Sisters by Chance, Friends by Choice

The award for the World's Worst Blogger surely goes to the Ligon household by now. For those of you who read, thank you for being patient, and for continuing to come back, even when things are light, as they have been this month.

So far the October of 2013 has been a good one, albeit if not quite as fall-like as this lady would prefer. Alas, as the great Mick Jagger once said, "You can't always get what you want". I have been home most of this month, much to the detriment of my boss' boss, but you know, it happens, and I am grateful for the time I have had at home to enjoy with my sweet husband and our cute pup.

Last weekend, my baby sisters came into town for a long weekend over their Fall Break, and it was just wonderful. Of course it rained the whole darned time (because Kayla was in town, and apparently Kayla is not allowed to come to Norfolk without rain), but it was just so nice to have them here. We did get to go to a hockey game, which was super fun!, but, because of the rain, we spent a lot of time inside, watching movies, eating yummy food, and just catching up. There is something about sisters. Obviously I know nothing about having a brother, and I am sure it is also quite nice, but sisters...sisters are just a magical thing in this world. Sisters are a special kind of friend. Sometimes sisters drive each other crazy. Sometimes they think they hate each other. Sometimes they hurt each other's feelings, and make each other mad, and take sides, and do all those other things that sisters do, but, at the end of the day, sisters are the fiercest defenders of each other. As my sisters have gotten older, I have truly begun to cherish our time together. Not that I didn't cherish them when they were little, but, there was just such a gap, and our lives were so different. Nowadays, I feel like we can talk about things - silly and important all the same, and really have a conversation together.

Kayla and Morgan - I am so glad you are both my sisters. You are each unique in your own special ways, but there are parts of each of you that remind me so much of me, and that makes me so very happy. I know I can be overbearing and "mothering" at times, but it is only because I love you both so. Y'all are two of my best friends, and I am so thankful for the time we get to spend together.

Hello, October!

This last week and a half has been quiet around here, I know, and I am sorry for not being much in the way of a real blogger as of late (okay, most of the time). I don't have my typical excuse of "I was traveling" to fall back on because I have gloriously been home the majority of the past couple weeks. Rather, I have just been quiet. I finally took the time to put together a collection of wedding photos for our friends and family to be able to look at, and hopefully enjoy (yeah, I know over 6 months after the fact. I am sooo on top of things, let me tell you). I have also been making a game called "How Much Money Can I Save This Month If I Plan All Our Meals In Advance". I have my first shopping trip tomorrow, so we shall see. This is mostly inspired by all the pins I see where people are spending like $200 a month on their food (I don't think that is possible, so someone I know prove me wrong), or cooking lots of freezer meals (my BFF does this, and I always aspire to be as cool as she is, so I am totes jumping on this bandwagon). Harris has been working ungodly amounts of hours again, so I will be happy when Monday morning rolls around and I get to have my hubs home for two evenings in a row. Plus, my sisters are coming up next week/weekend for their Fall Break, and we could not be more excited! Their one request has been pumpkin everything, so I have a few tricks up my sleeves - maybe I will get to share a few delights on here afterwards. Although, this Indian Summer nonsense is driving me crazy. I want October, not more 83 degree days, please and thank you. Is a need for blankets and a hot chocolate and changing leaves really too much to ask for?

Autumn really is my favorite time of year. It's funny the simple things that change with age. A decade ago, I was all for summertime. I lived for the smell of salt air, sand between my toes, and a deep and lasting tan. As I have gotten older, I still love summer...mostly. But it is uncomfortably hot and humid, and I don't feel refreshed or energized by the heat. Conversely, the older I get, the more I love the crisp morning air in the fall. I love watching the leaves change colors and feeling like I could just wander for miles and miles lost in my own thoughts enjoying the pleasant air and smells. Oh the smells of fall. The pumpkins and the spices. The smell of firewood burning with its crackly sounds and smokiness. I love it all so much! So, please, weather gods, if you will, give a girl a break and get back into the swing of fall-ness.

Happy Friday to all, and Happy Birthday to my dear Nana!