Fall Fun

September has been full of fun. We went bowling as a family on the 5th, and that is always an adventure. (It started before we arrived as I had a massive bloody nose in the car and we had to go back so I could clean up and change!) But I still "got it." I rolled two 158s! The boys tried to bowl like Uncle Spencer (throwing the ball halfway down the alley before it hits the floor). But we aren't strong enough to emulate him just yet. The girls had bumpers and each got a strike. It was fun.





September also means soccer, and we've been trying to keep up with two girls' game schedules this year. Katie's team is full of promise and has lost once I think. She plays goalie or forward and likes both. (She is just left of the ball here.) Becky's team is there for the treats and not much else. But they are having fun and getting exercise. Both/all teams tend to run in packs like wild dogs...


Last week I flew to NY to visit Dad along with Saralyn and her kiddos. We had fun playing in the woods and walking the dog a lot. We went to church and the temple too. And we ate yummy food that Saralyn made. Poor Emma got sick on Sunday but she managed to smile for most of the pictures anyway.




















We saw lots of old friends from church.




















We visited the Sacred Grove on lovely Monday morning. It was fantastic to be there again and enjoy the spirit of that holy place.
















Imagine me with my eyes open. Yes, I'm a full-fledged Britt now, always blinking for photos...


I got home that night and found Jim to be recovering from his lack of "independence" or rather, his appendix. He had an internal organ attack on Thursday and surgery on Friday while I was away. Silly man. But he is mending and walking around more each day. A friend who drove the kids to school Monday asked the girls how their dad was doing. Alicia answered, "He can still yell." Katie chimed in, "and spank!" Apparently they were dilly dallying all morning and he got after them. hahaha. Lucky you, I am sparing you the gore of his surgery photos. But if you visit in person, you may not be so lucky.


Feeling blessed this month in many ways.


Dar

Enjoy the Moments

"Fall is here. For many this means football games, back-to-school nights, pumpkin carving and zucchini bread. Soon the holiday season will be here and the hustle and bustle of normal life will double, maybe even triple.


"No matter how busy life gets, be sure to take time each day to enjoy life itself. Relish a quiet moment, gaze into the face of a child, soak in the fall colors, or spend time with a friend or loved one.


"If you're like me, you're looking for ways to simplify the chaos most days bring. And often, it's not about eliminating a whole lot, it's about looking deeper and finding more. Take time every day to enjoy the simple, important moments."



I wrote this on Sept. 6, 2007, and it was published as a message from the editor in my company's October 2007 magazine. I don't office wax this sentimental (outside of my journal), and ironically, I typed this just a few hours before learning that my little brother had passed away. I came across it again this week as I was cleaning out some magazines from storage.


I think this message still rings true. We need to take time for family and friends, for enjoying nature and making memories. It's not easy to find or make the time. But it is what's most rewarding.


Have a "sweet" day.


--Dar