Month in Review: September 2025

September 2025 in Review

September was full. From birthday cakes and hayrides to sore legs and spreadsheets, it was a month of new starts, small traditions, and plenty of comfort mixed in.

Highlights

Labor Day kickoff: We started September strong with pumpkins at Blodgett Farm — yes, on September 1st. I had the day off work, so we enjoyed our time at the farm followed by a sweet lunch at BJ’s (thanks to a free Pizookie coupon), and the day ended with Lilo & Stitch Uno with Holden (he cheats). To top it off, Holden found a baby squirrel in the yard, and we drove it to a wildlife rehabilitator. A very “us” mix of cozy, chaotic, and memorable.
Holden’s birthday: Holden turned another year older and, for the second year in a row, requested a Nutella birthday cake. We celebrated with two hours at Get Air trampoline park before heading to Applebee’s for dinner (though his original request was McDonald’s.)
First day of school: September also brought the return to school routines. Holden started 2nd grade and Caleb 5th. They were... less than happy.
Zarpentine’s Fall Fest: When the boys came home one Sunday, we headed straight to Zarpentine’s Fall Fest. We sampled cookies, lemonade, and sno cones, and Holden came home with a freshly painted face.
Fall farm trips + Sunday rhythm: We hit just about every local spot: Zarpentine’s, Green Acre, Herman’s, Schutt’s, Kelly's, and Blodgett Farm for cider slushies, donuts, cookies, and other treats. A new rhythm quickly formed: every Sunday after the boys came home from their dad's, we’d go for a run, then pile into the car for a farm stop. It became the best kind of tradition... simple, cozy, and reliably sweet.
Moana + Spooky Hayride: One Friday night, we watched Moana 2 at school, then went straight to Powers Farm for opening night of their Spooky Hayride. It’s haunted hayride “lite,” with animatronics instead of live actors, and the kids loved every minute, especially finishing the night with cookies.
Spirit Halloween wander: No September is complete without walking the aisles of Spirit Halloween, trying on masks, and laughing at the over-the-top animatronics.
Soccer season: Holden laced up for his first game of the fall season. Saturday mornings are back to early sideline cheering.
Nurse’s office regular: In the first few weeks of school, I think I got five calls from the nurse’s office about Holden: falls from the swing, trips at recess, you name it. Second grade is apparently hazardous.
Home Depot project: Holden and I built a wooden airplane together at the monthly Home Depot workshop. It was simple, a little messy, and exactly the kind of project he loves.
Doctor catch-up + neurology: After months of putting it off, I finally caught up on all of my doctor's appointments: primary care, neuro, and more. At neurology, we switched me from Emgality to Qulipta on September 10, and it was a game changer. I went from 10–11 migraines a month to almost none. Relief doesn’t even begin to cover it!
Hallmark schedule release: On September 17, Hallmark finally released their 2025 Christmas movie schedule. I immediately started prepping the spreadsheets — my favorite kind of seasonal ritual.
Health reimbursement win: I found out I qualify for a $600 a year health reimbursement through my insurance, and I immediately submitted claims for running clothes, shoes, accessories, and a Garmin watch. Very exciting and I'm already plotting what to spend it on next year (another pair of backup running shoes, a water backpack or belt for long runs, race registrations + more!).

📚 Books I Read

The List by Kiersten Modglin ★★★★☆
Are Your Parents Home? by Jon Athan ★★☆☆☆
Just Married by Kiersten Modglin ★★★★☆
Party Games by Jon Athan ★★★☆☆

🏅 Favorite Book of the Month: The List by Kiersten Modglin
Books Read: 4
Yearly Progress: 46/100

🎬 What I Watched

Unknown Number: A wild catfishing documentary on Netflix. Totally jaw-dropping.
Sweet Bobby: Apparently I was on the catfish train this month. Another Netflix catfish doc, fascinating and sad.
Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read: True crime docuseries from ID. Really well done. High profile case I didn’t know much about. After five episodes, I still don’t know what I think happened.
Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter: Two-part true crime Netflix doc about a missing girl. Her birth mom placed her up for adoption, then years later heard about her disappearance and vowed to find out what happened. Pretty good, but not my favorite watch of the month.

🏃 Running Recap

Runs this month: 6

Total miles: 9.63 mi.

Total time ran: 3:41

Average pace per run: 21:11 | 21:58 | 20:52 | 25:10 | 24:34 | 22:01

Average monthly pace: 22:55/mile

Notes: We started with a mile at the track, worked up to two, and later did a 2.25-mile trail day. Some outings were mostly walking (shin splints, oof), one got creepy-dark on the wooded trail, and Caleb often sprinted ahead while Holden and I kept it steady in the back. Painful sometimes, but it’s progress — and it’s ours.

Extras

Loved: Cider slushies + donuts; a return to running; a free Pizookie; Caleb’s free slushie from Tops; an unexpected free car wash for my new ride; a solid work review; a s'more themed facial at a salon.
Sucked: Blisters on night one of our return to running; shin splints after our longest distance.
On the Menu: BJ’s, Applebee’s, Texas Roadhouse, Texas BBQ, Naan-tastic takeout, McDonald’s drink runs (obviously), Crumbl’s Biscoff cookie, plus all the farm goodies + donuts.
Made Me Laugh: Holden lobbying hard for McDonald’s as his birthday dinner, only to eventually settle for Applebee’s. Caleb tried all evening to sway him to choose Texas Roadhouse instead. They never want the same thing for dinner!

This Month on the Blog

Coming Up in October

Shoes + shins: Getting fitted for new running sneakers — goal: fewer aches, more miles.
More miles, more treats: Keep the Sunday routine (run → farm donuts/cider slushies).
School life: Open House at both boys’ schools; Caleb also starts back up with early-morning band and chorus.
Work day adventure: Take Your Child to Work Day — both boys are coming this year.
Movie countdown begins: Hallmark Countdown to Christmas movies kick off October 17th — spreadsheets ready, cozy season officially starting.
Stage time: The new theater season kicks off with my aunt. Our first show is Clue, and I can’t wait to start another year of our tradition together.
Holden’s calendar: Soccer continues + a birthday party on deck.
Time off, Halloween + costumes: A couple days off work including Halloween. This year, Holden = Flamin’ Hot Cheetos bag; Caleb = hot dog.

What I Learned

Progress doesn’t have to be fast or flashy. We showed up, even when it hurt; we made space for small traditions; and the migraines quieted. That’s real momentum.

So that’s it for me! See you next month!

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