The Mama's Thoughts

This weekend was full of the goodness of fall and fun!!!  We had a lot of time together as a family, including our annual fall family picture taking adventure.  My kiddos and Patrick have given in to the fact that documenting our family year after year is one of my favorite things.  This year I think there might have even been enthusiasm!!! about our picture taking.  

I put the yard to sleep, which always makes me a little bit sad.  Chair cushions go back in their storage bins.  Cushions that have stories to tell of all of our spring and summer.  Naps taken, conversations had, feet rested, books read with glasses of iced tea.  Now, the chairs are empty, awaiting the snow that will soon take the cushions place.  

I tore up an entire flower garden, replacing worn out rose bushes with underground bulbs.  Planting bulbs is such an interesting activity.  I have to work super hard to dig the holes, prepare the holes, pop the little bulbs in and then... cover all of the work up with dirt and mulch, waiting for the cold months to pass to show any sort of proof of my labor!  I am more of an instant gratification girl than I am a wait for months to show productivity... so I think thats why this gardening activity causes me to muse.  I am excited for that particular garden to look better than it did this past summer though, so all of the work will be worth it.     

 Over the past few weeks we have had many great events in our family, the least of which was Marky's first homecoming!  She and her friends looked so amazing and it was so much fun for everyone.  I got to make dinner for the group of them and I also got to help the girls with their hair.

Marky looked like the beautiful, amazing young lady that she is.  We feel so blessed for the young adult that she is growing into.

We've also played lots of soccer, attended lots of football games, danced many steps, and finished Maddie's season of tennis.  Since school began in late August, our weeks have just been marching along at a very quick tempo.  Some days I find myself wondering about when life will slow its tempo down, yet I am growing more and more certain that slowing down just doesn't look like it is in the plans. Thats okay.  As long as we are organized and I spend a lot of time praying, we can keep up with the speed and volume of things.

 As the weather turns colder and colder, the inside of our house is just getting more and more delightful to us.  Having the extra space downstairs now is such a blessing.  I am so grateful that we were able to finish the basement this summer. It has made such a difference to us.

Yesterday I talked to my mom about Thanksgiving plans.  WOW - its just around the corner!!  It seems like just a minute ago I was taking the kids to the pool on a hot summer day. Lots to enjoy between now and then!!! I better go to it! :)