Embracing the Seasons
There are so many wonderful things to enjoy about the different seasons. As summer weather has begun to subside and fall has arrived, you may be wondering how to make the most of this special time. We have compiled several autumn inspired activities that will make you and your families feel warm and cozy this October!
Enjoy quality time with the people you love and check out these 7 ideas for fun fall activities:
Pumpkin Patch: Head to the pumpkin patch and pick out some beautiful gourds to make your home feel beautiful and festive!
Bonfires: Fall is a wonderful time to get outside with family and friends to enjoy the crisp air and some s’mores by the fire!
Crafting and Baking: There are so many fun things to make during fall. Get creative with your families to create some fun crafts and yummy treats!
Apple Picking: This is a fun activity for friends, date night, or the whole family! Pick loads of yummy apples and then head home to make apple cider, apple pie, or apple crisp.
Hikes: If you live in a place where you experience the seasons, you know that fall is one of the most beautiful times to be out in nature. Explore your hometown by walking or hiking in the outdoors!
Fall Festivals: Head to some local fall festivals for live music, delicious food, and great community. If your city or town doesn’t have one, band with your neighbors or friends to throw a block party potluck near your home!
Movie Nights: Cozy up with your favorite feel good films and some tasty snacks and drinks. Make it special by having a homemade concessions stand with lots of fall treats!
We hope you enjoyed this list of fall activities and that you have a season full of love, fun, and great memories!
Crock Pot Apple Cider
Looking for a cozy fall drink to enjoy with friends and family? This slow cooker apple cider will warm everyone’s hearts and make your whole house smell like fall!
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: about 8 hours
Serves: 10
Ingredients
8-10 sweet apples of your choice
1 orange
1-3 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp whole allspice
1 tsp whole cloves
Water
½ cup brown sugar
Instructions
Wash and then chop your apples and orange into large chunks. Put fruit into your crock pot. Add in cinnamon sticks, allspice, and cloves and turn heat on low for about 8 hours.
Mash up the apples and then strain the liquid into your desired container. Add the brown sugar until the sweetness is to your liking. Drink hot or chill in the fridge and enjoy!
Discussing Education with Mary Cobb
The school year is flying by- and how do we make the most of it? Home Unlimited Board Member and mother of 10, Mary Cobb, shares her experience and advice on schooling!
What is your level of involvement at Home Unlimited?
I am a Director on the Board for Home Unlimited, a member of the Art Of Living for Women in Milwaukee team, and part of the group bringing Art of Living for Girls to our center, Petawa, in Brookfield, WI.
Where do you and your family live? How many children do you have?
Our family recently moved to the Village of Pewaukee, WI after living in Brookfield, WI for over 20 years. We have 10 kids and they were a big reason for our move. We needed more room for our dinners!
Do you send your children to traditional school or do you homeschool? Why?
Currently, my children attend a private classical school that is for grades K4 through high school. I love a classical education that is rooted in natural law. I believe it gives the proper foundation of knowledge for children as they learn about the world they live in while coming to a deeper understanding of God’s creation. The search for education has been long and hard! Over the years my kids have attended parochial schools, private Catholic schools, public schools and homeschool. With 10 kids, we had to be very mindful of what works best for the circumstances of each child and the family as a whole. Each type of education has had its benefits, and our children are thriving in our current choice.
What is/was the most challenging part of the back to school season?
I have had kids in school for over 27 years and many things have changed during that time, especially with the advent of on-line forms and sign-ups, but the consistent challenge of the beginning of fall sports practices competing with the desire to soak up every ounce of summer fun has been the biggest juggle through the years! I love having the kids at home, so I am afraid we prep for school later than some, but we leave no regrets behind by the end of summer.
What is your favorite part about the school year?
This may sound cliche, but I really have loved watching my kids grow in maturity! My 7th child is a senior in high school and wrapping up her college search. The applications are being prepped and I am so excited for her. My youngest is entering middle school and I look forward to seeing him, and my two kids in between, grow and hit this stage. I love having adult children, and the maturity and wisdom they gain in these days of school really are the best things to watch and be a part of. I love watching my kids become wonderful adults!
How do you support your children in their education?
Our school has a wonderful analogy of a triangle in education. The triangle is made of the child, parents and teachers. Just like a 3 legged stool, you can’t pull one away and have the education system work. In the younger years it was all about helping my children manage homework. When was it too much? When was it too little? When to intercede for the child in letting the teacher know a difficulty. As they grow, they tend to know their limits and boundaries and have become confident in seeking help when they need it. As they mature I try to ask more questions of the child rather than telling them what to do or think, and encourage them to think their difficulties through and to create solutions for themselves in conjunction with the teachers.
What tips do you have for mothers trying to make the most of this time of year?
Take a picture to capture the moment, then set the phone/camera down and join in the fun! Take time for family dinners (or breakfasts!) where you can share the news of the day and learn more about each other. Slowly the kids grow and become more independent, but the hugs grow too, and they get bigger and stronger. Kids grow up and leave home in a blink of an eye, but when you fill the days with love and happiness, the kids come back…usually with extra people that may cause you to need a larger dining space!
