Ongoing Love Affair. . .

I try to keep myself composed on the blog.  You know,  put forth the distinguished, even-keel, “centered” part of me.  I know that it is most appropriate to reserve those more emotion laden thoughts for outside the blog.

However, when I looked for that distinguished, even-keel, “centered” part of me. . . turns out it doesn’t exist.  So, I’m just going to keep it real. . .

HOLY WOW OCTOBER IS HERE AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!!!!!

Excuse me, let me just take it down a notch.  Oh, it’s true.  I absolutely love living where I live during this time of year.  Everywhere you look there is a richness in the air that wraps itself around me and penetrates my soul with nothing but good feelings.

I tried to avoid this topic this year.  I told myself, Summer, you gushed about Autumn last year and the year before that. . . this has to stop now. 

I tried, but I failed.  As if with a flip of a switch these fall days effortlessly hand us the most beautiful of the years moments.

Over the weekend Charlie and I marched over to our neighbors house, knocked on the door and posed our question. . . can we rake the leaves from your backyard to our backyard?

Go right ahead, he answered.  So Charlie, Chanelle, and I raked leaves from the neighbors yard to ours and did what every child must do. . .

Leaf pile, Baby.  

I think that crisp fall leaves have a kind of super-power.  Somehow, they produce the most wonderful smiles from children. 

Friends, meet Charlie

Meadow was not about to be left out. 

Our backyard was filled with delightful squeals, precious laughter, and sights and sounds that every Mama dreams of.  Neighbor children joined Charlie, Chanelle, and Meadow as they enjoyed the fruits of a fall evening. 

Around our house, we talk about the changing of the seasons as if it’s an event.  Truly, it is.  For weeks leading up to any given season we hear how many days until. . . Fall, winter. . . you get the idea.  Right now my kids have an appreciation for the changing of the seasons and I really hope it stays that way.

With each new season there are gifts to discover and believe me. . . we will discover them.

This will be my 34th October and I never tire of it. 

As much as October lures me out into it’s beauty, the month also draws me toward the kitchen.  After a long hot summer, I am somehow renewed and excited to create tastes and smells that will draw the family toward the table. 

These are some of my favorite moments with Chanelle.  As we work together and talk through our creating, I imagine her one day telling her own child about the afternoons we shared together in the kitchen.  Last weekend we worked together on one of our favorite Fall desserts.

If you have never made a Pumpkin Trifle. . . you must.  It is super easy to make and it will get rave reviews. 

You can find the recipe here.

Oh, and since we’re talking fall recipes, here’s another if you’re looking for something light and extremely easy. . .

Butternut squash bisque.  I have devoured this soups more days than not over the last week.  It’s a must try. 

Of course we don’t make such fabulous desserts for just anyone.  We had a special guests this weekend. . .

Hello there, Dad. 

As if the beautiful autumn leaves and giggling children didn’t fill my heart enough. . . Poppy and my sister came to see Charlie play soccer. 

There is nothing like having my family here.  Having them come into our world, even for a bit, is something I treasure. 

Autumn Saturday’s mean one thing. . . gathering around a soccer field.

 

While Meadow fights with her shoes. . .

My Dad and my sister were kind enough to humor us while we took them to our favorite places because, you know, everything is more beautiful in the Fall.

I’m pretty sure they were contemplating the meaning of life here. . . see, my Dad has his hand on his chin.

I’m pumped that we are just three days into October and there is still much to enjoy in the coming days.  As the days become shorter we will be sure to squeeze out every bit of goodness October has to offer.  I see trick-or-treat costumes and bigger leaf piles.  I anticipate roasting marshmallows in the backyard and sipping on apple cider and hot drinks.  As sweaters and coasts replace short sleeves and dresses, we will soak in every last bit of it. 

And I will continue to shamelessly write my love affair with fall. 

Wishing you a Fabulous Wednesday!