restraining myself

Have you ever noticed how happy and sad run along parallel tracks? Maybe it's to balance things out? It's been a strange few weeks since we returned from Durango, but we really are glad to be home and looking forward to this season of fall, Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Told Wm this afternoon I was actually 'restraining' my decorating for fall...He did not exactly agree, but since I did not use thousands of fake berries and fall leaf branches and garlands and gobs of pumpkins and candles sitting in the middle of candy corn or better yet REAL corn kernals...I call this restrained.  I'm not super happy with the wreath. I love my red door, but fall colors seem to really fade into it. BUT I already had the wreath, so that was a win. I really thought about it last night and realized that most of all I enjoy the scents and textures of fall, so that is the direction I headed.  

 a fall wreath I "inherited" along with the yard pumpkins....

 I love this orange chair I 'borrowed' from Wm's office last year, or maybe it was the year before.

 "inherited" pumpkins smiling at me from my back door.

 unscented white candles all year long

 yep, a metal pumpkin...

 pot pourri pinecones that are NOT cinnamon scented!!! more citrus and apple scents

 the candle is called 'autumn moonlight'...love it.

some tall grass and more pot pourri

Happy Fall!

Who are we kidding?

Yeah, it's September in Austin, supposed to be starting to feel like fall....but NOT YET! It is good to be back home, though. Labor Day we got together over at Patrick and Katherine's for Maudie's fahitas. It was just the thing to help us feel welcomed home. Spending time with each of the kids through out last week was really nice. Tamera and I are doing yoga together one night a week and I will continue to help Kristen with Nana days one day a week. 

This year, Tyler and Annie are both signed up for soccer. We enjoyed Tyler's first game ever this last Saturday morning. He looks so big!!! #21 on the field.

A couple of sideline fans, of course... Papa and little sister

Last Friday was also 'Grandparent lunch' at Annie's school. We took Torchy's tacos and Annie was pleased! When she asked, "Will you stay and go out on the playground?" my heart just melted. 

 On totally randomness notes...I've decided to 'go gray or go home'. Anyone want to join my personal challenge? I am just sooooooo DONE with the whole hair coloring thing. I actually just want to be whatever I turn out to be.... I have been thinking about this for about a year. So, it's been 3 months since I saw my hair colorist. This picture is actually about 3 weeks old, so I'm really getting that nice 'definition' of gray vs. blonde about now. 

It's a bit scary, but I'm committed. I think. The hair is very white at the side of my face and crown of my forehead. Kinda curly, too. Everyone has been very kind and 'encouraging' (from my daughters to my husband to my dad) I just hope I can make it. Maybe a short haircut in a few weeks will help.

Come on, FALL!!!!

thank you

Father, 

Thank you is so inadequate to express my deepest gratitude for this time in Durango. I have been refreshed so deeply in my soul, spirit and body. Being with you in the middle of your creation and sharing it w/ my best friend and husband for TWO MONTHS has been like heaven. 

My heart has been rested. I even had some grieving time and got to cry for Mom and it was nice to be alone to do it. 

Sharing this place with my girls and their families was such a sweet time. We love them both so, so much. I hope they got a taste of that and also of you.

Thank you, thank you for the cooler temps and the beautiful scenery along so many paths. Thank you for helping us to get back into better physical shape and to be able to enjoy the process.

I am eager to follow you. YOU are the substance of the shadows that I have experienced here. YOU fulfill every need and desire of my heart. Thank you for the shadows! Thank you for who you are. Teach me more about yourself. Help me to meditate on you this coming year and to believe so that I may understand you, know you more.

I am yours,

Sue Anne