I can describe the last few weeks to you in two words: work
and soccer.
Lots of it.
Work and Writing…
I walked into a familiar building on a Tuesday, with plans
of how my new job would be. (Insert laughter here at the word “plans.”) In no
time, my job went from parttime writer to fulltime editor with little time to
blink. Though I’m on a big learning curve right now, I am excited about this
new position. I love it already.
During that time, I was already in the process of taking on
another new role as the managing editor of A Beautiful Mess. I can’t tell you
how much I appreciate this website and the woman behind the message—Kristin Ritzau.
I’m honored and excited to help facilitate this safe space for honesty and inspiration.
Here’s a little bit about what I hope to share with the community over at A
Beautiful Mess.
Time Travel…
On Labor Day, we took the girls to Rockledge Ranch, one of
my favorite places in Colorado Springs. As a child, my mom recognized my love for
Anne of Green Gables so she signed us up to volunteer at this historical site.
I spent seven summers dressing up like a pioneer and leading tours. I enjoyed every minute of it.
Jeff and the girls had never been to this site in the time we lived here prior, so we took an afternoon to explore the buildings. I
do love the cabin (think Little House on the Prairie), but love The Orchard House even more. I’ve kind of been obsessed with breakfast rooms
for decades because of this house.
Soccer…
In between all of this, Jeff has been coaching a varsity
soccer team with a friend, and I’ve been running our little ones to practice
and games of their own. I’m so proud of Kyla. She’s really beginning to own her
abilities as a team player and is learning to be tough. At an early practice, I
heard her coach say, “Kyla, way to be aggressive out there. You were tough
today.” My mommy heart melted.
Kyla gettin' to the ball!
Kae is playing soccer as well. In her own ways, she’s
learning to be brave. Yesterday, she fell down in the second play of the game.
She hit her head, scraped her elbow, and skinned both knees. She also got distracted by the bugs. But she got back in the game. She does her best to run
hard. She also doesn’t like it when the kids take the ball after she’s managed
to get it somewhere. During a practice, a kid came and got the ball away from
her. She stomped up the field yelling, “Hey! I had that ball!” She’s got spunk.
I like it.
Kae doing twirls during warm-ups
Domestics….
We still aren’t back in our home as we are waiting for our
renters’ lease to end. (One week!) I’m thinking about how to decorate our old home
in a new way. Let’s be honest. I’m going to have my mommy do it. In five
minutes, she can do what takes me 10 hours. I’ll provide some pretty pictures
for her to get inspiration though. (Maybe my mom can even figure out a way to
make me a breakfast room?)
Reading…
I’m reading Brene Brown’s newest book titled Daring Greatly:How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. I’m about a third of the way through it. Most of what I’ve read is a
recap of thoughts she offers in her videos, blog, and other books. However, I’m
very much looking forward to the chapter about vulnerability in the work place
and also the section about parenting.
This last month, I finished Tribes by Seth Godin. A good read! I also read Dreaming of More for The Next Generation: Lifetime Faith Ignited by Family Ministry by Michelle Anthony. Highly recommended for church leaders.
It’s Fall…
I love the changing leaves, the pumpkin spice lattes, and
the occasional rainy days. Taking what I can get of this season. It probably
won’t be as much as other years due to our long transition back into our home.
I’m not even sure we’ll make it to a pumpkin patch this year. I’m okay with that
fact.
I read in the current issue of Real Simple that stress
levels for women have increased 18% in the last 26 years. Perhaps it’s because
I keep seeing things like “Fall Bucket Lists” online. Whatever it is, it
concerns me. I hope you’re able to find your favorite thing to do this fall and
not worry about the rest. Enjoy that moment and everything it offers.
“Live each season as it passes, breathe the air, drink the
drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.” -Henry
David Thoreau
