A Month of Milestones, Memories, and Meaningful Reflections: Our September Recap

September arrived with a vibrant mix of new experiences, creative endeavors, and profound personal insights. It was a month where laughter echoed through our home, significant milestones were celebrated, and we found ourselves delving deeper into what truly matters. Join us as we unpack all the memorable moments, from our latest home projects and community contributions to unexpected lessons in life and love.

Home & Heart: Creative Projects and Coffee Date Adventures

Ryan and I have a knack for turning simple ideas into surprisingly fun pastimes. Our latest invention, which we affectionately call “human solitaire,” involves two people battling it out with a deck of cards. It’s essentially the classic computer game brought to life, and while it sounds a bit silly, it’s become a cherished tradition during our coffee dates. More often than not, I seem to emerge victorious, much to Ryan’s playful chagrin! These moments of lighthearted competition are a wonderful way to connect and unwind.

Beyond our card game conquests, September also saw me channeling my creative energy into a significant home improvement project. Our black bed frame and dresser received a stunning refresh, transforming into crisp white pieces that instantly brightened our bedroom. I genuinely enjoy the process of painting – there’s something incredibly satisfying about watching a piece transform under your brush. Both projects turned out beautifully, and I’m so pleased with the fresh, clean aesthetic they’ve brought to our space. While our bedroom is still awaiting its final decorative touches (unless you count the ever-present piles of laundry as decor!), these painted pieces are a fantastic start to creating our dream sanctuary.

Celebrating Successes: From Digital Milestones to Community Baking

September marked a truly incredible milestone for my blog’s Facebook page: we hit 100,000 fans! It still feels surreal to even type that number. I vividly remember celebrating when we reached 16,000, so to see how much our community has grown is genuinely humbling and a testament to all the hard work and support over the years. This achievement served as a wonderful reminder for Ryan and me to consciously celebrate the “little things” in life – because often, these seemingly small victories are the culmination of immense effort and passion. We believe in acknowledging progress and expressing gratitude for every step of the journey.

Beyond the digital realm, my baking skills were put to good use for a wonderful cause. Our church hosted a back-to-school bake sale, and I gladly volunteered to contribute. I spent a delightful day in the kitchen, whipping up approximately 40 bags of homemade cookies and brownies. Baking for fun is something I truly enjoy, though it doesn’t happen as often as I’d like with our busy schedules. It was incredibly rewarding to contribute to our community and see the treats bring smiles to faces, knowing they were supporting a great cause. It’s moments like these that blend my passion for baking with my desire to give back.

Spooky Delights and Sweet Companions: Autumnal Adventures

As September edged closer to October, my enthusiasm for all things Halloween began to bubble over, quite literally, in the kitchen! These bubbling witch’s cauldron brownies quickly became one of my favorite recipes to share this month. I am an absolute sucker for creative Halloween food – there’s just something magical about transforming everyday ingredients into festive, spooky treats. If you share my passion, you can explore all our other delightful Halloween treats here, perfect for getting into the spirit of the season.

Speaking of sweet things, our beloved furry family member, Salsa, also had his moment in the spotlight this month! I dedicated some time to a mini photoshoot for him, capturing his adorable personality and charm. Isn’t he just the sweetest? His innocent gaze and playful demeanor always bring so much joy to our lives, and it’s a pleasure to capture those precious moments. He’s not just a pet; he’s a constant source of comfort and amusement, reminding us to find happiness in the simple things, like a wagging tail or a soulful look.

Exploring Local Gems and Soaring High: Discovering Michigan’s Charms

One of my favorite outings this month was a visit to The Found Cottage, a charming flea market-style store. This unique spot is lovingly curated by Liz of Liz Marie Blog, a fellow Michigander whose inspiring home decor and lifestyle content I’ve followed on Instagram for ages. The store is an absolute treasure trove of vintage finds and farmhouse-style decor, reflecting Liz’s impeccable taste. While it was a bit of a bummer that she wasn’t at the store during my visit, it was probably for the best – I likely would have embarrassed myself with my fan-girl enthusiasm! Nevertheless, it was wonderful to experience her creative vision in person.

Our city also hosts an annual hot air balloon festival, and we made sure to catch the spectacle this year. It’s truly a sight to behold, watching over 15 vibrant balloons inflate and gracefully lift off into the sky. There’s an undeniable magic to it, a sense of wonder that transports you. This experience always brings back a flood of cherished memories for Ryan and me, as we actually went on a hot air balloon ride during our honeymoon. It was an unforgettable adventure, soaring above the landscape, and seeing the festival always reignites that sense of romantic escapism and shared joy. It’s one of those experiences that perfectly blends excitement with serene beauty.

