All the November Feels | Family, Memories, and Thankfulness

November Feels

November always gets me in my feelings. Tt’s that mix of reflection, gratitude, and a little bit of chaos (the good kind). Between family traditions, honoring loved ones, and prepping for the holidays, it’s the month that reminds me to slow down and appreciate it all.

All Saints’ Day. Remembering with Love

Being Filipino, All Saints’ Day has always been something special to me. Back home in the Philippines, families don’t just visit the cemetery for a few minutes, they stay the night. It’s like a big family reunion, but one that honors the people who came before us. Everyone brings food, candles, and stories.

Each family has their own mausoleum and it’s honestly amazing to see how different they all are. Some have air conditioning, some have extra rooms or bathrooms, and everyone gathers together to eat, laugh, pray, and remember. It’s a beautiful tradition that reminds me how deeply rooted our culture is in love and family. Even here, I try to keep that spirit alive, lighting a candle, saying a prayer, and taking a quiet moment to remember my loved ones.

Veterans Day. The Strength Behind the Uniform

Veterans Day always hits close to home. I grew up in a military family, and my kids’ dad also retired from the military so this life is something I know well. The deployments, the PCS moves, the tours, the long stretches where you don’t hear from them for weeks or even months especially back in the days before internet made it easier to stay connected.

It’s a kind of strength that families have to grow into. You learn to keep things moving, to stay strong for each other, and to celebrate the little

moments together. So this Veterans Day, I just want to say thank you to all the veterans, and to the families who serve and sacrifice right alongside them. Your strength doesn’t go unnoticed.

Thanksgiving. Finding Gratitude in the Chaos

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Then comes Thanksgiving the season of chaos, food, and love. I love having everyone together, cooking way too much, hearing the kids laugh, and being surrounded by family. It’s never perfect (someone always forgets something or there is lots of yelling 😂), but that’s what makes it ours. It’s about slowing down, being grateful for the people around us, and soaking up those small, imperfect, beautiful moments.

This year, I’m also thinking about our little design over at Mermaid Kove: “Thankful, Blessed & Kind of a Mess.” It’s a reminder that gratitude doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from the messy, beautiful moments of togetherness. Whether someone forgets to set the timer on the turkey or the kids decide to sneak in seconds before dinner — that’s what makes it ours.

Jray’s Birthday — Ending the Month with Love

And to wrap up the month, we get to celebrate Jray’s birthday on November 27!

🎉 We don’t have the exact spot picked out yet, but we’ll be camping somewhere, just a tent, nature, and our family. No distractions, no rush, just us being together and enjoying the little things.

November is a full heart kind of month. A little messy, a little emotional, and full of love, reflection, and gratitude. I’m thankful for family, for culture, for resilience and for the reminder that no matter what season we’re in, there’s always something to be grateful for. 💜

Waves of Loves,

Tiffany | Mermaid Kove