One more choir concert for us, then Halloween and October will be over. It’s finally starting to feel like fall here in Texas and the cooler temps are like a balm to me. Taking my exercise outdoors has been a treat and putting on a sleeve feels sweet. And yet it hasn’t been the easiest month for me. Chuck’s doctor wanted to take another biopsy and waiting for the results sent us both into a little tailspin. I am so grateful that the results were benign, but my reaction to it showed me that my mental health needed more attention that I’ve shown it. A call to my doctor and a medication increase has me feeling more myself. So I’m OK with saying au revoir to this month.
Nice weather accompanied the last Homecoming parade and pep rally for our high school senior. This pep rally is no joke – it includes fireworks. We enjoyed taking Shelby who gave astonished, “yeah”s throughout the display. It is sometimes sweet to have a child who never grows up.
Allie and her date exchanged mums and enjoyed the football game and the dance. Afterward, a group of friends retreated out of town to a supervised lake house for the night. It was even warm enough to play on the water the next day. On a side note, if you want to go down a fascinating rabbit trail, google Texas Homecoming Mums. If you are not from here, you will not believe what you find! My daughter chose to tone it down from the traditional senior mum and garter. And she was glad.
After HOCO
My mom, sisters and I escaped to the Texas Hill Country for the Big Boo Cast Live – an in-person version of one of my favorite podcasts. Together we are carrying some hard things in this season, but it was nice to get away, laugh and shop.
While I was away, my husband decided to arrange a date between my daughter Shelby and a friend from her school days. I wrote a little about Matthew in Graduation and Complex Feelings, and they had not seen each other since that May ceremony. They were delighted to see each other and go to Lyle, Lyle Crocodile with Chuck. Matthew held Shelby’s hand throughout the entire show, even as she slept through half of it. He wanted many pictures taken of the two of them and posted one on his social media. So precious.
In the Middle
Mid-October brought Allie’s Fall Choir Concert and an invitation for her varsity choir to sing with the University of North Texas A Capella Choir. We also worshipped again with Allie leading at church. And we capped off a musical month with Allie performing in the Sing Out solo show, and her jazz choir performing with Voces8, an a cappella ensemble from the United Kingdom. My former choir boy husband lapped it all up.
October’s Entertainment
My sister recommended Glad You’re Here: Two Unlikely Friends Breaking Bread and Fences by Walker Hayes (the pop country singer and songwriter) and Craig Allen Cooper. I’m so glad she did. My ears devoured the audio version in two days time. I recommend this beautiful story of relational evangelism and community. Autumn in Sycamore Park by CP Ward popped up as a free Kindle book. I can’t resist a theme, but confess it’s a bit of a slow slog. But true to form, I’m not ready to give up on it yet.
We went to see Ticket to Paradise with George Clooney and Julia Roberts at the theater. I loved this old-school light hearted comedy – a lot more than critics did. And now as this month is almost over, this post definitely is. I love you, I thank you and I hope November treats you well.
And now for this week’s featured post from the link up!
I loved studying Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis a few years ago with my life group and also love that Lois Flowers has pulled out some key quotes for easy access in Mere Christianity: 7 Helpful Quotes for Modern Day Readers.
The Link Up
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We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.
MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
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LAUREN SPARKS
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LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
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TAMMY KENNINGTON – Restoring hope. Pursuing peace.
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It sounds like you had another very busy month. I’m glad your hubby’s biopsy was benign but yes, I can only imagine the stress you have been in. I will google Texas Mums…that sounds interesting to a flower lover from me. As for the George Clooney/Julia Roberts movie, I haven’t seen it, but I found I always disagree with movie critics so I’m sure I’ll love it. Thanks for the party.
Make sure it’s Texas Homecoming Mums you google. Outrageous! And I’m with you. I often don’t agree with critics.
A sweet but busy month for you! I clicked through to the C. P. Ward book–it was free for the Kindle, so I got it.
I grew up in TX, but don’t remember the homecoming mums being a thing then–but that was decades ago. Fun!
I shared the books I read this month on my end-of-month post yesterday. My favorite was The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron. And I also “discovered” Grace Livingston Hill–I’d heard of her but never read her books til this month.
I am just tagged The Italian Ballerina at my local library. Thank you!
Grace Livingston Hill has some great books, Barbara. And a few of them have been narrated and are available on audible. The Obsession of Victoria Gracen, Aunt Crete’s Emancipation and Cloudy Jewel are three of my favorites.
Thanks for those recommendations!
I’ve been wanting to see Ticket To Paradise; I used to love those old school rom-coms so much. It sounds like a very busy month. Homecoming isn’t that big of a deal in our town; they have a small school only pep rally and then a semi-formal dance and that’s it. No prom king/queen/ homecoming court, etc. No parades and certainly no fireworks.
Your version of Homecoming sounds better!
I’m so glad the biopsy was benign, Lauren. I have never heard of homecoming mums! I guess I never thought of different homecoming traditions. 🙂 Love and blessings to you!
Trudy, it is a hoot every year to see pictures of some of the ridiculous mums. I just can’t believe some spend hundreds of dollars on them!
Lauren, I love seeing a photo of your husband feeling well and am so grateful his results were benign. After all you two have been through, your body is bound to respond. That must be so rough.
Glad you could fit in some time to enjoy movies, books, and girl time.
Blessings to you,
Tammy
Thank you, Tammy. Not going to lie, sometimes I question why we have been given so many challenges. But I always come back to the sovereignty and goodness of God.
It sounds like an intense month, Lauren – intense challenges and intense joys. May the Lord continue to strengthen and encourage your heart.
Thank you for that prayer, Lisa!
Hi Lauren,
It was so wonderful to hear your hubby’s results were benign, such an answer to prayer! 🤗
What a busy month you’ve had!
I spent yesterday at my granddaughter’s last primary ‘Grandparents Day’ at her school, as she goes into high school next year.
As you know she has special needs.
It was such a fun time & several of the other children in her class, whose grandparents couldn’t attend, adopted me as their grandparent for the day! Which my granddaughter was happy to share. So sweet! 🥰
Blessings, Jennifer
How very sweet and kind of you, Jennifer!
You’ve had a FULL month, Lauren. I’m so glad your husband’s biopsy turned out OK but sorry for the stress that caused. I always appreciate your movie mentions–I’m going to put Ticket to Paradise on our list. I don’t really get the homecoming mums tradition–the whole event is a bit more laid back here in Kansas. (So laid back that my daughter didn’t even go this year!) It sounds like Allie had fun, though, and that’s the main thing, right? Thanks for sharing my Lewis post and I hope you have a good November! 🙂
Thanks so much, Lois.
I googled Texas Homecoming Mums – and WOW – Do they all use the “mum” flower in them? I couldn’t tell! I’m not tremendously craft, so I think that would create huge anxiety for me! LOL Our town has a homecoming parade, but homecoming is nothing like it was when we were in school! It was a Big Deal then! It sounds like your month has been packed with good things – Praying you get the rest and refreshing you need!
They do all use the mum flower (artificial) in them but then cover them with teddy bears, ribbons, bows, sometimes twinkle lights, etc. It is insane.
I absolutely love that picture of Shelby and Matthew! They’re just glowing with happiness. Makes my day, Lauren!
Me too, Linda. Thank you.
I saw Ticket to Paradise yesterday with a friend. While I predicted the ending as soon as I saw the previews, it was still a fun movie. 🙂 You had a very busy month doing lots of fun things!
Sometimes predictable movies are very comforting to me. Glad you had fun seeing it!