Everyday Laughter and Furry Friend Follies

Sometimes, the funniest moments are the most unexpected. This picture still makes me chuckle every time I see it! Ryan and I happen to own the exact same Minnesota t-shirt, with the only difference being our sizes – mine is a small, and his is a medium. One day, we met at the gym after work, and Ryan, in his haste, grabbed what he thought was his shirt. Lo and behold, he showed up wearing mine! It was a perfectly innocent mistake, but seeing him in my slightly-too-small tee was absolutely hilarious. He’s always looking good, sweetie, even in my clothes!

Our mischievous pup, Salsa, continued to provide endless entertainment with his peculiar habits. It’s as if he possesses an innate magnetic attraction to my work supplies! Anytime I lay papers, notebooks, or anything related to work on the floor, Salsa simply *must* lie directly on top of it. It’s an adorable quirk that often makes getting things done a bit more challenging, but it’s hard to stay frustrated when he looks up at you with those big, innocent eyes. He truly enjoys being at the center of attention, even if it means commandeering my workspace, and it’s a constant reminder of the lively presence he brings into our home.

Embracing Autumn: Orchard Visits and Homemade Harvests

Even though September brought unusually hot weather that didn’t quite feel like fall, we embraced the spirit of the season with a delightful trip to the apple orchard alongside our wonderful friends, Steph and Neil. Despite the warmth, the upside was that the orchard wasn’t nearly as crowded as it usually gets, allowing us to enjoy a more relaxed and spacious apple-picking experience. We spent the afternoon chatting, laughing, and gathering a bountiful harvest of fresh apples, enjoying the simple pleasure of an autumnal outing with good company. These shared experiences truly enrich our lives and create lasting memories.

Our apple haul didn’t just sit in a basket; it quickly became the star of our kitchen! Ryan and I dedicated an afternoon to turning our fresh picks into delicious homemade applesauce and crispy apple chips. There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming raw ingredients into nourishing treats, especially when you’ve picked them yourself. The aroma of cinnamon and apples filled our home, making it truly feel like fall, even if the temperatures outside suggested otherwise. It was a sweet and productive way to savor the flavors of the season and enjoy the fruits of our labor, literally!

Nurturing Our Well-being: Culinary Collaborations and Healthy Habits

This month, we’ve made a more intentional effort to cook dinner together, and it’s been a truly rewarding experience. Ryan is an excellent cook, and collaborating in the kitchen has not only resulted in delicious new meals but has also become a wonderful way for us to connect after a long day. There’s a special kind of teamwork involved in meal preparation, from planning to chopping to tasting, and it’s been fun to explore different recipes and expand our culinary repertoire as a duo. It’s moments like these, spent creating and sharing, that strengthen our bond and make our house feel more like a home.

Amidst our cooking adventures, we also squeezed in a charming lunch-time picnic date, capturing a quick selfie to remember the moment. Not pictured, however, are all the healthy foods we’ve been diligently incorporating into our diet these days. We’ve embarked on a journey to implement some significant healthy lifestyle changes, which, unfortunately, means saying a temporary goodbye to our beloved ice cream treats. It’s a tough sacrifice for sure, but we’re committed to prioritizing our well-being and establishing healthier habits for the long term. It’s all about balance and making choices that support our shared goals for a vibrant future.

Family Connections and Festive Preparations

We had the immense pleasure of hosting my dad this month, who traveled all the way from Minnesota to visit us! It was incredibly special to finally be able to show him our new home and give him a tour of our new city here in Michigan. Family visits are always cherished, offering a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and share our lives. We made sure his visit was packed with fun activities, including an exciting trip to an escape room. It was a fantastic challenge that brought out our collective problem-solving skills, and I’m happy to report that we successfully escaped, adding a thrilling memory to his visit!

Before his departure, my dad, with his characteristic enthusiasm, even lent a hand with putting up our Halloween decorations. And why not? October is only 31 days long, and we believe in maximizing the festive spirit! It was a joyous occasion to transform our home into a spooky wonderland with lights, pumpkins, and friendly ghosts, creating a truly welcoming and festive atmosphere. These moments of shared family tradition, whether solving puzzles or decorating, are invaluable and help us establish deeper roots and create lasting memories in our new chapter here.

Opening Up: Our Unfiltered Journey Through September’s Deeper Moments

A Dream Deferred: The Puppy Decision

Last month, I gushed with unbridled excitement about the prospect of welcoming a new puppy into our lives. We had spent seven weeks meticulously planning for his arrival, diligently gathering all the necessary toys, food, and supplies, envisioning the joy and companionship he would bring. We had mentally prepared ourselves for the chaos and love a new furry family member promises. However, despite all our preparations and hopeful anticipation, things took an unexpected turn, and ultimately, it didn’t work out as we had planned.

