Wednesday, November 19, 2014

A Thankful Heart

loud thunderstorms
autumn leaves that crunch
11:00am church
our primary class
cars that work
lazy Sundays
our little, perfect home on our quiet, simple street
white Christmases
our jobs
While You were Sleeping
our Nida
airplanes
delicious food
vacations to look forward to, and the memory of those had
my education
Nate's education
BYU brownies
a cozy bed
London
clothes on my back
shoes on my feet
the life we've carved out in "post-byu" provo
popcorn
friends near and far 
movie dates
love, for me and for those I love
chocolate
simple acts of kindness
those darling children who made me an aunt
good books
laughter
brothers and sisters-in law
pretty things
animals
Mom and Dad Rau, and their welcoming hearts
love letters
lotion
my loving, little sisters
hot water
cold pillows
starry nights
righteous, loving parents
general conference
beautiful music
inspiring people
the ocean
the savior, and his atonement
prayer
temples and eternal covenants
the book of mormon
a husband who is perfect for me
forehead kisses
twinkle lights
my body, and all it is capable of
that I married my best friend
a loving, caring father in heaven


Lately I've been tempted to compare-vacation days, wardrobes, financial situations, appearances-but there is no joy in that. I've found though that there is great joy in thanksgiving, in recognizing and appreciating all the many blessings that are mine. Some days I look at my life, and although very ordinary to some, it feels overwhelmingly extraordinary. I am so very blessed, and perhaps my greatest blessing is knowing where those blessings come from. God is good, and isn't it such a blessing to know that fact! He is good, kind, and knows me well enough to bless me with what I need, and things that bring me constant joy.

This is my life, and I am incredibly happy and thankful for it.



Sunday, November 9, 2014

An Afternoon at the Zoo

Nate's been working so hard these past few months studying for the GRE. He finally took it last week, and I couldn't let such a happy occasion pass by without a little celebrating. So, after he was done with it we took off for an afternoon at zoo.

The sun was golden, the animals were active, and the company was the very best.

There are some days where happiness overwhelms me-where I realize more fully than other days that my life is so very blessed. This was one of those days. It could only be described in one word-perfect.










Rau Halloween

In my opinion our first Halloween married called for matching costumes.
So the week of Halloween Nate and I saw online a great costume for a couple-bandits. It was easy to do-just black and white stripped shirts, black masks, and black beanies. We could totally be bandits.

One chalk spray painted t-shirt, two very poorly cut masks later and we had our costume-although my husband thought I looked more like a French person. They weren't as cute as they were online, but we only wore them to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters, so they were perfect.

Nate and I spent the evening passing out candy and watching Harry Potter. We felt so grown up being on this side of the door, giving candy to the darling children of our neighborhood. I'm sure there will be plenty of Halloweens where we're walking the neighborhood taking children trick-or-treating in our future-so we really enjoyed this quiet relaxed holiday this year.... plus the extra candy.





Monday, November 3, 2014

Rautumn Happenings

What this Autumn has looked like:

A tight election race, in which the Raus were VERY invested. Luckily this year election day came early and our guy won. Although we hate to see Josiah leave the White House, somebody had to take his place, and luckily the guy who won is a quality one. 

Crunchy leaves falling all over our beautiful garden. I didn't think the garden could get more beautiful, but it's kind of stunning the way the leaves fall around the bright flowers. Oh this season!

Beautiful red, orange and yellow patches of vibrate color scattered across our mountains. Oh the mountains in the fall-there are no words to do them justice.

What this Autumn has smelled like:

"Autumn Walk"-the best thing that has ever come out of Walmart

Also that fall smell mixture of fire, chill and leaves. Don't pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about.


What this Autumn has tasted like:

Caramel Apple Cider Cookies.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread.
Parmesan Fondue.
Potatoes.
and a whole lot of popcorn.


What this Autumn has sounded like:

A crazy amount of crickets outside our open windows
Taylor Swift's "Out of the Wood"-one of us loves to sing it at the top of lungs
Laughter. A lot of laughter.

What this Autumn has felt like:

My favorite season, spent with my favorite person has made me feel a new level of contentment, a new level of peace, and a new level of love for my husband, and of course, for Autumn.



Annual Corn Maze Adventures

The corn maze is an autumn tradition around here.
For the past six years (at least!) I've gone every year, and it probably wouldn't feel like autumn if I didn't go. 

So this year when Mom and Dad offered to take us, we were thrilled to join them (and their 50+ favorite single adults). We went through the maze, played a little ole fashioned tether ball, and even some corn bag toss! It was a perfect autumn evening.