October

The first of October brings several fun and exciting things to the Harper family each year

The family elk hunt in Utah

Each year our family along with Rex's brothers, sister, and parents travel to the mountains to hunt elk. We go to the same place every year, set up out trailers and build a fire in the middle of the circle of camping trailers. Levi usually heads up the fire post. Each year he seems to out do himself; the fires get bigger and bigger each passing year. Sadly this year he had to work, and although our fire was warm and did provide us comfort it was not the show we are used to.

Brody and Wyatt got a new BB gun this year and spent lots of time trying it out. They found bottles and cans and shot them for hours and hours. There are endless possibilities for entertainment in the vast woods of Utah. Grandma brought up light sabers, and the kids turned the forest into a Galaxy far far away, the blue skis poured down snow, and gave the kids an endless supply of ammunition for snow ball fights, and the four wheelers provided them with even more opportunities to have fun.

This season the elk were scattered by loggers, so no one got anything, but we all had a great time. It was sad to go home with no meat, but we had a great time and brought back lots of memories.

General Conference

The fall session of conference is on the same weekend as the elk hunt, so each year we strain to listen to the leaders of the church on the radios in our trailers. This year the reception was better than most others, and we were lucky enough to hear most of the talks. As I sat and listened to President Monson talk about service Sunday morning, it occurred to me that between the white noise, and background buzzing I was hearing conference as the saints did not that many years ago before the invention of satellites and television. I sat there listening to our prophet wondering what color tie he was wearing, and missing the smile I am so used to seeing first hand with each pause for laughter. It struck me how lucky we are to be able to hear from our leaders twice a year. How lucky we are to be able to see them, and watch their addresses to us in our own living rooms. I am so grateful for the blessings that come from each conference.

Fall Decorations

Our entry way table. The Scentsy is burning Pumpkin Roll (mmmm so good)

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the colors of the leaves as they change from green to vibrant oranges and reds. I love the crisp morning air as we walk to the bus stop in the mornings. I love the afternoons with clear blue skies and just a hint of chill in the air. I love to break out the hoodies after months of ignoring them on the top of my closet. I love the smells that we get to melt in the Scentsy, and I love the reawakening of my cookbooks. Fall makes me want to cook. I always feel a little sad for fall. Halloween decorations often out shadow the season. I try and get the fall decorations out at the first sign of a frost, and keep them out until there is no denying it is time to decorate for Halloween. Once Halloween is over, we bring out the fall decorations again. Thanksgiving gives me the excuse I need to keep them out as long as possible.