You know how some people never set goals for December because it’s so busy with Christmas stuff? That’s how my October has become. First weekend is Octoberfest at my family’s farm, second weekend is our awesome family reunion, third weekend is my girl-o’s birthday, and the last weekend is always some form of trick-or-treating. And of course, prep for all these things during the week.
 |
| Punkin’ Chunkin’ at Higsons Farm Octoberfest |
I always know better than to plan anything else on the weekends in this lovely, pumpkin-scented month. But somehow I always manage to fill up the weeks. This year we started Xoe in the Girl Scouts’ Science Discovery Club, we committed to two different Bible studies, and Xoe always goes from ballet one night a week to two in preparation for The Nutcracker this December.
And did I mention I’m trying to finish up a book?
Seems like a lot, but seriously, this is how every October turns out. I distinctly recall last year, we were painting our new/old church’s basement (which naturally fell in October…) and I was ready to pull out my hair. Home school was wearing me down, the book I was trying to write wouldn’t come out right, and I was just feeling overwhelmed and incompetent.
 |
| Rowyn and my dad giving hayrides at Octoberfest |
This year I’m hanging in there pretty well. I get stressed day-to-day when busyness interferes with my daily goals, but I’ve squeezed it all in somehow. Not saying I deserve a big golden “S” on my chest or anything (I tried to tell Rowyn the other day I was SuperMom, and he looked at me with that “get real” look and said, “No you’re not. You do not have superpowers, Mom.” LOL. Reality check from a 4-year-old!), but I’m feeling more grounded. I’m taking time each day for my devotionals, I’m in a prayer group that helps me keep my focus where it belongs.
 |
| My girl Xoe (left) and my nieces at Octoberfest |
And I’m having fun. I think that’s a big key. All these many activities going on are all ones I’m excited to take part in. My kids had a blast at Science Discovery, the Bible studies are great groups, and Xoe’s birthday party is going to be a costume party, and she’s super-excited to have a lot of friends coming this year.
And my book is going great, praise be to the Lord. Yes, at this point I’m panicking that I won’t be able to keep it in the right word count, but there’s always trimming. =)
So no startling insights today, but after a sick-day with the boy-o yesterday, and a morning of errands awaiting this morning (must get the ingredients to make my famous Pumpkin Gobs with orange-cream cheese filling!), busyness is on my brain…
What’s your Busy Time? Christmas? Summer? Some random month where everyone in your family decided to be born or get married? 😉 How do you cope with it?
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
October has been less stressful than September so far. So that's good for us!
I am so glad to hear that you are having a good month! I am am glad that you are taking time out of your busy day as an amazing writer to talk to us (You too Mrs. Morrill!). 😀
I love that picture of Rowyn with your dad – darling!
Ours is May/June when we have a bunch of family birthdays, mother's/father's day, graduation stuff, and our anniversary. Though recently September has been crazy too with travel and ACFW.
Punkin' Chunkin' looks awesome!
Fun post. It's October tor me. My 3 kids have birthdays in the same week…but it woul still be full without those.
I LOVE the punkin chunkin picture of you – you are absolutely DARLING. Just wanna pinch your cheeks 😉
Sometimes, it feels like my busiest month is whatever month I'm in ;). October has been pretty busy too – though I think September was worse, what with adjusting to the kids being back in school, plus soccer. You just pray, put one foot in front of the other, and accept that some non-crucial thing (like frequent cleaning :::roll:: )may not get done.
Wow, what a timely post, Roseanna. 🙂 The Boothe family month of October is pretty jam packed too. I am also trying to stay grounded and focused, and keep us all healthy. Maybe age does bring a bit of wisdom :), as I've more recently started giving myself the license to really take care of myself (go to bed earlier, say no to things that I can't juggle), to make sure I can be healthy and at my best for the needs of my family. On a side note, I am simply going to have to plan a trip early October next year, to come see the farm and attend Octoberfest! Looks like a blast and I would love to see the whole family again. 🙂 Thanks for sharing the pictures!