Happy Friday!
Today I’m sharing some of my fall faves!
I should mention that this year, more than ever, I have found myself wanting to put up our Christmas decorations and peruse the cute, festive Christmas aisles of our local markets. Especially since we won’t be hosting Thanksgiving at our house, I have a pass to put away the pumpkins prematurely. Alas, I have trained my kids for too long to be disciplined to not skip over Thanksgiving. They have so far revolted against my suggestions to listen to Christmas music in our car rides. I may slip in a few decorations in my office/piano room, I’m just needing a little twinkle for my early morning quiet time. So in honor of keeping it traditional, I’m sharing my fall favorites in these last few weeks of November.
My first favorite is sadly coming to an end…
…soccer playoffs! Every year the fall sports schedule is bonkers, add coaching into that, plus Josiah playing on multiple soccer teams and homeschooling, and it was constant moving and shaking. But I love it and wouldn’t trade it for the world!
Both Noah and Josiah’s teams made it to their league Championships, both sadly came up short. Tears all around as both games ended in double overtime, Josiah’s game coming down to penalty kicks.
This was Noah’s last year of playing in our KIYSL league, as it’s his eighth grade year. He was chosen to participate in their annual All-Star’s game vs our rival league QAC. Again, we came up short. I guess this was the year the Grossmans had a lesson in learning to lose well. It’s been a good run though and we have much to be thankful for in the world of community sports!
Josiah played with his cousin, Madi, on two teams (local rec and a club team). This was an extra special addition to our normal fall season of soccer.
They were also coached by the same coach of both of their teams, so our typical Soccer Saturday included an early 8am game that was local, then jumping in the car and grabbing something to eat and heading over the bridge for a second game for their club team. Such a highlight to get an extra dose of soccer!
As for Naiya, she ended her junior year of high school soccer playing on varsity for the second year.
Unfortunately, she spent three weeks unable to play after getting a concussion in the last game of regulation. She ended up being required to get a CT scan for final clearance. Such a frustrating process for her (and a long one!), but she was finally cleared to play in the States semi-final game, which they sadly lost in double overtime.
Last but not least, here’s our high school JV team coming out to support Varsity’s playoff games. These girls are just the best. Not only athletically, but this was our best year yet all-around! These girls went undefeated (the first time in my coaching career at the high school), they had an amazing work ethic (anytime us coaches were running late, these girls would get started with warmups on their own), were inclusive of every teammate (no drama!), and just an amazing group of athletes! My sister-in-law, Jenna, and I have coached the last three years together and it is always a highlight of every year to get to do this together!
My second Fall Favorite is an annual tradition we have of hosting a fall farm weekend with some of our closest (and longest) friendships.
Last weekend, we had good friends of ours come for their annual fall visit to the farm. We got them out on Soccer Saturday to watch Josiah (and Madi) play in a tournament.
What goes on during one of these weekend reunions, we’re convinced, is nothing short of life-threatening core memories.
I do a lot of praying for protection throughout these types of weekends.
Here are memories from past visits:
2017
2019
2020
2024
Another annual Fall Favorite is of course, my birthday. My family always makes it so special.
My family made my 46th birthday extra special with all the bells and whistles of birthday traditions.
We always have a celebratory breakfast before everyone goes every which way for the day.
My 5am workout group surprised with all of these goodies, they even thoughtfully donated towards a ministry that is near and dear to our family’s heart, Consider the Lily.
I quickly put my sweet mug gift to use on our drive to school. I will forever have nothing but fond memories of driving my kids to all the things. It’s one of my favorites!
Ryan and the boys took me out to dinner to a new sushi place that brings food to the table via a conveyer belt.
And to round out the birthday celebrations, Jenna organized a sweet little breakfast gathering after school dropoff at The Market. She even brought in a tablecloth and decor to make it extra celebratory.
The last Fall Favorite is the slower pace of our evenings. With the girls in between fall and winter sports, and the boys waiting for basketball season to start, our afternoons and evenings have looked much more comfy and cozy and I’m here for it!
Another fall favorite is my recipe for Chicken Pot Pie! This dish is one our all-time favorite comfort meals! Who doesn’t love a fun pastry leaf on top?!
It feels good to be back in blog world, back to documenting what we’re up to, and highlighting the bright spots of our lives. I always enjoy having this space as an outlet, and of course ease my mama guilt of never scrapbooking or printing pictures! #kidsthisisyourscrapbook
I’ll be over here enjoying the last bit of fall, but eagerly anticipating the upcoming Christmas season!
xoxo
