It's The End of October ... Already?

 I know I write this a lot but the truth is time is flying by really fast.  How are we in the last week of October already and why does it feel like we didn't even have an October at all?  

The mornings have been chilly.  I had to crank up the heat in the school van this morning because the windows were icy but right now it's sunny and 53 degrees and will probably hit close to 70 degrees soon.  It's that time of year where I wish I could just snuggle up on the couch with this cutie and not get up until spring.  

But I can't do that!

So, instead I just wake up early and go about my day doing all the things my schedule requires me to do.  Work, never-ending house cleaning, figuring out what to make for dinner, and all that.  The good thing is that we are coming to a close on the high school football season.  I only go to watch my daughter perform in the band and as much fun as it is, by evening the weather is beginning to get too chilly.  I miss watching my son on that field and I know in a few years I'll miss watching my daughter too.  So, I'm soaking in every moment ... even when the moments are flying by in lightning speed.

Over the weekend was considered Super Band weekend.  Friday was band night at the football game where the high school band was also joined by the elementary and middle school bands, Saturday night was the band show here at home and Sunday was the Halloween parade.  The Halloween parade was on a Sunday and we prefer attending church on Sunday and not something related to something that reflects evilness so she skipped that.  Buuuuut, she did wake up feeling sick so she ended up missing church anyway and watched online.   Our congressman made a visit to our church and spoke about his faith and it was wonderful to hear.  He's up for reelection this November and so is our governor.  We'll see how it goes.  All I can do is pray and hold onto hope that the right ones are elected.  

It's Soup Season! Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup

We have now entered into the start of cozy, bundle-up, and warm up your vehicle to melt the frost on the windows season; which can only mean one thing: time for soup.  

I found this recipe on the one and only Pinterest and made it on Saturday evening.  Saturday morning Rob and I went our separate ways: he went to watch our son's college cross country meet and I went to watch our daughter's.  It was chilly and all I could think of was how perfect of a day it was for soup.  This was light and delicious.  I wanted to share in case you needed any ideas of something simple and warm to make.  I made some biscuits for the side, with the help of the Pillsbury Dough Boy. 

 EASY HAMBURGER NOODLE SOUP

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Flavors and Liquids: Stir in the basil, oregano, beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles and reduce to a simmer. Cook until noodles are tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Apples and Pumpkins

 First, I'll start by saying that last Friday I had to take my dad to the hospital for a minor back surgery.  Because he was under sedation I had to stay with him for 24 hours.  It was weird spending the night in the bedroom I had spent all of my teenage years, as if I had never left it.  Aside from taking care of my dad I had to keep watch of my mom, who is handicapped from a stroke and in late stage Alzheimer's.  She was in bad shape that day.  Totally out of it and fell as I tried getting her from the wheelchair to the car.  Thankfully, a nurse and a bystander helped get her up and in.  I went home on Saturday and my dad is healing up.  It was exhausting and I'm glad for a three day weekend that followed.  My son is home on fall break and classes start back up tomorrow.  Today was back to school for the girl and back to school van driving for me.  

Yesterday my daughter and I spent some time at a nearby orchard and picked apples before walking through a pumpkin patch.  We picked more apples than we needed but it was fun.  The weather was beautiful for it.  

We enjoyed a good conversation and quality time together.  I love my girl.  

This weekend was tough for her.  She was feeling really down through the entirely of it.  Finally, I found out that her "friend" group got together and did not include her.  Again.  She's been having this trouble with them for a long time.  We talked about it in the car and I told her it's best if she let's them go and finds new friends.  I mean, she does have other friends, but this particular group is not good on her mental health because they do not treat her well.  These are friends since elementary/middle school and it's difficult to let go but I cannot stand to see her hurt by them over and over again.  Every day I pray she finds good people.  I may not think the friendships matter but she's a girl that thrives on being surrounded by people.  While I'm perfectly fine with being a loner she isn't.  She told me she had a good day with me and I'm glad I was able to cheer her up.  

Today I'm back in the swing of a normal routine - house cleaning and grocery shopping.  

Oh, last Thursday I turned 48.  It was a day like any other.  I did get treated to a delicious Italian meal after watching my son in his race and then was gifted with some new books and a gift card to Hobby Lobby.  48 doesn't feel like a big deal.  Just a few year from that half century mark ... yikes! 

To The Finish Line

 I have to share this picture as it is so special to me.  

My daughter made a decision to quit dancing and join band and sports during the start of high school.  She joined alongside her brother on the cross country team and I honestly wondered if this was the right decision for her.  She struggled to find endurance to get through and had been dealing with knee pain and this year developed some rib pain too.  We had her to the doctor with no success and she ended up having to DNF in one of the races because the pain was too much.  Yet, she was determined to keep going.  Last night was the final meet of the season and she ran to the finish line having cut 5 minutes from her last personal record.  Well, you can tell by the expression on her face how much that meant to her.  Her brother was waiting for her at the finish line with so much pride in his voice as he cheered for her.  It was a moment I'll cherish forever.  That's one for the core memories.  

She said throughout the entire 3.1 miles she prayed to God to help carry her through.  It is such a testament to how powerful God's strength truly is when we ask Him for it.  While imprisoned, the Apostle Paul encourages us to rejoice in the suffering and in Philippians 4:13 he says, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  I'm so glad my daughter got to live that experience last night.   We may not have to endure jail like Paul, or run in a cross country race like my daughter, but each and every one of us goes through trials that bring us suffering.  Ask God to give you strength to endure it to the end.  The reward at the finish line will be well worth it.  

I thought I was going to miss watching her dance, and in a small way I do, but I do not miss her coming into the car after class in tears because some of the girls were mean to her or an instructor made a comment that brought her down.  Cross country is an incredible sport.  The coaches and teammates are some of the absolute best.  They lift her up instead of tearing her down.  They encourage each other to keep going and celebrate the achievements in the end.  If the race doesn't turn out as they wanted, they lean in on each other for support.  It's so awesome to witness.  Even though my daughter may never come in first place she's exactly where she needs to be and I am so, so proud.