Looking Toward the Holidays

The leaves are changing and many are already beginning to fall. I love the colors of the harvest season and the activities that come along with autumn. Crunching leaves under your feet, the smell of wood burning in the distance, and the taste of hot dogs from the grill or roasted marshmallows from the fire pit are all a part of the tradition that ushers in fall. I always look forward to decorating my house with wreaths, pumpkins, and figurines.

Even Nala, our cat loves the fall because he has water from the "fancy" water dish, i.e., the floating leaf candles on the coffee table.

I have never really cared for Halloween, but our church has had a "Treat From the Truck" celebration for several years inviting the community to join us for a chili and hot dog supper, games and activities, and of course, getting loads of candy from our members who park vehicles on the lot and literally hand out the treats from their trunks. It was reported this year that we had 3.2 million children for the occasion. Collin has become the grilling gourmet for such functions and he panned up 1500 hot dogs. All were consumed save 6. The kitchen staff served 76 gallons of chili and ran out.

I always look forward to Thanksgiving. We always have our complete family home for the occasion and because we can focus on family at a slower pace, we are reminded of our blessings. Thanksgiving is filled with many a tradition for us just like Christmas. Our school week ends on Tuesday and for lot of years, I've put on a big pot of chili, and as soon as we all get home, we dip up the hot, savory treat and load it up with cheese and corn chips. After the meal, the tree goes up. As the week continues the rest of the house will be decorated. I've been making purchases for new decorations. I like to add a few things every year and today, I found something I could not resist. Take a look at the new ornaments that will take their place this year front and center on our tree.

Does this tell you anything about my two little cherubs? How would a mother ever choose. Now I don't have to--I have TWO favorites.

If you can't tell already, let me just say it straight out. I love the holiday season. I can hardly wait to have all my family home with laughter and excitement ringing throughout the house along with meals and festivities to be shared with our parents, loved ones, and friends.

Marcia