Warming up to fall...Outdoors in October

Before the snake.

Best. Team. Ever. "Fever"

Magnolia Leaf Pom-Poms. Too cute.

So fall is kinda nice. I truly have had some good times outdoors this October.

We started out one Sunday afternoon on a nature hike. Sadie packed snacks and water bottles, digging tools, a butterfly net and I grabbed the camera. We were set to go-- less than a mile to our local nature conservatory on Mars Hill Road. We had crossed the creek (as seen in the first picture) which was a bit nerve racking for Sadie--already she was rethinking her adventure. The "bridge" over the creek was 5 ft. high and 18" wide to walk on. Although I image if we had fallen- we would have landed on our feet, Sadie wasn't sure. Maybe she was sensing that in just about 20 more feet she would almost be bitten by a snake. That's right, next sight up on our hike was a pretty big, pretty green snake 2 inches from my baby's foot! With the power of the Spirit, (cause I fainted on the inside) I reached out and pulled Sadie back and Riley snapped a shot of it. The snake reared up and then rolled back into a hole in the trunk of a tree. The picture doesn't show the ferociousness of the reptile. It had large red eyes and smoke and... For real, Sadie and I sadly relented back for fear of another near death experience. Riley wasn't happy about that. We decided to buy a gourd at the St. Florian Pumpkin Patch and paint it instead. Good times in nature.

The next Sunday the kids have over some friends. I couldn't help but feel good inside that all the kids spent the entire day outside. They played hide and seek, football, some made up game and you know I had some craft projects going...especially after Lynnsey Beth complimented my "creative" side, nothing swells my ego more than a 6 year old telling me I am special--you think i am kidding? I crafted it up the rest of the afternoon.

We made pine cone ceiling fan pulls. (don't judge me, they will be the hit at all the holiday parties, just wait) and natural bows for all your Christmas gift wrapping needs using, again, pine cones and tree twigs. Ok enough on that, don't want to give away all my secrets...The girls also cheered (be still my soul) using pom poms made of magnolia leaves. I think that might have been the cutest thing I have seen all year. I spared you the many pictures I took of that cuteness. Well, maybe just one more...

To continue with the fall nostalgia...every Monday and Saturday has been super quality time with my soccer team "Fever". We are a young, green team that has brought me all sorts of emotions in a way I didn't expect. Although not the best on experience or talent...(we have lost every game so far) we have made a huge improvement in not only our game but our attitude and interest in God. It's truly been so cool to be a part of---so hear this- what God did...

He reminded me this week to "just ask". So many times I forget to pray for the details of things that are important and I think God likes when we get specific so we can see how He's paying attention to the details.
Now I have yet to pray for us to score a goal this season, I mean seriously pray you know... It truly hasn't been about scores and goals with these girls. But this day, it felt like it was time. I asked God this morning to let them score a goal. They had before but it had been a while.During the game--- I knew God was going to answer so I asked specifically for a certain girl to score. She is the one I am holding especially close in my heart and if God chose her to be my scorer--I would so feel His presence- and confirm me that I am on the same page with God about her. Not 5 minutes passed and she drove down the middle, never let up and kicked it in the net. My God is so cool.

Of course--I started crying and felt like we had won the world cup. We didn't win the game. But we won the game. I can't tell you how pumped we all were when it was over- I am pretty sure that Ben Campbell (our ref) was wondering if we had watched the game..ha! I am blessed to have Gates be my co-coach too. He and I have had some well needed time together and I am so proud of his leadership skills.

I can't forget the 2nd grade field trip to the various farms. From cow, to horse to deer and goat--the kids got to experience farm life. Smells and all. My favorite part...pickin' cotton. You can't grow up in Alabama and not love a good romp in the white fields on fluff.

Fall is ok i guess... with weather like we have been having it's truly hard to deny the peace you feel just by breathing in. I know winter is around the corner. But everyday i have the warm sun shine on my face is one less day the cold wind will not be freezing me. So again...one day at a time. Praise God for another day. Behold October.

Coming soon..."Riley gets braces".