Fall? Snow already?

I guess I am still having some shock living in our new land. Last night on the news, the 7 day weather outlook mentioned snow over the weekend. Seriously? It is just the beginning of October but since I am already Christmas shopping, it feels later. When I was younger, I hated to hear my parents say how nice the pretty trees looked with their different colored leaves. Everyday driving through Rock Bridge State Park, south of Columbia, MO, I would hear the same thing. Now, I think I would give anything to drive through the park and see the leaves. I have realized that not only do I miss hearing them say the same thing over and over, but I hear myself saying that to my kids. Lately, we have had this crazy conversation about the things we have in common. The kids like to compare who has Dad's toes or nose or Mom's huge earlobes. I hope that we pass on the things that don't fade or grow old, like love and compassion and faith in God. Ok, maybe Mom's attention to detail and Dad's spontaneity too!