F is for...

Fall...yes, my husband was, at one time locally famous for his mastery of this particular act of feigned clumsiness (which did, in fact, exhibit itself mid-stage at our high school graduation). But the Fall, to which I refer, is the season, which happens to be my personal favorite. I love the "Fall" months, when the heat of summer finally desists, and the unmistakable smell of cinnamon and cloves found all throughout the mall reminds me that Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner(anyone else tie those scents to the holidays?). I love that the weather is finally mild enough to plant my precious violas in the front flower bed, and knowing that they will bring a smile to my face every, single time I pull into our driveway through the month of May, when the heat returns. I love that first "cold" snap when everyone breaks out their first sweater of the year (in spite of the fact that it may only be 70 degrees outside), and "Trunk or Treat" in the church parking lot (which means an excuse to invent some unique, original costume for Norah to wear!). I love the rich browns, oranges, reds, and yellows that signify the Fall season. It's a cozy season. A family season. Which reminds me of another F...

Family...We are blessed to have a very large (and very close) family, most of which lives here in our home town. Both sets of our parents, as well as all of our grandparents live right here. We also have 2 brothers, 1 sister-in-law, 3 sets of aunts and uncles, and 8 cousins, all living in the same town with us. Granted, we don't see all of them on a regular basis, but its nice to know they're here, and we always have a great turn-out for the holidays. It does make it a bit of a challenge when deciding where to go when for the holidays...but it's also so nice to have someplace to go, and people we love so much to spend them with...without the long drive.

Flipping...No, I'm not referring to a euphemism for that other F-word (that we will never tolerate Robinson County). I'm talking about the fun kind. Norah loves to flip, and she'll pester Grandma to help her "fip-fip!" every time she comes to visit--and once is seldom enough. (Thankfully, Grandma is always happy to comply).

Furniture...so much of ours is homemade and handcrafted by my talented husband. To date, he has built a china cupboard, a changing dresser, a bookcase for Norah, another massive bookcase for our guest room, a dvd tower, and he's currently working on a new entertainment cabinet (to house our television, dvd player, etc). I'm always amazed at how talented he is. I can show him a picture from Pottery Barn, or anywhere else I fancy, and he whips it up, just like that!