Autumn Series Pt 1 - Reunion at Amicalola Falls

*Read the Autumn series Intro

A family Reunion at Amicalola Falls usually marks a beginning of the fall season for us. Unfortunately for the younger generations, it is the older folks in our lives that have really committed to making sure we have these family gatherings where we can get together and spend a few hours catching up and loving on one another to get us by for another year. When I was younger, we all used to get together for Christmas as well, but over time, that stopped happening as people's lives changed and the children had their own families to spend Christmas with.

In any case, I consider every year where we get to do this another blessing. I enjoy visiting with those I haven't seen in a while and listening to my grandmother share her memories with her cousins and siblings. It really impresses on me what a blessing families are. The more the merrier, I say! I know that there will eventually be a day when we can no longer manage to gather up near that waterfall and reminisce, and so each year with older relatives that were there the year before are noticeably absent at that long dinner table, I give thanks for the opportunity that there is still too many for everyone to find a seat.

One of the things we always try to do after lunch is go for a walk up to the falls. My sister and daddy are very adventurous and usually take the long hike all the way up to the top of the falls, but this year we decided that we'd walk to the base as a family. We took the time to savor the cooling air, the trickle of the stream as it rushed by us on the way, and to enjoy that time we had together. At the base of the falls, my sister and I grabbed the swing and rocked back and forth as we watched people fishing. We even made a joke or two about the difference between having a "trout stamp" and a t_____ stamp, if you know what I mean. It was great afternoon, the colors are so vibrant this time of year. I snagged my autumn series picture last year, it's looking up to the top of the falls through the tree tops. There's nothing like it.

I cherish this time with my sister. With her being a little over twelve years my junior, we've always had a different relationship than most sisters. We don't fight like sisters often do, and of course there's those added memories of changing her diapers and singing her to sleep, etc. that I have. She's amazing though, and I'm so proud of the person she is becoming. As I have begun building my own life and family, and she has become a teenager, it has gotten harder for us to make that time to spend together and be close. So, with that in mind, I take every opportunity to spend with her, to laugh with her, and I savor them and make them special in my heart. I try not to forget that our lives are right now, and that before I know it she will be making her own way in this world, and I will be at home worrying and praying and hoping for her and whatever dream she chases.

Of course, one does not simply show up to a reunion without food. It just isn't done! If you're going to eat, you better have something to offer - so I whipped up something quick and easy, and it was such a hit with the relatives that I feel obligated to share it here.


Oreo Layer Pudding 
*This recipe was inspired from one I saw on Pinterest.

You need:
1 bag Oreos, crushed
8oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter
1 cup powdered sugar
3 cups milk
2 small boxes instant vanilla pudding
1/2 tsp vanilla
12 oz Cool Whip, thawed





In your mixer, cream together cream cheese, butter & powered sugar & vanilla. In separate bowl mix milk & pudding and chill until set. Once pudding has set, fold in cool whip. Combine with cream cheese mixture. Alternate with this mixture and oreos, layering them until the bowl is full. This tastes best when allowed chill for several hours. I made this the night before and it was so good, all I had left to take home was a scraped bowl!

I think this is one of the reasons why I am so partial to fall - it brings the family together; extended and immediate. It makes us all take a breath and a moment to be together. That is one of autumn's many blessings. I hope you're taking the time to enjoy all the things this time of year has to offer. Until next time!

God bless!