Celebrating the First day of Autumn

I always loved to tell people the fun fact that my birthday was on the first day of Autumn- it made me feel so special. Autumn is my FAVORITE season by a mile! The smells, the sounds, the sights- all the changes! While "Autumn" in't quite the same in Florida, I still try to create it with sips of apple cider, fall decorations, and fun activities.

Josh and I celebrated my birthday yesterday together doing ordinary things- running errands, making dinner together, and playing with Teddy and Edgar- it was the perfect day! I wouldn't have wanted it any other way :)












After a great birthday dinner- "Princess" balloon compliments of a sweet friend from bible study who made me a delicious cake the night prior as well!


My Birthday present- 2 beautiful barstools- assembled by my wonderful hubby ;)

Teddy wasn't so sure about them...

Replacement slippers- ahhh, just in time for fall :)

A beautiful purse from the Albrights- my favorite color!

Handmade sushi dishes from Mom and Dad Gropp! Just perfect!

Chocolates from Josh ;)

And here are a few fall decorations for our new house that make me smile :)

Thank you to everyone who blessed me with sweet cards, birthday messages, and phone calls. It was a perfect day! I am truly blessed.

Mama Gropp Visits

This weekend we had the joy of sharing the weekend with Mom Gropp. We had such a relaxing weekend.

Friday, Mom arrived and we made a delicious dinner of lightly breaded chicken breasts stuffed with goat cheese (basil and green onions too), wild mushroom risotto, and asparagus.

Saturday we packed lunches and went for a 4 mile walk at Pumpkin Hill State Park with Teddy. I expected it to be a wooded and shady walk, however, it was completely open and sandy- like walking on a beach for 4 miles! While it was gorgeous, it was quite hot and tiring on the feet! Teddy enjoyed running off leash for the most part, as he was too hot and tired to run away. In fact, we sometimes had to coerce him out of the bushes to keep walking (he's a northerner at heart).


Saturday evening Mom took us out to dinner for my birthday- we checked out a new restaurant in town and enjoyed the choices very much! I had a Lobster and Gnocchi dish, Mom entertained a few tapas, and Josh got a burger with foie gras

Sunday we went to church and relaxed together.

It was a wonderful weekend of being together :).











At a gazebo about halfway through the walk



Teddy wasn't sure he wanted to leave the gazebo!

(Josh giving teddy water)

(hiding in the bushes)

Homeowners!

Josh and I purchased our first home here in Jacksonville! We feel so blessed. It is a wonderful home and we look forward to the opportunities God has for us to bring glory to His name through it.

Josh's brother and Dad were a great help with the move- Dad kept all of us on task with getting lots of jobs done in a short period of time! Matt was great as well- he deserves the credit for perfectly lining up our outside house numbers! In one weekend the men moved all of our stuff, installed a mailbox post, put on house numbers, hung pictures, arranged furniture, organized the garage, and so much more! We also are so thankful for the help of many great friends here in Jacksonville who helped with the heavy lifting and organizing as well!

Here's the house more or less ready for living :)