The crisp autumn air has fully arrived, wrapping everything in a comforting embrace, and I am absolutely here for all the cozy vibes the season brings!
Hello, wonderful readers! How are you doing? I hope you had an absolutely fantastic Halloween filled with joy and treats. And aren’t we all loving that extra hour of sleep granted by the annual “fall back” for daylight saving? It’s these small moments of comfort that truly define the season.
I certainly am! So, let’s settle in for a delightful virtual coffee date (decaf for me, please!) and catch up on all the memorable moments and exciting happenings from October. Grab your favorite warm beverage, and let’s dive into the autumn recap!
Experiencing Halloween Magic Through Our Kids’ Eyes
Shawn and I recently had a heartwarming conversation, realizing that celebrating Halloween with our children has become even more enchanting than experiencing it ourselves as kids. There’s an undeniable magic that unfolds when you witness the world through their innocent and excited eyes, transforming familiar traditions into something truly extraordinary and vibrant. It feels more profound, more joyful, and undeniably more magical.
Our boys are at such an incredible stage right now. Josh is nearly four, and Ryan is almost one and a half. This age range is absolutely perfect for embracing the wonder of Halloween – peak trick-or-treating excitement and pure, unadulterated holiday magic!
Our Epic Family Costumes for Halloween
As always, I’m completely dedicated to the concept of family-themed costumes. This year, we had the distinct pleasure of debuting not one, but two different family costume sets for Halloween. For Josh’s preschool parade in the morning, we transformed into a formidable team of Marvel comic book characters. Shawn and Josh were utterly thrilled, living out their superhero fantasies. Shawn embodied the tech-savvy Iron Man, while Josh proudly donned Captain America’s shield. I channeled the cosmic power of Captain Marvel, and our little Ryan completed the ensemble as the mighty Thor. To be honest, I wasn’t entirely familiar with my character, but Shawn enthusiastically assured me that Captain Marvel is indeed a powerful female superhero!
These fantastic costumes were all conveniently sourced from Amazon, and I’m happy to report they were true to size for everyone: Dad’s Iron Man, Mom’s Captain Marvel, Josh’s Captain America, and Ryan’s Thor.
Later that evening, for the grand trick-or-treating adventure, we underwent another transformation! Our entire family dressed up as glow-in-the-dark skeletons. Can you even begin to imagine the boys’ excitement over this? I wholeheartedly recommend glow-in-the-dark costumes, especially for young children. Not only are they incredibly fun and visually striking, but they also offer a significant safety benefit, making it much easier to spot your little ones in the dim evening light. What makes our Halloween even more special is that my extended family joins us, dressing up in coordinating costumes and participating in the festivities. It’s such a sweet tradition and adds so much fun to the evening!
Our glow-in-the-dark skeleton costumes were also Amazon finds and fit perfectly: Dad’s skeleton costume, Mom’s skeleton costume, Josh’s skeleton costume, and Ryan’s skeleton costume.
A Bittersweet Farewell to Wedding Videography
After a remarkable seven seasons dedicated to capturing beautiful love stories, Shawn and I have made the difficult but necessary decision to retire our beloved wedding videography business. Over the years, we have had the immense privilege of filming 83 weddings, each one a unique and joyous celebration. Working side-by-side on these projects has been an incredible journey, showcasing our synergy as a team and strengthening our bond. We truly are one of those couples who thrive on spending quality time together, and our business allowed us to do just that, creating something beautiful as a united front.
However, the demands of wedding videography are substantial. Wedding days themselves are exceptionally long, often spanning 12-14 hours, requiring intense focus and physical stamina. Following that, the intricate editing process typically consumes about 30 hours per film for Shawn. Juggling this with his full-time job meant countless evenings spent meticulously crafting each video after the kids were in bed. He truly is a hero, demonstrating such dedication and passion for his craft and our clients.
While this decision is bittersweet, we’re genuinely excited about reclaiming our weekends and, more importantly, for daddy to have his evenings back. This shift opens up new possibilities for family time and personal pursuits. Who knows, perhaps Shawn and I will now have the luxury of guilt-free relaxation and connection in the evenings after bedtime? The thought of that quiet, shared time is incredibly appealing and something we’ve longed for.
We are immensely proud of everything we accomplished together, building this successful business from the ground up with nothing but passion and hard work. It’s a testament to our teamwork and dedication.
But fear not, our videography days are far from over! This transition simply means we’ll now have more dedicated time to focus our creative energy on filming engaging recipe videos for Tastes Lovely, allowing us to merge our love for visuals with our passion for food!
San Francisco Fleet Week and The Awe-Inspiring Blue Angels
October in San Francisco always brings with it the electrifying excitement of Fleet Week, a spectacular event that culminates in the breathtaking aerial acrobatics of the Blue Angels. Each year, we make the trek into the city a little before the main show begins, securing our spot to witness this incredible display. This year, we chose Chrissy Field, located right by the ocean, offering an unparalleled view of the majestic aircraft. They flew directly over us, a thunderous roar accompanying their precise maneuvers, sending the boys into a frenzy of delight! Josh would shriek with pure excitement every time the jets roared overhead, while Ryan, utterly captivated, would point to the sky, exclaiming “oooh, oooh!” It’s moments like these that truly highlight the joy of being a boy mom.
