Last updated on November 19th, 2023 at 12:36 am
November, November, November….
I feel like a constant moaner when it seems we have done some pretty lovely things this month but it’s been shadowed by grievances and struggles. We started out November with a lovely weekend getaway to Spain for half term with the kids. We caught up with friends and the weather was so kind to us. It felt good to sit by the pool while the kids giggled and swam and we soaked up as much sunshine as possible.
When we arrived home, sadly I was hit with really bad news that my Dad has cancer. Then a week later, Mr P’s Uncle, and then this week I have had to not only find out that my Grandma has lung cancer but that I had to call her to say goodbye over the phone. Something that nearly broke me in two. They say it comes in threes and these three blows are enough to knock all those amazing fun memories we just made to the back of my mind. My vision has been blurry and my heart has been aching this month. As much as I want to hide it from my kids, from the world that I share so much with, I cannot. So while I still go through the motions of getting ready for Christmas – my favorite time of year. This year, it will be hard for me and for our family.
But in true form of my Grandma and Father they are both the most positive, happy people you would ever meet. They would want me to keep sharing the amazing memories as a family we are making and documenting our life together as we go along no matter what is thrown our way. Because you never know when you won’t be able to. I am learning so much about life altogether this month. It’s a big eye opener. Life is short, life is precious, never take it for granted and don’t sweat the small stuff because it doesn’t really matter to anyone but you.
We took these photos in Spain the first week of November and I am so glad we did. We probably would have had to miss a month otherwise. It feels like a decade since these were taken, since the sun was on our backs and the kids were running around in bare feet.
It was also Thanksgiving for us, which I am desperately trying to get my video and post up for it before it’s Christmas time. We had a “friendsgiving” this year with friends around at our house for a big feast. It was so lovely sharing our holiday tradition with them and the food that they have never tasted. I love sharing Thanksgiving with the people close to us whether that’s friends or family. It doesn’t matter. Thanksgiving is about being thankful for those in your life. It was a lovely evening and the only day this month where I felt me.
The weather has perked up despite how cold it is, the blue skies have returned which makes it easier to get outside and play. The kids have been bundling up nicely with scarves, hats and gloves to still ride their scooters through the park and around our neighborhood. I think that burst of Autumn sunshine in Spain has our batteries charged for the winter ahead. The kids are so excited this year for Christmas too. We started decorating as we do after Thanksgiving every year. I think as they get older that magical spark comes in their eye when they finally understand about Santa, the Elves and the whole Christmas spirit.
MOMMY IS LOVING…
Our family trip to Spain.
Our Friendsgiving / Thanksgiving.
My kids and their laughter.
DADDY IS LOVING…
Tiger Woods playing golf again.
Teaching B to play golf.
Golf. (always a pattern).
BUBA IS LOVING…
His new squirt-able bath toys.
Decorating the Chrstimas tree.
Putting up his elf door for Elf on a Shelf to visit.
MISSY MOO IS LOVING…
Playing with kinetic sand. It’s magic!
Sitting by the lit Christmas tree in awe of it.
Playing with her dolls and singing loudly to herself.
November has been so many good and horrific things happen within it but that’s life. We must stay strong, stay positive and be real. While I am usually bouncing off the walls come the festive season, I want to say that I am on a rollercoaster so if my social media seems confusing between emotional days and happy normal ones. Bare with me! I started blogging because I felt lost in a country I was unfamiliar with and the people online have made it feel so much different in the best way possible. I feel part of a community and feel so supported online. Thank you to all my readers for that and your loyalty, it means the world to me. Blogging isn’t just about the pretty photos, perfect magazine style posts, it’s about sharing life too and all the realities that come with it. 
Come share the love for the beautiful families of Me & Mine Project. Starting with our lovely host Lucy at Dear Beautiful and the rest of the team…Mummy Daddy Me, Tigerlilly Quinn, Bump-to-Baby, and Capture by Lucy.
Oh sweetheart that is a tough month; I’m glad you’ve had some lovely memories in there too to try to tip the scales even a little bit in the other direction and oh the thought of soaking up some sun sounds pretty amazing right now!!
It really has been Carie but saying out loud, and picking myself to be positive for my family is what I needed to do. Everyone’s amazing support has really helped as I can’t be home to help or be there it feels disconnected being so far away. The sun helps for sure especially in winter so we try to go every October.
So sorry you had such awful news 🙁 Sending comforting thoughts to you and hoping you get some joy from continuing to share your moments.
Thanks lovely. It’s been hard not going to lie but being open about it finally and getting encouragement, support and lovely comments online and offline has helped so much, especially living so far away from everyone.
Love seeing summery photos in the winter time. I was eyeing that kinetic sand but it looks so messy lol
Honestly it’s not too bad with the mess as I fear messy play with a passion. I love it because it easily molds together to put away. I have a little tray that I make them keep it on too so it’s easier to contain. Thanks for your kind compliments.
I love that your photos are so sunny 🙂 I’m sorry you have had such an awful month for news – I hope December and its magic brings you some good news! Lots of love x
I am holding onto the sunshine in the dark ahead but the kids and friends have been so support online and off line and I am feeling positive we can beat this together. Thanks Gemma so much.
