I love this time of year.

I love to be in my home and look out the windows at all the changes going on. I love the colors of the leaves as they change on the trees and then fall to the ground. I love the color of the nearly cloudless sky that seems to stretch on forever. I love the passed on harvest that neighbors share when they have had their fill and know that we were not able to have much of a garden (again, but hopefully next year will be better!) I love the smells of fall, especially the baking that goes on in our house. Something has really gotten into us and we have gone through over 25 pounds of flour in less than a month and the real baking days are still to come.

The snow we had has finally melted and the temperatures are warmer. I was lucky enough to get the leaves all raked and bagged on Saturday and clean up the garden. It was just in the nick of time as today (Tuesday) is overcast and gloomy.

With warm fall smells in the house and the little drizzly rain I want to just curl up on the sofa with a blanket, book and a cup of cocoa. Unfortunately, there is a list a mile long waiting for me to work on. The smells of fall and the desire to bring everyone in close around is such a comfort.

I love the relationships that are built as we all settle in for the winter. There can be many cold days when winter really sets in and I am hoping to have some family time that helps us all develop closer bonds. General Conference was such an inspiring time a couple of weeks ago. I continue to reflect on the words of our prophet and other general authorities and hope that I can begin to incoporate their counsel in our family.

Thomas S. Monson | Principles From Prophets | September 15, 2009 | BYU Broadcasting

Thomas S. Monson | Principles From Prophets | September 15, 2009 | BYU Broadcasting

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What an incredible life this man has lived!

One week ago today we had our last dinner with Talia before she left for school. The sisters were all pretty emotional when it came time for her to say goodbye. Having a child old enough to move out and go to college is a real eye opener. She doesn't seem to need us too much anymore. I love being able to get in touch with her or leave messages when we are just thinking of her. I really feel ancient when I think back 20 years ago when I was in college and only called home occasionally because long-distance phone calls were so expensive. Technology has certainly made keeping in touch so much easier. Just for reference, here are Talia with Chloe in the background in her bedroom of the new apartment.

Monday Tad, Chloe and I (and Talia, too) checked her into her apartment and began trying to help her get settled in. The apartment has six girls, two bathrooms and lots of energy. Those that we met seemed really nice and she will have the opportunity to get involved with many activities on and off campus this next semester. Just for reference, the picture is of Talia (duh!) and Chloe in her bedroom of the new apartment. I wish I had thought earlier to get before and after shots of this room. She had so much stuff that I thought there was no way she was going to be able to keep all of it. As it turns out, almost everything fit and we only brought home a few nonessentials that we decided she really didn't need. She loves being on her own and even though there are still five other girls she is living with, they are not the five she has lived with at home. Nothing better than being away from a whining or teasing little sister.

"Your never lost when you can see the temple."

--Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Seventy

I'm willing to give this a try!

I'm not really sure how to go about all of this. I spend most of my days sitting at the computer but I listen to the voices of many doctors as well as my children and so I haven't taken the time to become more computer savvy.

Tad and I have been married for so long now it's hard to remember life without our family. Talia is getting ready to leave for college in a month and the girls will be in school in only about two short weeks. I guess I am going to have to try to find some alternative entertainment for Chloe once we are back to just the two of us.

I just want to give this a try and then we will shoot for some fancier options (pictures, music, etc.!) What a week this has been.