I've been thinking about how easy it is to get so busy building something that we forget to enjoy it. There's always something else to do, isn't there? Another idea to try. Another problem to solve. Another goal we're hoping to reach. And sometimes we're so focused on what's next that we forget to appreciate what's happening right in front of us. I've had some pretty wonderful moments this week. Conversations that made me think. A few that made me laugh out loud. Watching someone find a little more confidence. Seeing people connect and help each other. None of those things showed up on my to-do list. But they were some of the best parts of my week. I wonder how many moments like that we miss because we're busy thinking about what we haven't done yet. As we begin November, I want to remember to make room for the good stuff. Not just the big wins. The little moments that remind us why we're doing all this in the first place. So here's my Sunday question for you. What made you smile this past week? It might have been something in your community, something at home, or something completely unexpected. I'd love to hear about it. ❤️

Nick here. Reporting live from Skoolology. Apparently, today is the day humans dress up, knock on strangers' doors, and demand treats. I've been doing that in my own house for months, and Mom calls it BEGGING. Double standards, people. Double standards. Anyway, I hope your day is full of treats, absolutely no tricks, and plenty of naps. And remember, if something scary jumps out at you, just do what I do. Run sideways, puff up your tail, and blame the dog. We don't have a dog, but I blame one anyway. Love, Nick P.S. Mom says I look adorable in this hat. I'm currently reviewing my options for a new management team.

It's Halloween, so we're conducting some very important research today. You're going through a haunted house with a group of friends. Which one are you? A. The Screamer. You haven't even made it through the door, and everybody knows you're there. B. The Investigator. You're too busy figuring out how they made the ghosts move to actually be scared. C. The Protector. You've got somebody by the hand, and you're determined to get everyone out alive. D. The Troublemaker. The haunted house isn't nearly as scary as YOU are to the people who came with you. E. The NOPE. You're outside holding everybody's stuff and eating their candy. And here's where it gets interesting... If someone who knows you is here, they get to challenge your answer! So, which one are you? And do we have any witnesses who might tell a different story?

Todd and I met in second grade. SECOND GRADE! Can you believe that? 😂 I never could have imagined back then that the little boy I met at school would become my best friend, my husband, and the person I'd share so much of my life with. Now here we are, building Skoolology together. Who would have thought? 😂 Todd is one of the funniest (not as funny as me 🤣), most generous people I know. He's creative, always coming up with ideas, and a tech wizard who can figure out just about anything. I still don't know how his brain works half the time! He makes me laugh, challenges my thinking, believes in me, and makes me want to be a better person. And I love that after all these years, we're still dreaming up new things to do together. Of course, I have some competition for his attention these days. Nick absolutely adores him! I'm pretty sure our cat thinks Todd hung the moon. Honestly, I can't blame him. ❤️ We've been through a lot of life together since second grade. Some wonderful, some hard, and plenty we never saw coming. I wouldn't trade our story for anything. Happy 60th birthday, Todd! I love you, and I'm so glad we found each other all those years ago. ❤️ Since so many of you are part of this latest adventure of ours, I thought it would be fun to celebrate him right here in Skoolology. If you have a birthday wish, a little wisdom for turning 60, or a good old-man joke, I’d love for you to leave it for Todd in the comments. 🐼❣️ I'd love for him to see a whole lot of love (and maybe a little teasing) today! 😂 And Todd, just so you know, I fully intend to keep getting us into trouble for many more years to come! 😂🐼

@Jewels Sherriff shared a fun post about birth flowers in her community, and it got me thinking! October's birth flower is the marigold. And since Todd is an October baby, that makes it his birth flower! ❤️ But here's why I love marigolds so much. Years ago, when I was working in education, I came across an article called Find Your Marigold. It was written for teachers, but the message has stayed with me. Marigolds are often planted alongside other plants because they can help protect them from certain pests and create a healthier environment for growth. The article uses that idea as a beautiful analogy for the people we surround ourselves with. Marigolds are the people who help us grow. They're the ones who encourage us, share what they've learned, celebrate our wins, and remind us what we're capable of when we're having a hard day. And I've been thinking about how much that applies to building communities, too. We all need people who make the journey a little easier. People we can think out loud with, laugh with, learn from, and lean on when things get messy. And sometimes, we get to be that marigold for someone else. ❤️ Here's the article that started it all: Find Your Marigold 🌼 A little Common Ground fun for today! 🌸 🌷 What's your birth month, and do you know your birth flower? (I had to look some of them up!) 🌼 And who's been a marigold in your life? Someone who's helped you grow, encouraged you, or simply made life a little brighter? P.S. Thank you, Jewels, for the birth flower inspiration! I had no idea your post would bring me back to an article I've loved for years! 🥰