Finding gratitude in the middle of life's busiest seasons.
Hello, friend. 🤎
Where do I even begin?
The last month has been an absolute whirlwind. Between work, the kids, sports, the farm, and everything else life manages to squeeze into our days, I feel like I blinked and an entire month disappeared.
Football season has officially come to a close, and what a way to end it!
Our Bantams team brought home the championship! 🏈🏆
Watching those boys work so hard all season and finish it as champions was something pretty special. The practices, the games, the long days, and all the running around suddenly felt worth every minute.
And just like that, we've traded football fields for indoor soccer.
Because apparently, we don't know what to do with ourselves unless we're running somebody to practice. 😂
School is going great for both boys, and we're slowly getting everything around the farm ready for winter.
We also brought home a couple of bottle calves, because clearly we needed a few more mouths to feed! 🐮
With some of our oldest momma cows heading to processing soon, it's going to be an interesting start to winter around here, that's for sure.
But somewhere in the middle of all this excitement, I've found myself thinking about something.
When did keeping up with everyday life become a full-time job all by itself?
It seems like no matter how hard we try, there's always something that falls behind.
The house needs attention. The farm chores never end. Work keeps us busy. The calendar is full. And just when you think you're finally getting caught up, something else comes along.
There are days when it feels overwhelming.
Days when you're tired before the day even begins.
And yes, days when you feel a little underappreciated for everything you're trying to hold together.
I think sometimes we get so caught up in making sure everyone else has what they need that we forget we're allowed to feel tired, too.
But here's what I've been reminding myself lately.
This season of life won't last forever.
Someday, the boys won't need us to drive them to practices and games.
There won't be cleats by the door, uniforms waiting to be washed, or a calendar filled with sports schedules.
They'll grow up. They'll find their own paths. They'll build lives and adventures of their own.
And as much as I might complain about all the running around now, I have a feeling I'd give just about anything to have one more Saturday at the football field or one more evening cheering from the sidelines.
Funny how that works, isn't it?
The things that feel like so much work today might become some of our favorite memories tomorrow.
And it isn't just about raising kids.
Maybe you're working a job that takes everything you've got, dreaming about the day you can finally slow down.
Maybe you're building something for your future and wondering if all the sacrifices will ever pay off.
Or maybe you're starting to realize that life is too short to keep putting off the things you've always wanted to do.
A new career. A trip somewhere you've never been. More time with the people you love. Or simply a little peace and quiet.
Whatever season you're walking through, I think there's something to be said for learning to appreciate the little moments while we're still living them.
That doesn't mean every day has to be wonderful.
It doesn't mean we can't get frustrated, overwhelmed, or wish for a little breathing room.
Because believe me, there are plenty of days I'd gladly trade my to-do list for a blanket, a cup of coffee, and absolutely no responsibilities. 😂☕️
But maybe we can learn to do both.
We can be tired and grateful.
Overwhelmed and happy.
Ready for a break while still loving the life we've worked so hard to build.
Maybe the goal isn't to rush through the busy seasons, but to remember to enjoy a few moments along the way.
Because someday, life will look different.
The schedules will change. The kids will grow. The responsibilities will shift.
And we might find ourselves looking back, wishing we could step into these ordinary, chaotic, beautiful days just one more time.
So today, I'm going to try to appreciate the mess a little more.
The muddy boots. The sports bags. The animals waiting to be fed. The endless laundry. The noise, the laughter, and even the occasional chaos.
Because as crazy as life feels right now, I know these are the days we're going to remember.
And maybe, just maybe, they're the days we'll miss the most.
Before you leave the porch today, I'd love to know:
What's one thing about your life right now that you think you'll miss someday?
Until our next visit,
❤️ I'll save you a seat.
