Fall Baby

Except for the rain, it's quiet.

This is my favorite time of year. Despite having the summer "off", the (almost) constant sunshine, the smell of fresh flowers, heat, swimming, ice cream, days at the park.... I am most definitely still a fall baby.

I love the chilly air and overcast days. I love teaching and routine; blankets and sweaters, steamy drinks and bowls of soup, playing puzzles and trains on the living room floor...

I remember sitting in school (6th grade, I think) when it was dark and cold outside. The classroom seemed very bright and warm...cozy even. I was half listening to the teacher and day dreaming. For some reason, that moment has stayed with me all this time. It was a small moment of "rightness".

The kids and I had a great evening. I high-tailed it out of work today, anxious to be home. There's been so much running around lately, and it's been fun, but there's nothing like your own home in your comfy clothes. There was a small fire in the school today. A surge protector in the computer lab flamed up. My friend who was holding a class in there was quick thinking and pulled the fire alarm right away. It was an interesting afternoon to say the least!

I am trying to remember all the funny things the kids did and said today. There's so many and I tried to tuck each of them away to share with you later. It's a shame how mushy your brain is when you're tired!

I love the conversations we're able to have with Josiah and Lilly. I love listening to their perspective, feelings, interpretations, observations and unreserved passion. All three of them are so smart and loving.

There is so much to look forward to in the coming months...

My sister is getting married next weekend. It's hardly possible it will be here so soon.

A few weeks later, we are taking the twins on a "twin date" to Massanutten, where we'll be spending time in the indoor water park. Steve will drive them up Sunday night and I'll arrive by train on Wednesday. I look forward to having lots of snuggle dates with Noah until I meet up with them.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner as well. This year my motto is SIMPLIFY. I love cooking and entertaining, but I've really had to learn my limits since having kids. There was no easy transition of, "let me bounce this baby on my hip while I stir the bowl". It was more like, one day I could cook and create and the next I was carrying one baby in a Bjorn and holding one in my arms, trying to mix bottles up. I'm not sure why, but I feel like if I don't make something delicious and homemade for the holidays that I'm a loser. Maybe because it matters to me so much....

I hope the kids feel as lazy as me after a holiday meal. I doubt it.

Here's to the memories ahead!

And long awaited for their blog debut, Emily's bridal shower pictures from late August!

And lastly, my mom planned a surprise 50th wedding anniversary for her parents in September.
 It was wonderful. They were totally surprised.