What a difference a month makes!

Over the last few weeks, my perspective on our new home has steadily shifted: from a feeling of dislocation (and frenetic energy to make it less so) to a feeling of almost total peace and contentment. Yes, there are still things I’d like to do over time, and there is still artwork leaning against the wall and a bin of things to give away, but in the midst of it all I feel at home.

While it’s tempting to attribute this cozy, settled feeling to the familiar Christmas decorations that now surround us, this shift predated them all. Time, and the way it makes space for rational sense to take root, definitely played a role. What made the biggest difference, however, was two things: the gentle encouragement from those around us to embrace this in-between stage (including many of you in the comments – truly, it made an impact!) and welcoming loved ones into our home. In November alone we hosted three families for dinner, a pair of pals for post-kid-bedtime chatting, and the inaugural Articles Club at our new address (not to mention neighborhood friends crashing in and out on a regular basis).

While these gatherings revealed a few gaps (fitting ten in our dining room was a tight squeeze!), they much more so shone a spotlight on all the best parts of our new home: the kitchen island it’s so easy to gather around, the flat cul-de-sac and big backyard that so safely allow kids to run and play, the aerie-like loft that so generously houses our kids as they stretch out and create.

Our friends’ presence and encouragement allowed me to see our home through their eyes — to see what I couldn’t quite yet see on my own — and I am so grateful.

The mountaintop rental where my family spent Thanksgiving!

On my calendar:
— Caroling with June’s elementary school chorus through our neighborhood. Perks of living right across from the school!
— Our church small group’s Christmas party. We’re doing a Yankee Swap like always, but this year with the caveat that all the gifts have to be handmade. I am loving this twist and think I’m going to attempt some hand-painted taper candles.
— Dinner out with John for our 2025 review and celebration. We’re returning to an old favorite – Jujube!
— A post-Christmas California trip to see John’s family. Disneyland awaits!

What I’m loving right now:
— I’ve had a pointelle henley on my shopping wish list for months now, but the option I was considering was quite spendy. Somehow, I landed on Everlane’s henleys last week, and though not pointelle, they scratched the same itch. I bought this one (in port royale, note that it is cropped but an acceptable look to me with high-waist jeans) and this one (in bone, chic when tucked in!) on super sale and they are easily my favorite things to wear right now. They read a bit like cardigans to me and therefore are a dressier look than I was expecting!
— This is more of a recommendation for the men among us, but John often forwards me Jon Tyson’s emails and gosh, he is a good writer. And a good thinker. I love learning from him about faith and family discipleship and think you (or your favorite guy) might, too. Just scroll down to the bottom of his site here to sign up.
— Another man-friendly recommendation! I have been listening to the Walk in Love podcast for years (probably almost a decade!) and always enjoy catching up with Brooke and TJ. Recently I’ve shared a few episodes with John, and he’s enjoyed them, too – particularly how TJ, in his usual raw, honest, and funny way, gives voice to things that John has also felt as a father, husband, and provider as we approach midlife.

As a reminder, you can find allll the things I’ve loved over the last few years neatly organized right here!

What you’re loving right now:

This is where I highlight a few items here that have been popular in the last month with fellow readers, based on my analytics. Here’s hoping this will help you find something you’ll love!

— The Brick was far and away the bestseller of everything I shared last month! I am so, so grateful that so many of you took the leap and feel confident you won’t regret it. If you need a refresher on what the Brick is, I’ve got you. While their BFCM sale has ended, you can still get 10% off with this link. I think it’s a deal at any price.
— Right behind the Brick was Camp Snap cameras, with so many of you snapping up the original or CS Pro for your families. This link gives you at least $5 off!
— Continuing with the low-screen fun, Yoto Minis slid into third place. All three of our kids use theirs daily. (Would an updated post on their favorite cards be helpful? The options are so many now!)
— John’s favorite comfortable-but-suit-appropriate shoes were quite popular.
— Finally, all three of the kid gift guides were hits: shop picks for a nine-year-old girl (these lilac sneakers), a seven-year-old boy (this light-up soccer ball), and a four-year-old girl (these clickable markers).

Last month on The Connected Family:
— 7 things on my November holiday checklist | Yes to connection, no to frantic energy
— ChatGPT, our favorite parts of the new house, how to give kids independence, and more | Our twice-yearly audio AMA
— How to encourage intergenerational connection | Hikes, games, Magical Questions, and more

What I read in November:
I spent the majority of my month reading through an absolutely massive Atlantic issue (the Revolutionary War one, which I thoroughly enjoyed). I also finished a novel, but would not recommend so am not listing here. I’m a few pages into Code Name Helene and will report back next month. Also excited that Wild Dark Shore and My Oxford Year have finally arrived as library holds for me – picking them up tomorrow!

My reading list for 2025! I’m 14 / 24 so far.

Revisiting my November goals:
Lovingly hand off our first home well, equipping the new owner as I’d want to be equipped
Finalize plans for June’s tenth birthday (Getting there! Made progress!)
Begin painting the kids’ 2025 book ornaments
Buy window candles, a Christmas tradition I’m so delighted our new home allows us to partake in (Yes! Mostly these plug-in ones plus a few of these battery ones where cords couldn’t reach.)
Choose and order sconces for two spots in our home
Help my Dad get his Storyworth off to print (Yes! This felt so good! We were able to gift everyone their copies at Thanksgiving.)
Edit Sheptember
Practice my Christmas recital song
Send care packages to our college gals
Finish designing, order, and send our Christmas cards (Done! Never done this so early!)

December goals:
— Edit Sheptember, Volume 7
— Finish the kids’ book ornaments
— Send care packages to our college gals
— Finalize plans for June’s tenth birthday
— Make progress on a big birthday project for June
— Carry out our gifting plans with joy
— Prepare well in advance for our post-Christmas travel, so that Christmas Eve and Day can be languorous and peaceful
— Execute our end-of-year generosity plans
— Savor the Christmas season by focusing on loving the ones I love most, and loving those who need it the most. Even to me this sounds somewhat trite, but also the best way I know to celebrate the arrival of a tiny baby king who did the same.

As a reminder, many of these are drawn from my 2025 PowerSheets goals!

I’d love to hear: What have you read and loved recently? I’m working on my 2026 reading list and would love to hear your suggestions for what should make it on!!

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