In November, by Cynthia Rylant, is a favorite seasonal book I read to my children as we enter the new month. It highlights the natural late autumn happenings and quietly touches on Thanksgiving.
The first line in Rylant’s book is “In November, the earth is growing quiet.”
This November, I want to grow quiet as well.
In November, we are way past the apple and pumpkin picking, and we’re exhausted from Halloween events. Back-to-school frenzy and fall sports have ended, and our family gets a brief calm before the December storm of holidays and my oldest daughter’s birthday.
I caught a glimpse of a quiet weekend on Sunday when I stayed home with one of my children. We read books, cooked together, snuggled and watched a movie, and played board games. I want to commit to more days like that one, so…
In November…
Weekends will be slower and less scheduled.
We’ll strive for bedtimes before 9 p.m.
More free time for my children at home.
Less rushing.
Less driving in the car.
More home-cooked meals.
Even if it lasts for just November, I’m happy to commit to one month at a time, at least until spring sports begin.
