:thoughts on motherhood // welcome fall:

"god's gifts put mans best dreams to shame"

-elizabeth barrett browning

it arrived during the night. a welcome friend in the morning. it made my coffee taste sweeter, my sweater cozier. windows open allow cool breezes and crisp air to flow. the crickets are louder. the sunshine brighter. the blue sky blue-er. 

fall. 

a fresh new season, like a new day, has no mistakes only opportunities. 

this fall....
we will go a little slower. 
we will snuggle a little longer.
we will sit by the fire. 
we will roast marshmallows.
we will climb trees and swing. 
we will relish in dirty feet and faces. 
we will make soup on the regular. 
we will share meals with friends.
we will go camping.
we will read books on blankets in the warm sunshine. 
we will ride bikes.
we will bake bread for our neighbors.
we will make art.
we will listen to one another.
we will love well.
we will walk in his promises. 
we will record our gratitude. 
we will bless others. 
we will embrace the gift of the season.

what will you do this fall?

::thoughts on family [tradition edition]::

we left the house early that morning with great anticipation. we were going to get our CHRISTMAS TREE!! every time we said it, we yelled it, hands in the air, smiles on our faces.

we drove into the mountains, old school santa claus playing on the dvd player, hearts filled with joy. durgin pointed out every moo-cow and tractor he saw while eisley sang christmas songs.

we arrived and headed up the mountain to choose and cut our christmas tree, kids in tow. we searched for the perfect tree while eisley ran round and round each one giggling. i spent my time making sure durgin didn't go tumbling down the mountain head over heels.

we picked our tree and went back down the mountain, hand holding hand, proud of our pick.

traditions: the passing down of customs.

we plan to carry on this tradition every year.
hopeful that they will treasure this time when they are grown.
hopeful they will remember the time we shared, the songs we sang, the time spent as a family.

what are some of your family traditions?