Autumn!

So many things have happened recently. I keep a list in my head of things I should write about on my next blog and then suddenly I realize too much time has passed and my list is HUGE.

So let's talk about Fall!  ( I actually like the word Autumn better) This time of year is so wonderful. It is my favorite time of year. It is a season with spices, pumpkins, leaves changing colors, Halloween, fall festivals, the fall harvest, and my church's annual general conference. Spain can't provide all of these things for me, it does a pretty good job!

I sewed in "Techera 2012"

Although it is still in the 70's most days we have had some fall showers that have given us some truly chilly 'fall' days.  we were finally able to put our quilt on our bed! I made it for Ulises' birthday last year anticipating using it for our bed.



 I still miss the fall foliage of Utah ( so many of my friends were posting pictures of the changing colors... here take a look at one!) But Ulises was sweet enough to take the motorbike for a drive in the 'canyon' in search for some leaves. We found a brown dead one and another one turning slightly yellow. It's now been a few weeks since that trip and  and hopefully this weekend we can go again and actually be successful  in our search of fall foliage.

Utah Autumn

It's difficult to find a good carving pumpkin here but the 'Halloween' tradition is becoming more popular here and I was able to find a few (tiny thing for 10 euro!).Ulises and I haven't carved one yet but I helped carved a few for a some of the children I am a nanny for.  It was more fun than I remember! Maybe cause doing it with the small children and seeing their excitement really made the difference. This will be Ulises' first year carving a pumpkin. I hope he will enjoy it! Aside from pumpkin carving, the children can sometimes find communities to "trick or treat' in. It's still new though. Here the Catalan culture celebrates "Castanyada" on Halloween 31st . Its a Holiday before All Saints day ( Nov. 1) where they roast chestnuts eat baked sweet potatoes and make these little sugar balls with marzipan. While I enjoy the fun of Halloween I also wouldn't want them to forsake their own traditions. I did some Castanyada activities with some of these kids as well- and it was quite fun!

At church tonight we held a party for all ages. Many congregation members and children dressed up. We danced, played games, and ate some food. Ulises and I are low on cash so we went the cheap way for a costume. I thought it was quite clever. I was also so happy that Ulises had absolutely no objection to my idea! we went as Crayons! I made our stickers and he engineered and cut out our hats. When we arrived NO ONE had a clue as to what we were! It was shocking really. I guess here in Spain they don't have the brand crayola. I guess I shouldn't take those things for granted. So there we were, wandering around with our new congregation trying to make friends looking like dunces. Did I mention that Ulises was given the assignment to be the congregation's "young men president"? So here he was with a cone on his head trying to earn the respect of 12-18 year old boys. I wonder if any of those boys will return to church on Sunday.........

So as you can see, Spain has been doing a pretty good job at making me feel at home. I also am planning to bring it a little further along by hosting my very own "scary dinner" with some friends here. They are excited to learn my family's Halloween traditions. Those of you who don't know what that is, stay tuned. I will write a post recapping it.

One of my favorite things about Fall ( Autumn is such a better word) is the Annual General Conference from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints! As a member of this church I really enjoy the closeness I feel with other members all over the world as we collectively tune in and listen to the Prophets speak. I have a deep love and respect for the leaders of my church and feel that they are speaking God's will. Conference is 8 great hours of discourses from strengthening family, to faith in Christ, to missionary service to helping the poor. I felt so lifted and inspired by the messages. I really enjoyed Dallin H Oaks talk on protecting children as well as Jeffrey R Holland's talk about being converted to Christ and feeding Christ's sheep. It was powerful and I felt the spirit. In a following session, Robert D. Hales gave a discourse on the same topic quoting the same section of the New testament. His sweet tender message confirmed to me that these messages are from God. It reminded me to turn to the Scriptures. It reminded me to learn more about Jesus Christ's Life.I left the conference with feelings of Gratitude and Peace.

You can watch the archives here. Choose any topic you like! (this link is the highlights): http://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/apostles-speak-october-2012?lang=eng

Fall does bring melancholy feelings. The year is coming to a close and I am anticipating being away from my family for Thanksgiving, my birthday and Christmas. But my dear Ulises takes such good care of me and we will find happiness. As soon as Halloween is over I will turn on the Christmas music and pray for snow.