Sorry to hear of your upsetting news Jenny, life is so short and times like this really do make us appreciate every moment we get with our loved ones. Thinking of you and your family xx
So true every moment counts and every positive vibe shared online or off has been such a huge help for me. All the encouragement and comments thank you so very much. They mean the world to me.
Oh Jenny, I’m so sorry, what a heartbreaking month you’ve had. I’m glad you had a lovely time at the beginning of the month though, the photos are fab! And I’m pleased you had a great Thanksgiving with friends xx
In the cloud of darkness we have to find light. Friends, family, holiday celebrations are those pieces of light I am holding onto to get me through it. Thank you so much.
Oh Jenny I am so sorry for everything you are going through. Sending lots of love and although we of course want to shelter our children from heartache they are also learning we can be sad and we can get through together. Sending lots of love xx
Good way too look at it. I think they know without knowing if that makes sense. They are super aware of I am sad to give extra cuddles and love. They have been my strength through it and keeping positive as best I can. Everyone’s encouragement online and off has been so amazing. Thank you.
Oh Jenny I am so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to you. My dad was diagnosed with cancer 2 1/2 years ago and whilst one bit has been cured, he still fights the other bit every day. I can’t imagine what it must be like to have him in another country. Your heart must be aching for your dad and grandma. Sending lots of love xx
Thanks Laura, it came as such a shock but I am learning that I have to stay positive for them, for my own family, for myself. Living so far is the hardest of all and feeling disconnected from it and lost.
I’m so sorry to hear about your sad news 🙁 Sending love and strength x
Thanks Emma, so kind of you. I feel the support online as much as off and I am forever grateful for it all.
Ah Jenny, I am so so sorry to hear you have had such awful news. Sometimes you think things can’t get any worse but life teaches you that it can, and it is truly horrible. I’m glad to hear that your dad is staying positive and I am sending you all good vibes and hugs! xxxxx
Thank you so much Julia. You couldn’t be more right and I just lean on family and friends and mostly my kids keep me sound and solid. Life is a tricky old thing that test us to our limits from time to time. We just got to prove to it we are strong enough to keep going. Big hugs hope you have had a lovely weekend.
Oh Jenny, I have no words. I am so very sorry x
Look at these beautiful, sunny photos, I’m jealous! But I am so so so sorry to hear that you’ve had such horrible news hit your family. Sending you such a big hug and lots of love. I’ll keep you in my thoughts lovely. xxx
Thanks Alex, it was hard to swallow but I am working through it with friends and family as my support. Got to stay strong for the kiddos and of course my family too. It was nice to grab some winter sun and store it for the cold days ahead.
Lovely photos. So sorry to hear that November has been a tough month,lots of love for December xx
Thank you Louise. Yes, hoping December is kinder to us all for the festive season for sure. Happy weekend.
Awww sorry to hear such sad news.
Beautiful photos of a beautiful family.
Thanks Laura, it’s easier explaining the various posts on my social media than having people wondering if I have lost the plot. But in times like this family and friends support is so meaningful. Thank you.
oh Jenny I’m just catching up with this, what a lot of awful things you’ve had to deal with lately, reading about your granny made me get a lump in my throat, you poor lovely lady. xx
Beautiful family photos. Glad you had a good time in Spain. I’m so sorry to hear about your family. It’ll be a very tough time for you all and I can’t even begin to imagine what it was like talking to your grandma on the phone. Big hugs lovely xx #meandmine
Thanks Kerry that’s very kind of you and your words mean a lot. It’s been hard but we are staying positive for my dad and strong for my Grandma and close family members.
I’m so sorry to hear about your family. November sounds like it’s been heavy and I hope you’re feeling the love and support to get you through. Sending love for December xx
Thanks lovely for your kind concerned and happy thoughts for us. November was a bad, bad month of news indeed and very heavy on the heart. We are feeling optimistic for my dad as much as possible and wrapping our heads around it all now. Happy Holidays.
So sorry to hear about your Dad, Grandma and Mr P’s uncle – what an awful month for you. Sending a big virtual hug your way. Glad you managed to get some happy family shots on holiday before your world got turned upside down though. Hope the festive season will be gentle to you x #meandmineproject
Oh Jenny, I’m so sorry, what an awful month for you. I know how hard it is when you’re so far away. Sending you lots of love. So glad you had such a lovely weekend in Spain (gorgeous photos!) and that your Thanksgiving was special xx
Thanks Sara for your kind words and love. Yes being an expat that’s the downfall isn’t it? Big hugs.
Oh Jenny I’m so very sorry to hear your dreadful news. We also found out that my dad has cancer earlier this year and my heart goes out to you. It’s such a horrendous thing to deal with. Sending lots of love to you all. On a more positive note, these photos are just gorgeous and how lovely to see some sunshine in November! xxx
Oh Katie, my heart goes back to you too. No one should ever have to been told their parents or loved ones have the dreaded C … it’s horrific. Thanks for your kindness and comment. Big hugs to you too. Yes it was lovely to catch up with friends in Spain and see the sun for a bit before winter hit.
Sending you lots of love and thoughts Jenny, so sorry to hear all of that. I agree with you on the aspects of blogging, its more than the pretty photos, sharing the reality of life is one of the best things we can do I think. Wishing you happy (as can be) holidays and a happy & hopeful new year xxxxx
Thanks Natalie, happy holidays my dear. Thanks for all your amazing support and following.