Octobernes

October brought some new changes for us, as I was slowly getting better.  We got to celebrate my birthday with my family, as I wanted to wait until I wasn't miserable to do so.

Sweet cards made by littles!

And many snuggles.

Beach got me a gorgeous plant!

As did the Russells!

It was a delightful celebration (I spy someone who wanted to jump the gun on me blowing out my candles).

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We have music night at the cafe once a month and it continues to be a success.  This month one of the sets was a younger talent, which brought many of their friends to support (they definitely have a different energy).

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We, also, hosted a Magnolia Tyme event using succulents to decorate pumpkins.

It was a bit crazy there with rain for a hot minute, but we made it work and the guests were very forgiving.

They turned out amazing!

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This month, we were, also, able to move back into our home!  So there was a lot of work before and after to make this happen.  The kids were happy to return to their craft stash.

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HiWire party for one of Ezra's friends!  Can you spot him?

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Zoe just loves playing with apps...

and taking the best pictures.

They are so flattering.

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The littles were excited about Halloween coming up and tried on some costumes.

The hotdog was new this year, as both of the girls were drawn to it!

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Shiloh and Ezra were both doing Run Hard this season.  They mostly practice at school, but some weeks, because of the way things lined up, they missed a practice here and there.  So we went out a few times to help them train.

It is always fun to see if there are new things happening at the golf course.

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Part of moving out for us was changing out some of the furniture.  We sold our beloved kitchen table, but before doing so, had one last meal at it.

Since it was the only table available, at the time, and it was outside, that is just where we ended up and the neighbors joined us.  This was a first, eating in our driveway.

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Zoe snapped this picture and I love it.  It's me in my happy place, reading and thanks cards on the back porch, with a child typically in my lap and joy!

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Our business supports Riverkeepers, and we had a trash volunteer clean up! 

The kids joined us...

And the group ended up with many bags!

They surprised Beach with a plaque for all his support.

We are thankful that we can do a part in helping keep the waters clean.

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A fun painting art meet up at the park!  It was a little crazy, so this is the only picture I ended up with.

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Lydia joins me in having a fall birthday!

Sweet cousin love.

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In finding a little tea party set....Shiloh wasted no time in setting up a party for us.

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Love a beautiful day to ride his bike.

Getting back to the fall fest this year rounded out the month that we were all thankful for!

September Recovery

Much of this month was spent in bed continuing to recover from COVID.  Our family was still staying at my parents (do to us not physically being able to finish up our home renovations), so I would try to go outside and sit in the sun when I could manage.  Even just sitting was difficult at times.

Not so much for my quarantined child who just wanted to be outside with me!  Despite having COVID himself (thankful it was super quick and done for him), he had two bouts of having to quarantine from school. 

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Sweet friend's birthday fun!

Someone got a hold of my phone...

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Since we were home most of the month there was a lot of imaginative play....

which provided entertainment for the kids and the adults.

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While my birthday was mostly resting, yet again.  Shiloh still wanted to decorate my doorway for me.

Complete with coupons....

Even though most of my appetite had yet to return, my mom still made me my favorite meal.

And a yummy dessert.

With my love ones by my side.

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Beach's parents were, also, kind enough to have us over a couple of days later for a pizza party to celebrate!

Love sweet little memories that are captured in picture!

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Why I never!  Reached down briefly and got stung by this crazy thing, such that I had never seen before.

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Night with friends usually includes a movie time for the littles.

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One of our awesome staff members moved and Zoe was delighted to buy some of her t-shirts from her garage sale.  Got her outfits picked out to go with them when she got home.

We stopped by another day so the girls could make sure they got to say goodbye!

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Another yuck....I somehow got Hand, Foot, and Mouth....despite me not knowing anyone who had it, not being around many people, and it rarely affecting adults.  This was at the beginning before it got crazy.

Getting worse....(I will spare you the end results of my hands and feet.)

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With a beautiful afternoon, I was determined to get outside for a bit.  Even though walking can be challenging, we took a shorter one around a pond and enjoyed the nature.

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We all love the local parade that they have in our little town, and were quite excited to have it back this year!

The Okra Strut is here, complete with the big okra itself.

It was such a beautiful cool sunny day.

This was the first year Beach's parents were able to watch it with us, now that they live here, too!

Thankful for the slow recovery and being able to return to live again!