Happy November, friends. Happy beginning of this month to gather and be grateful. We start this month off in our home by reading my favorite children’s book for the season, Cynthia Rylant’s In November. I want to crawl inside this book and live in its pages, I want to hug the author for sewing together all the feels of this season and putting them into poetry.
“In November, people are good to each other. They carry pies to each other’s homes and talk by crackling woodstoves, sipping mellow cider. They travel very far on a special November day just to share a meal with one another and to give thanks for their many blessings – for the food on their tables and the babies in their arms.” ~Cynthia Rylant
The food on our table last night was our annual Halloween chili, and the babies don’t really fit in our arms anymore, but we definitely count them as our greatest blessings.
And Halloween night will always call for recognition that this gig of raising children–of planning costumes and class parties; running last-minute to the craft store to pick up felt for that one last touch on that dress; of hanging spider webs on bushes five minutes before the first trick-or-treaters arrive because–according to your kid–your house didn’t look “Halloweeny” enough; of holding small hands through dark streets, weaving between clowns and princesses and letting go to watch them run–taller, braver, more confident this year; of coming home to sort piles of candy, trade Sugar Babies for Milk Duds, costume for pajamas; of tucking them in with a “that was fun”…this is our greatest adventure, and no matter how old they are or how we tuck them in at night–in their beds or in our heads, it always makes me gasp with deep appreciation that I get to do this–love them, watch them, dip my toes into their world of imagination and excitement. I love it so much.
This year, we had a very happy Poppy troll who was thrilled out of her mind when she saw herself in the mirror with this. And I was thrilled that it cost less than $10 to throw together.
And a sprinkle donut who kept telling me that she loved her make-up job.
…and an Italian chef who yelled “Mama Mia!” after every “Trick-or-treat.”
I urged him to leave his pasta pot at home, but he burst into tears and begged to bring it, so he ran up to houses clutching a giant pot.
Oh, I’m sorry, did I say housES? I meant house. One house. One house before this:
I went as Fall. Mother Fall. Mother Loving Fall. Mother Fu–. Well, nevermind. Just Fall.
We are sugared up good and so ready for November, and our house has been “cleared for landing.” You know, spiders and skeletons removed in preparation for the decorations of all decorations.
A few more from last night:
Nella was so happy to have her friend with her and, for the first year ever, didn’t ask to go home early.
The juxtaposition of hearing about yesterday’s terror attack in New York City while we were nestled in our neighborhood enjoying another year of memories, surrounded by friends and the police car that slowly traveled around our neighborhood, blaring “Ghost Busters” and waving to the kids..it was jarring. And while we lean in to the comforts of our family and the responsibility of fostering a childhood for our kids that is the opposite of these headlines; we listen, offer our hearts to the victims and our hands to the work of making love prevail.
Wishing love to all of you out there as we begin this month of gratitude and gathering.
Love your stories:) I get to see as they happen..wonderful family:)Cannot believe everything you did for halloween:) Here kids bneed winter hats..somehow Barney Rubble and Chefs and Smufs and Trolls look different w/ tuques:)
Looks like such a fun night! Great costumes and pictures. Thanks for the tip to sink in to the story “In November.” I too very much enjoy your storytelling.
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Kelle you have officially just charmed the 1st day of November out of me…..what a greeeat ‘read’; I was sorry to come to the end of your ‘daily’……Hallowe’en is alive and well and living in the sunny south! (as well as in the shivers of we trick or treaters here in the northern tundra)!! Your sweet Littles’ costumes would win 1st prize for certain…….Momma’s too! :o)
Thanks for the happy spot Kelle – Happy November!
Blessings,
Barb.
SUCH great costumes! Mama mia! Cracking up 🙂
I just love your perspective on motherhood andchildhood. You make melove my job even more. thank you for sharing your thoughts with us… andthose adorable babies…
I love their costumes and I love how securely loved they look… it shows! ♥
All of your kiddos looked great! I love every costume. The pasta pot is fabulous, but I had to laugh when you said he gave it to you to hold after one house! Haha!
Your costume takes the cake, though! I love, love, love it! And I will definitely keep that in mind for the future!
Great post and pictures as always! Love your blog!! Can’t wait to see some of your decorations going up soon!
I’ve read your blog for years. I’ve always loved your writing but lately…there’s something extra magical I’m getting from it. Your words have been extra beautiful.
These costumes were so cute- I love how festive yet simple the night was for you! You’re a great mom and every time I read these posts I tuck them away for later. 🙂
oh my gosh – they are growing so fast! Love your Halloween traditions! A bit over 50, & I can still remember the excitement of “Beggar’s Night!” 8 kids, lots of commotion & candy trading after! Ahh…great memories! That’s what you’re making for your kids…awesome memories!
Thank you for sharing. It lifts me up when facing cold, gray days of November. Cute costumes, one of my grandsons was a chef also. He just put the candy in the pot, and not a bag.
Kelle,
I comment once in a while but I like to remember to do that because you need to hear what a good job you’re doing! I love your blog so much and it gives me such a pick up! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, ideas, dreams and most importantly your family with us! My kids are all grown up (18, 21, and 26) but I can still remember how hard it is to raise little guys with school and work and keeping up with girlfriends and keeping connected with your spouse~you’re doing a GREAT JOB!
Shannon
Aw, thank you for taking the time to write this sweet comment, Shannon.
Hi Kelle, I know it’s been awhile, but our youngest needs to dress up like a storybook character w/ school. Any chance you recall where you found Nelly’s aqua color swing top and blue tights? TY!!