One of my favorite days of the year

September 1st is one of my favorite days of the year...it signals the end of the very hot month of August; my birthday and Michael's birthday are in September; it means that college football starts soon; it means that pumpkin latte's and pumpkin bread are a big hit; it is also the time for Oktoberfest...one of my favorite events of the year; September also means lots of free birthday goodies (at Sephora, Ulta, Naturalizer, Birchbox, Red Robin, Panera Bread, Baja Fresh, and much more); it is also the time that I visit all of the Farmer's Markets around here; it means it is time to get some apple cider donuts; it means it is pumpkin and mum decorating time; it is also the beginning of the fall season and the changing of the leaves; and it is when I put up my fall decorations. The one thing I always looked forward to in September as well was going camping at Detroit Lake. I really do miss that.

It was a fun day today. I put up my fall decorations, I ordered my free birthday items from some of the stores, I got some of the fall magazines in the mail...like Ulta and Pier One Imports. And...I thought about what I want to do this month to celebrate fall and my birthday.

It's HOT HOT HOT

It has been really hot here lately...like in the 100's. The past 5 years or so have just had really hot summers.

We have been talking about putting in an above ground permanent pool in the next few years. We had a Costco take-down pool for a few years, but the boys are older now...we need something sturdier and more permanent. Michael and I have talked about some different designs. We will probably draw up some designs in the next few weeks, even though it will still be a while before we put one in the back yard.

Here are some pool ideas I came across on Pinterest...

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Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye is so hard to do...here we are saying goodbye to Grandma Smith...

Here is last year's goodbye...

Bowling Adventure

We went bowling this past weekend. We had so much fun. We bowled one round with our opposite hand. Cam is the only one that scored with the opposite hand. Jar had the top score all three games.

2nd Anniversary of Dad's death

I cannot believe it has already been two years since my dad passed away...November 17, 2013.

We never stop thinking about our loved ones that have gone on before us. This weekend, after the terrorists attacks in Paris, I was thinking about how much better off Dad is right now. He doesn't have to concern himself one bit with these things...not that he was one to be worrisome about things, but he has no pain, no worry, no hardship where he is now.

I still cannot believe that he is no longer here. I miss him. We all do. Most of what I miss about him is from my growing up years, as we were not super close in my adult years (I was closer to my mom...and some other things got in the way of our relationship) But, he was my dad. He provided a wonderful life for me and always took care of my needs...and many wonderful camping and hiking adventures as well. I loved growing up in the country, running around in bare feet and swimming every summer - every day, playing lots of basketball, and riding my bike everywhere. And, of course, our many walks to Food Rite, the small grocery store a few miles from our house.

Here are some photos for memories sake...

Whenever I think about my dad, I can't help but think of Michael's dad...who was truly like my own father to me. He was one of the most incredible men I have ever met (that is what has made my own husband so great). We sure wish we could have enjoyed those planned years we had for them to live in the "cabin" near us in Pennsylvania. We had so many plans of things to do...we never even got a chance to enjoy that cabin. Michael and I had just got it fixed up when he got sick with his cancer again. We only had a few weekend trips there. We had plans for them to come for the whole summer/fall and all of us enjoy our time together doing normal activities. (like them come to Cam's recitals or Jar's Cubbies Grand Prix). It is so sad that we never got to experience that life.

He was so excited when he learned that our first baby was a boy. He was beyond excited when cute little Jar was born...another boy to carry on the Smith name. He was very proud of those boys. He was so excited to see them grow up...and to see what they could accomplish. I pictured him being there when the boys had recitals or church plays or sporting events. I pictured him being there when they graduated high school and then college...and then one day when they met a very special girl and got married and had children (his great grandchildren).

He passed away a little over ten years ago...April 5, 2005. The boys were just eight and five years old. They really do not even remember him. Cam remembers a few little things, but I think that it is mostly from the videos that we have. Jar does not remember him at all. That saddens me.

My own grandfathers died when I was six years old and fifteen years old. I do not remember a lot of things about the grandfather who died when I was six years old. I have a few memories that I cherish. I very much wish that I had been able to get to know them more and spend more time with them.

These men are truly missed every single day. We think about them all of the time. I am comforted by knowing that "I'll see you again; I'll see you in glory someday."

Your own pillow

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I am one of those people that has to take my pillow on every trip we go on...I cannot sleep on other pillows. I will have neck issues...or mainly I just won't be able to get to sleep. It is funny--both Michael and I carry our pillows with us on trips.

Hey, that is not too bad; I heard once of a couple that took their fan everywhere they went (for the noise). Thank goodness we have sound machines now that don't take up much room.

Southern Living

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Michael and I are southern at heart. Michael and I were not born in the south...we are true northerners. However, he moved to the south when he was in 3rd grade or so...I did not move to the south until I went to college. We met at college, and then we stayed there for 2 years after we got married. We then moved to the north again for 10 years...and then lived in the south again for fourteen months.

Here is what we love about the south: (we don't like the big southern accents)

1. southern food (shrimp and grits, biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, casseroles)
2. the manners
3. the hospitality
4. the politeness
5. the friendliness
6. ladies and gentlemen
7. football
8. write 'thank you' notes
9. their faith
10. Bible belt
11. family closeness
12. they say 'yes ma'm and yes sir'
13. they say 'y'all' (we still often say this)
14. they say 'bless your heart'
15. sunny and warm 
16. magnolia trees

Christmas Photo Shoot

We took care of getting our Christmas photos done after church on Sunday. They had some really good deals this week for Veteran's Day, so I wanted to get the Christmas cards ordered. This may be the last year for them.