Catching up

As I sit here typing this, I am the only one awake at the moment. A few precious quiet moments all to myself.  The sun is just barely starting to come up as I sip on my tea and stare down at  my new October Martha Stewart magazine that I have yet to open.

I am so content in this moment.

Life is good.

What I imagined to be a brief interlude from my normal postings turned into a much larger reprieve.  Such is life I guess.  While my time away was unplanned, it was the right thing to do.  To focus on the living of life rather than the writing of it.  The perspective of walking away for a bit often provides so much substance for the act of returning.  Funny of how things work out that way.

But I am back now, finding inspiration in so many places that it hard to focus on just one thing to write about.  So knowing that, this post will serve as our quick catch up call.  You know, the one where you catch up with a friend that you have not spoken to in a while and give them the highlight reel of your life.

Highlight reel beginning...

:: We enjoyed our annual trip to the beach with friends.  A hurricane tried to cancel our plans, but we showed stinkin' Isaac who is boss around here.  While the drive to Florida was not my favorite, the beach house, great company, and  the crashing of the waves quickly made it all worth it.

::  We as a family had a setback this past month that left us feeling a bit raw.  Nothing that I want to go into too deeply here, but just to say that we have come through the storm and are now on the other side of it. 

:: Our girl turned 3!  And what better way to celebrate than to have all her cousins in town to celebrate the occasion.  All 3 of my brothers were in my house all at the same time.  That rarely happens. The weekend was amazing and exhausting and exhilarating all at once.

:: Just this past week, we moved into an old 1950s house that is absolutely wonderful with its natural light, quirkiness, and open space. I think I am in love! The backyard is big and green and perfect for a little girl and her dog to run wild while the momma watches through all the windows while making dinner.  The best part of this house is how well it works for our family.   I am not sure if it is the layout, the beauty of it, or even just the vibe... but whatever it is, it has made all the difference.  And for that I am incredibly thankful for.

:: Our first cold front of the season came through this weekend.  We actually had to turn the heat for a little bit last night!  Today I will be pulling out my tall boots and sweaters.  I love this time of year.

:: Later today we are hosting our first dinner in the new house!  We are celebrating both my husband's and sister-in-law's birthdays.  I am so excited to have everyone over and to kick off the first of many great evenings at our new home.  Homemade chili is on the menu and the weather could not be more perfect for it.

So that is the update for now.  Pictures coming soon.  Just a few more boxes to unpack before I  remember where I packed the camera/computer cable.  I can not wait to discover all the new nooks and crannies and sunlight angles for my camera to capture.