October was full of memorable moments for us, from cozy cooking days to learning adventures and everything in between. Looking back, I feel grateful for each small but meaningful experience we’ve shared, and I’m excited to take you along on a little recap.

One of my favorite highlights was exploring ways to nurture a love of reading in our children. As a homeschool family, fostering curiosity and joy in learning is close to my heart, so I shared a few ideas for encouraging reading at every age. Watching our kids dive into books with wide eyes and endless questions—there’s just nothing quite like it!

This month also brought a chance to be in the kitchen. Fall flavors were in full swing with an Apple-Ginger Chicken recipe that’s perfect for the Instant Pot and a delicious ham and cheese frittata. I also made sure to include a recipe for leftover mashed potato cakes, because let’s face it—repurposing food in a tasty way is always a win. And with Halloween wrapping up, we didn’t let leftover candy go to waste either! We whipped up some fun and (now traditional) cookies, letting the kids get creative with what they wanted to throw into the mix.

Amidst all this coziness, I shared a few personal stories, too. One of the most meaningful was about taking our daughters with us to vote. We wanted to show them that voting isn’t just a responsibility, but an expression of our Christian faith and values. We talked openly about how family members we love may vote differently, yet that doesn’t change the bond we share with them. Teaching them to engage thoughtfully and lovingly with the world around them feels so important.

We also took a trip to Caddo Lake State Park, immersing ourselves in nature’s beauty and creating memories that I hope our kids will cherish. And while every trip brings its own magic, this one was especially meaningful with the crisp October air and stunning lake views.

Of course, October wasn’t without its challenges. When a stomach bug hit, I learned (and shared!) a few hard-earned tips on how to survive those rough days. It was a reminder that life is messy and unpredictable, but a little preparation and a lot of grace go a long way.

And for those cozy indoor days, I put together a list of 50 creative writing prompts for kids. Our homeschool days (homeschool routing here) are always better with a little creative spark, and these prompts were a hit with my kids. I hope they bring as much fun to other families, too!

This month has been one for the books—literally and figuratively. From educational gift ideas for kids to continuing to build my cottage garden, which I’m (slowly) making happen on a budget, each day has been a reminder of how beautiful it is to learn and grow together.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Here’s to finding joy in every little corner of life, whatever November brings our way!