Falling down laughing

Fall is here! Fall is here! I repeat, fall is here!

Things I love about this season....

- Leaves changing from green to lucious reds, oranges, and yellows
- Sweaters & hoodies make a comeback. I am more confident in long sleeves.
- Fresh, crisp, cooler air.
- Football (Go Patriots!)
- Better hair days. Frizz-be-gone.
- I sleep better and tend to go to bed earlier since it gets dark earlier.
- Apple picking, apple cider, apple pie.
- Jumping in leaf piles. (Makes for excellent photos)
- Bon fires and s'mores
- Pumpkin patches and hay rides
- Pumpkin carving
- Halloween! (I love halloween)

Why the heck don't we know our neighbors?

I met Lois today, my next door neighbor. Our garages touch. I've lived here three weeks and two days and just met Lois. I was outside photgraphing my duplex when my neighbors' door opens. I had a feeling she wanted to introduce herself sooner but there wasn't an opportune time. Barefoot, I walked up the driveway and said "Hi, how are you?" She never stepped out of her doorway but was pleasant the whole time we spoke. We shared names, talked about how the street was so quiet and nice, talked about where we'd previously lived and all that jazz. She then told me she comes and goes at random times and doesn't want to hit one of my boys when she pulls out of her garage. That was nice of her. I am not sure she's annoyed by them riding down her side of the driveway or if she is genuinely concerned for their saftey. Either way we met, conversed, and had our neighborly moment. Not sure how much we'll have to talk about in the future as she's 73 and I'm young enough to be her grandchild. I did tell her neighbors just don't talk as much anymore and she went on telling me how busy people are these days and ran through a typical day of hers. She is a busy woman. I hope to talk to her again sooner than later.

List 5 things you would do if you had 5 other lives to lead.

1. I would be a chef - even if it were just for friends and family.

2. I would get a PhD in English and passionately teach.

3. I would be a personal trainer who still ate Little Debbies snacks.

4. I would model and be best friends with Cindy Crawford's gorgeous hypathetical daughter. I'd be the prettier of the two, of course.

5. I would become a female Marc Driscoll.


I guess it's not too late to achieve some of these goals in this lifetime. Makes me sad to think I didn't start sooner. Makes me even more sad that knowing my personality I won't ever start.

9/11/09: How are you making today a good day?

Me?....

I'm appreciating life and the things that make it good; the faithfulness of God, my nieces big blue eyes, my awesome stepsons, friends that tell you the truth even when it hurts, "Run" by Snow Patrol, people who've helped mold me, art, my husbands quirkiness, Dunkin Donuts coffee, the smell of fresh cut grass, Jesus' great sacrifice, Pop Dan's gravy, quoting movies, The Office, little people that say the silliest things, church, independence, my country, and people who grate my nerves - because they help me with patience, understanding, and to appreciate those who do not grate my nerves so much more. Life.

Baptismal Photos

Masskansourian

345 S. Northpark Lane is where the Butlers now reside. (South Northpark always makes me chuckle.)

The first few nights here have been better than expected, to my surprise. I thought I would be lonely and sad but instead I've distracted myself with some unpacking and laundry. It's nice that Phil works a minute, yes literally a minute, away from home. He's come home for lunch twice and leaves the house much later for work.

Speaking of laundry...we are proud owners of a Kenmore washer & dryer duo! (An exclamation point IS needed on this.) I have been enslaved to coin-operated laundry for far too long. And those of you reading this know me to let laundry pile up until I am swimming in it. Only then do I go to the laundry mat or ask Bekah if I can bring a load, or five, over. (She always says yes - thanks Bekah!) Phil somehow managed to unload the washer and dryer by himself. The box said it was at least a two-person job but he's not much for reading boxes. This may seem like no big deal but those clunkers are HEAVY. I was beyond impressed. Installing the dryer himself was another story. It's truly amazing what duct tape can fix!

Speaking of Bekah...her kids are too stinking cute! I love them to pieces and was psyched to get to spend quality time with them and Patti this evening. Home group didn't take place tonight due to a meeting of the HG leaders, assistants, and other important people (I know, we're all important people.) Patti, the kids, and I went to the Mall Deli where Audrey out ate all of us. No joke. That adorable chubkins can EAT! I can't wait until she's in Preschool with Patti and she's quoted in a blog; that will be hysterical.

God is incredible. I must say His grace is overwhelming in the best possible sense of the word overwhelming.