Snow Grateful

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What a fun surprise - snow in the forecast for this past weekend.  It's one of those things that you've heard it announced. but until you actually see it falling to the ground...does it hit you as true!   I loved it.  So beautiful and yet so strange.  Poor trees hardly able to bear up under the weight of all that snow and many of them didn't.  A lot of downed limbs and even wires across the northeast region.  Many were and still are without power.  I'm grateful that is not the case for us - this time around.

::: Our wash line :::

Seeing this made me think of the hymn...

"Lord, wash me and I will be whiter then snow."

As the day progressed the kids wanted to be outside... Scott was studying (or supposed to have been studying) and I figured - why not make our first snowman!  It looks like we got caught having fun.

Since Scott was at the door taking pictures... I asked him to run and get a carrot for our new friend's nose.

Not really sure how to segue into my gratitude post here... so you'll just have to bear with me.  I just find myself continuing to give God the praise and gratitude for the gifts He so graciously lavishes on us.

Here's to more of the ~ One Thousand Gifts ~

#544. snow covered pumpkins

#545. tree-line, a sitting silhouette, against salmon colored skies or deep blue and yellow

#546. skies ever changing, ever intriguing

#547. warm hats, mittens and scarves

#548. hot chocolate

#549. begging for marshmallows

#550. snowflakes on Caleb's eyelashes

#551. snow-beauty, pure and white

#552. hymns

#553. questions - repeated questions - from our four year old

#554. toddler determinism

#555. opportunities

#556.  Birthday's - reminder of God's faithfulness

#557. sixty plus quarts of canned applesauce

#558. new found blogging friends

#559.  Baby Jayne giving us several nights in a row of eight hour stretches of sleep

#560. John 3:16 ~ For God so loved...

Around the Homestead :: A ~Z | The letter D

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Recently, I introduced the photography theme I've decided to challenge myself with. I've decided to call it:
Around the Homestead :: A ~ Z
Using my camera, I've been attempting to capture the letters of the alphabet - around the farm, where we live - in hopes to make a photo collage for our landlord and his wife, as a gift. We'll see how it all turns out.
So far, so fun!

Ready for the letter "D"?  I found two.  Similar. Yes!

Both were found on the same barn door.

I couldn't decide which of the two photo's I liked better...so I've included them both.

Enjoy your weekend ~ my friends! 
Perhaps even with "D" snow in the forecast?

hugs matter

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Ladies, I have to ask.

  Have you ever had one of those hugs that the hug your husband gave you when he left in the morning, and the hug he gave when he returned home in the evening, felt like it was the EXACT SAME hug?

I have. 

 And, it happened to me yesterday.

And, the thing about it was is that it truly felt like it was the exact same embrace. 

 If only...it was.  And if only I could've erased away the happenings in the middle of the day, between those two hugs - for reals.  In a small way...it all did melt away.

Because whatever was in that hug (beginning and end) mattered.

It mattered to me!!

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." { Proverbs 31:25}

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My husband, Scott, and I are about to embark on a new season of change. 

We're about to face it head-on ready or not - him with his nose to the books - me looking at the back-side of his head.  At least we're facing the same direction in the looking...

Three years (give or take) sounds like a long time...for a family man, a husband and a man with full-time employment to take on a round of studies in order to get his Bachelors of Science degree.

This will indeed require me to stand by my man...with confidence and a good attitude...to give him the constant encouragement he'll need.   And, with this comes FAITH.

Faith for the future.  The unknown.  Our future - our unknown

 

May my faith be marked with these three things:

1.  a quiet spirit  (no questions asked)

2.  a gentle spirit (no details needed)

3.  a sweet submissiveness (no struggling against the unknown)

::: :: :::

"Clothe my heart, O Lord, with strength and dignity...

I am so afraid of change and facing new challenges...

Allow me to feel your power, courage and strength - to take on

and go forward with new experiences.

Help me Lord to take "risks" (in my heart of faith) and to enjoy each new experience...

knowing it is a total growing process.

