New Season, New Look

Everyone always talks about "spring cleaning" but in my case, autumn is always when I like to change things up. As you can tell, I changed the background to the blog, I have been wanting to do that for a while now. I bought a new dining room table. I absolutely love it because it is so much bigger than the old one! I love the old one, but it only sat 4 people. That was fine when Madeline was in her high chair, but for over a year now, she hasn't been in it anymore. The new one is good for us because it seats 6 and has a leaf that makes it where it seats 8! Did I mention that I love it?!? Here is a pic of it. Yes, I know the chairs don't match. I'm working on that. :)

Also, I have been non-stop cleaning my house for about 3 days now, and the only reason I stopped today is because I went to work. I love a clean, I mean really clean house, who honestly doesn't? But with 3 kids, it's hard, and I have to admit that it is a rare occurrence around here. Plus, it feels good when I get it done.

And finally, last night I decided to go this morning and get my hair cut. I just felt the sudden urge to change it. That's what usually happens when I get my hair cut. Below is how that turned out.I think that maybe all the change is due to the changing colors of the falling leaves, and the change in the weather. I love change. Change is good.

Curious Puppy

So, I built the first fire of the season in my fireplace tonight. It didn't dawn on me that Parker had never seen a fire before. The following are the pics of him discovering the fire.

"Hmmmm, what's this? Sure does look interesting....."

"Oh my goodness! What was that loud noise? It scared me!"

"I'm not sure this is so safe Mom. I'm outta here!"

And then he scurried away as fast as he could to across the room from the fireplace. When he laid down he started hiccuping. Yes, he got so scared, he gave himself the hiccups. (Just the insanity of that is why he sure does belong in this family!) What a goofball!

Autumn

You know, I love that word. Autumn. Sure almost everyone calls it "Fall" but it sounds so much better when you say "Autumn." Trust me. Give it a try. Say "Autumn" out loud. You'll see......... See now doesn't that sound better?
I am getting so excited. This is my favorite time of year. I love all the changes in nature, the cool crisp days and nights, and the warm fires that burn in the fireplace. So, we got our first load of firewood of the season today. The girls wanted me to take a picture on top of the wood pile, so I did. Then they actually asked if they could help! (such good girls!) So we let them unload the wood, and then Andy and I took turns chopping it. They wanted to chop too, but I didn't want any trips to the emergency room today so that was a "no". Anyways, here are some pictures of our first real "Autumn" day of 2008. It makes me so happy! I love it!

The girls being silly as usual, on the wood pile.

The girls in a row, in the front yard.

Enjoying a nice fire. Did I mention I love this time of year!?!