Porches Aren't Just For Summer Anymore

Or maybe they never were. In any case, we switched out our patriotic themed front porch this past week to reflect the welcome change to crisper, cooler, more vibrant autumn weather. And honestly, we enjoy it just as much. Now as we sit and enjoy our morning coffee, we gaze at the mountains and watch as the slowly begin to reveal their glorious colors. Sometimes we need a throw or a light sweater, but that makes it all the more cozy. Soon enough we will close the door tightly against the blowing and drifting snow, but for now, we are enjoying these last few weeks out on the front porch.

A Cozy Touch Of Autumn

Cozy. That is the word that best describes the way I like our home to be. And is there any better time for a home to be cozy than during these glorious months of September, October, and November? The days get shorter and cooler, causing us to gather inside sooner and enjoy the warmth and scents that are home. Here are a few pictures of our country home all dressed up for fall.

September Weekends Have My Heart

It is no secret I have a soft spot in my soul for fall. All things autumn make me happy and cozy inside. September, I think, often gets overlooked by autumn lovers. It isn't quite October with those vibrant shades of autumn leaves and reminders of Halloween at every turn. It isn't November with the promise of the holidays so near and cozy turkey dinners to plan and prepare. September is all her own. A start to so many things...school, cooler days and cozier nights, football on Sundays, and still beautiful, crisp afternoons spent outside. September takes her time. There is no rush to buy costumes or pumpkins or turkeys. It is a chance for us to slow down and transition to the busier moths ahead. Perhaps that is why I love September. And why I love these September weekends most of all.

Choosing her spot so carefully...

because she knows I like the trees in the background. : )

Up early to see some of my people off...

they were headed to the city to cheer on our Steelers!

They had great seats...

with an amazing view. Courtesy of Rhett's Snapchat. : )

My girl and I spent some time doing this...

and then some time enjoying this beautiful September afternoon...

before going back inside to make a surprise snack for the big kids...

because that is what September weekends are for.

And I must add that Flynn and I had a wonderful day with our Madison here at home too. : )

Enjoy your September Weekends, my friends!

They are fleeting!

Ordinary Days...And Another Birthday

Ordinary days are my the best, don't you think? They are exactly what we are enjoying right now. With another birthday mixed in. Yours truly celebrated her...ahem...46th Birthday this week. And I did so with peace in my heart, and with love from my family and friends. It was a quiet day...schooling followed by an extra long, cozy afternoon nap, and then a dinner at Pizza Hut with my mother and sweet family. Afterward, we gathered at home for presents and a yummy chocolate cake made by my Peyton. I could not have asked for a better day to celebrate the blessed life I live. : )

Flowers from my man...

and Mums from sweet friends. : )

The best gift of all...this guy...beside me every single day.

Me. Unfiltered. At 46. Just me. : )

And some ordinary moments from our ordinary days...

not too sure about the clever cricket we discovered on our daily walk...

but more than excited about her daily job...getting the mail!

Lessons about apples culminate in some fun art projects in Kindergarten this year. : )

And that is a peek at our ordinary days, my friends.

Have some wonderful ones of your own!

Thanks for visiting!

An Ordinary Day For An Extraordinary Guy

My hubby had a birthday this week. He turned 45, babe that he is. ; ) We like to plan for months when our children have birthdays...picking a theme and the perfect decorations and cake. For ourselves though, those special days seem to creep up on us, intertwined with all the other blessedly ordinary days. And perhaps that is how it should be.

In any case, our little family of six threw together a special day to celebrate the most extraordinary husband and father ever. Madison had the idea to send him a Candy Bar Bouquet to work...flowers are highly overrated, you know...and Flynn worked on the most perfect card, while Peyton whipped up his most favorite chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting. And in a sweet touch of love and learning from his father, Rhett treated us all to Dairy Queen the night before without even being asked. : ) We ended the night with my annual call to his mother, thanking her for having that seventh one...that just one more...and for saving the best for last!


Steve is a good man. He is the rock that steadies me...often. I am blessed beyond measure that in him my girls see the model of what a future husband should be, and my son, the husband he should become. I met this man when we were but babies...16 and 17 years old. And I see in him today that same man I fell in love with...and so much more. A few gifts, a slice of cake eaten after singing with the four souls you both brought into this world...that could never be adequate enough to capture the love and thankfulness I have for my man. His beard is peppered in grey now, as are his temples. And honestly...he looks more handsome to me than ever. Because behind all that are the years we have shared together, the laughter, the tears, the babies, the joys, the losses, the reality of life. And there is no one I would rather spend it with than my Steve. Happy Birthday, hubby!

 

 

 

Have a wonderful September weekend, friends!