There will be no fear in my heart. I can laugh at the days to come." ~ Bevy

{Applesauce} 60+ quarts later

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::: At the End of the Day :::

What a wonderful day...spent working alongside my Mother.  We did seven and a half baskets of Golden Delicious and Empire apples - mixed, resulting in 60 + quarts of applesauce.  Only every jar in the house was used.  We had to run out for more lids.  We had to borrow jar rings.  Five of the intended-to-use jars got broken (before they were filled, Thank God!). 

The kiddo's did great!! 

I swept and washed the kitchen floor - by hand - this morning and let me tell you... there is nothing more rewarding then seeing the fruit of your labor sitting there all purty in the counter.  A job well done.

Now.  On for the eating of it over the next year or so.

Speaking of eating.  I'm mentally preparing dinner in my head, right now...

Today is Scott's 38th Birthday- again!

{{Read Here!}} 
Last year, when I originally wrote this post.  I posted that Scott had turned 38.   Duh!
And, he won't let me live it down. Of course, I corrected myself.  But, everything I wrote in that post is still true... and more.  Isn't it wonderful that is truly does get sweeter and sweeter as the years go by?

Happy Birthday, Honey!!  I love you.

PS:  I think it's cute how you are "so proud" of me and all of this applesauce makin' , I did, yesterday. {snicker} Thanks!  And thank-you, too, for getting up with the baby, last night, as you knew I was plum worn out.  Babe, you're the best!

Around the Homestead :: A ~ Z | The letter C

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Recently, I introduced the photography theme I've decided to challenge myself with.  I decided to call it:

Around the Homestead :: A ~ Z

Using my camera, I've decided to capture the letters of the alphabet - around the farm, where we live - in hopes to make a photo collage for our landlord and his wife, as a gift. We'll see how it all turns out.

So far, so fun!

If you know our house... our front porch... you would see the "C"!

See ya later.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

Precious

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Just having lots of fun with sweet baby Jayne.

::: :: :::

I know a lot of you already saw this photo on FB, the other day, or on the sideline photos of my blog here.  But, I couldn't think of anything else I'd rather share with you today.

A photo of my precious little one.

She is becoming such a real doll baby.  She smiles, coos, starting to laugh and "talk".

Now.
If only she'd let me sleep - all night long. 

Another growth spurt??

Japanese Chicken

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Seriously.  This has got to be my new love!  Although, I'm still trying to figure out why it's called Japanese Chicken?  It's more like a really good homemade version of General Tso's Chicken...which wouldn't that be Chinese?  Nonetheless...you've got to give this a try.  It's so good.

Japanese Chicken

2 lbs. chicken pieces (skinless, boneless breasts or thighs, cut in half or in small pieces) **

Flour

Garlic Salt

Seasoned Salt

Paprika

Mix flour and seasonings (to taste) into large Ziploc bag and shake chicken pieces into it to coat.

Brown on both sides in a skillet.  Drain. (I used peanut oil.  Delish!)

Place chicken in a 9x 13" pan.  (Or, use your Medium Bar Pan from Pampered Chef.)

Boil together - just till sugar melts.

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

3 T. soy sauce

1/2 cup water

1/2 tsp. salt

I reserved 2T. of liquid and stirred in 2 tsp. of cornstarch.. then.returned it to the liquid to thicken up.

I also sprinkled red pepper flakes and sesame seeds - to taste.  Both of those - a must!

Pour over chicken.  Bake uncovered at 350* for 45 minutes.  Occasionally baste chicken with sauce while baking.

Serve with rice, if desired.

** This past summer we bought a case of boneless, skinless chicken thighs.  It's been so nice to have a chicken like this in the freezer.  I'm always thrilled to find quick, easy recipes to put to good use for meals like this one.

"I thank my God every time I remember you."

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This lovely gift was addressed to Baby Jayne - it came in the mail a couple of days ago.  All handmade gifts so sweet - and completely a labor of love. 

