And while I was busy making other plans, so many joyful and stressful things happened in this past month. October is a challenging month for teachers and my family. Nothing major like at other times in our Boyen Bunch lives. Fun things actually, like birthdays and Halloween. Nothing that should have caused the stress that piled up on me this past month. But it did. I can't wrap my head around why I sometimes get overwhelmed with life's little things. It can make me sad and angry and resentful. My blog is my happy place. It is the place where I share my beautiful Boyen Bunch and all the magic in my wonderful family. It's also my place to share my truth. Although October was filled with many fabulous moments, the stress and a little bit of the "sads" as I recently heard another blogger call it, were underlying in the background. When I reflect back there wasn't any one particular thing, so I chalk it up to life. No matter what self-care we do, or how much we rely on other people, no matter how put together we are, sometimes it just is too much. I've been through so many hard things in my life with my family. Mental health struggles, and major medical issues, are things that I faced like a warrior. For whatever reason, the little things in life just threw me for a loop this month. Why do I share this with you...because my blog can't be all butterflies and rainbows. Life is just hard sometimes and we can't always find the reason. I feel like I'm on the other side of it now, but you just never know. Is it depression, no not at all. I am surrounded by family with their own mental health struggles. I know they have things much harder. Does that mean my stress and sadness are less worthy because I don't have mental health challenges, absolutely not. Sometimes even the strongest of us break with the last straw. That being said, a lightness has returned to my heart and head. I share this with you so that if you too ever feel this way, we can know we are not alone.
We made some plans that were supposed to send us to Chicago this week, but we are instead at home. It was the exact stress reliever I needed. I have a love/hate relationship with travel. Exploring new places and the adventure of it all are what I love. The planning and actual travel are the parts I hate! Although Jonas really wanted to see the University of Chicago, he wasn't up to the 18-hour car ride one way. We opted to wait for the acceptance letter (fingers crossed) that comes mid-December. He applied for early admission and is very hopeful.
We also took a visit to UT Austin, even though we've been a million times to see Savannah. Jonas and I went up one weekend to hear a presentation on their Honors program. Although his heart wasn't into it, he's opened minded enough to know UT is a good back up plan for the University of Chicago. Even though Jonas is Salutatorian, has an amazing GPA/SAT scores and he's the full package, the reality is U. Chicago only has a 6% acceptance rate. It's the Harvard of the midwest!
Jonas and I were headed to the presentation and Savannah was headed to class.
She had a big presentation that day and was practicing with Jonas. She will be done with the pre-graduate research program this semester and will graduate with her Bachelor's in Neuroscience. She's made the Dean's list this year already! She's done amazing research as an undergrad and has a resume that should make her a shoo-in for her graduate program in Pharmacology and Toxicology, where she will get a Ph.D. Another five years at UT! This Boyen Bunch of mine is knee-deep in this college stuff!
Speaking of college, Bailey returned to NW Vista this time for music. He's just finished up another AA in music. He's deciding where to go next. He's finally following his heart and passion for music and would like to seek a BA in theory and composition. He had a concert this month with the NWV Chamber musicians. It was great to see him perform again.
Lorelei is doing her best to make the most of her Junior year.
Homecoming was a real social challenge for her. Jonas skipped this year. He said once was enough. But Lorelei pushed herself out of her comfort zone.
Pretty girl...
Strong girl...
Silly girl...
Loved by all...
Her favorite any time treat is McDonald's ice cream! I indulge her whenever we can. Such a simple thing.
Diving is going okay. She is frustrated she isn't progressing more. I have to remind her she is not the usual athlete! She has a titanium spine!! She's wanted to quit but has pushed through even the hardest meets, including being disqualified for two failed dives. I am proud of her no matter what.
Starbucks for the win after a cold and not-so-successful meet...still smiling, even after all the tears.
Lorelei also asked me to chaperone her German class field trip to Wurstfest! How could I say no? This was probably the very last field trip I will go on with one of my kiddos. And it was a good one!
We celebrated birthdays, Halloween, and more.
Bailey turned 24 on the 24th of October. His Golden birthday!
We went for some amazing sushi the same night Lorelei had homecoming, to celebrate with Savannah too.
He came over for wings on his actual birthday.
He's been golfing a lot lately. Papa got him some new gear!
Halloween was next, but not the typical Halloween from their younger years. Lorelei and I still stopped by Nana's and Papa's. Jonas headed out to his tradition with his friends.
The house looked spooky.
Savannah and Jandro had a party with friends. Can you tell who they are? Pretty good Sandy and Johnny right?
Lorelei and her dive friends had a party too. The Magic Mike trio!
Jonas turned 18! He did most of his celebrating with friends, but indulged me with some photos to mark the occasion.
I love that Bailey bought him a gift.
Another little celebration was the anniversary of these sweet young things...three years already for Jandro and Savannah. Aren't they just the cutest!
Nothing makes you feel more nostalgic than visiting your old elementary school for its 25th Anniversary. The Boyen Bunch grew up in those halls. It was like a giant family reunion. Of course, everyone was pretty shocked to see how much Jonas and Lorelei had changed.
I remember when she was smaller than this cowgirl!
Thanksgiving break is going just as it should, downtime, family time, sleep, and relaxation. Everyone was over on Saturday which was a night full of giggles and fun. Notice the bonus Boyen? Well, Lorelei's bestie since 3rd grade Chelsey, moved in with us this month. We used to joke when she was little that she might as well move in with us one day. That day came.
We've slept, relaxed, puzzled, walked, and shopped already this week.
No matter what happens in life, I am so blessed and grateful for this Boyen Bunch of mine.
Happy Thanksgiving friends. May you be blessed with food, family, and lots of love.
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