November Reflections: Our Journey Beyond the Kitchen – A Month of Growth, Gathering, and Unexpected Joys
November brought with it a delightful mix of the strange and the beautiful, starting with this incredibly unique grape! Its unusual shape immediately reminded me of a miniature pumpkin, prompting a moment of wonder at nature’s quirks. This month also marked a period of playful experimentation with our home décor. I truly enjoy the process of rearranging furniture and seasonal accents, finding new ways to make our space feel cozy and inviting. For a few weeks, we carved out a charming little sitting area, adorned with warm fall decorations and, of course, a scattering of pumpkins. Our house, though still feeling quite empty in many ways, is slowly but surely transforming into a home, piece by piece, and we’re embracing the journey.
One of the most significant changes this month, particularly for my creative workflow, was successfully relocating all my video filming equipment into my office. This move feels like a monumental step, and I’m absolutely loving the newfound efficiency and dedicated workspace it provides. The ability to leave everything permanently set up saves so much time and hassle, allowing me to transition into filming mode seamlessly. While stepping away from the kitchen as my primary filming location presents its own set of challenges, requiring me to adapt and find new angles, it’s definitely proving to be a worthwhile endeavor for now. Alongside this productive shift, our beloved cat, Salsa, continued to charm us with his antics. Here he is, caught in a classic pose, blissfully napping on my computer mouse, perfectly positioned in a sunbeam – because, of course, only the warmest spots will do for him! Oh, and the cherry on top? We finally acquired a brand-new kitchen table, marking another exciting milestone in furnishing our new Michigan home!
Some moments are simply too precious to disturb. One evening, I discovered Ryan and Salsa completely fast asleep on the couch, Salsa curled up comfortably on Ryan’s lap. He’s a little hard to spot in the photo, nestled so deeply, but the sight of them together was utterly heartwarming. I simply couldn’t bring myself to wake them, so they shared a peaceful night’s rest right there. It was a testament to the quiet, tender moments that truly make a house a home. On a lighter, equally cozy note, the perks of having a gas stove are undeniably fantastic! As evidenced by another delightful capture, we indulged in the pure joy of indoor s’mores. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating these gooey, chocolatey treats right in your kitchen, especially on a chilly November evening, without needing a bonfire. It’s a simple pleasure that adds so much warmth and fun to our indoor life.
The allure of a crackling fire is something we all seem to agree on in our household, especially as the colder weather sets in. One evening, we enjoyed a wonderfully impromptu dinner date right in front of the fireplace, soaking in the comforting warmth and ambiance. These spontaneous moments of coziness are truly cherished. However, our affection for the fireplace often leads to a bit of friendly competition, particularly with our feline friend. In another charming instance captured this month, Salsa, ever the master of comfort, completely commandeered my usual work spot directly in front of the fire. It’s a common theme around here – whenever the fireplace is lit, you can bet that Salsa will claim the prime real estate. It’s a sweet, recurring reminder of the simple comforts that make our home feel so inviting and lived-in, even if it means sharing the best spots with our furry companion.
One of the highlights of November was celebrating Thanksgiving with our wonderful life group, who hosted an amazing fiesta! It was a fantastic opportunity to gather with friends, share stories, and, most importantly, enjoy an abundance of delicious food. The atmosphere was vibrant and full of laughter, a true testament to the joy that comes from being surrounded by supportive community. And let’s be honest, who could ever turn down a taco? There’s a universal appeal to a good fiesta, and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. It was a beautiful way to mark the holiday, fostering deeper connections and creating cherished memories outside of traditional family gatherings, proving that community can truly be a chosen family.
November also had us diving deep into holiday preparations, including a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s gingerbread house tutorial. Making gingerbread houses has been a cherished Christmas tradition in my family since I was a child, and it brings me immense joy to continue this festive activity, especially now that I can share the process with others through the blog. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the nostalgia of the season and keep those childhood memories alive. Beyond crafting, Ryan and I also had a fantastic date night out to see “Elf the Musical.” There’s a special magic that comes with experiencing a live-action play, from the energy of the performers to the collective gasp and laughter of the audience. I absolutely adore it! While Ryan might not share my intense enthusiasm for musicals, he’s always a good sport, and we thoroughly enjoyed the festive cheer and memorable songs together, adding another layer of holiday spirit to our month.