:: From Jenn ::

 Sent all the way to us, from Michigan.  Thank you, my friend!

******

This next surprise came to us this past Saturday.  Aubrey couldn't wait to rip into the box.  She had her scissors out and everything.  She figured out and ripped the card right off the front of the box - which happened to be held on with packing tape.  It's good she ripped it off, Amanda.  I might not have realized it truly was a card in there...and not just the address label.  (smile)

:: These are only just a few of the gift items that came from Amanda and her sweet family - who spoiled this family with their lovin' on us.  All the way from Virginia.  Thank You!! ::

***

Which all of this made me think of a verse from the Proverbs.

"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed".

 ~ Proverbs 11:25

I was trying to think how I could possibly tie all of this into my gratitude post today (meant to be Monday) ... and here is how I think it will be... first let me share another verse with you from Philippians 1: 3, which reads...

"I thank my God every time I remember you."

I've decided to add YOU into the list...because it's true.  When you come to mind, I am so grateful for the way you matter to me; the blessing you are; the gift you'll remain to be.  Here is my disclaimer:  Regrettably, I KNOW I'm liable to miss someone - so in a sense this list includes you (my friend) whether you're name is listed or not. :) 

In no particular order... adding you to the list of One Thousand Gifts!

# 521. Rachelle N. ~ all around gracious way about her

#522. Amiee W. ~ contagious gift of laughter - forever friend

#523. Amanda H. ~ the sweetest neighbor anyone could have - true blessing!

# 524. Hayley W. ~ fun, sarcastic sense of humor - "great mom" example

#525. Becky L. ~ her words are truly seasoned with salt... great gift of encouragement

#526. Gail R. ~ well-rounded; talented and gifted in so many ways.  I love her humble heart - her "easy to come" tears.

#527. Jenn B. ~ a wonderful example in mothering from afar...truely inspirational

#528. Amanda C. ~ the sweetest southeren soul I know. truely amazing person.

# 529. Susie K. ~ her smile!  no matter what she's smiling. author, speaker, mother of nine... amazing woman!

#530. Denise P. ~ true picture of joy - endurance through it all.

#531. Christine G. ~ another blessing from afar.  constantly encouraging me

#532. Stacy S. ~ I love her "mothering" style - friendly, full of life, an artist

#533. Kristy H. ~ true servant heart - one who'll go above and beyond.  love you!!!!

#534. Deb S. ~ soft spokeness - another servant heart

#535. Gwen K. ~ true inspiration...an amazing "mom-example"

#536. Mitzi H. ~ talk about loyalty...this gal is it! great example of deep, faithful friendship.  I love you, my friend!

#537. Jayme G. ~ this gal keeps me in stitches

#538. Monica W. ~ one who inspired me to blog in the first place... this gal just is full of creativity, inspiration and honesty

#539. Lindsay O. ~ beautiful creative spirit about her... full of poise and humility. 

#540. Chris Ann S. ~ who has recently walked some rough roads and who reminds me to pray... for her and others.

#541. Mindy P. ~ another blessing from far away.  great spiritual insight and full of encouragement.

# 542. Jen F. ~ what's not to love about this gal? ... full of life, highly motivated and talented. 

# 543. Liana R. ~ young teenage gal - her helping hands...an extreme blessing. thank you!

***

Oh my word... I could go on and on.  I hope you know my heart that I would want to include many, many more of you beautiful people in my life.  But at least you know how thankful I am to God for you. 

Blessings! right back at ya.

Around the Homestead :: A ~ Z | The letter B

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The other day I introduced the photography theme I've decided to challenge myself with.  I decided to call it:
Around the Homestead :: A ~ Z

Using my camera, I've decided to capture the letters of the alphabet - around the farm, where we live - in hopes to make a photo collage for our Landlord and his wife as a gift.  We'll see.

The letter "B" was found out on the old green gate leading out to the cow pasture.  One of the black cows was standing behind the gate and I thought "how perfect" to really distingish this letter.

