Fall in Michigan

October in Michigan is magical.  There's a noticeable change in the weather that lets you know fall is really here.  Jackets and sweaters, boots and scarves come out, but once in a while you'll get a day where short sleeves and sandals are necessary.  Gray skies and sunshine take turns. 

 

Little by little the leaves on the trees and bushes and vines start to change into brilliant colors.  Driving down the road there will be little pops of red and orange, coral and yellow in among the bright summer green.  Lawns and streets are blanketed with the most amazingly bright leaves.  Gradually those warm colors take over until it looks like the whole place is on fire.

 

Then it's gone.  Trees with branches still full of leaves that are now brown, or bare entirely, are everywhere.  Once in a while you'll spot a late changer, but not often.  Piles and piles of brown leaves line the streets. 

 

October is way too short, in my opinion.

 

Today the temperature is in the low 40's but feels more like the 20's.  The sky is gray and the wind is whipping around, blowing the dead leaves like crazy and pulling even more down from the trees. 

 

At the beginning of the month Aaron and I took the little boys on an afternoon stroll around our neighborhood.  I'm glad I took my camera along because some of the trees were in their full glory, and some had barely even started to change color.  It was breathtaking.

 

Things that prove I'm growing up/turning into Mom

• I’m registered to vote
• I willingly watched the presidential debate by myself
• I spent the 2 hour drive home from the airport listening to classical music on late-night NPR
• I daydream almost exclusively about decorating my house someday
• I obey traffic laws
• I actually iron my clothes, rather than pretending they’re “supposed to look worn-in”
• I buy wheat bread now
• My body hurts after driving
• I don't understand a lot of the fashion trends right now... and I work in retail
• I can feel my heart physically ache when I see a picture of Rowan crying (seriously Sarah, not cool)
• When I’m frustrated, rather than using expletives, I literally say “Ding dagnabbit!” exactly like Mom

I’m not super excited about being an adult, but I will say that I love the idea that maybe someday I have a chance of being anywhere as adorable as my sweet mom.

Hey. Hey guys. Hey family. Hey.

It's me, your Jennifer.  I just thought I'd jump on here for a minute and tell you all that I think you are koala-tea folks. (Think about it.)  I sure miss you boys and girls (except Bryce and Dena. But only because they're upstairs, so I'm not sure they really count), and I hope you're all doing rather well.

xoxo