There are so many reasons why Autumn is my favorite time of year. And, while many years it seems we go directly from the heat of summer to the cold of winter (or as cold as winters get in MO), this year we truly have enjoyed fall.There's nothing better than starting the day with breakfast (albeit our standard fare of steel-cut oats and Red River Cereal, except on weekends) in the sunroom, with the fall sounds and cool air coming through the screens. The leaves drift lazily from the many trees in our back yard, the squirrels race along the top of the fence, as if in a hurry to prepare for oncoming winter, and all seems right with the world.
I enjoy adding decorative touches to just about anything--whether indoors or out--to usher in each season. Having collected a few items each year for many years, I seldom need to buy anything new; I simply pull out the storage tubs and try to think of new ways to use old decorations. Because I love autumn so much, and love to decorate for it, it seems the perfect precursor to making our home festive for the Christmas season, my absolute favorite.Three years ago when we moved to our new home, and therefore changed to a new Ward at Church, I became dear friends with a darling woman, Bonnie, who is 90 years young (as of 9/15). She is currently in UT celebrating with some of her living siblings, but I have a luncheon planned for her here on September 28. I think turning 90 is "Something to Crow About" and that will be my theme for the party. I will try to blog that later. So I'm keeping that party in mind as I decorate for fall.
The crisp air "feels like football" and the season is, indeed, here again. We enjoyed our first MSU football game last Saturday, and our second will be tomorrow. From the tailgates to the Bear Pride Marching Band half-time performances, we have enjoyed the whole experience as a family from the days when Steve and I were at the University of Utah, to the games here with the boys from the time they were born, and continuing as each of our grandchildren arrived. The spiced cider, hot cocoa and peanuts which go in our bags, as well as the snowcones, nachos, and pretzels from the concession stand, are all part of the experience. Most of all, it's a fun venue for family fun, and provides a good "excuse" to get 9 busy family members together in one place. That doesn't happen every single game (such as tomorrow, when some are out of town and one working), but in those cases, we never have trouble finding friends who like to join us for the fun. 
It has been a busy week with activities of many kinds, all enjoyable. We've settled into a routine with Ky arriving at 6:45 a.m. for breakfast, then getting ready for school and practicing the piano and violin before I take her to school. I also pick her up from school three nights a week for swimming, piano and drum lessons, etc. Since Reed is now in school, I've asked for (and been granted :) "Reeders time with Nina" on Tuesday evenings so do whatever he wants. Last Tuesday, it was playing at the park and his helping fix his requested "bacon, eggs, and toast" for dinner, then to soccer practice. He's quite the egg-cracker! And his Dad cracked up when we told him that Reed requested BACON! for dinner. A fit and active 6-year-old boy can afford those calories. Weekends provide some time with hubby (yea, date night!), occasionally family time, and as with this evening, time for a movie date with girlfriends. (Last Friday night two girlfriends and I went to Branson to see the Osmonds, who were in town for a two-week stint at their theatre, following a world tour. It's hard to believe the older brothers have been in show business 50 years! I talked with Jimmy on Sunday, as I sat right by him when they attended Church in my Ward, and told him we had seen and enjoyed the show. His comment: "We're pretty goofy, but we do have a good time." Well, yes . . .)I'm off to bake some cookies for my lesson on Sunday (this time there will be no nuts and no chocolate for the sake of those with allergies to same). I hope anyone reading this blog is also having a GREAT AUTUMN and recording it for anyone who cares.
