Fall Nights

If I were to compose a perfect fall night, this is how it would go.

But first, let me tell you a story about soup.

When Travis and I were engaged, I came over to his mom's house one evening to work on wedding stuff, and he and his brothers and sisters (the ones who lived nearby) were gathered at the table eating winter soup. "Winter Soup" is a legendary creation of their mother's that is beloved by all Lundells, or so I was told. She showed me the recipe, straight from a cookbook, and I am kicking myself to this day for not memorizing it on the spot.

Because it smelled so good.

And man was I hungry.

Travis's younger brother Eric had left his bowl at the table, unguarded, while he went to the kitchen, and I, without bowl or spoon of my own, just HAD to have some of that soup. Eric saw me go for the soup and he told me in no uncertain terms NOT to touch his soup! He was serious; he'd had a rough day and he wanted every bite of that soup.

And I, in my ignorance, didn't listen.
Let's just say I unleashed a raging volcano and he still hasn't forgiven me to this day.

Not a smart move for a *future* in-law.

I think we even told that story at his own wedding, as a warning to all prospective in-laws.

But I will tell you now - that bite of soup was so deliciously worth it.

(Before Eric pounced on me and tried to tear my limbs off)

Someday I will get the real recipe.

For now, I created "Fall Soup," because it is Fall and I adore soup. I just went a little crazy and kind of threw everything I could think of into a pot.

Served with yesterday's homemade whole wheat bread.

*Recipe HERE*

And afterwards, a soccer game

Troy hugs the mascot...

Here's the thing.

I'm deathly afraid of mascots. Can't explain why; don't care about addressing the issue. 

I live with it and it's fine. Until my husband thinks it would be funny to tell the mascot, "Hey my wife is afraid of mascots. You should chase her down and hug her!"

And then there's the part where I try to look like a grown-up soccer mom while tactfully and subtly avoiding the mascot, who feels obligated to try to do as Travis says even though it's awkward for everyone. (What a twit!)

I have no problem allowing my children to hug the mascot while I take pictures of them. Hiding behind a camera makes me feel safe!