Light the Lights

We made sure to grab our warmest quilts as we headed off to Light the Lights in a cute little downtown area not too far from our house - a tradition introduced to us from our friends.  Normally we are fighting against snow and wind but this year we were able to wear lighter jackets and enjoy the evening sitting on the street, drinking cider, holding candles, and waiting for Santa to come and turn on thousands and thousands of lights in the trees above.  There are certain things I look forward to during this time of year - homemade soup, peppermint ice cream, mittens, uggs, and of course, Christmas lights. 

Thankful

So thankful.

For my family and friends.

For a roof over my head and a little money in my pocket.

For a wonderful job.

For creative outlets and fun adventures.

So thankful for a husband who loves me and who puts up with my antics.

Thankful for these crazy, sweet girls...

And this darling boy who wasn't feeling so great today.

The Paper Kites - Featherstone

Welcome Winter...

For several years we have ushered in the winter season by going to see the Warren Miller film.  We pile into a theater and hoot and holler while watching some of the most amazing ski and snowboard footage.  I have very limited experience with skiing and snowboarding and from what I can recall it was more stressful than fun for me, but the Warren Miller films make me want to hop on a helicopter and ride to the top of the biggest mountain I can find and just go for it.  

It makes me want to fly to the most remote village in Switzerland to experience a place where you can only ski or snowshoe - no cars allowed. 

It makes me long for a blizzard to come so we can have our own winter playground.  

I start thinking -maybe we should just pack up and move to some remote place that can only be accessed by snowmobiles and where there is always hot chocolate and a warm quilt near by... 

Ultimately, it makes me realize how amazing nature is, and that we should be enjoying this world we live in, and that surely God is a skier or snowboarder.

We did it! He did it! We survived the first week of school!    Quinn's first day of school was dreamy. We had been talking for weeks and weeks about what it would be like when I dropped him off - he was prepared and I was prepared and his teacher is the sweetest thing on earth so that helped a ton. He went right into his classroom and took his teacher's hand and started their first activity.  I'm use to teachers having the peel my kids off of me when I take them to their first day of school...I was pleasantly surprised that he had no tears and I had no tears.   I was able to actually go home and mop my floors like they have never been mopped before. Ever.  It's amazing what two hours of uninterrupted cleaning time can do for a person.  I am so proud of Quinn and how far he has come in the last few years.  

Dear Autumn, I think you are super cool.  I love your crispy cool mornings and your yellow leaves too.  I especially love the fact that along with the cooler weather comes to opportunity to wear some cute brown boots and drink lattes whenever I want. Please stay. Forever.

Dear Starbucks, This morning when the boy and I got our drinks I was pleasantly surprised to see that it is Holiday Starbucks Cup time. This made my day and made me realize that Christmas is just around the corner. Welcome Holiday Starbucks Cup...it's nice to see you again!

Dear Punky Halloween Kids, I know we were "that house" with our bowl of candy on the porch.  I fully planned on you taking off with all our candy for the neighborhood children in one fell swoop, I wasn't shocked that it was gone - but can I please have my bowl back? Were your pillowcases so brimming with sweets that you had to take my stainless mixing bowl? I hope you get lots and lots of cavities.

Dear Twenties, You've been good to me.  In the last decade I celebrated ten years of marriage,  welcomed three children, graduated college, bought a home, been to some really cool places, and have learned a ton! I don't feel like our time is over - I still feel like I should be 23. But, I hear the thirties are pretty okay too. Here's to the last few day of my twenties!