Can I tell you, I’m so glad November is over! It was such a difficult month for me.
I gained back ALL plus more of the Whole45 weight I had lost in September & October. That hard work and discipline erased.
We had some out-of-left-field heart breaking canker sore inducing discipline issues … handed down to my teen from the public school.
I shared the Young Living Black Friday Sales and my favorite new Christmas Spirit oil on social media and people lost their minds I would do such a hideous thing … promoting my ‘small business’.
We had a water pipe leak in our rental house that 2 weeks later is still not resolved. I’m currently managing laundry holding a pool drainage hose through the mud room & garage to the back door.
Due to poor communication and zero shopping list, our Thanksgiving “dinner” consisted of turkey and Doritos. I can’t make this nonsense up!! I promise that was our meal.
I’m shouting … GOODBYE NOVEMBER !!
Yet. Yet through the tears. Through the disappointment. Through the hurt we counted our blessings. We clung to one another. We prayed. We still saw goodness at the bottom of the pit.
November Wrap Up: Build Relationships
My youngest got his first job. He gets paid to let out 2 dogs in our neighborhood at lunch time and plays with them. He loves it! I think the dogs like it too.
My wayward teen entered the local Maker’s Market and sold 13 of his 21 sketches.
He made over $150. He’s had Special Orders since the market and continues to sell. He set up his table totally doubting every second he’d sell anything. He thought it was a major waste of time. He thought all my praise was “what moms are supposed to say”. You can imagine his surprise when his first 2 buyers bought 3 sketches each!
You can see his work on Instagram @JakeLaytonArt
Let me tell you what. This is the same kid who got in trouble countless times with his Pre Algebra teacher for ‘doodling’ during lectures. I wish Mr. Mosely could have seen his success!
We are so thankful that after a year off from the worship team he tried out this week. I am so pleased he’ll be playing again in 2019!
I ended November at MomsNext sharing our Advent stories. The times I stressed and made it more about a ‘to-do list’ than a joyful experience.
I encouraged my mama friends and finished choking on my emotions with these words …
“Keep the big picture in mind. When the rubber meets the road and you’re facing a difficult season, it won’t be because you did Advent that gets you through. It’ll be because you spent time building relationships.”
We are climbing out of November desperately hopeful for a better December. Still building relationships in the good & difficult seasons.