November Goals

Oh, November. I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I feel like November has all of my middle-child love given to it. 

October is the perfect fall month and so dreamy and December is all about Christmas and so cozy, and I feel like November oftentimes gets lot in the middle, but it's so special and holds so much goodness in it too. There's the chill in the air that starts to really come, the beauty of Thanksgiving and family and football mixed with the beginning of the excitement building for Christmas melded together perfectly with nights by the fire and cozy homes whether decorated for fall or Christmas. I just love it. 

So, given all of that, here are a few November goals for you with a look back on some October goals as well. 

A look back on October... 

1. Walk 31 miles.

Well, this one was a sweet one, and I actually hit 31 on the last day of the month, so it was a success! I love bundling these little ones up and walking in the stroller. It's a time that we all get to be outside, Jane gets a little snack (and usually her bike comes along for the end), Andy almost always takes a nap (the opposite has also happened......haha), and I get to chat with Jane, call a friend or listen to a podcast. It's a win for everyone mixed with being outside, and I love it! We have 30 left to get to our '100 after the baby!'

2. Clean out three areas of our home.

This was a fun one and one that kept me going. We got to our porch, I got to our "office cabinet" we call it, and I would say our pantry took a good decluttering at the beginning of the month. It's crazy how it really is a task that needs tending to often...we have areas that just collect some things and you have to be diligent about continuing to sort through them. 

3. Read 2 books. 

Well, even though this sounded like a 'simple' task, I finished my second book a few days into November but still calling it a win! Pierce and I both set some reading goals this year, and although he's way closer to finishing, it has still been fun to get some pages in each day. This month, I read Kendra Adachi's "The Plan," a non-fiction time management book, and Denise Hunter's new "Before We Were Us," a Christian fiction romance novel. I liked both! They were easy to read, and it wasn't my favorite Denise Hunter book, but it was set in New England in the fall, so it was a perfect October read!! I have found that even though I love holding real books in my hand, Kindle books are so much more practical for my stage of life right now, and I love having access to my book whether I'm feeding Andy or putting someone down for a nap or find myself with a few minutes here and there, so hopefully I'll sneak a few more books in a the end of the year!! Would always love any recommendations that you have!! 

As for November... 

1. Make my Christmas gift list.

This one is fun and involves a lot of things that I love so very much and honestly one that is already constantly going on in my head. I know it's a bigger "to-do" with lots of actions and decisions, but I'm excited to put down some of my ideas onto paper and hopefully get to buying a little earlier this year too. 

2. Clean out the nursery closet. 

This one has been needing to be done, and I need a little time to sort through all the things - from baby girl things (when we didn't know the gender), baby boy things that are now too small, summer things that need to be put away, toys that need sorting through before Christmas, etc. It's a project for sure, but one that I would love to have done before "the holidays," so it's a little simpler and lighter in the nursery. (I am also  always taking recommendations on how to sort and store baby clothes. I feel like I've gotten a little better at deciding what to possibly keep for a future baby, what is special for a keepsake box, and things that we probably wouldn't use again, but storing all these things, I am always asking for everyone's ways!!)

3. Walking, reading, and tidying.

Well, I know this one is not necessarily a tangible goal, but I decided it's my third November goal because all three help this season be a little sweeter. I want to continue walking and getting a few miles in this month, especially when the weather is still so nice!! I also want to continue reading, especially with Thanksgiving break coming and later nights always a little more possible. And I have a few things on my list that I want to "tidy" before/as we put up Christmas this year, from finishing clearing out a few areas of our backyard to our coat closet where we are going to start needing our cold weather clothes to Jane's closet too transitioning from summer to winter, and so many little areas in-between. I love going to sleep with everyone "put away," and although it is not always possible, it definitely makes the night feel a little cozier and the morning a little lighter, so that's my goal for November. A little of all the things I love without too much pressure and taking time to enjoy this sweet month...

November, you're a favorite, and we're excited for all you have in store! I would love to know your goals too!! It's always fun to hear what others are up to, especially during this busy, but fun season. 

Thanks as always for following along! And here's to being productive while enjoying the little things, celebrating the big things, and soaking in all the moments in-between. I'll plan to see you back here tomorrow!

Sending lots of love!
XO
Tab