The only drawback for me with this photo is that I had to rotate it... in order for this letter to look right.  And looking at it now - I should've taken the time to crop it a bit. 

It's probably driving all my photography friends "B" for bonkers.

****

Happy Weekend to you all!!

A good day? Sure. Why not.

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Today was a good one... as all days should be... but sadly, not all of them are.  Or at least I don't see them as "all good".
 It was good in that today I found some peace and quiet amidst the chaos of it all.  Yes!  There was lots of that chaotic-ness going on (at least around here)... and I was about ready to tear my hair out. Seriously.

It started out taking Caleb to school, this morning.  Wait.  The hour before leaving the house was/is always the worse, just with trying to get every one's ducks in a row and out the door and stuff.  About 20-30 minutes of being back at home and getting settled in to just "me and the girls", for the next two hours... the phone rings.

"Come get your son.  We think he might have pink-eye?"  What I think may be/is still allergies... but oh well.  So, off we go to go get Caleb from school.  The thing is.  I thought for sure that I had covered all of my bases.  Drops in the eye, allergy med and a pain reliever med. 

We ran a few more errands before returning home - again.

Only to"quickly" get a meal together for a family from our church.  Eventually, we get ourselves out the door for that run.  Wait.  Before we get out the door - The phone rings.  Apples are here, could I go and pick them up?  Sure.  I'll do that, too, while I'm out.  Wait.  Before I truly head out the door... there is a knock.  Friends stopped by with a gift for Jayne.  They help to haul my kids to the van...only to have it start RAINING like a large mama cow pissin' on a flat rock.  Did I just write that?  Yes, i did. 

It was really raining.  Then hailing.  And, windy too!!!!

We start to drive.  All of a sudden, the skies begin to clear and it's beautiful. The children are now fast asleep. Yes! All three of them.  And.  I'm beginning to sense a calm to flood my soul.  I am wishing though that I had my camera along.  I just kept seeing all of this intense beauty.  Everywhere I turned.   Actually I was wishing more that I could simply photograph with my eyes.  You know?  Wouldn't that be cool?  Just look at something and snap! a photo would be taken... to perhaps, make it last longer?  I don't know...

I'm hearing light snores coming from the seat behind me.  That is beautiful, too.


I do turn on the radio.  It's one of my most favorite talk-show hosts talking with a well-known Christian author about his new book release.  I miss most of the discussion... but catch this part.

"The child you grew up being is the person you still are".
He went on to say, that if all you hear as a child (growing up - those foundational years) is negativity, criticism, and condemnation - then you're going to really start believing that about yourself and from out of you will be that "spirit" or way about you.  (I'm totally paraphrasing- what I heard).

But.  Its true.

The author went on to say that, or rather to remind us that, Scripture tells us to "Train up - a child".  Not to "train down" - which is what so many of us do.  It reminded me of THIS.  We think that if we can "break them down" then they'll be obedient, respectful, and "perfect" little children, etc.  But...NO!  Parents are to parent with vices of encouragement, building up and loving {them} with the demonstration of humility as number one.  (again totally paraphrasing).

I sighed.  I cried.  I tried to process all of this, in the silences... as I continued to drive around this afternoon.  I know I totally fail in this area as a mom. ((You should hear me. Some days/moments - I can sound pretty rough.)) 

I was feeling like it ALL was a gift - from God.  A blessed moment to take in.  I needed this drive.  I needed to hear this man speak. I needed to see all this beauty - after this rainstorm had gone through.  I needed to see the day unfolding - like it was.  I needed to just let go and let God - get real with me.  Because, He cares!!

***

After an hour and a half or so of driving around to deliver this meal and to pick up two-bushel of apples; seeing the vibrancy of colors on display with the grey-blue storm-skies as a backdrop... we get back home in time to start making our own dinner.  The phone begins to ring again (off the hook), the kids are H.Y.P.E.R. (still)...the baby needs to be fed...the house looks like the storm came through at full speed - indoors.  I welcome my hubby home with a deep sigh, of relief?  We eat... oven baked beef stew and biscuits.

