Boo! It's Halloween!

 It felt a bit like the boys' first Halloween. Clearly, it was not. But, we didn't really dress up of go trick-or-treating last year, since we were in Florida. It was delightful to plan and create Griffin's Halloween costume--I could feel his anticipation building each day. Diego was excited to wear his little costume, as well...once it was on him.

 

Griff's first walk up to ring a doorbell and trick-or-treat at the Majewski's house.

Happy Halloween!!

Holding on to FALL.

We had a bit of a shocking cold snap recently. Snow. Well below freezing at night. It kind of felt like winter. It truly caught me by surprise. Our coats and other winter gear were still in our storage garage. Griffin was desperate to play in the snow, but I didn't know where to find his boots or even a hat.

I have gotten my act together, but honestly I'm just not ready for the cold. I am soaking up every bit of warm sunshine and crunchy leaf smell that I can. We are basically doing a playground tour of Littleton. There are so many lovely, grassy fields with perfect playgrounds plunked in the middle. And, the boys are in quite nice stages for playground playing.

Diego is all about the swings...that and the mulch. Griff has suddenly become quite confident in his climbing and sliding, you know, being Spiderman and all.

Pumpkin Hunting.

Rest.

All signs have been pointing to my need to learn to rest recently. Not napping or sleeping more, but a soul-deep, mind and body rest. Somewhere between trying to sell our house and moving, I lost track of listening to my need for quiet. I was ever checking off my list, rushing around to tidy or pack or unpack. Then, suddenly, I realized that I was out of gas. The blogs I read, the Bible study I joined, the podcasts I listen to, and the sermons at two different churches pounded me over the head with a need to rest. I guess I hadn't been listening well...

After some serious reflection, I have come to understand what kind of rest envelopes my life with peace and joy. I have started to realize that God wasn't messing around when He rested on the seventh day and He certainly wasn't being lazy. But, that lying on the couch or napping is not my favorite kind of rest is okay.

I found myself remembering what I have always known to be my balancing point. Outdoors. As the trees surround me or the lake opens in front of me, I feel free. I find deep breaths and calm. Whether my boys and Jose are beside me, tossing rocks into the lake, or I'm by myself, I still can find that rest. Moving, feeling the breeze as I walk, my muscles relax. My heart opens to remember the gifts we've been given and my eyes open to truly see. We are blessed in this apartment season to be close to a majestic lake and hidden, quiet trails. While I have been rediscovering many habits that are restful to me, this time outside is one I know I need to cling to. I'll just have to make sure the boys have warm enough coats!

So Good.

This past weekend really could not have been better. Glorious fall weather. Fun adventures crammed into every moment. Great company. Thanks, Mom and Dad for visiting us, filling our little apartment with joy and being generous in every way. The pictures pretty much say it all...