The decision was incredibly emotional, leaving us with a profound sense of failure and disappointment. It’s hard not to feel that way, especially when you look around and see so many friends and family members who have successfully raised dogs and integrated them seamlessly into their lives. We found ourselves asking, “What’s wrong with us that we can’t do this?” The self-doubt was pervasive, and the sadness lingered, making us question our readiness and capability. It’s a heavy feeling to face a dream deferred, especially one that held so much promise and happiness.

And truth be told, a part of us still deeply wants a dog. The yearning for that companionship, the unconditional love, and the playful energy a dog brings is still very much present. We continue to see adorable pups and feel that familiar tug at our hearts. But this entire experience, as difficult as it was, became a catalyst for something far more significant. It inadvertently brought a lot of underlying “stuff” to the surface, prompting us to look beyond the immediate sadness and delve into deeper aspects of our life and relationship.

Unpacking Our Past: The Weight of Grad School

The reality that emerged was a powerful one: we realized we hadn’t fully healed, individually and as a couple, from the intense experience of Ryan’s graduate school journey. We had compressed an astonishing number of life-altering events into a single summer: graduating college, getting married, moving to a new state, and Ryan immediately embarking on an incredibly demanding Ph.D. program. This whirlwind beginning set the tone for the next five years of our lives.

For half a decade, our existence was largely wrapped in the relentless demands and overwhelming expectations of an intense Ph.D. program. Ryan was constantly busy, consumed by his studies, research, and academic pressures. Consequently, we inadvertently learned how to navigate life separately. We became adept at doing things independently, carving out individual routines and finding solace in our own pursuits because Ryan’s schedule rarely allowed for shared time or spontaneous activities. This wasn’t a conscious choice but a survival mechanism in a high-pressure environment.

Even though Ryan has now successfully completed school and those academic pressures are behind us, we can clearly see the lingering effects. We formed some deeply ingrained habits of operating as two separate units rather than a cohesive team. I could distinctly feel a subtle distance, a sense that we weren’t as close or as intertwined as we both desired. The demands of that period had subtly chipped away at the intimacy and shared experiences that are so vital to a strong partnership. Moreover, we’ve just completed another huge life transition, moving to Michigan and truly starting what I often refer to as our “real adult life” – a chapter filled with new responsibilities, uncharted territories, and a fresh sense of independence.

Rediscovering “Us”: A Path to Healing and Connection

In hindsight, I partially harbored a hope that adopting a dog would serve as a catalyst to bring us closer together. I envisioned that the shared responsibility, the walks, the playtime, and the quiet moments with a new pet would naturally foster more togetherness and mend any subtle gaps that had formed between us. It was an optimistic thought, perhaps a bit naive, to think a new addition could be a simple solution to deeper-seated relational dynamics. It took the emotional weight of the puppy decision to truly confront this reality.

The profound realization hit us: we are simply not ready for a puppy right now. And perhaps, the demanding lifestyle of “puppy life” in general might not be the right fit for us at this particular stage. When I actually take the time to sit down, reflect, and remember the sheer volume of significant life events and emotional challenges we’ve navigated over the past several years, it makes complete and utter sense. We’ve been through so much, and rushing into another demanding commitment would only add more pressure to an already full plate.

So, we’re taking a deliberate pause. We are intentionally dedicating this time to simply focus on “us.” It feels like we are, in many ways, learning how to be a married couple again, but this time, without the overwhelming shadow and intense pressure of graduate school dictating our every move. It’s a beautiful, gentle process of rediscovery – relearning each other’s rhythms, investing in shared hobbies, having unhurried conversations, and consciously building new habits that prioritize our connection and emotional well-being. It’s about creating a solid foundation for this new chapter of our lives, ensuring that we are truly present for one another.

Embracing the Present: Simple Joys and Future Foundations

When asked what’s next for us, our answer is wonderfully simple: “Nothing. And it’s truly nice.” There’s an incredible sense of liberation in consciously choosing to slow down, to release the pressure of constant progress or new projects, and to simply exist in the present moment. This period of stillness is allowing us to breathe, reflect, and genuinely appreciate the life we’re building together without external expectations or self-imposed deadlines. It’s a rare and precious gift to grant ourselves this space for quiet growth and connection.

Looking ahead, our hearts are filled with a different kind of anticipation. We are incredibly excited to celebrate the upcoming holidays in our very first home in Michigan. We envision establishing new traditions, creating cherished memories that will define this special time of year for us. More importantly, we are focused on deepening our roots in this new city, truly becoming a part of the community, and building a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. It’s about finding joy in the everyday, cherishing our partnership, and creating a stable, loving foundation for our future. This month’s journey, with all its highs and reflective lows, has only solidified our commitment to each other and to building a life filled with purpose and connection.

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For more glimpses into our life beyond the kitchen, be sure to see our previous “Out of the Kitchen” posts.