Fall is upon us!

September is rounding the corner to it's end and Fall is whispering it's arrival on the cooler, fog-filled mornings here in my part of the world. I adore this time of year because it is the end of the vicious summer melt. We had some pretty brutal days this summer where the heat index reached 110+ degrees!! For someone, like me, who works outside for a living, FALL is the Calvary that brings relief from the scorching days of Summer.

In addition to the cooler temps that Fall brings, I am inspired and in awe of the visual changes that happen. Seeing the trees change colors and watching the leaves pile on the ground makes me want to curl up on the porch with a good book, a hot cup of coffee, and a blanket. Gah! Doesn't that sound heavenly!?

Fall sports are new to our family and I'm loving my new role as parent cheerleader for Sister Bear and Brother Bear. I have put my coaching roles down so that I could focus more on their individual growth. Honestly, it wasn't a hard decision. I LOVE coaching and was sad to say good-bye, but I had a calm peace at the same time. It felt like that season of my life had ended, or at least paused, and this new adventure was ready to start! So Sister and Brother Bear have started their first season in our community league's sports. They are having a BLAST! It's so wonderful to sit on the sidelines, proud as can be, and enjoy watching them learn the values I did as a child. Values like teamwork, accountability, commitment, patience, hard work, and dedication.

Finally, I start back to school next week. I am working on my Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science through Oregon State's Online Degree Program. Being a full-time Momma Bear with two kids in school and sports, online classes are the perfect fit for me.

Phew! This Fall is a busy one, but we plan to enjoy it to the fullest! Happy Fall Y'all!

Look out for my next couple posts about Our Fall Bucket List and Easy Fall Harvest Treats that We Love! Comment below what your favorite season is and why! Thanks for stopping by!

                                                                   

Life Happens

Well well well... it has been a while since we last met.... I sure did let life get in my path to the computer.....to say "It happens to us all" is certainly not an excuse but a reality.

A lot of "life" can happen in just a short period of time. We've had some significant family changes in the past year that we are still adjusting to. The kids and I have moved to a different location and are creating our three musketeers life.

It hasn't been easy. The emotions wheel has spun around a time or two. Trying to answer the big questions that the kids have has been heartbreaking and enlightening.

I've learned just how much unconditional love my children have for me and their father. I realized it one day where I felt like a complete failure as a parent. The kids and I were headed somewhere and as I buckled my daughter into her booster, she looked me square in the eye (and into my soul) and said, "I love you so much." No pomp and circumstance, just those three little words brought me to tears while I stood on the side of the car. When she questioned why I was crying, I told her that I really needed to be told that. Then we hugged and went on our way. I will always remember that moment. The moment her soul reached out and lifted mine.

Don't get me wrong, the past year and some change has had great moments as well. I have traveled to places I had never been before, made new friends, and reconnected with old friends. You'll certainly see me on here more often. However, my content will change as life changes for me.

Thank you for keeping up with me. Talk to you soon!

"Life is tough, 

my darling, 

but so are you." 

~Stephanie Bennett Henry