Our cat, Salsa, truly has a unique way of showing affection, and I finally managed to capture photographic proof of one of his most endearing, if sometimes uncomfortable, habits: sleeping directly across my neck! While there are moments when it’s genuinely annoying, especially if I’m trying to move, I invariably melt at the gesture and still welcome the snuggles. It’s a quirky testament to the deep bond we share with our pets. As the nights grew longer and colder in November, our living room transformed into a sanctuary of warmth and comfort. One particular evening captured the essence of this perfectly: a peaceful nighttime scene with the soft glow of the fire illuminating the room, and Salsa, our ever-present companion, curled up in his favorite cozy spot right in front of the flickering flames. These quiet moments of domestic bliss, with the warmth and comfort of home, are truly the heart of the season.
This month also saw a significant personal milestone: I finally mustered the courage to get my hair cut short! This is something I’ve contemplated and talked about for years, but the thought of making such a drastic change always made me hesitate. The journey to this transformation involved not just mental preparation but also finding the perfect stylist. Living in a new area, it was crucial to locate someone specifically certified in cutting curly hair, a skill that truly makes all the difference. The moment I sat in the chair, a wave of intense nervousness washed over me, a mix of excitement and apprehension about embracing such a new look. However, I am incredibly glad I took the plunge! The feeling of liberation and freshness with my new, shorter hair is exhilarating. For now, I plan to keep it short and enjoy this new style, but who knows, perhaps eventually, I’ll even go shorter and experiment further with this newfound bravery!
Thanksgiving in our new Michigan home was made incredibly special by the visit from Ryan’s family! Having the “whole gang” together under one roof, especially during a time of transition and new beginnings, brought immense joy and comfort. Their presence filled our home with laughter, lively conversation, and the familiar warmth of family bonds. It’s moments like these, surrounded by loved ones, that truly make a house feel like a home, bridging the distance and making our new surroundings feel more established and full of life. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of family connections, no matter how far apart we may live, and we cherished every minute of their visit.
Following the joyful family visit, we dove headfirst into another beloved holiday tradition: preparing gingerbread houses! This year, with Ryan’s family present, it became an even more collaborative and exciting affair. For those wondering about our construction methods – yes, I absolutely hot glued the gingerbread houses together! Since we don’t typically eat them, and the goal is durability and fun, hot glue offers unparalleled convenience and stability. This particular tradition has always been a staple in my family during Christmas, and being able to share it with Ryan’s family this year was truly special. Everyone embraced the creative process with infectious enthusiasm, from intricate decorating to architectural feats of candy. It was wonderful to see everyone get so deeply involved, creating festive masterpieces and forging new memories together as both families merged their holiday spirits.
Thanksgiving meals provided a humorous contrast this year, perfectly captured in two photos. The image on the left showcases our initial Thanksgiving lunch, a practical, no-fuss affair with food served in convenient plastic containers. It was efficient, delicious, and perfectly suited for a casual meal. However, for our main Thanksgiving dinner, I made a conscious effort to elevate the presentation. The photo on the right reveals the transformation: a beautifully arranged table, devoid of any plastic serving dishes! I put in extra thought and care to make the dining experience feel special and visually appealing. This included a little foraging adventure in our yard, where I gathered a few fresh pine branches and prickly red berries to create a simple yet elegant centerpiece. The effort was well worth it, adding a touch of natural beauty and festive charm to our dinner, making the meal feel even more celebratory and intentional.
And to cap off an incredible month, we had a truly magical experience: we saw Santa! The childlike wonder that comes with visiting Santa never truly fades, no matter your age. My sweet husband, bless his heart, patiently waited with me in line for an hour and a half, a testament to his loving spirit and willingness to embrace these festive traditions. I was genuinely surprised and delighted when Santa still asked us what we wanted for Christmas, bringing a wave of nostalgic joy and a moment of playful reflection. And I must add, I am absolutely convinced that his magnificent white beard was 100% real hair! It was a truly delightful encounter, filling us with holiday cheer and reminding us of the enduring magic and joy of the Christmas season. These small, memorable moments are what make the holidays so special, especially when shared with someone you love.
Opening Up: Navigating New Horizons and the Quest for Deeper Connections
I must admit, sitting down to write this particular part of the November update was challenging. I actually stepped away from my computer for a few hours, grappling with how to articulate what I’ve been feeling. It’s never easy to admit when you’re experiencing loneliness, but I feel it’s important to share a piece of my heart, as raw as it may be.
November marked a significant milestone: six months of living in Michigan. It’s hard to believe half a year has already passed. It’s also hard to believe it’s been six months since I last saw some of my dearest friends back in Illinois. I find myself missing the rhythm of being a part of their weekly lives so profoundly that if I dwell on it too long, tears inevitably well up. I long for the comfort of a community where people can ask insightful, pointed questions about your life, offering genuine prayer and support without you even needing to fully explain the complexities of what you’re navigating. That kind of deep, intuitive understanding is a rare and precious gift.
