The Changing Season

Ahh, fall..  How I love it; the changing leaves, the breezy days, the hustle and bustle... I especially love the memories fall brings. I remember roasting marshmallows in our back yard. I remember jumping into huge piles of leaves, not worrying about the dirt or bugs inside. I remember the excitement of picking out a Halloween costume and going to fall festivals and, of course, trick-or-treating.  When I was a kid, the span between Halloween and Christmas seemed to last forever.  But now that I have my own kids, I find myself thinking, "Halloween is in a couple of weeks, and Christmas is just two months away!! AAAHHH!!"

Nevertheless, I love it. The short weeks from now till New Year's are my absolute favorite time of the year. I love the scarves and sweaters. I love the sounds and the smells. One of my favorite smells is burning leaves. It signals change and warmth and fellowship to me.  I can't wait to take my kids camping or to build a bonfire and roast marshmallows with them. Last year we had a fireplace so we were able to roast marshmallows over the fire in our apartment. We made s'mores. Need I say more? Fun! But not the same. Strange though it may seem, I also love the busy feel that lies in the months ahead. I enjoy the rush and the excitement of visiting family and friends, trying to find that perfect gift for someone, and asking yourself, "Does this sweater match these boots?" about a hundred times. *Sigh*

In many ways, the past year has flown by. It was just last fall that I started this blog. In the past year, I have laughed, I have cried, I have learned, and I have grown (and so have my children, albeit differently). We have experienced many changes and many blessings, as well as uncertainty at times. The days seemed to stretch on and on during the hard times. But these hard times are what have made us stronger, as we trust in the Lord who lead us here. As with the new season, change is on the horizon for us. The new steps my husband is taking in his job are leading us onward and upward, and we can't wait to see what God has planned for us next. I love the Changing Season. I can't wait to dive headfirst into the excitement that lies ahead. Change is a good thing!

Fall Changes

Friday afternoon I had Ethiopian coffee, served in the traditional way, for the first time. When I was first invited I was afraid it would be too bitter or too strong but it was very good! My neighbor and her mother in law served me coffee three times, as per tradition, from a jebena (clay coffee pot). She showed me how they roast the coffee in a long handled pot, then ground it up and pour the grounds in the jebena along with water. It was a cool experience. I believe H and I are becoming fast friends with mom, F, and daughter, R. R is H's age and they are so alike it's scary! :) They're both very energetic and rambunctious and they're both "big sisters." R invited her to sleep over Friday night so they stayed up late eating pizza and sleeping on mattresses on the floor.

We are currently trying to find a new church home, as we moved thirty mins away from our former one. Thirty minutes might not seem like much, but trust me, the money spent on gas adds up quickly! The kids and I visited a church today that I haven't been to in about four years. I enjoyed seeing familiar faces and friends.

I can't believe it's already fall! Fall is my favorite season, and I hope we get some nice weather this year. For me, fall represents a bustling, busy time of getting ready for holidays and spending time with family. My goals for fall: jump in piles of leaves with my kids, find a church home, have a bonfire, make s'mores with my hubby (who has never had them!), have a halloween party (?), and make something great to bring to Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe I have too many goals? Eh, we'll see!