20. And some other thoughts.

I feel like I'm finally coming out of the fog of back-to-school.

Stresstember as I not so affectionately refer to it has finally ended and I'm ready for the fun of all to begin. 

Work and life are no less busy in the months ahead, but we are starting to get our routines down both at  school and at home and that makes me feel happy, settled, and peaceful.

The only thing that could make me happier is if our weather would cooperate and start acting like its fall.  

Sigh.

But until then I'll keep sipping my chai tea and wearing my fuzzy mocs and cuddling up under a blanket while the AC blasts at 78 and every fan in the house is pointed directly at my face.

*****

In other news, I headed to the coast this weekend to celebrate the wedding of one of my oldest friends.  It was kind of surreal sitting at the ceremony, watching her exchange rings and vow to stay true to a boy she has loved nearly her whole life.

It made me incredibly excited for her.  Incredibly happy.  And incredibly emotional.

Marriage is such a beautiful and wonderful thing.

I spent the evening laughing and enjoying the company of good friends.

Girls I've known longer than I can remember and who know more about me than I'd like to share.

We laughed and ate and drank wine and conspired on how we could nab the best treats on the dessert table.

I love these girls.  These women.  These ladies that I've experienced almost every major life event with.  From giggly high school girls to wives and mothers our friendships have grown and changed and endured.

I really did hit the jackpot when it comes to the best friend department.

*****

Finally, I've been thinking a lot about October and how I want to make a better effort to be purpoesful in everything I do.  I don't want to waste a single second of the day or wish away the busyness of my life.  Instead I want to embrace it and make the most of my days, regardless of how crazy or stressful they are.  So I decided to set some goals for myself.   I figure if I put them out here on the Interwebs I'll feel more accountable to actually follow through with them.

In the 31 days of October, I will...
Cook 20 dinners, 20% of which will be new recipes.
Work-out 20 times.
Give 20 distraction-free and uninterrupted minutes to Jesus daily.
Clean out Swee'Pea and my closets and drawers and get rid of 20 things each.
Avoid spending money 20 days.
Drink 20 oz of water for every one cup of coffee I consume.


It may seem silly.
But sometimes having a list of goals really keeps me going.
Plus having something to check-off is often the highlight of my day.
What are your goals for October?

Hello Autumn.

Saturday was the first day of Autumn.

We welcomed it with open and still slightly sweaty arms.  

I refused to let the heat get me down on Saturday.

Today was another story. 

I am desperate for fall to arrive.

The cooler weather.

The boots and scarves.

The activities and traditions.

The blow-drying my hair without getting a sweat moustache.

I have decided to embrace Autumn.

Our Autumn.

Even if it is still in the 90's.

Even if our trees are still as green as ever.

I will still decorate with gourds.

I will still burn my maple pecan candles.

I will still insist on crafting with wool felt even if it makes me break out in hives.

Breaking out the well-loved mocs.

Fresh morning breezes....

A good strong brew... with a dash of milk and a wee bit of sugar.

Fresh buttermilk orange muffins.

Doing a little research for a quick fall getaway for three.

A little math on the couch.

Apple tasting and a bit of science.

Apple crafts.

A bit of crafting.

And a bit of decorating.

Cheering on our favorite football team.

Resting in the afternoon sunshine.

A perfect bowl of popcorn.  Our favorite evening snack.

Hello, Autumn.
We've missed you.

So glad you are back.
We had a fantastic weekend enjoying you.

And we are looking forward to many, many more wonderful weeks together.

I <3 Fall...

I love fall.

It is by far the most perfect season.

The colors... the smells... the sweet but slow way the weather changes to cooler temperatures. I love looking at my calendar and seeing October 1st looming closer. The day I have officially decided it is perfectly suitable to break out the fall garlands and the pie-scented candles. And as my living room buffet becomes adorned in the beautiful colors of rust and mustard and pumpkin and my rooms fill with the sweet scent of carmel pecan, I get a warm and happy feeling in my soul that always seems to come around when the leaves begin to change.

Everything about fall is splendid. Mornings are cool enough to drink a lovely pot of coffee, but not too cold that it hurts to walk from my car to my classroom. My sweaters come down from the top of my closet, and the extra blankets creep their way onto our bed in the middle of the night. And Thanksgiving... oh, Thanksgiving! The turkey, the stuffing, the cranberry sauce shaped like a can. Pie! Pumpkin Pie! Piece after piece of Pumpkin Pie. I am giddy just THINKING about the feast that awaits me in just a bit over three weeks.

And one of my oh so favorite traditions, fantastically wonderful in all its insanity, is the annual pumpkin picking trip to Banducci Farms with our entire family.

Yes... our entire family.

Two grandparents. Eight siblings. Nine grandkids... with one on the way. Yes. Our family is the definition of insanity.

And it is quite lovely insanity at that.