Autumn

Had to post this picture because I love it. It was a beautiful autumn day on Old Campbell County Day and we had a great time laughing at certain aspects of the parade then painstakingly painting every child's face in Fairburn.

Some things I love about Autumn (in particular, this Autumn)

1. It has been unseasonably cool. The skys have been overcast, threatening of rain. I am sad to say that they never deliver but I am grateful for the small thrill of hope. Because of this great weather, we have had our air conditioning off for almost a month and windows open. I feel sorry for our neighbors who have to hear us yell at the dogs and listen to the blaring of our television, but there is no smell like the fresh smell of the fall air when you come into the house.

2. My baby shower is fast approaching (2 weeks!) and the bestest is planning my awesome baby shower. Halloween themed everything. People are coming in costumes. Scary music will be played. I'm sure the menu has been created accordingly. Some of my favorite people in the world are gathering to celebrate the arrival of the awesome Ollie. I can't wait and am forever amazed by the amazing Amanda.

3. Next Sunday begins my third trimester. Only 3 more months til awesome Ollie arrives.

4. Halloween is on a Friday this year! And despite my large size, I am waddling out to a party of some sort with my pals. I haven't picked a costume yet, waiting a little longer to 'ripen' but I hope it is chilly (because I am forever hot!)

5. It just feels like fall. We had a good fall last year and is shaping up to an even better fall this year. The leaves are turning. The air is crisp. I am in heaven!

6. We shot our last wedding for the year (9 hours!) and I am so glad to have it over. Next Saturday is Adriane's wedding, then my baby shower, then Bobby's wedding. My sister-in-law Julie is coming to visit the first weekend in November. I am ecstatic!

I'm trying not to let money woes get me down. Most people will receive baked goods for Christmas. Maybe this will help me remember the spirit of the holiday and not get bogged down with the commercial aspect. Money is so tight its almost hard to breathe but I'm trying to be happy. We have money to pay our bills, feed ourselves and our dogs. We own our house, a car and are both securely employed. I need to be Thankful and focus on that. So many people have it so much worse than us.

I'm just afraid we won't have enough money to diaper our son when he comes. People have raised kids on less. I need to remember to take it one day at a time. This too shall pass.

I am dwelling on a lot of anger directed towards the in-laws. Life is unfair, it's a concept I have accepted, but still, we are paying for their dastardly mistakes. It hurts me to know that we are drowning because of them. I hope they enjoy their cruise while we struggle day to day. I need to let it go but I can't seem to find a way too. I want to go on Oprah. I want the whole world to know. Embarrassing them won't make it better. But it sure is fun to fantasize about.

Happy Autumn!