Home Lately: October in Full Swing
There’s something about this time of year that feels both full and fleeting all at once. Every evening seems to hold a different practice, game, or drop-off, and the days blur together in a mix of backpacks, slow dinners, and late-night laundry. It’s busy — but in the best, most beautiful way.
Between the rhythm of family life, Guy and I have been spending our extra hours down at the building just a few doors away. If you missed the news, the first wrestling practice kicks off there in early November. One section of the space is being transformed into a wrestling room for local wrestlers and clubs — a dream we’ve carried for a long time.
Our heart behind it has always been simple: to build up mighty men and women, in both body and spirit. 💪 The rest of the building is still taking shape, but it’s slowly becoming something we’re really proud of.
Putting the Phones Away (Mostly)
At home, I’ve been trying — imperfectly — to be more intentional about putting my phone and computer down when the kids walk through the door after school. Some days, work spills into those late-afternoon hours, but the goal is to be present. To really listen. To look into their faces when they tell me about their day instead of half-hearing while typing an email.
It’s such a simple thing, but one I’m learning to protect — that space between work and family, where the noise settles and we reconnect.
Some of my favorite outfits from this week! Shop them both on THE KINDRED CLOSET
The Best Decision We Made This Year
This past July, we made a big change as a family: we took away personal devices from our kids. And honestly? It’s been the best thing we’ve ever done.
No more zombie kids staring blankly at screens.
No more agitation from too much gaming.
No more begging for “just five more minutes.”
It feels like we got a piece of our kids back — one we didn’t even realize we were missing. The peace that’s filled our home since has been noticeable, and we plan to keep it that way indefinitely.
Fall Comforts Around the Table
As the weather cools, we’ve leaned into all the cozy meals that make this season feel like home — stews simmering on the stove, homemade chicken noodle soup, beef stroganoff, and meatloaf… all the hearty dishes that wrap the day in warmth.
There’s something about the smell of dinner cooking that quiets the noise and draws everyone close again. It’s grounding — a reminder that home doesn’t have to be perfect to be peaceful.
What’s New Behind the Scenes
I’ve also been busy behind the scenes, pulling together this year’s Holiday Gift Guides (just finished them up Monday!). There’s such a joy in curating meaningful finds — things that feel personal, thoughtful, and timeless. I hope they make your holiday shopping a little easier this year.
And because no “home lately” update is complete without a fun little discovery — during Target Circle Week, we picked up a new vacuum and, believe it or not, it’s become the family’s latest obsession (especially our six-year-old).
It’s lightweight, easy to use, and picks up everything — even the endless pet hair. It’s made keeping up with the chaos surprisingly satisfying… and dare I say, a little fun.
Making Time for the Meal
These days, I’m learning that slowing down doesn’t always mean doing less. Sometimes it just means being in it — fully — whether that’s sitting in the carpool line, stirring soup on the stove, or watching the kids wrestle in the living room.
And maybe that’s my encouragement to you, too: make time for the meal. It doesn’t have to be fancy, or even happen at the table every night. Just gather — even for a few minutes — and let home be the calm that everyone returns to.