Later.  Someone ends up with a bloody nose.  Let's just say Caleb and Aubrey....well...

you fill in the blank. 

And it isn't long before I hear heavy, "heavy" snoring from the entire family.   Beautiful.

And...ahhh!  There is calm to this chaotic-ness once more.  I still have hair on my head.  Dishes are done.  The house picked up.  Yup!!  Today was good...

Beautiful, too?  Sure.  Why not.

**These photos are from a different {good} day.

Coming up Empty

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You know...all summer long this planter sat out on our outside porch table waiting to get filled with something.  At first I thought about growing herbs in it or some beautiful flowering plants.  I thought about using it to house Citronella Candles. But with all of that... nothing came of it, nor went into it.

Nothing but empty.

You know?  Good intentions are just that.  Good intentions. 

But...Do you know what I'm doing today?

Making good on my intentions from a couple of weeks ago.

I don't know if you remember me saying about needing to be going through the kids clothes closets and drawers and changing them out for the season... getting rid of and passing off stuff.

Well.

Today is the day.

The older two kiddo's are at Grandma Rhoda's today - Jayne is here with me - and we're having a grand ole time.  We're emptying out bins...filling up 'trash' bags of clothing...getting ready to haul it off to whomever and wherever.

***

::: :: :::  Excuse me... I hear a knock at the door!  ::: :: :::

***

{laughing}

I'm back.

That was an old neighbor of ours who stopped by with a HUGE bag/basket full of clothes.

Wondering if I could use them he says, "It's the change of seasons, you know.  We're just going through my kids stuff - emptying out - and if think you'd want to go through this - you're welcome to it.".

I say he came by on the right day. 

Funny thing is.  I was just thinking about this old neighbor of ours as most of the clothes I'm going through for Caleb is from this guy and his young son, from two years ago's hand-off.

Too funny.

Even more funnier, in my opinion, is that this post did not turn out the way I had originally intended.

I kept coming up empty for words.

I decided to leave it alone for a couple of days and well today was the day it came to you as it has.

Hope you enjoyed.

Bloom

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Remember this post ~ Button Love?

Go ahead.  Love the season that you're in... bloom! where you're planted.  May it be with buttons...

Over the Moon - moments

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It was a pleasant surprise this morning!  I was up (again) with Jayne, this time at 5:00am - ish!  I'm not exactly sure - I'm still half-asleep at those "feeding" times. This morning was different.  Since it was 5-ish and Jayne had fallen back to sleep pretty quickly...I decided to crash on the couch until it was really time for me to get up.  However, just through the living room window was the most brightest of night-lights - the moon!

The small jars I have lined up along the top of the window were glistening.  Soaking up and collecting the very essence of moon-shine?  If I only I could have bottled it up. 

I got back up to find my camera.  I tried to take a photo of it indoors to capture what I was seeing...but that was a joke.  So... I went outdoors.  It wasn't the same, but in it's own right it was just as magical.  I don't know if I've ever taken a photo of the moon like this one.

Of course.  I feel as though I've been having my own Ann moment, if you will.  Because this going outside thing reminded me of something...years ago.

For those of you who have read her book - One Thousand Gifts - you'll remember the chapter where she talks in great length of her "given chase to the moon". 

{Interjection here:  To the ladies, who might be reading this, who sat around my dining room table the other Saturday morning - as we discussed this very chapter. I'm sorry...I didn't share this story with you all. I kinda forgot about it. Oops!}

***

Back in my teen years... I used to chase the moon, too.  Why?  I don't know...

There were many a night when I would slip out - my parents and siblings all asleep in their beds - just  to sit out there under the moon beams and the stars and enjoy this quiet time with the Lord; to reflect; to pray; to speak aloud the thoughts, dreams and notions that were mine.  All mine, for me and my future. 

I'd go down by the outskirts of the apple orchard - down by and under the big ole oak tree or was it the maple?  We sure had some wonderful trees, growing up.  On these full moon nights I'd always take my journal  outdoors with me - but I still couldn't quite see well enough to write anything down, yet it was comforting to have it along. 

