Football reigns supreme in our household during the fall. I was born and raised in Wisconsin, so I bleed Green & Gold (and always will) whereas my husband is a diehard Patriots fan (not surprising coming from someone raised in Massachusetts). Being a part of different divisions and conferences certainly eased most of the seasonal tension we would have experienced if that were not the case, but we still get to see our teams play each other every four years. Football is something we certainly bonded over from the time we started dating. It’s always had a presence in our life together. One year, between the two of us, we had more than ten fantasy football leagues. I don’t know how that’s even possible. Nowadays, I don’t think I could even manage one league.
Although our fantasy football footprint has faded, the game itself has remained steadfast in our lives, even after kids. The boys were introduced to the Packers and Patriots from a very young age. They have had jerseys since before they could walk. Green and gold just really brought out the color in their eyes. Blue and red, well I mean, it was there, but just did not have the same allure (I have to talk a little bit of shit because, well because why not…it’s all in good fun). Even during the years we couldn’t actually sit down to watch every play, the game was more likely than not, playing in the background.
Sundays during the fall are a time for us to slow down, which comes at the perfect time. The hustle and bustle of the summer has come to a close. We are back to normal school and work schedules that keep us moving forward a pace that’s a tad bit more comfortable. The crockpot comes back out for chili and other cozy dinners. The fireplace makes its appearance again as the weather cools. As our world ticks by at a slower pace, our favorite teams make their annual appearance on TV. And we pause our day to enjoy the peace and quiet of the day together.
Okay, the peace and quiet is a blatant lie. There is nothing peaceful or quiet about football in our house. There’s actually a lot of screaming. Not at each other of course. The TV unfortunately takes all the heat. I will admit to being the most animated when it comes to volume. Well, I was until our oldest started to really get into the game. Now he’s giving me a run for my money. He knows far more about the game and individual players than I expected, even though he’s known the game since day 1. His friends are talking about the game a lot more in the last year or so and he’s having a blast being a part of those conversations and clearly learning a lot in the process. All of that knowledge is translated to the increasing volume of the day depending on whether there are blunders or brilliant plays being made. I’m here for all of it. Mainly because I’m also participating as much as he is.
One of the best parts of the day, is the snacks. On Sundays, we make all the snacks. From Russell’s dip (named after a cousin), buffalo chicken dip and bacon wrapped water chestnuts to taco dip, wings and bruschetta. The menu changes week-to-week but it is always filled with fun snackables. Once kickoff happens, I want to be on that couch, hanging with my boys and relaxing with our favorite nibbles. Full stop.
The games also coincide with Sunday dinners which really is the perfect combo. We don’t always host, but when we do, the house smells like my Sunday dinners growing up. My grandpa’s sauce simmers all day. I am obviously partial to the recipe, but the house somehow feels warmer and more welcoming on Sunday dinner Sundays. It takes me back 3 decades and halfway across the country to the blue trimmed house with a front porch swing, filled with an impossibly large table that somehow fit into the dining room and a kids table in the kitchen, with inhabitants itching to graduate to the adult table. Being able to recreate that in our house now, even on a much smaller scale, is such a joy.
This past weekend included our first day of football for the season. Although preseason, my oldest requested a football day. We obliged without hesitation. There were all the snacks and then some. Patriots versus Vikings. As a Packer fan, it was fun to watch the Vikings lose. As a Pats fan, my husband enjoyed the win. Yes, we get its only preseason. Still fun. It was the kickoff to our own season together and brought with it, the all-too-familiar and very welcome joy of those Sundays.
We have been witness to winning and losing seasons. There have been joyful days and disappointing ones. Super Bowls won and lost. And ones not attended by any of our teams. But the best part is that all those days have been on our giant, comfy couch, in front of a TV that I was convinced was too big for the space (it’s not…actually we may be able to get a bigger one there), with good food and my favorite people. There’s not much more I can ask for from those few hours every week.
As the weather cools, the fireplace comes on more, the evening creeps in earlier and earlier, all feels right in our house. I look forward to these next few months of Sundays. They are fleeting, but still my favorite every year. Whether it’s just the four of us or a houseful of friends and family, the house feels cozier, the snacks more plentiful and time moves slower. However you capture those moments, I hope you are able to capture them occasionally. The ones that allow you to slow the topsy turvy pace of our world in order to enjoy moments that bring you peace, even if it doesn’t bring the quiet.
Too Much Laundry, Not Enough Wine 