We were incredibly thankful we remembered to bring their baby headphones, as those powerful planes generate an astonishing amount of noise! It’s a small but essential item for protecting little ears during such loud events, ensuring they can enjoy the spectacle without discomfort.
Josh’s New Adventure: A Powerwheels ATV
November marks a special milestone as Josh prepares to turn four years old. Like many children his age, he’s completely enthralled by a particular dinosaur hunter show where the characters zoom around on rugged ATVs. This fascination clearly resonated with his aunt, who, as an early birthday surprise, gifted him an amazing ATV Powerwheels! Let me tell you, my boy is absolutely over the moon. He wants to ride it everywhere imaginable; he even cheekily asked if he could ride it to school, which gave us a good laugh! It’s now the very first thing he talks about and asks for every morning, a true testament to its immediate success as a gift.
What melts my heart even more is how thoughtful and kind he is. He’s always willing to share his new ride, taking his younger brother Ryan on little adventures around the yard. Seeing them together, giggling and exploring, is truly one of the greatest joys of parenthood!
Embracing Autumn at the Pumpkin Patch
Can it truly be October without a quintessential visit to the pumpkin patch? This annual tradition is a highlight of our fall, offering much more than just selecting pumpkins for carving. It’s an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the festive atmosphere, wander through fields of orange, and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season. The crisp air, the rustic charm, and the sheer delight on the boys’ faces as they pick out their perfect pumpkin make this outing a cherished memory every year. It’s a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and really soak in the unique spirit of autumn. We love exploring the various attractions, from hayrides to corn mazes, creating lasting family memories amidst the bounty of the harvest.
A Scenic Weekend in Tahoe and Apple Hill Delights
Our October adventures also took us north to the stunning Lake Tahoe, where we enjoyed a lovely weekend getaway with Shawn’s family. The journey itself was part of the fun, as we made a delightful stop at Apple Hill on the way up – because, well, it’s October, and what’s fall without fresh apples and cider? At Apple Hill, Josh had the incredible experience of riding a pony for the first time, a moment that truly lit up his face. Little Ryan, not to be outdone, savored a delicious apple cider donut, an autumnal treat he thoroughly enjoyed. And a personal victory for me: I can still dress them in matching outfits, and they don’t seem to mind a bit! My hope is that they’ll let me continue this tradition forever, creating a charming visual reminder of their childhood bond.
(Their adorable flannel shirts were a great find from Old Navy, perfect for the cool fall weather.)
Lake Tahoe itself was, as always, incredibly refreshing and fun. We cherish our time with Shawn’s siblings; they truly are some of my favorite people to spend time with. And of course, you simply cannot beat the invigorating freshness of the mountain air. It’s the perfect antidote to city life, offering a serene backdrop for family bonding and outdoor exploration.
Ryan’s Latest Milestone: The Adorable “Uh-Oh”
While every stage of childhood brings its unique joys and challenges, there’s something exceptionally endearing about the 14-18 month stretch. At this age, toddlers are just beginning to explore their independence, develop their communication skills, and reveal more of their distinct personalities. They are truly adorable in every sense of the word, a delightful blend of curiosity and charming innocence.
Our little Ryan has recently mastered a new word: “uh-oh.” And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! When he accidentally drops his beloved avocado toast face-down onto my pristine carpets, hearing that tiny, innocent “uh-oh” genuinely softens the blow. How can you possibly be upset with a face that sweet, paired with such a charming acknowledgment of his little mishap? It’s these small, precious developments that make every messy moment worthwhile.
Josh, The Confident Chicken Wrangler
Beyond his new Powerwheels ATV, Josh’s absolute favorite pastime is playing with our chickens. It’s truly impressive; he’s developed quite a knack for catching them – he’s even better at it than I am! When Ryan is napping peacefully, you can often find Josh happily engrossed in play within the chicken coop. His fascination sometimes leads to hilarious moments, like when he occasionally brings a chicken inside the house for a brief, unexpected visit! While it can be a bit chaotic, his genuine love for animals and the outdoors is something we cherish.
To facilitate his adventures and protect his clothes, we invested in this fantastic “muck suit” for him. It’s an absolute lifesaver! He can get as dirty as he pleases, rolling around in the mud or hay, and his clothes underneath remain perfectly clean. It allows him the freedom to explore and get messy without a worry, which is ideal for an active, curious boy like Josh.
My Ongoing Weight Loss Journey: Celebrating Progress
This month marks a significant two-month milestone in my commitment to eating clean keto + Whole30 and jogging daily. I honestly can’t believe how quickly I’m seeing results in my weight loss. This journey has brought immense happiness and a profound sense of pride in my discipline and dedication.
One of the most gratifying non-scale victories occurred this month: I successfully sized down to a size Large in jogging pants! For years, I had consistently worn an XL, so this change felt monumental. The moment I pulled on those new size large pants and caught my reflection in the mirror, I had one of those truly impactful “whoa, I can really see a difference” moments. It’s a powerful reminder that hard work and consistency truly pay off.
