I love the first day of a new season. It always makes me think of renewal and new beginnings.

We had a lovely day here and the kids seem to be adjusting well to there new lives as homeschoolers. I am so thrilled.

I got down a old cookbook this afternoon looking for a pie that might call for apples and strawberries all in one. I wasn't sure how it would taste but I had some of each that I needed to do something with. I came across an old cookbook that had belonged to my mother in law, Janice, that I kept after she passed away several years ago. The kids and I had so much fun looking through this book because she had sticky notes throughout reminding herself of recipes she really liked, modifications she had made, and just general notes to herself. It was almost like having her there with us and it was a very special time. I know she is smiling down from heaven, thrilled that her grand kids have been using one of her beloved cookbooks to find a recipe. She was a wonderful woman who loved to cook and bake and I am so thankful to have this heritage to pass on to my own children.

When the kids got up and I started acting all goofy singing a made up "Happy Fall" song (I like to do this because it DRIVES THEM CRAZY) they realized that if fall were here winter was just around the corner. Which meant Christmas.

Samantha, being always the organized one, decided they should get a start on there lists this year. Just in case anyone wanted to get some early shopping done. She is such a thoughtful child.

Here is a picture of her when I told her those UGG boots she just really really wants are way to much money and NO ONE will be buying them for her.
The joys of online shopping. Notice her little doggy always near.
Samantha is such a good mommy to her little Jo Jo. She is happy as long as she is with her mommy. Even if it means sleeping on keyboard. Ouch!
Well, that's all my friends. Hope you enjoyed the first day of Fall. I can't wait to build a fire and make some hot cocoa.