How Are You Doing Lately?

A little check in, 5 things that brought us joy this week, some cozy recommendations, and a question for you

Hey y’all,

Today is the day, isn’t it? The day that we’ve all been waiting on for what seems like forever:

Our son’s 8th birthday!

That’s right, Riah turns 8 today, which doesn’t seem at all possible because wasn’t he just a little toddler running around the house sticking his fingers in (unlit) soy candles and smearing wax all over our velvet English arm roll chairs just a few days ago?

When our kids came to us in foster care, Riah was only 2 1/2, and now our boy is 8, in the 2nd grade, and the heart of our household. He’s a great helper who lets our animals outside and feeds them in the morning without anyone having to ask him. He asks for three stickers in the check out line at Publix when the cashier asks him if he would like one, so that he can give the other two to his brother and sister when we get home. He is extremely cuddly and loves to be outside, running around the farm with the animals shirtless and barefoot more than anything else in the world.

Riah, age 4

We woke up at Holiday House today and gave him a card with a balloon and a little cupcake, but are planning to really celebrate his birthday out at the farm this weekend with friends and family. With everything going on in the world right now, I’m happy we have a reason to celebrate and focus on what really matters most, which for us has always been family.

In other news, we shared this weekend that PJ’s cousin Rachael’s husband, Josh, had a horrid accident at the beginning of this year that has changed their life in every way. A family member started a Go Fun Me page, and if you’re able, any amount would help them right now. We were with Rachael and her three year old son Noah this weekend at a couple of Halloween parties and I kept thinking how I wish there was something we could do to help out. Now, there is. Thank you so much.

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Lastly, I know emotions are high today and nerves are shot. I have a sinking feeling in my stomach that I can’t shake, but I am doing the best I can to not think about it all too much because we’ve done everything we can do up until this point and it’s out of our control.

Whatever the outcome of this election is, my only hope is we can all treat each other with love, respect, and kindness. But damn, I really hope Kamala Harris is elected our next President.

5 Things That Brought Us Joy This Week

1. A Spooky Fun Night

This year’s Halloween was our favorite yet. We had the most people ever come over, staying until almost midnight, and I may have drank waaaay too much fall sangria my friend Mallory made. Overall, it was an unforgettable night and I can’t wait to relive it over and over in this week’s vlog.

2. Dinner at Holiday House

PJ made fettuccine Alfredo for dinner Sunday night out here at the farm, and plated it ever so beautifully. We’re still getting used to cooking at Holiday House (what is it about cooking in kitchens you’re not used to that just feels off?), but we’re having so much fun spending every weekend here and using up every inch of this kitchen.

3. Autumnal Colors

Our town is always my favorite in the fall, where it turns into Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls and it feels safe, warm, and comforting. It was showing off this past week where the fall colors were bursting everywhere you looked.

4. Family Time

We went to PJ’s cousin’s Halloween party this weekend, and it felt so nice to be around extended family for the second time this week. PJ played basketball with the kids and their cousins while I wrapped myself in a jacket to stay warm and just watched, taking in the cozy fall evening and relishing in the fact that it was the calm before the storm of this week.

5. Sleeping Pets

Lately, every time I see one of our fur babies sleeping, I try to capture the moment immediately. A lot of our animals are getting older (Jolie on the left is 13!) and I just want to hold onto them for as long as possible. Besides, is there anything sweeter than seeing your baby looking so content in their slumber, blissfully unaware of the troubles of the world?

Welcome Distractions

Something to Watch:

• Martha on Netflix. PJ has had a lifelong love of Martha Stewart, dating back to when he was 7 and his grandmother would watch her show every day. We devoured this brand new documentary that takes you through the extraordinary, almost unbelievable life of Martha and gives you an intimate look at one of the most influential people of all time. She has inspired our love of homemaking, gardening, and DIY for years, and this is an absolute must-watch, even if she hated a lot of it.

Something to Read:

• Nora Ephron's Beautiful, Flawed Representation of New York City. Nora Ephron’s films, especially “You’ve Got Mail” and “When Harry Met Sally”, have immortalized a romanticized version of New York City, one defined by cozy cafes, leafy parks, and charming delis. They captured a sense of magic and possibility that continues to captivate those of us who love her films (like me!). Throughout this article, Ilana Kaplan reflects on how her own experience of New York and living in Brooklyn contrasts with Ephron’s idealized Manhattan, and how she is embracing the city’s diversity and vibrant community while still yearning for the aspirational New York Ephron so beautifully depicted.

Something to Listen to:

• Christmas music. No, it’s not too early, especially during an election year! It may not feel like Christmas yet, but we’ve been listening to it nonstop while we’ve been staying at Holiday House this weekend and it really has lifted our spirits. You should give it a try by listening to “Christmas Radio on Pandora”.

Halloween 2024

Our Halloween was spent with our favorite people, and you can see the whole thing, from PJ decorating the inside and outside, to who all came and what they dressed up as, in this week’s vlog.

Let’s Chat

• We started a new thread, open to all subscribers, to chat through election night anxieties. If you’re up for it, and looking for a warm, comforting, and cozy spot to chat about everything and nothing, you can join below!

• Please, as always, let’s all keep things respectful and be mindful of others.

• Sending you so much love!

All The Cozy Feels

I somehow feel more at ease every time I see one of Brooklyn Swenson’s illustrations. May our days always feel like a cozy watercolor with colorful doodles and instructions to lead a more well-rounded life.

Question for the Group

What are you most looking forward to this holiday season? For us, it’s being home with family. I actually adore this time of year when it’s cold and gets dark by 6p and the fire is on and we’re all home safe and sound with nowhere to rush off to, where the Christmas lights create a warm glow all throughout the house and we’re all just kind of lazily hanging around in our pajamas. I look forward to those days all year. What about you?

Thanks for reading, friend!! Take gentle care of yourself. We love you. xoxoxo