This achievement has been the best reward for all my effort, motivating me to continue on this path towards a healthier, stronger me.
On a practical note, I cannot recommend these specific jogging pants enough. They are incredibly affordable, priced at less than $20, feature convenient pockets perfect for your cell phone, offer excellent compression for comfort and support, are completely opaque (not see-through!), and come with the added bonus of Amazon Prime shipping. They’ve become an essential part of my daily routine.
My Jogging Journey: From Couch to 5K and Beyond
Speaking of jogging, today marks an official and incredibly satisfying milestone: I have successfully completed my 8-week Couch to 5K routine! I’ve now been consistently jogging for eight weeks, and the transformation is remarkable. When I first started, jogging for even a single minute felt like an insurmountable challenge, a true test of endurance.
Now, just two months later, I am proudly jogging for 35 minutes at a time! This progress feels nothing short of incredible. But the even bigger news, a truly monumental personal achievement, is that for the first time EVER in my life, I can jog not just one mile, but two full miles without stopping! As someone who has never considered myself particularly athletic, this is a gigantic milestone and a testament to what consistent effort can achieve. It’s a newfound sense of physical capability and confidence that I deeply cherish.
The app I’ve been using for this journey has been an indispensable tool. It provides clear audio cues, telling me precisely when to start jogging and when to transition back to walking, and each day, it intelligently and gradually increases the intensity and duration. I cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone looking to start their running journey.
There’s no real secret formula I can share, no magic pill for success, except for one simple truth: just show up every day. It’s undeniably challenging at times, pushing you beyond your comfort zone, but it’s also not as hard as your mind might try to convince you it is. The rewards, both physical and mental, are absolutely worth the effort.
Endless Slide Fun at the Park
Our family is practically regulars at all the wonderful parks scattered around our town. It’s an activity that we especially cherish in the fall when the weather is perfectly breezy and chilly. Bundling up in cozy layers to head outside and play offers a unique kind of autumnal joy. We recently discovered a fantastic new park nearby, and the boys are absolutely captivated by its slide – they simply cannot get enough of it! And honestly, Shawn and I are right there with them, reliving our own childhood joys. The simple pleasure of outdoor play, especially with the changing leaves and crisp air, creates cherished memories and keeps everyone active and happy.
My Latest Literary Delights: Books I’ve Loved
I’ve had some fantastic reads this past month that I’m eager to share. I truly loved The Price of Time! It’s one of those gripping narratives that I believe would make an absolutely incredible movie – the plot twists and character development are just phenomenal. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed Night Road. Kristin Hannah continues to impress; all of her books are consistently exceptional, deeply moving, and beautifully written. She truly remains one of my absolute favorite authors for her ability to craft compelling stories that resonate long after you’ve turned the final page. If you’re looking for an emotional and powerful read, anything by Kristin Hannah is a safe bet.
Screen Time Worth Sharing: Our Favorite TV & Movies
A big shout out to all the fellow adults who, like us, eagerly anticipate discovering a great new Netflix find for a cozy Friday night in! Here’s what we’ve been enjoying:
- What Happened to Monday proved to be a pretty decent action movie. It was engaging and had enough twists to keep us entertained, earning a solid 3 out of 5 stars from us. Definitely worth a watch if you’re into sci-fi action! (Available on Netflix)
- Schitt’s Creek has released new episodes, and we couldn’t be happier! This show is a true gem, offering a perfect blend of humor and heartwarming moments. (Available on Netflix)
- Always Sunny in Philadelphia also has new episodes! This holds a special place as our absolute FAVORITE comedy show – truly the only sitcom we consistently watch. We’ve even purchased the season pass on iTunes to ensure we can watch each new episode the very day it comes out. Its unique, often outrageous humor is unmatched.
- El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie was a brilliant follow-up film! It continues the story of Jesse Pinkman after the dramatic conclusion of Breaking Bad. It was a slow-burn, suspenseful, and ultimately very satisfying experience that definitely made me nostalgic for the original series. A must-watch for any Breaking Bad fan. (Available on Netflix)
- Finally, for the little ones, Ryan (and surprisingly, Josh too!) is absolutely loving LooLoo Kids. It’s incredibly calm and features gentle animated songs, making it perfect for winding down or for background entertainment. (Available on Netflix)
Podcast Obsession: “Office Ladies”
If you were a fan of the iconic TV show The Office and adored its quirky charm, then you absolutely MUST check out the “Office Ladies” podcast! Hosted by Jenna Fischer (Pam Beesly) and Angela Kinsey (Angela Martin) from the show, they meticulously go through each episode, offering a fascinating deep dive into behind-the-scenes stories, production secrets, and personal anecdotes. It’s incredibly entertaining, packed with nostalgic moments, and provides a fresh perspective on a beloved series. It feels like you’re right there with them, reliving the magic and learning something new with every listen!
Happy November, Everyone!
As we transition deeper into autumn and embrace the promises of November, I’m sending each and every one of you so much love. Your continued support and readership mean the world to me. You are all truly the best. Love you. Mean it!