Have A Little Faith in We

Happy Wednesday friends! Today we have a little life lately to share what has been going on in our world….

Starting with how we wrapped up our summer season,with some amazing views of the sunset.

We moved out to the Loudon County area four years back and Danny was not quite so sure about it. Further from the city, further from most of our social circle, and further out than we had lived before…. but luckily between the sunsets and walking paths he has come to love being west! Growing up here I knew it was not that far and the offerings out weighed the distance by a long shot, luckily my boys seemed to have figure that secret out too!

There is no question that Quinlan loves where we live and with the arrival of fall weather he happily encourages us all to get out and walk even more.

During the fall Danny and I had a list of to dos so we could prepare for some of the fun social gatherings planned at our house with one of my favorite to dos being this baker’s rack. Pass down from my Ganmommy’s house, I was so excited to inherit a piece that instantly reminds me of my Flaherty family. So with a little paint to make it ours and just like new…..

This September Danny and I were honored with the chance to work with the Children’s Organ Transplant Organization sharing our story. These moments served as an incurable reminder of how far we have come and I will remember this experience for as long as I live.

And of course this fall season welcomed a whole new school year with O’Connell! This special school has meant a lot to us (just check out the O’Connell tag) and we are so excited to see the ways it will continue to be present in our new world. Danny’s hockey season has been on going, but officially kicked off with their first game…. on a football field???? Yes, to start a new season the boys hockey team played their girl’s field hockey team. It was the most perfect fall evening: gorgeous sunset, cool breeze, and the stands alive with kiddos. I am fairly certain I will never tire of sitting amongst the crowd and just observing the energy that comes with being a teenager. We are glad to officially be back!

Of course fall also brings with it the perfect season to enjoy Virginia’s wine country! We got a chance to head out west and toast to my sweet friend, Libby’s birthday. She is such a gem in my life and of course is no stranger to a good glass of vino…. thank you Libby for helping us remember why calling VA home is so tasty!

And we close this life lately with a few posts from the real world….. I have the unique experience of following my dad’s professional career path and after a few years navigating my way around the world of association management, I returned to working at his trade association. During high school and college I would work there on breaks and then in the fall of 2014 I returned for a full time role in their membership department. I love what I do, I am blessed by the people I have come to know in my professional life, and I am proud to call this industry my field of choice – but no matter how much you may enjoy your work, it is still a four letter word. And let’s be honest the days and weeks can be long….. the special thing about my job are the unique little reminders that pop up…..

Like an article in the magazine that celebrated my Dad’s anniversary and featured all 7 of us!

Or a visit from my sister and niece in the middle of the day. In this season of gratitude it is so important to recognize the little things that pop up on a daily basis to make you feel connected to the best parts of your life and I am lucky that some pretty special ones find their way to my office.

Thank you so much for reading and remember to make it a great day!
Jackie