Fall

I love this beautiful picture of fall from our backyard.  One of the things I missed the most while living in California was the lack of Fall.  Winter I didn't miss much, but I really missed the Fall.  It's a happy time of year for me.

Count Your Blessings

I have been craving a Utah Fall this week and a drive through the Alpine Loop. I was having a rather emotional night the other night and started crying to Joseph saying, "Sometimes I just want to go home. I'm craving a Utah Fall...." For some reason, this last move has been harder for me than other moves. I think it's because it wasn't a move back to our roots and the people we love so much. Yet, I feel so much joy through our daily living. As I was talking openly with Joseph about all of this one night. Speaking to him of worries and cares and challenges I was having, I turned to him and said, "You know what though, I am grateful for this trial. There are so many things people are working through. I'll gladly work through this one." I hesitate to even call it a trial, but it is for me. Everyone has a longing for something and struggles and challenges to work through.

I loved the Relief Society Meeting last night and it was so appropriate for me that the opening song was Count Your Blessings.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,

Do not be disheartened, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

I can't wait to see many of my family members this weekend in St. George. I'm grateful to be able to get my "family fix" so many times throughout the year. We recently realized that even though we've been living in the land of far-far-away California, we've had quite a few occasions to see family in the last 3.5 years. We've seen someone in our family on 35 different occasions in the last 40 months. With each visit lasting on average 3-4 days, I would say that's a large quanity of time. Within this next month, we will get to see family for a total of 14 days. That is a blessing.

I need to keep a proper perspective, because I might just get more face time than family members living within the same state or even city for that matter.

Anyway, the song touched me on so many levels. I think as I am running the 26.2 miles this weekend I will count my blessings to pass the miles. I am hoping that angels will attend and will give me comfort through my 26.2 mile journey. Amidst the busy-ness of family life, I have not been able to train perfectly, so I'll be relying on a higher power to help me through. I'm a bundle of nerves, but I'm excited to embark on the journey and to accomplish something I've had the desire to do for a very long time.

Father & Children's Outing

Joseph took the kids hiking last week while I took some time to get a few things done without the kids in tow. It amazes me how easy he makes it look to take all of them somewhere alone. I don't brave it very often at all, unless it is the park. He says that having them in the outdoors is easier than taking them to the store. I think he has a point, but still, I'm impressed and grateful.

Fall Fun

After school, on most school days, we go to the park to play with friends. It's a great way for everyone to unwind after school. Fall arrives later in this part of Northern California than other areas we have lived in the West. We welcome it. The kids have ignored the playground for the past week in order to play in the fallen leaves. The weather has cooled, but you'll notice Abby is still sporting her summer attire. Very typical of her.

Apple Hill 2009

We took our 2nd annual trip to Apple Hill in Camino, CA in October. We visited a few of the same farms that we visited last year, with hopes to see a couple of new ones, but we ran out of time. Next year we hope to add a couple more to our route. Rainbow Orchards has been our strategic spot the last 2 years. It's just off one of the exits with far less traffic than some other ones. Last year our friends the Paschoal's told us not to miss their apple cider and apple cider donuts, they were so good, we went back for more this year. The cider was great for drinking and then we took some home to make our pumpkin puff pancakes with apple cider syrup. Freshly pressed cider makes the best cider syrup!

We then headed to another farm that has a hiking trail and we went on a short hike around the forested orchards. It was a beautiful day!

Joseph took the girls to Kids, Inc. again this year while I stayed in the car with the sleeping boys. The same thing happened last year, only then, Isaac still had a week left to ripen in my belly. I welcomed the quiet time this year, to read over the text of the talk I had to give the next day in church.

We ended up at High Hill and topped off the day with some Sour Cream Apple Pie. It was good, but I think next year we should try the traditional again.

Isaac loved the pie and the independence we allowed him in eating it!

This boy means business!

Joseph with his beautiful Sierras in the background.

We seemed to time things much better this year than last, and we didn't face nearly as much traffic. It made for a very pleasant day in the country.