The Grandparents are coming!

This weekend we look forward to my in-laws coming for a visit. It will be a fun time filled with good food, good laughter and good fun. My mom-in-law usually brings some goodies with her. We are making a trip to the local apple tree farm and may get in another game of pinochole. The last time we played was the first time for me and the kids. I took notes. Seriously. They're in a folder. Anyhow, we will have a great time.
I was extremely close to my grandparents. My dad's parents lived in the same town. I saw them pretty much every day. On date nights for my parents I'd spend the night. That was pretty much every Saturday. They were another set of parents. I was always well loved and cared for and drank up every minute of it.
My mom's parents lived three or so hours away. We saw them close to once a month. They were fun too. I'd stay with them in the summer for a week. It was awesome being so spoiled!
The memories of my grandparents are so meaningful to me. They were indeed "grand" parents. I miss them a lot. I know they are in Heaven having a great time. I'm glad God blessed me with them.
I pause sometimes and wonder what type of grandmother will I be? Hopefully no time soon but I do think about it. I guess I miss holding a baby or something. I ask God to keep me healthy so when the time does arrive I can pass on the legacy I hold so dear and was so blessed to possess.

God's Artistry

When I was a child I remember hearing in school for the first time the season "fall" being called "autumn". I totally rejected the idea. First, it was fall. It had always been fall to me. Why change? And why change to such a silly sounding word like autumn? What was that about? I stubbornly clung to the word fall.
I grin at that memory. Now, no matter what anyone calls it, I love autumn/fall. The crisp air, a variety of gourds and pumpkins, trips to the local apple farms...Please! The list goes on and on. And at the very top of the list are the beautiful fall colors. Our ash tree has just begun to turn crimson. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. Soon, our maple tree will be yellow. Yellow! And whatever tree turns orange will be beautiful too. I learned after moving north that some trees up here even look blue or purple. And some trees are two different colors. Wow!
Candy corn is out. This is very dangerous for me. I love that candy. My kids are already excited for Halloween. Costumes are complete. I'm beginning to dig out the scarecrow, plastic pumpkins, and friendly witches. My favorite decorations are the complete cast of "It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown". They come complete with costumes for the Peanuts gang.
Some people are uncomfortable with Halloween. I get that. But I only have good memories of trick or treating. And who can beat all that free candy? Of all the scary costumes out there there are hundreds more that aren't scary. I always remind my family to be thankful the farmers are having a good harvest and to pray for them as they work so hard for all of us. I guess I feel as though things are what we make them. You make something scary, it's going to be scary.
I also pause to thank God for his beautiful palette. I mean does anyone landscape like the Almighty? No matter where I look I'm never disappointed. God is a divine artist. He gives us seasons to marvel and behold. Take a moment and pause. Look at God's scenery. It will take you breath away.