.welcome, autumn.

You are finally here, and I am happy!

Time to say goodbye to the Summer temps (any day now would be greeeat)

and HELLO to beautiful, colorful leaves

crisp breezes

vibrant blue skies

pumpkin patches and corn mazes

hay rides and scarecrows

...bliss.

.the latest.

I've spent literally all day on the couch thanks to a nasty stomach bug. Ugh... Stomach issues are the worst! On the bright side, I can tell I'm getting better. I'm looking forward to being able to walk at a normal pace and not all hunched over. A shower is in my near future as well.

Sweet Simon the pug is always so good on both snow days and sick days. He has been sleeping all day, wherever I am, he's there. I'm sleeping, he's sleeping. Right now I'm at the computer in the office, and he's sleeping on the floor next to me. Gotta love a pug!

The compressor on our air conditioner went bad, so we are without the luxury of central air this weekend, but the hubs' parents installed a temporary window unit for us. That combined with the fact that it's nearing the end of Summer is keeping us pretty comfortable.

Did I just say... It's nearing the end of Summer? If I felt up to it, I'd have to perform a happy jig right where I am. Fall is my absolute most favorite season! I get all giddy when I think about the beautiful leaves, pumpkins and chilly temps that are soon to come!

I've started taking a yoga class at the gym twice a week. I love it because it's so simple and easy to follow along with, yet I know if I stick with it I'll see some kind of results. It feels good to take the initiative to drive to the gym those evenings by my own accord and know that I am choosing to do something good for myself.

And last but not least... It's football season! Hubs and I have enjoyed watching the Razorbacks play and (so far) WIN all their games! Next week we play at home against the #1 ranked team, Alabama. Fingers crossed we'll be able to pull that one off!

One more week 'til Fall!!!

.where were you?.

September 11, 2001

The day our world stood still.

May God bless every single person that witnessed the horror in person and survived, every single family member and friend that lost a loved one that day. May God bless this country. May we all remember those who lost their lives that day and the firefighters, policemen and rescue crews whose lives were inevitably changed forever.

I was sitting on my bed in my dorm room watching the horror unfold on the news.

Where were you?

.girlfriends.

Thank the Lord for girlfriends.

They make us laugh at ourselves, feel good about ourselves when we're not, stand up for us when we're weak, and rejoice with us when we succeed.

I cherish my girlfriends greatly. I've always had trouble in my life finding TRUE girlfriends. Not that I didn't have those girls I wrote notes to in class and talked about boys to. In high school, I didn't have those close-knit friendships that allowed crying on one's shoulder or standing up for each other no matter what the consequence (aka, which popular kid you would have to publicly disagree with). I moved a lot when I was a child, so never got to stay anywhere long enough to establish close, lasting friendships. Still, I've managed to reconnect (on facebook) with a few bff's from way back in the 4th and 5th grades, and it's encouraging to realize that we still have a lot in common and I would still be friends with those same girls in real life now if we had gotten to grow up together.

When I got married, I moved away from all family and college friends to a place where my husband was the only person I knew. I remember when I would cry if he told me he was going to hang out with a friend. I felt so lonely at times, but stuck it out. Fast forward four years and a few jobs later, and now I feel very blessed with the circle of friends God has provided me with.

I love these Christian ladies, all beautiful, funny, and smart. Some with kids, some still considered kids. Some provide wisdom whereas some keep me in touch with my youthful, silly side. All would lend an ear at the drop of a hat with an extra boost of confidence to go along with it. I love each and every one of my friends and thank God for them all.

This post turned into a long sappy one, which was totally not my intention. All I really meant to say is that I am so excited for GNO, not just tonight, but tomorrow night as well! My husband and my family -- they're my best friends. My girlfriends -- well, they're my B.F.F.'s!