit in their memory. It is always a touching service.
And you are correct. Christmas music can happen every single day!
I will listen to Christmas music while I sew from now until well forever!
ReplyDeleteBillie Jo. You have the sweetest family and I love how you all get together and enjoy celebrating all kinds of things. Family is so important and it is so nice when everyone loves spending time with each other. This is the way my family is...we spend a lot of time with each other. This is a huge blessing...
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a lovely Halloween weekend.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a lovely Halloween weekend!
ReplyDeleteI love your table, especially the witchy plates! And the pies are decorated wonderfully! You are so very blessed to have such awesome daughters. It is so true for me now...once I get home, I'm not going back out!" The photos of your walk are STUNNING!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful weekend recap my Friend. I love how your kiddos are best pals too...that's so cool! And that Day of the Dead celebration had my mouth watering! It looked like Madison outdid herself and I adore how it was in remembrance of the loved ones like your Mom. We were at church on All Souls Day and loved the homily Fr. Andrew gave about the hope for the future and our loved ones and the prayers we said for them. Let perpetual light shine upon them always. Blessings on your week ahead. xo
ReplyDeleteOkay but do you all cry EVERY time you watch Coco too? I definitely do! I am glad you could celebrate both Halloween and Day of the Dead well in a way that spoke to your heart!! Perfection!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting thought about November (saying no to people, places, and things that drain your energy). I’ve never thought about it like that!
ReplyDelete