Now that some of the initial newness of our move has faded, there’s an internal pressure, an expectation, that I should be fully adapted, completely settled into this “new” life. This expectation, largely self-imposed, makes it particularly difficult for me to exercise patience when it comes to forming profound connections. I’ve known the invaluable importance of those deeply rooted friendships, the life-giving energy they provide, and that knowledge makes the current absence sting even more. Consequently, I often find myself judging my own progress, feeling inadequate for not having made more friends or cultivated deeper relationships yet. Generally, a pervasive sadness lingers, primarily because I am inherently a person who thrives on and finds immense joy in community.
Please don’t misunderstand; we are surrounded by genuinely wonderful people here, and we’re grateful for every new acquaintance. However, these friendships are still in their nascent stages. It feels as though my heart yearns for friendships that are five years old, deeply intertwined with shared history and understanding, yet that’s an impossible reality when we’ve only been here for six months. I rationally know that these deep connections will organically evolve and flourish over time, but the emotional longing in the present is palpable. So, that’s part one of my heart’s confession: I desire deep friendships, and I want them now.
Here’s part two of this unfolding reflection: my yearning for strong friendships is dramatically amplified by the fact that we don’t live near family, especially with the holiday season in full swing. When you live close to family, it’s often easy to have an abundance of holiday plans, sometimes even feeling overwhelmed by commitments. However, for us, living twelve hours away from family in a relatively new city, it often feels as though everyone around us has a ready network of family and friends with whom to celebrate this special season. While living away from good friends is undeniably challenging, navigating the holiday season without the physical presence of both family AND friends feels significantly harder, magnifying feelings of isolation.
I believe it’s genuinely difficult for those who have their families nearby to truly grasp the profound loneliness the holiday season can bring to individuals like us, who are geographically separated from our loved ones. Recently, someone at church kindly asked if we had many Christmas activities planned. Instead of offering an honest, vulnerable answer, I found myself deflecting the question. The truthful answer, unfortunately, was no, not many. It often feels as though many people become so engrossed in their own festive plans and cherished family traditions that they unintentionally overlook or forget about those of us who don’t have family within reach. This isn’t a criticism, merely an observation of how easy it is to become absorbed in one’s own joyous bubble.
Growing up, my mother possessed an extraordinary heart for inclusivity. She would unfailingly extend Thanksgiving and Christmas invitations to anyone and everyone: friends, friends of friends, distant relatives, or even new acquaintances. I distinctly remember one year when she invited the grocery store clerk who was checking us out. At the time, as a child, I felt a little awkward about it. The clerk didn’t end up joining us, but looking back now, I have an immense appreciation for my mom’s generous spirit and her unwavering willingness to make others feel included and cherished during the holidays, regardless of who they were or their connection to our family. Her example resonates deeply with me now.
A part of me feels inclined to simply wait, hoping that we might receive an invitation to join someone’s family for Christmas. However, as I reflect on my mother’s legacy, perhaps it’s truly my turn to step into that role. I want to be the one to proactively extend invitations to those who might be in similar situations, to provide a space where people like Ryan and I can celebrate the holiday together, fostering a sense of belonging. Christmas, after all, isn’t exclusively about spending time with biological family; it’s profoundly about sharing joy and time with the people in your life who genuinely desire your presence in theirs.
This conversation extends far beyond just Ryan and me. I can confidently guarantee that every single person reading this has someone in their life – a neighbor, a colleague, a distant friend, a new acquaintance – who could deeply benefit from an invitation to Christmas cheer. And let’s be clear, needing an invitation to Christmas doesn’t signify that we are strange or awkward people. It simply reflects the current reality of our lives, living away from our immediate families. Sometimes, traveling home for Christmas isn’t a realistic option due to various constraints. We yearn to partake in all the festive, Christmassy traditions, just like everyone else, but often, we simply need someone to share those moments with.
This holiday season, I extend a heartfelt challenge to you: choose to be a family that is truly inclusive, not just a family that exclusively includes family members. For those of us who don’t live near family this season, an invitation to spend Christmas with yours would mean more than words can express. It would be a gesture of profound kindness, creating warmth and belonging where there might otherwise be a quiet ache.
For more glimpses into our life beyond the kitchen, explore our previous “Out of the Kitchen” posts.