Spooky, scary October

October should be outstanding but it's downright scary to me! It's been a challenging month as a teacher and a mom to keep up with all the activities, work obligations (like report cards and parent-teacher conferences) and still be a good mom/wife to my family. I'm constantly trying to find the balance. I've added a few things to my busy life to help with that...first is therapy and the second is rest without guilt.  

I wasn't sure about therapy for me, but I realized my plate is so full, that if I didn't take time to acknowledge my own mental health and stress, that a disaster was sure to be headed my way. I wasn't sure it was for me. I'm really only going once to twice a month, but after my last session, I had such a sense of joy and relief. It felt great to have someone listen and acknowledge all my hard work and feelings. Apparently, I'm really great at taking care of everyone else, but I sometimes forget about my own feelings. Sure, I do lots of self-care things, like journaling, reading, nightly bubble baths, and taking time for myself, but what I'm bad about is showing my true feelings. I tend to stuff them down and put on a happy face for everyone, even though I may not be feeling that way. Sometimes I do it so much, that I don't even know HOW I'm feeling. By slowly acknowledging my feelings I am beginning to be able to communicate my own needs and wants more openly. Who knew how much stress that alone could relieve. 

I'm still working on the rest with no guilt...I am trying to give myself Saturdays. If all I do is rest and hang out at home, it's perfectly fine. Taking the time to recoup my energy will help to make me more productive in the long run. Knowing it's not the end of the world if the house isn't cleaned or the errands aren't run has really helped too. I'm the only one who seems to get bent out of shape about those things anyway! I'm also remembering rest can happen in different ways, including hanging out with my kids. 

Savannah has come home a few times this month. On Saturday we ran early morning errands together. Of course, a Dunkin and Target stop made the morning more enjoyable. 

A lot of this month has been taken up with Lorelei and diving. I really love watching her in her element. She's gaining confidence and a wonderful group of new friends. She perpetually smells of chlorine and we love it!

Two nights a week she dives till 8:00...she promptly comes home to shower, eat, and goes almost immediately to sleep. She's a trooper!

She won second place in her first meet!

I helped swim parents with cups to wish our divers well on their first away meet. 

She said she had a great time on the bus ride there! 

She placed 10th out of 26 divers. This was the first time she competed again other districts. 

Bailey's birthday weekend was a lot of fun. Savannah came home again, but mostly to celebrate her one-year anniversary with Jandro. We love this guy almost as much as she does!

Saturday night we took him to shop at The Rim. He and Lorelei get along so well for being the oldest and youngest child. Eight years apart, but they totally get each other. 

 

Bailey said a big no to this choice by Lorelei. 

But he found some great things and gave a quick fashion show after.

 

We went to the Anchor Bar for his birthday dinner. His girlfriend Yukari joined us. 

Look at all these cute couples!

We had a nice time and Bailey was truly happy and seemed to really enjoy his night. 

Happy 22nd birthday to the guy who made me a mom! We love you, Bailey!

Bailey is also moving again, this time into a house with his roommate Nathan. He's super excited about it and even painted his own new bedroom. We went to IKEA Friday night to get a few things. It was the first time I think I went out with just my guys! Lorelei was too tired to join us. 

Saturday we helped put some furniture together and get his room set up. 

He told me he really feels really homey already. He starts a new job tomorrow for NISD being  Youth Leader in their afterschool program called Learning Tree. Lots of new beginnings already in his 22nd year!

Tonight is Halloween...a little different than most years. Savannah didn't come home this weekend because she threw her own Halloween party. Jandro and her dressed up as Tony Montana and Elvira.

We are heading to my parent's in an hour or so. Lorelei is going to Piglet and Jonas still hasn't thrown together a costume yet. Bailey and John both have to work, but may join us later. I'm looking forward to a meal I didn't have to cook and time with the family.

Happy Halloween friends!

Can't believe tomorrow is November already...