Here's the deal ... the 'BER' months are upon us (you know, SeptemBER, OctoBER, NovemBER, and DecemBER) and that means I feel free to do what I want when I want. I guess I feel like that year 'round but allow me to share a few of my end of year favorite things. It's never too early to start thinking, planning, and doing 'BER' month things.
September - decorations come out. Sometimes I wait until General Conference weekend to bring them out but this year, I felt like the weekend after Labor Day was sufficient. Noah and I hauled the boxes out and talked all about Halloween. He had decided to be the Hulk but after consulting with his bestie, E, Noah has changed his mind and wants to be Woody. You see, E is going as Jessie so of course, Noah must be Woody, apparently. Abbi wants to be a black cat. To make sure we have Halloween going strong, the kids and I looked at all of the Halloween aisles at Target and Wal-Mart. Furthermore, we (you believe that, right?) just finished off our 2nd (count them, 2) package of Halloween Oreos. What could be better than double stuffed, orange filling in a perfect chocolate cookie sandwich stamped with some Halloween picture? I dare say, nothing. I don't know whether or not to buy more. Pros and Cons both ways, for sure.
October - There's the wonderful beginning of the month with General Conference. That's one of my two favorite weekends of the year. It relaxing, enriching, and feels like the official beginning of autumn. General Conference is like the Mormon New Year. If you go to the temple right before or right after conference, it's just like going during the first few weeks of the year. That place is packed, which, you can't really say is a bad thing. One of the best conversations I've had was in the Ogden Temple Chapel. I sat with Bishop Valletta and Brother Butler for hours. It was both enlightening and humorous.
After Conference, you've gotta do things like make Halloween treats and grave yard cakes. It's time to plant bulbs for beautiful spring tulips. Early in the month, you've got to make a drive through Weber Canyon or Sardine Canyon to see the beautiful fall colors. Plus, you get to make yummy warm dinners, wear longsleeves and jackets, wear boots, oh I love the fall!!! Late in the month, you just have to go to a pumpkin patch, maybe even a cornmaze, and have hot chocolate. If you're lucky, Jake's friend will make more caramel corn popcorn balls! I love October.
November - This beautiful fall month starts off with Abbi's birthday, which this year is her #8! Because she's not an avid blog reader, I'll tell you how excited I am to be putting together a science experiment kit for her. She's gonna love it! November is the time you can start listening to Christmas music openly. No more secret carols while Jake's asleep! Then, on Thanksgiving, you eat yummy rolls and drink sparkling cider. We may even join the indians (haha, funny because it's Thanksgiving), join Jimmy's family on their Weber River Trail Walk. I love when November gets chilly but snow free ... that makes for the best ending of the season.
December - This December is going to be a memory for the rest of our lives. On December 1, Abbi is going to be baptized by Jake. We're going to have a BIG family lunch for her before the baptism. I hope that day will be a happy memory in her mind, forever.
The first Sunday of December is a fav. The First Presidency Christmas Devotional is the best way to kick off the Christmas season. The talks they give plus the carols/hymns that are sung are like the fireworks of the 4th of July. My favorite Christmas memory was the devotional plus the Nativity Activity the Riverdale Stake used to have. Anyone who wanted to could set up their nativity in the gym, then after the devotional you could look at all the different kinds there are. It was really cool.
A new favorite thing it the Hoopernacle Christmas Program. I like to wear my cowboy boots when I go out there because the Hoopernacle is actually a barn that has been turned into a pipe organ. Two years ago, I was listening to such an impressive piece that the air from the pipes blew some of the wall hangings right down. It was awesome. Last year, Brother Fowers went with me and my kids. Loved it.
The 'BER' months only get better with things like the Tea Party, the kids getting excited, preparing a fun Christmas surprise for them, Christmas movies and stories, and the music. I think Christmas would be three-quarter less exciting if there was no music. Oh, and to think we're just beginning. I'm gonna enjoy every minute of my 'BER' months this year!
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