Thinking About Fall

When I was a kid, September was one of my favorite months because I got to have a schedule again and all my activities started back up. I even kind of liked school (at times. Don't hate me!). I no longer have activities that stop for the summer, so September does not change much for me, but it is back to school for many friends and family members.

The biggest thing I have going in September is my fall mini session day! Fall is a popular time for photos because people want the colorful leaves as their backdrop. You can learn more about mini sessions and book your slot here.

Other than that, the only thing starting is a homeschool co-op that meets once a week and I do childcare for the little ones while their older siblings take classes. I love doing things with kids and I don't have a ton of time to devote to them anymore (outside of photographing them, which I love) but I enjoy these small pockets of time where I can still hang out with little children. They're so loving and simple! Is there anything better than a child snuggling on your lap?

The bummer of September is that it means baseball season is over :( Maybe in the next couple of years we'll be going to October again? One can hope!

Are you ready to find out what there is to celebrate this month? (For the full list, click here.)

September 1st - National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day. Do something random while not rhyming. (I don't even know, guys. Some of these days are just so goofy!)
September 2nd - National V-J Day. September has some sobering historical days but they are so important to remember and learn about.
September 3rd - National Food Bank Day. Donate or volunteer to your local food bank. Many churches have food pantries as well.
September 4th - National Wildlife Day. America has such a wide variety of wildlife. You could focus on the special animals that call your state home.
September 5th - National Cheese Pizza Day. There wasn't much on this day and I'm glad there are different kinds of pizza for different tastes. I'm barely better with just liking plain pepperoni (when it comes to traditional pizzas).
September 6th - National Read A Book Day. This is celebrated almost every day in my life :) Maybe reading is something you desire to do but don't make a priority. Today is your excuse to sit down and read a few chapters!
September 7th - National Salami Day. I love salami. It's the only meat I'll eat plain. I don't know what it is about it but it's so good!
September 8th - National Ampersand Day. Again, why? I just like that this (&) is called an ampersand. Isn't it fun to say? You sound so smart and you're just talking about a little "and" sign.
September 9th - National Teddy Bear Day. You know that Snapchat filter with the teddy bear hugging you? I love that one! I had a white teddy bear as a child that I named Snowman. Did you have a teddy bear as a child?
September 10th - National Swap Ideas Day. Do you think it's better to swap ideas within your industry or between industries?
September 11th - The 20th Anniversary of 9/11. I kind of remember the 10th anniversary, but I still wasn't that knowledgeable back then. I can't believe it's only been 20 years and I also can't believe it has been 20 years. You know what I mean? This needs to never become just another day. #neverforget
September 12th - National Day of Encouragement. I think it's fitting that this comes after 9/11. People always need encouragement and here is your reminder to write the note or send the text.
September 13th - National Kids Take Over The Kitchen Day. If your kids are old enough, let them make the meals! Maybe they need supervision or some help, but you might be surprised at how much fun they have "playing grownup".
September 14th - National Parents Day Off. This one only works if you have family to watch your kids or if your kids are older but you could leave the chores and food to them for a day and give them a greater appreciation for what you do. We always became more appreciative of our parents when one was gone and we were made aware of just how much they do.
September 15th - National Double Cheeseburger Day. The only question is, do we make it ourselves or go to a restaurant. Okay, then the second question is, which restaurant?
September 16th - National Play-Dough Day. I think it's fair to say this is not just a day for kids, am I right? I have some small containers in my closet and I might have to break them out.
September 17th - Constitution Day & Citizenship Day. One of my favorite classes in high school was civics. When taught by a good teacher, this stuff is downright inspiring!
September 18th - National Dance Day. Turn up the music and dance in your car, your house, or maybe even go dancing, if that's your thing. Maybe learn the moves to a dance from your favorite musical????
September 19th - Talk Like A Pirate Day. I guess we just add "argh" to the end of our sentences? Or I can talk with a Scottish accent a la Harry Hook from Descendants :)
September 20th - National Fried Rice Day. (Check the page; this is a day for yummy food!) Fried rice is what I eat if I somehow end up at an Asian restaurant. Trader Joe's also has some really yummy chicken and fried rice meals. Now I'm hungry!
September 21st - National Chai Day. I'm not a tea person, so I don't really know what to do with this day but hey! That's why we have so many different days to celebrate!
September 22nd - Hobbit Day! I think the most fun way to celebrate would be to eat like a hobbit. You know, they eat breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, AND supper! I'd have to do small meals to eat that frequently.
September 23rd - National Great American Pot Pie Day. Pot Pie is a filling meal that is perfect for cool weather. It's simple but can be done a variety of ways to match what you like!
September 24th - National Punctuation Day. "Let's eat Grandma! Let's eat, Grandma. Punctuation saves lives!"
September 25th - Save Your Photos Day. Yeah, not as much fun, I know, but SO, SO important!!!! Get those photos OFF OF YOUR PHONE! And PLEASE, don't let the cloud be your only storage solution. Set a side a few hours to back up and label your photos. One day, you'll be glad you did.
September 26th - National Pancake Day. To quote Trixie Belden, "Yummy yum!". I love me some pancakes.
September 27th - National Family Day & National Day of Forgiveness. I wanted to include both of these because our families often need our forgiveness so a day to celebrate family is a good time to ask for and offer forgiveness to our loved ones.
September 28th - National Good Neighbor Day. Hopefully we are always a good neighbor but in case we needed a reminder or an excuse to start again, here it is.
September 29th - National Coffee Day. What's your favorite coffee drink? Will you get something different or special to celebrate?
September 30th - National Chewing Gum Day. My grandmother is the "Gum Lady" at church because she has a little bag of gum in her purse and you can have some... for a hug :)

What will you celebrate this month? If you're celebrating on Instagram, please tag me so I can see what you did!