I like how Ann describes herself as a "hunter trying to capture", the moon, with her camera.  Though none of the shots taken are right.  Enough. Especially for {this} hunter.

 She goes on to say...

"What is this that I feel sitting here, coursing through me relentless, hot, ardent? 

I have to seek God beauty.  Because isn't my internal circuitry wired to seek out something worthy of worship?  Every moment I live, I live bowed to something.  And if I don't see God, I'll bow down before something else.

Is worship why I've run for the moon?  Not for lunar worship, but for True Beauty worship, worship of Creator Beauty Himself.  God is present in all the moments, but I do not deify the wind in the pines, the snow falling on the hemlocks, the moon over harvested wheat.  Pantheism, seeing the natural world as divine, is a very different thing than seeing Divine God present in all things.  I know it here kneeling, the twilight to still: nature is not God but God revealing the weight of Himself, all the glory, through the looking glass of nature." 

I, too, can remember the feeling of not wanting to leave the moment, to go back indoors.  The moment and feeling I got - from over the moon. 

#506. "flowers for you"

#507. chocolate chips by the handful

#508. "skippering", swirling, rustling leaves

#509. floating, gliding bird on wing

#510. tall stately oak trees

#511. gnarled old maples

#512. corn fields brown and ready to harvest

#513. red barns

#514. bumble bee on a roadside flowering weed  - not a care in the world

#515. woodsmoke filtering through the air

#516. beautiful sunset - one even the kids oohed and awed over

#517. just being together

#518. Caleb "back to school" - after a couple of sick days

#519. moon beams, all shining

#520. holding hands - while driving down the road or before falling off to sleep - because we still do!

Around the Homestead :: A ~ Z | The letter A

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Look closely. Can you see the letter A here in this photo?

It's been on my mind - ever since last fall - to do an Alphabet Photo/collage of and from things around the "homestead", here where we live.

Introducing
Around the Homestead :: A ~ Z
I've been finding it to be a personal challenge of sorts.  And, loving it!

I'll admit it has taken quite a bit of imagination and yet other times a letter will just pop up out of nowhere - right in front of my nose.  Obviously one's interpretation - meaning my own - will most likely be different then someone else's - meaning yours. ;)

***

So, come along for the challenge, if you dare.  I'll be sharing my photos with you as they come.

Faith soars on high...

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Oh my!  I am sweetly overwhelmed...

It was a day of surprise and blessing mixed with a couple of anxious thoughts and notions about nothing.  You know the kind.

I found myself praying.  The kind of prayer that has been the same.  Over and over.

"Lord, I have nothing to say - or at least it seems like it.  Do I really bless?  Am I one of influence?"

As I thumbed through the pages of my Bible... I was looking for a hand-written note, located in the side-line margin - somewhere, but where?  It was a poem about Doubt vs. Faith.  I wanted to reread it.  I needed to "hear it".  I couldn't find it.

I began scrolling through back blog posts - thinking maybe I had posted it somewhere, once before.

You see.  Like I had said - I've had this common theme running through my prayers particularly when it comes to blogging.
 I know this is something that the Lord has "called me to".
A way to be a woman of influence; an encourager. 
However, there are many, many days when it's intimidating, shallow, empty, non-encouraging...mostly on my end - coming from me.  I'm sure.

I was encouraged rereading my own  words.  Almost like "I actually wrote this stuff?"

I found God's Faithfulness - in encouraging me.




Especially when I read this post... Help me!

And then this one... Just clinging.

Strange how the Lord really was encouraging me to keep on keeping on. 

Then I went ahead and let myself have a good cry.

{you'll almost have to take the time to reread these posts yourself, to understand my thought-journey here}


Oh yeah, I also found the words I was looking for - hand written in the margin of my Bible -
(right by Isaiah 45:2-3 - which are great, great verses of promise and encouragement.)

