non-hibernation

typically, by this first week of november, i am in hibernation mode. sure, i get out every now and then, but for the most part, i have to talk myself into it. i'm content to stay in my warm home, with my comfy yoga pants and slippers, smelling my fall harvest or cinnamon-y candles, baking muffins, making soups, cleaning, doing crafts with eager little girls, and cuddling under blankets to read books.

i do convince myself to take the girls out when that perfect snowfall comes. we play, and throw snowballs, and sled and attempt snowman creations. we all have a wonderful time...but it is not in me. it is something i have to be intentional about because i'd much rather....well, hibernate.

so, you can just imagine my gratitude to have it be so nice here lately. rather than the normal mid-40's....it has reached 70 degrees for several days now. about a week ago, it was cold, windy and even hailed quite a bit. i prepared myself to snuggle in for the long haul. i was wrong. so, we are cherishing these warm autumn days. bike rides, nature hunts, hopscotch, racing matchbox cars down the driveway, freeze tag...

seriously, the normal sibling bickering and the steering away from disobedience can seem exhausting at times. these past few days have been a refreshing reminder to embrace it all anyway.....to be thankful for exactly what we've been given.....to be content right where i am.

for hibernation will come soon enough....and i'll have something new to be content about.

although i thought my post was done....i realized that it wasn't done as i uploaded this last picture. be very careful about any "orange house" comments. you see that house up there?? yes, the copper-y, rust-ish, orange looking one?? it is our new house. yes, we're moving right next door. yes, we just built this house less than 3 years ago. i understand that both of those things seem odd to many people. it's just part of it for us. i've been meaning to show pictures of some of the fun selection process and just what exactly this bold color choice looks like with the brick and stone. so, i'll try to get to that soon!