The Big One (Fall Edition): Finding Your Piece in the Chaos, Free Download, Fall Fun, and Weird Holidays
The Weekly Sweep 110
*It’s the 5th week of the month, which means, *drum roll please,* it’s time for The Big One! Because this only happens once a quarter, these editions will include extra content— more downloads and links to useful seasonal ideas, recipes, and activities. I hope you find it useful. Let the fall fun begin!*
Finding Your Piece in the Chaos
There is something deeply satisfying about opening a brand-new puzzle.
I embrace the excitement of the challenge ahead with an unshakeable knowing that success will be mine.
Contentment fills me as I pour chaos onto the table and immediately start to establish order—
Straight edges in a pile, an outline made, piece by piece, the chaos is subdued, and a beautiful picture emerges from the mess.
If only life’s puzzles were so easily assembled. While they are not, I am becoming more determined to face them with the same attitude I face jigsaw puzzles. Here’s how:
I am going to reframe the challenges that come my way. Instead of trudging into them with dread, I’m going to relish the opportunity. Each new challenge has something to teach me, some way I can grow, or provides an opportunity to help someone else.
I am going to face the chaos with confidence. Perhaps I don’t have a picture to go off, no frame of reference for where the pieces need to go, but I do know that in the end it’s going to be fine. Maybe it won’t be what I expect, but I will make the best of whatever comes. So, in that way, I do know the end, and I can go into it with the confidence that I will succeed.
I am going to create actionable steps to reach my goals and persevere. One piece at a time, I will begin to implement and work through my plan, changing course as needed, until the picture, or purpose, becomes clear and the task is complete.
As you face your own puzzles, I hope that you, too, can find your piece in the chaos. Remember, one piece at a time. You’ve got this!
Pictures
The top two pictures were taken by my son, Malachi. You can find his work on Instagram at _bluewaterbound.
The bottom left picture was taken by my daughter, Eliza. You can find her work on Instagram at pixel_puffin_photography.
The bottom right picture was taken by me. It was a hot day at the fair this year, but we all enjoyed it!
What have you been up to this week?
Splendid Stuff
I used to think all the silly, unusual holidays people touted on the radio or the news were ridiculous. National Taco Day? Really? If you want a taco, then just go get one. As the world gets crazier and more contentious, my opinion is changing. Why not find every possible reason to celebrate life?
Here are some of my top picks for the coming months:
September 4: Have An Extra Dessert Day: And why shouldn’t we? If you need a little inspiration, try this amazing mint chocolate chip pie by Lindsay Funston on Delish.com.
September 13: Roald Dahl Day: Who doesn’t love Roald Dahl?! If you’ve never read his book, Never Grow Up, then you need to. And what better day to read it on?
September 14: Coloring Day: Because you’re never too old to color. Here’s a free coloring page to help you celebrate the day!
October 29: Hermit Day: We all need a day where we can pretend that the rest of the world doesn’t exist. A day when we can stay under the covers, read a book, binge-watch a show, and not answer a single phone call, text message, or email. It’s time to unplug and take a day just for yourself.
November 9: Santa Letter Day: It’s that time of year! If you’d like a response from one of Santa’s Elves, send your letter to:
Santa Claus P.O. Box 1 Santa Claus, Indiana 47579 Make sure you include your name and full return address on the envelope and mail it by mid-December. This is so much fun for the kiddos! For more odd holiday ideas, scroll to the bottom of this post and download your free odd holiday calendar pages!
What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?
S. M. H. (Splendid Mess Hangout)
Something to Do: There are so many fun things to do in the Autumn. I’ve created a bucket list for you below. How many can you cross off before the season passes?
Something to Eat: One of my favorite fall treats is S’mores, but I don’t always want to have to go to the trouble of building a fire. The Life Jolie came up with an easy, no-bake way to satisfy that s’more craving. I present to you, the s’more bar:
They’re made like Rice Krispies treats, and all you need is butter, mini marshmallows, Golden Grahams cereal, and chocolate chips. Click the link below for the instructions and enjoy!
Something to Remember: A phone wallpaper to help you remember that when things are falling down around you, it doesn’t always mean they’re falling apart.
What are you most looking forward to this Fall?
The Mess Makers’ Place
Summer break has officially begun! Here are some things to try this season:
Snack: These Donut Hole Acorns are delicious, adorable, fun, and easy to put together.
All you need are donut holes, fall sprinkles, pretzel sticks, and chocolate frosting or Nutella. You can slightly heat the frosting or Nutella to make it easier to spread onto or dip the donut holes in. Then roll the frosted part in the sprinkles and insert the pretzel stick. Voila! Your Autumn snack is ready to be devoured!
Song: Boom Chicka Boom Autumn is a repeat-after-me song by The Learning Station that will have you and your kiddo moving and grooving to the beat while you celebrate all the fun of Autumn.
Story: The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming and Nicola Slater is a cute little story about a squirrel who is worried that someone is stealing the leaves from the trees.
For kids who are ready for a slightly deeper dive into the science of fall leaves, but still enjoy a good story, try The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade, illustrated by Jennifer Davison.
Craft: Fall leaves are about to be abundant! Try making these funny leaf creatures by Bliss This Mess. You can use a laminator (ask your library if they have one you can use) or simply use contact paper. Cut around the leaves, add googly eyes, and faces. If you’d like, you can add a magnet to the back and stick them to the fridge.
What are your favorite Fall activities?
Updates
The past couple of weeks have been mostly an effort to keep all of the balls in the air. The standard back-to-school germs have rampaged through the house, and we are all finally recovered. On top of illness, life has thrown its standard curveballs. I am happy to report, though, that all of the balls are still being juggled and we are moving forward one piece at a time.
What are you working on this week?
Free Download
Here are your next three months of calendar pages, weird holidays included. The next installment will be coming in November 2025. For ideas on how to enjoy these unusual holidays, see the Splendid Stuff section above. To download the calendar pages, click the “Download” button under the photos below. Remember, take time to have fun!
What odd holiday are you looking forward to celebrating?
Thank you so much for sharing your time and thoughts with me. If you enjoyed this post, please hit the ❤️ button. Not only does it make my day, but it also helps other people discover The Splendid Mess.
I hope you have a splendid week! ~Amanda
This was just wonderful, Amanda 😊 I especially loved your pics and your Odd Holidays!
Great, atmospheric issue! The bucket list is great - as are the photos (the car’s my favourite).