There is something very exciting to me about the change of the seasons. I honestly feel like it’s God’s way of helping us press the re-set button and get a fresh start as the weather changes. I guess I’m a romantic because I’m always sad to see one season end but also SO excited to see a new one begin! The SITS Girls posted a Back to Blogging Challenge and I accepted SO I will be writing every day this week after work. Yeah, that’s a lot of posts. Hope you’ll stick around!

Yes, it’s 88 degrees and yes, I already put my fall wreath up. Couldn’t help myself!

It’s because I’m a romantic at heart. F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote this about romantics:

“I’m not sentimental–I’m as romantic as you are. The idea, you know,
is that the sentimental person thinks things will last–the romantic
person has a desperate confidence that they won’t.”

And as much as we’ve had a great summer in many ways, I am NOT sorry to be done with the 90 degree temps! I’m a girl who needs to be outside – when I’m running and otherwise – and these past couple months have been brutal.

So here are the things I’m looking forward to on this first day of fall which is, perhaps, my favorite season:

1. Cooler running! Even while it’s still hovering in the mid 80’s during the day, our morning will very quickly become delightful to run in. Bring. It. on.

2. Fall smells! I’m a fan of Wall Flowers from Bath and Body Works (because 3 boys;) and this week I’ll be stopping in to stock up on all things fall scented. I’ll also be investing in a couple new candles because there’s just nothing like a coolish day spent writing in front of a gorgeous smelling candle. Sigh.

3. Fall baking! I am not a cook but I DO love to bake and fall temps mean I’ll be busy in the kitchen when I’m off. My favorites for this time of year are apple pie (my mom’s amazing recipe), any kind of cobbler and fresh baked bread. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

This is the recipe my mom gave me over the phone 25 years ago. It’s a little worse for wear but this is THE BEST apple pie in the world. You’re welcome. Oh, and it’s super easy, too:) Oh, and I should mention you’re gonna need to peal and slice those apples and then put a pre-made pie crust in the bottom of your pie pan. Dump in the apples and then all the other stuff on top and then drizzle the melted butter over the whole mess and you’re done. I like Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust.

4. Shorter days. This may seem odd since most of love to get stuff done as late as possible, but I love that feeling when the sun shifts and the afternoons become quieter somehow. When it’s still light out I can be found doing laundry and paying bills even at 8:30pm, but something about it getting dark around dinner time slows me down. I like it. It means more reading and less getting one more thing done before bed. It also means evening fires in our new outdoor fire pit and I CANNOT WAIT for those. A bottle of wine, some s’more fixings and my family and I’m a happy girl!

This is us around our “old” fire pit with my mom. We’ve upgraded!

See that big fire pit? I can’t wait to put it to good  use!!

5. Preparing for the Holidays! No, I’m not trying to rush it, but this is the time of year where I like to start taking a look at the lists and the calendar and figuring out what things are going to make our “Christmas To Do List”. It’s a great time of year but it’s a busy time of year (especially when you’re in ministry!) so these months of prep time are essential. And I’m a nester by nature so I relish in the preparation!! And we are having Thanksgiving at home this year for the first time in 5 years, so I’m already thinking through my meal. Yes, I’m a vegetarian, but I’ve been told my turkey is amazing (that’s right – I cook it but don’t eat it;).

So what about you? What are you most looking forward to this fall? I’m actually typing this on my patio pictured above and can feel the change in the air. Winds in the East, mist coming in, like something is brewing about to begin . . . .comment below if you know what that’s from:).

Happy Running and Happy Fall!

Jen