October Days, Full Moons, and a Little Christmas on My Mind

Well, here we are, nearly November.

I don’t know where October went. Seems like we were just welcoming fall, and now Halloween is around the corner, Christmas decorations are popping up everywhere, and I’m already thinking about all the things I’d like to squeeze into the next two months.

Life around here has been a little bit of everything lately. 

We’ve had some wonderful news in our family. Our oldest son has accepted a new job and will be starting soon, and what a blessing that has been! After weeks of hoping, waiting, and wondering when the right door would open, it finally did. I don’t care how old your children get, there’s something about seeing a little weight lifted off their shoulders that lifts it right off yours, too. I’m so excited for this next chapter in his life.

Our youngest got a promotion at work, too! Now, if we could just get Spanish III to cooperate, we’d really be getting somewhere. Bless his heart and mine!! Mine is old! That class has been a thorn in his side, and I think we’re all going to celebrate when it’s behind him. 

Last weekend, we went home to see my parents. It had been way too long. 

There were oysters, fried fish, plenty of great company, and the Gamecocks beating Tennessee. I mean, really, that’s a pretty good Saturday in my book!

Back here at Lake Murray, the evenings have been beautiful.

Last night, Ms. Linda sent us a text telling us to go look at the big, bright moon over the lake. And goodness, it was beautiful!

Later that evening, we were having a late supper, and I had Mar zip around to her house with a plate of pork chops, rice casserole, and green beans.

She’d thought of us when she saw that beautiful moon, and we’d thought of her when we fixed our supper.

I love that kind of neighborly living.

Nothing fancy or planned. Just the little ways we look out for one another, sharing what we have and thinking of each other along the way.

Halloween is almost here, and both our guys have big plans. Let’s be clear- Columbia SC loves to celebrate pretty much anything! I love hearing about what they’re up to, even if their idea of Halloween looks a little different these days. 

But goodness, I miss having everybody under one roof sometimes. 

I especially miss my Chipper as he’s a busy guy and we see him when we involve food and bribery. He loves to eat and can always use more money! 

I really do miss those big hugs of his, wrapping my arms around those broad shoulders, and messing up that head full of curly hair. Mostly, I miss the everyday things. Having him in the kitchen with me, the two of us cooking and talking about anything and everything, listening to playlists he’s made just for me and Johnny and the great big messes he makes!  Yikes! 

And let me tell you, he really can cook. He’s become a wonderful cook all on his own, and I love that about him. There’s something special about sharing a kitchen with your grown son, watching him season steaks like a professional just before he seers them on the cast iron. Best of all realizing that somewhere along the way, he learned a thing or two. I’m so proud of the young man he’s becoming.

I’m already hoping Christmas break brings more family time together. Not necessarily big outings or elaborate plans. Just some evenings in the kitchen, something good simmering on the stove, the smoker cooking 4 ribeye steaks and that messy curly head coming through the door, his blue eyed brother right behind him, and one of those big hugs that makes everything feel right for a minute. 

That’s plenty of Christmas present for this mama.

And speaking of Christmas…

I have so many things I want to do this year!

I want to see beautiful Christmas lights, hoping we make a new trip to Callaway Gardens in Pine Moutain.  I want to go to a musical or a Christmas performance somewhere in Columbia. I want an evening out with good food, something festive to wear, and no particular reason to hurry home. 

And December 4th cannot get here fast enough because we’re going to see Leanne Morgan!

Y’all, I can hardly wait.

I love that woman. I get so tickled watching her that sometimes I start talking like her. And apparently, once I get into character, I have a hard time finding my way back out.

The guys will look at me and say, “Alright, you’ve got to get out of it!” And then we all laugh together. 

I don’t know what to tell them. Sometimes Leanne just takes over.

I’m smiling already thinking about that night.

Now, I will admit that along with all my excitement about Christmas comes a little holiday anxiety.

I start thinking about gifts, meals, decorating, schedules, and all the things I want to make special.

I love a warm house, good food on the table, pretty lights glowing, and people I love coming through the door. I love the traditions, the music, and the excitement of the season.

But sometimes I get so caught up in wanting everything to be wonderful that I forget to slow down and enjoy the wonderful things that are already happening.

I’m trying to be a little more mindful of that this year.

There have been some heavier things on my heart lately, too.

I’ve been following the recoveries of two young men, Turner Wildman Morris and Cleighton Strickland.

Turner suffered a devastating neck injury while he was competing in rodeo and Cleighton has been recovering from a traumatic brain injury. November will mark a year since Cleighton’s accident where he was attending Auburn. 

I find myself checking in on their stories and thinking about their families.

Maybe it’s the nurse in me, but I know recovery isn’t always measured in the big moments people see. Sometimes it’s the tiniest bit of progress, a hard day made a little easier, or simply finding the strength to face another one.

And maybe it’s the mama in me, too.

When you have sons of your own, stories about young men facing such enormous challenges have a way of staying with you.

I’ve been pulling for both of them and keeping their families in my thoughts and prayers.  That Cleighton is a rascal and he keeps me laughing. He’s making remarkable progress, and his mama, Amy is his greatest cheerleader. Amanda Morris, Turner’s Mom has made a new personal mission for SCI awareness and inclusion. She is quite an inspiration. Turner Morris has still waters, and that young man will lead many.  Y’all love on them and give them some encouragement. 

So that’s October around here.

A new opportunity for one son. A promotion for the other. A college class that’s testing everybody’s patience. 2 guys I barely know laying heavy on my heart. 

Im thankful for our trip home to see my parents, my brother and his family, a visit with friends, Fried fish, steamed oysters, and a Gamecock victory. Lord what a great weekend!! 

Then my sweet neighbor who didn’t want us to miss the moon.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are already on my mind, and a Leanne Morgan show that I’m probably looking forward to more than anybody should. Yallllll- I am not ashamed! 

Some days feel full of excitement. Others carry a little worry. Most have a bit of both.

I don’t have a grand lesson to wrap it all up. 

Just a house full of ordinary days, people I love, and a calendar that seems to turn faster every year.

And tonight, if that moon is still shining over the lake, I believe I’ll step outside and have another look.

Until next time, from our home to yours ❤️