Where to begin? Lately (who am I kidding….I’ve been like this for YEARS), I’ve felt really overwhelmed. And that is putting it oh-so lightly.
A couple of weeks ago, we had just got both kids down for a nap. I had so much to do in that short window of time and yet, there I sat on my un-made bed strewn with clean clothes from the dryer to be put away. The combination of feeling buried by my multiple and seemingly unending to-do lists and the guilt of not spending more quality time with my kids and husband left me paralyzed. And so, what did I do? I did what I always do when I am pushed to the edge. I threw myself on the floor of my bedroom and flipped out. I cried. I cried a lot.
Thankfully, I have a husband who is incredibly patient and encouraging. And thankfully, I have a God who is much bigger than I and who is always there waiting for me to come to Him. After I was scooped up off the floor and the tears were dried (mostly anyway), I spent some time praying and was led to make a list (yes, another list π ) of my priorities….of what really matters in this life. This activity was helpful to give me enough perspective to get myself up and going again, but the hard part, is figuring out – day to day, hour to hour – how to really live a life that focuses on what really matters. Goodness, that is really hard in my world where I simultaneously cross two things of off the to-do list and add three more. And I know I’m not the only one.
I don’t have all of the answers (although I am hoping to hash through a lot of these feelings at the
Making Things Happen conference next month), but I do know that one thing I can do to focus on what matters is enjoy this sweet family of mine in the upcoming BEST season of the year….fall. Enter:
T H E F A L L B U C K E T L I S T
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+ Do all things pumpkin (pumpkin patch, pumpkin spice lattes, make pumpkin pancakes, carve pumpkins, watch Charlie Brown’s The Great Pumpkin).
+ Take an overnight trip to explore Boone, NC (any tips for things to-do in Boone?).
+ Take the Lightrail into uptown to explore the
new park.
+ Take Boone out for his first-ever hot chocolate.
+ Make s’mores on our backyard fire pit.
Man, I love fall. And I refuse to be so stressed out that I can’t enjoy every moment of it.
Our first item on the bucket list: apple picking. We did this last weekend and goodness, it was so nice. Great weather, sweet friends, beautiful views…and the best apple cider donuts you ever had. I’m serious. They were incredible. Anyone whose been before knows what I’m talking about.
I would love to know what is on your fall bucket list…give me some more ideas! Happy (almost) fall everyone. π
The Carolina Balloon Fest is awesome…. I want to go back for the night glow this year…. we went a few years ago on Friday (it’s free on Friday to get in) and it was really, really cool to watch them all go up together!
I seriously love you and love our family. Thank you for doing such an awesome job organizing our oh-so-crazy life and documenting it so well. muah!
i LOVE SkyTop. My family always went there when i was little, so now i beg Rob to go every year. glad you guys had a great time!
The apple cider doughnuts are the first thing that comes to my mind when I hear Sky Top. They are amazing! I’m excited to take my little one on his first trip this year.
Well I am SO glad I’m not the only one who has the occasional meltdown from feeling overwhelmed/guilty/stressed/overwhelmed again. You mean this doesn’t get easier with 2 babies?! π I love your heart. And I also love FALL and everything about it and need to add some of these things to our list as well! xo
Of COURSE we’d all have a mutual love for fall! These photos are really awesome, guys! I love seeing Boone eat his donut, and little Crew all smiley at the apple tree. Great family photos. Thanks for sharing/inspiring π
Cheyenne- You are simply AWESOME and wonderful and I am so blessed to know you. I don’t have kids and I feel overwhelmed all the time with getting the house settled, making time for my husband and I, spending time with friends and family, and just enjoying life. My goal is to enjoy Fall to starting Oct 1! As for a night in Boone, I will email you π
Honey Crisp!!!! My favorite
Grandmom is nearby when time is needed to get things done…or rest for that matter! Would love to be that support system.
The new park downtown is amazing! Make sure the kids wear bathing suits! They’ll need them!
Go to Boone on a Saturday & visit the Farmer’s Market. Fabulous! They even have a kids’ version. The Mast General Store, Price Park for picnics & creek playing,Price Lake for renting canoes, Bass Lake Trail, Stick Boys in Boone for coffee & breads…..