An Enjoyable Fall Walk.

A couple of weeks ago after Jon came home from home teaching we all decided to go for a walk after church. I feel as if Sunday walks are a must in order for my kids to survive from boredom. I mean there's only so much you can do on a Sunday without getting bored. We try really hard to keep it "spiritual" (no technology, t.v.) but sometimes it's impossible when you have little kids, and playing games like Trouble, Boggle, and Book of Mormon memory games can only span a toddlers mind for so long. Luckily our neighborhood is quiet and that we have awesome neighbors who didn't mind our children messing around in their leaf piles (we did kick the leaves back against the curb afterwards.) My nose was on smell alert for any kind of dog feces before they jumped in, and luckily there wasn't any in this particular pile. 

The fall foliage was (still is) in full swing, and the kids totally took advantage of running through the leaves, and  after piling up some had a contest on who can throw the leaves up in the air the highest. I took a lot of pictures for my mama who loves pictures more than words, and so here you go mom. Note the look on Noah's face...he's ready for another leaf war with his sister. Too bad Lexie wasn't around...she was taking her must needed Sunday nap!

Fall is waning quickly, and although the leaves are still colorful, they are currently wet (it rained this morning), and are in the process of preparing for winter. I think at times leaves are like people. Just as they change in color...we change in the way we dress because it's cold, and sometimes the change of season can affect one's life to start anew, and one's attitude to change (I know it does for me every time!) And just as the leaves change in color for fall to prepare for winter, we stock up on food, and water to prepare for any major winter storm we might have (and I heard we're going to have a harsh one this winter...Yikes!!!) So far we have survived Hurricane Sandy, and any other winter storms we have had in the past six years of living here, and hope to always be prepared for any catastrophe. 

We sure are so going to miss this beautiful fall foliage when they turn into dull brown crunchy leaves, and then eventually freeze in the winter. We do look forward to the change though (it's inevitable, especially when you live in an area with the change of seasons!), and we are ready! We are also excited to prepare for Thanksgiving, and to spend it with dear friends. It's going to be a busy week, and I hope that as we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday that we will always remember to be thankful in all things (even when we complain!) 

Happy Monday, and have a wonderful week of Thanks(giving)! 

Noah in October.

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

~L.M. Montgomery in Anne of Green Gables

Can I just tell you how much I love October. It is the month before your birthday, and the month in which the foliage becomes vibrant. We are so lucky to live in a place where fall exists in the most exquisite form. 

I am so glad that I dragged myself out of bed, and gave up our nap time just so I can take you out to the park.  I didn't mind the wet leaves clinging on to the soles of my keds. I didn't mind you running through the park, and the wetness that was left on your bum because of sitting on a wet bench. 

While you are very photogenic, I couldn't have you sit still for a picture, and that's okay. You are a boy filled with enormous energy, and love how that keeps me fit. You keep me young at heart, and wish this day would last forever. 

No matter rain or shine I enjoy every single waking moment with you. No matter how tired I am I will always try my best to please you, and make your young life the happiest. I am truly cherishing these moments.

Boy...you are too handsome!

Love ya,

Mom

A beautiful Autumn day

I was itching to take some more fall pictures, and since the girls have no school for the rest of the week (except for Sierra), and being that it's Noah's birthday week we all decided to venture out to another park across town to see how vibrant the foliage is on the trees. It was also a nice break for Sierra to take from the never-ending homework that she has been accumulating, and she was in dire need of stress alleviation.

Poor Sierra. She sure has a lot of homework to do almost every day. They say your junior and senior years are the hardest. I believe it. Freshman and sophomore years are a piece of cake (according to Sierra.) So if your freshman, or a sophomore in high school saying 'I have so much to do', or 'it's so hard'...just wait until the last two years of high school. They'll be even harder. So enjoy your first two years of high school!

She is such a good sport though, and truly has proven that she holds on to that iron rod no matter how hard things get for her. She has this shield that helps her get over the stresses of life, and focuses on the fun things that we can do as a family in times like this. She has learned to never take anything for granted, and to always make the best out of any bad situation. She loves playing with all of her sibs, but on this day she gave all of her attention to Noah. They both were throwing leaves in the air. They did this for about a half hour while the other two were climbing trees. The evening grew dark real quick! 

One thing I have always taught my girls is to never take anything for granted. Not the weather, not your friends, not your family, not your talents, and not the Lord. I have told them to make each day count, and to live it as if it were your last. You just never know when hardships or a tragedy will occur.

I have to admit that there was not a lot of affection in my home while growing up. I know my mother did her best in giving me the right kind of love, and I know there were times in my toddler years when I received it, but I honestly don't remember always being hugged by my mother between the ages of 11 and 18. Maybe I did, and I don't have any recollection of it. Having my mother living with me now gives us both the opportunity to hug each other every day. I want to be able to do that each day without having it be an obligation. It feels good to know that after all these years, no matter what we both endured during those tough times, that we can move forward and make up for those non huggable moments.

 I pray to pass the kind of affection that never ends to my children. 

SIBS FOREVER!

Living for Autumn

"I'm ready for jeans, boot, hot cocoa, crisp air, flushed cheeks, holidays, cuddling, and coziness."

Fall has begun to show its true colors, and I'm so grateful for the change of season. Last Friday as we were on our way to Alexandra's violin lesson it began to rain. The rain stopped after her lesson, and we decided to take the long way home. We were driving through neighborhoods where most of the trees have already changed in color. I had to pullover and park so that I could take pictures of the Almighty's creations. Not one car came down this road. We were alone on this road for quite awhile enjoying the stillness together.

It was a beautiful moment, and we took it all in.

Fall can also put a damper on someone's mood. It comes with overcast days and can make someone listless. Not all of us may be able to handle these dismal days of fall and early winter. I feel pretty lucky to be able to handle gloomy weather. Sure there are times when I've said to myself "enough with this rain already!" But at the end of the day I realize that without rain, we wouldn't have the change of season which causes the leaves on the trees to change, and fall onto the ground. 

What I've realized throughout the numerous changes of the seasons in the past are the changes that I have had within myself. I feel that with each season that passes by, my spirit is renewed. If some of you get caught in a depressed mode with the bleakness in weather... lose yourself in spending quality time with your family. That"s what I do. I also lose myself with service. Helping others makes me feel so much better. I try to look at it in a spiritual sense, and not allow that dark cloud to hover over me. Remember that time flies, and that the fall and winter's don't last that long (unless you live in Alaska!)

My mother has lived in Texas for almost 68 years and is looking forward to living in our surroundings. She is ready for a change, and I know that she will be grateful for the changes in the season and all that the east coast has to offer. She does look forward to fall in New Jersey! I hope y'all are enjoying this season too.