The Day of Births!

Today is the only day of the year where I get to say happy birthday to four wonderful people in my life! I shall start with the one I've known about the longest.

My brother Zakary turns another year older today. My brother is the oldest of us siblings and I am pretty sure he absolutely loves that role. He has and I think always will be the protector type of brother. Then again I think most boys are like that. I wish I could have spent some time with him today to share his awesome train cake that my mom made him and to tell him that I think he is grand. But this and a phone call will have to do for now. I love you brother! Hope you had an awesome day!

Next in line comes my ex-roommates. I mean ex in the form that we don't live together anymore, not ex as in I never want to see them again! In fact I will see them in two days and I am fairly excited about it! I don't think there is a great way to describe Hannah and Hayley...besides the fact that being with them simply makes me happy! We roomed together for four years at the Jud and I am so blessed for their friendship. Happy birthday ladies! I'll be joining the club soon! :) 

Last, but not least is my sister-in-law Vanessa. Today is her golden birthday! She is all the way across the country tonight eating sushi! I can't say that I am jealous of her meal, but I am saddened that I can't see her often. I really enjoy the relationship we share and I am so excited for all the years of family memories we will make together! I love you girl....Happy Birthday!

Just in Kase - facebook didn't remind you it was their birthdays.

Sonja Kase

In a few short hours my little niece turns one! I can't believe how fast time flies! Now, I am completely aware that she has no idea it is her birthday, but I am pretty excited for the day when she understands it. For now I will have to settle with showing a few adorable pictures of her and thanking God for the beautiful healthy baby that she is! Happy Birthday Sonja Kase! I love you sweet girl!

This is probably still one of my favorite pictures of the two of them. It was taken by the talented Alex Nielsen. See his website here.

You can't tell me that face doesn't make you crack a smile!

Just in kase - you needed a smile. 

I Stinking Love Fall!

The past two days have reminded me of how much I absolutely LOVE this season. I must admit my initial relationship with fall might have started out of selfish motives because of my birthday month being October, but it since then I have found many more reasons this is "the most wonderful time of the year." So here goes some of the many reasons these months make me happiest.

#1. Hot Drinks & Warm Eats
I do NOT like coffee. I know some people who don't enjoy the liquid either, but find the aroma quite pleasant. I am not one of those people. I always thought that two things would happen when I "grew up." I would start liking coffee and I would become a morning person. Maybe I am not quite grown up yet because neither of those statements are true. I do, however, very much enjoy a hot cup of tea. My sister introduced me into chai tea last year and it has quickly become a fan favorite in my book. Apple cider and hot chocolate are also friends of mine. As for the warm eats, there is nothing like a bowl of soup to warm you up on a cool crisp day. I am learning to master the art of soup, I am no Sue Smith yet but I am working on it!

#2. Fall Scented Candles
I heard once that scent is the strongest link to memory. I couldn't agree more. I love the way you can smell something and be reminded of a person or a memory. Probably the most recent examples is our hand-me-down dresser. Matt and I recently took a dresser home from our family's cabin up north and I love the way the drawers still smell like Townsend. The smell of Spiced Apple Cider, Pumpkin Pie, or Autumn Harvest candles seriously make me happy.

#3. Expanding Wardrobe 
Being able to layer clothes makes everything better! There are so many more options in the closet and it is fun to see what you can pair together. Last year I purchased colored pants and I am pretty pumped to bust those out! Also, scarves and boots...do I need to say more?

#4. Flannel Shirts
Right now some of you are thinking that flannel shirts should fall under #3. However, if you have ever seen my nephew or husband in a flannel shirt I think you would agree it deserves its own number. See examples below.

#5. Bonfires
Yes you can have bonfires in the summer, but don't kid yourself it isn't the same. I am talking about actually needing the heat to stay warm. Nothing beats cuddling next to the fire with a blanket and the one you love. And don't forget about the s'mores! Total side note... if you have never eaten a reese peanut butter cup on a s'more you are missing out! (Or for the no peanut butter people like my sister in law try a Kit-Kat bar!) You will thank me later!

#6. Thanksgiving
Now I can't sit here and tell you that it is my favorite holiday because that would be a lie. (4th of July wins that contest hands down!) But I do understand why it is Jason Marshall's favorite. Getting to spend the entire day with family, without the pressure of presents, and eating amazing food makes for a pretty awesome day! I also love the tradition of going to my aunt's house every year!

#7. Apple Picking 
The past two years we have gone apple picking with Jeana and Jason and company. Alright maybe it's more about the apple cider donuts, but still...

#8. Season of Births
So when you are younger it is only your own birthday that you care about. Because let's face it you get presents and the first piece of cake. Other birthdays make you jealous that it isn't your birthday. That changes as you get older. Birthdays usually mean we get together as a family to celebrate and that is a win for me. Most of my family has birthdays in the fall and winter. Zak used to kick us off, but last year he had to give up title to Sonja Kase. In a few short days my beautiful niece will be one! Time goes so fast!

I am sure there are many more reasons why I love fall but here are my top eight. I have heard that the weather is supposed to jump back into the 80's this week. But when the crisp air comes back I will be ready to embrace it with open arms!

Just in Kase - You needed another reason to love this season.

"That was fast!"

Yesterday Matthew and I had the privilege of watching Kole and Sonja. I know I am biased because they are my nephew and niece, but I really think they are the cutest kids ever! 

We picked them up early and spent the whole day practicing "parenthood," if you will. We had a blast playing trucks, golf, frisbee, blocks and even painting! Oh and I almost forgot Matthew gave them rides in his wheelbarrow! That was a hit with Kole!

 We also took them to the Sandwich fair! We ran into several people we knew there who all had the same reaction..."Wow that was fast!" We then were complimented for being brave enough to bring them to the fair on our own. Matt and I talked about that after we left the smelly stalls of livestock. We both agreed that our bravery had nothing to do with it. The fact of the matter is that Sonja and Kole are really great kids, which to me is a direct representation of how they have been raised. 

We had an above average day hanging out with our nephew and niece. I have always loved kids, they are the reason I went into teaching. But before my sister had children I never realized how much time and energy goes into raising and caring for them. Being able to watch them from time to time has taught me a lot. Mostly it has taught me to appreciate my parents and all they have done for me throughout the years. So I speak for Kole and Sonja because they can't say it yet...thank you Jeana and Jason for all that you do for those kids...whether it is changing a dirty diaper, building an awesome tower just to get it knocked down, or making Mac and cheese to watch half of land on the floor! You are awesome parents and we absolutely love your kids!

Just in Kase- you needed some encouragement.