Hunting, Holidays, and Heartfelt Moments: My November Story
November Reflections
November was such a great month — full, chaotic, exciting, and exactly what my soul needed. We kicked it off with the first week of prime bow season, and for the first time in a long time, I was able to sit a lot. Since Adam got his buck early, he encouraged me to hunt as much as I could, especially with the nice bucks that popping up on my cameras.
One of the first evenings I sat it was insanely windy — I literally double-harnessed myself to the stand. But wow, was it exciting. I watched a little spike torment the young does (pure comedy), then a solid 6-pointer came through working his rubs and marking a heavy trail. And right behind him? A gorgeous 8… and then two giant bucks trailing after - My heart was literally pounding with pure excitement. As I watched them approach, I had to undo my “seatbelt” harness and slowly stand to draw back — which I couldn’t at first because I was so amped up. When I finally did, a big gust of wind knocked me right back into my seat. I tried again, hands shaking, and by the time I finally pulled myself together, the buck had slipped behind a tree. I didn’t want to force a bad shot. Still… what a rush.
The rest of the week I hunted hard, watched my cameras, and noticed the shift in deer movement. I enjoyed every minute — the falling leaves, the change of the woods, and even meeting an unexpected opossum friend.
(Fun fact: they’re marsupials and can carry a whole pile of babies in their pouch!)
As my days off wrapped up, I skipped one Saturday evening sit — where I have to laugh because my dad called me three times within five minutes with his “backyard deer report.” Trying to come up with a game plan for the Sunday hunt.
So we decided to move me to a ground blind in the field. Sunday morning I sat, and afterwards Adam and the kids came to help set up a nice trail leading right to my blind.
I had never bow hunted out of a ground blind before, so while I was sitting I practiced collapsing my folding chair and drawing my bow back… which did not help at all, because when the real moment came, it was pure chaos. My dad was glassing me from the house while texting updates.
A big group of does filtered out within 10 yards of me, and behind them I saw a big deer coming. I tried to quietly move my chair — barely — then poked a hole through the blind trying to draw back, then finally got into position only to be facing the complete wrong direction. The buck I’d been after was 15 yards away undisturbed. All I could do was try to turn around… and by then he he had his nose to the ground following scent.
Talk about disappointment. And of course, Dad’s line: “If only you had my crossbow…” True? Yes. But I’m stubborn, and the challenge of the compound bow still has my heart. Not against the crossbow — it’s just not my first choice.
After that adventure I took a little break, soaked up time with family and friends, and got ready for gun season. Gun season brought its own mix of excitement and letdowns — the buck I’d been hunting got shot on Sunday of opening weekend, and my cameras have been pretty quiet. However, there are currently two other bucks that were on my cameras early Nov that have gone totally ghost, and I’m hoping they made it through. Maybe late bow season will surprise me.
Sweet Moments & Simple Joys
This month also brought something special — my first cookie baking exchange since before my oldest (now 7!) was born. Everyone brought a cookie and a dish, kids were welcome, and it was pure joyful chaos. Over 20 different cookies, kids playing indoors and outside, stories being shared, laughter everywhere… and everyone was gone by 8:30 which gave me time to do my quick clean-and-reset (yes, I’m that person). The kids crashed hard, we snuggled, and my heart (and taste buds) were very, very happy. If you’re curious —
I made Turtle and Twix cookies. Not healthy, not sorry, totally worth it for once a year.
We added some family game nights this month too — nothing fancy, just fun ways for the kids to burn energy and maybe argue less. Our little ladies have been nitpicky lately and mama can only take so much. We’ve played brain puzzles, simple paper games, and some minute-to-win-it ones. The kids love them, and honestly, so do I. They even sparked new ideas I’ve brought into client sessions — fun ways to challenge balance, coordination, memory, and strength.
With the kids having off during thanksgiving week, I made sure to keep them moving and busy. First we met up with a wonderful long time friend and her kids at the new new indoor playground in Green Bay — highly recommend if you have young ones. They have a baby area, climbing structures, a bounce-house obstacle course, and coffee (which automatically makes it perfect). The kids ran for two hours straight, and afterward we grabbed some brunch.
While we were gone Adam did some of his own work setting up a fun surprise for the kids — especially our oldest two — with the Nintendo 64 . This is my childhood system, and hearing them giggle and yell through Mario Kart and Mario Party was just… everything. and now even alittle friendlt competition has begun in our household.
Wrapping Up November, Embracing the Holidays 🎄
November was full — hunting highs and lows, family connection, kids’ laughter, cookies, creativity, and the kind of chaos that fills your heart. I’m looking forward to the next season while doing my best to stay present, run a business, and spread joy and kindness wherever I can.
December settled in beautifully, bringing its own fresh wave of magic and momentum. This first week, clients brought their A-game — along with some extra chatty conversations that made the sessions even better. Then on Wednesday, I had a full house for my Move • Breathe • Become session paired with a peaceful sound bowl meditation at Room 902 in Oconto — the perfect reset before the holiday rush.
To top it off, we jumped right into the community fun at the Oconto Falls Reindeer Romp, seeing Santa and his reindeer, taking in the small-town sparkle, and soaking up that festive spirit.
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