Home | Charis Buckland

Hello! We had fall break last week! Brett was on a business trip for the first three days, but we took advantage of the wonderful step out of the ordinary. I truly enjoyed taking a break from the bustling world and enjoying just being at home with no commitments or appointments to rush to. 

The first day was rainy and even a little wonderfully chilly. We made hot chocolate and a pumpkin pecan waffle candle lit the kitchen and wafted through the entire downstairs. 

We enjoyed Taco Monday and Taco Tuesday! It was yum! Maddox was really excited about it, even though he did not get a taste! (Yes, someone was standing beside him so he did not fall)

After supper, everyone grabbed blankets to watch an old kids fall movie. 

I made the older ones play a game with window markers to memorize multiplication a little faster. I noticed they all were slower with the answers than they should be. Everyone can use a little multiplication sharpening, right?! They balked at first, but asked to play the next day, and brought me the flashcards! Win!

We went to Target where the girls found headbands and purchased them with some birthday money. They have been wearing them every second of every day since! Target was…fun…with everyone by myself! LOL The toy section was a treat, but after a while, we needed to get outta there!

After the littler ones went to bed, the bigger kids helped me sweep and mop the kitchen, then settle down for a Christmas movie.

What a nice break to step away from the busy world out there and take a little time to just be. To play in the backyard, swing on the swing set, and cozy up at the end of the day in my pajamas and slippers without having to go anywhere, is terrific. What a nice break to have good conversations, not worry ourselves with a rigid schedule, and enjoy small things. 

Sometimes life can get way overwhelming. How many times have you stopped, sat down, and thought you cannot continue, then wiped a tear, stood back up, to move on with whatever you thought you could not do? I have totally been there! Sometimes it’s super hard to show up and keep going. Praise the Lord for being He Who sustains us on those days!

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. Psalm 55:22

On those days, remember you heavenly Father Who sees you! He loves you and will give you what you need when you need it.

We may not always feel happy. Okay, we for sure will not always feel happy. Part of life is retraining our brains to think differently. In practical ways, practice excitement for little things in life. It helps us practice positivity yes, but beyond that, in a spiritual light, it helps us remember God’s goodness. He is faithful. So find small things to look forward to and be excited about. Making a cup of coffee with your favorite flavor creamer. Seeing a friend. Going to Bible Study. A favorite movie. Putting on slippers at the end of the day. Hugs from friends. Supper time at the table with family. 

I personally look forward to short trips some mornings to McDonald’s. I take the preschoolers in the van, we drive a mile to McDonald’s while we pass the fire station to see if the ladder truck is out, notice airplanes and helicopters, and look for dogs on walks. The first sip of an iced caramel coffee is dreamy. We go back by way of a hill they find fun to drive on, we see if kids are playing on the playground, and go home, usually to play in the backyard. A small event can really be so memorable. 

For fall break memories, we wrapped up the break with s’mores, an afternoon fire pit, and mummy dogs!

Nope, we did not go to the beach (although the big girls were very aware of how many people DID go to the beach). We played with the cat and enjoyed a beautiful blue fall sky last weekend. Thankful for the memories. 

Don’t let tough stuff in the world make you hard and cold. Stay focused on where God has you and His plan for you. Content yourself where you are and be available for where He might call you. Loving God helps us love others. Remember His goodness. 

Love,
Charis

Pic(k) of the day: Bumble loves his new kitty condo that is going to keep him warm and cozy this winter season. My initial rejection of this condo found on the side of the road on the way home from church, turned into agreement that we should pick it up. It was a nice find. LOL