Doubt sees the obstacles,
Faith sees the way.
Doubt sees the darkest night,
Faith sees the day.
Doubt dreads to take a step,
Faith soars on high.
Doubt questions, "who believes?"
Faith answers, "I".

::: :: :::

As I went to caregroup last evening.  I was able to share {most} of this with a dear friend of mine.

So encouraging .... for both of us.

::: :: :::
Guess what song we sang as part of worship during caregroup?

Yup! you guessed it.

Great is thy Faithfulness.

Ramblings of the Uninspired

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Oh hello... come on in!  I had a feeling you might stop by today!

I just put on the coffee because, it's on the chillier side of sorts and though I'd love to sit on the front porch to enjoy a bit of sunshine and chat with you today - it's got that nip out there - the kind that just calls for you to come on indoors and done a pair of fuzzy socks and grab a warm cup of something in hand. 

Besides, it was raining earlier this morning and you know, as much as I love me a rainy day... I'd rather cozy it up indoors.  So, come on in.

  Wait.  I want to show you something first.  Step back outside a minute. 

I was given a couple of little orange pumpkins the other day.  They look so fall-ish and festive sitting here in front of this galvanized bucket.  Of course you can't see them - since I took this photo before they arrived - but I wanted you to know they were here.  I am just loving me this fall weather.  October has just come upon us so quickly... dontcha think?  Like as in where did September go?  But, that's okay... I am certainly not complaining.

And you can't see them - but just down the flower bed, and around the corner, from these gorgeous beauties are my green bean plants, pepper plants and tomatoes that are pretty much over.  It's time to rip them out and throw them over the fence to the cows... and let them mama's finish them off.

My sister, Lorene, was over the other day.  I asked her to run on down the edge of the field and to "not be shy" about picking some of this goldenrod.  I thought it looked pretty sitting in this old feed bucket that I found out in the shed - sometime over the summer.  What do you think?  Look nice?

Okay, come on in... here, I'll hold the door for you. 

Yup! I know... you're smelling that fine sharp smell of the best pumpkin cake- evah! baking in the oven!!  It's almost ready to come out and sorry! - you can't have any of it.

Isn't that really mean of me?  Inviting you into my home for coffee, but no cake.

  I'm making it to send to dear friends of ours who just welcomed their newborn daughter home from the hospital last evening.  Little Elizabeth is just a long but oh such a wonderful story... we're so glad she's home!

***

So, have you been noticing the fall foliage popping out everywhere you look?  Around here, it's displaying itself everywhere and it's very beautiful too.

I was looking out of my sewing room window the other day and just had to take a photo of pop of color coming from across the cow pasture.  A zoomed up photo makes it look like it was raining pretty hard, doesn't it?  I don't think it was...

Have I had a chance to sew yet - you ask? 

I wish. 

There have been a few late nights recently where if Jayne has already settled and is sleeping... that I've been quite tempted to get in there.  However, usually I've been finding myself catching up with other stuff that needs attention around here.

Things such as the dinner dishes, tidying up around the house, laundry to fold (and or put away), budgeting or if I'm really good ... I'll go and catch up on my own sleep... by hitting the pillow early.  When Jayne was first born and home from the hospital, I would do that.  Go to bed when she did...I felt like I had the bestest, longest hours of sleep ever.  Not so much anymore and you know what?  She's been waking up more frequently through the night.  I don't know... maybe it's another growth spurt.  At her last weight check/dr. visit she weighed 10lbs, 5oz. 

"Nice apples", you say, as we sit down at my kitchen island to pour ourselves another cup of "talk". 

Yeah!  "The boys" had such fun at Tabora Farms yesterday. 

Lots of stories and certainly a neat perspective from my husband's point of view.

I knew he (Scott) would have fun going along.

And...obviously, by the photo, pears were bought as well as some nice Apple Cider.

Oh, maybe you would like a glass of that?  It's very tasty...

Enough about me, now what about you?  And why in the world do I keep noticing you glance at the clock?  Are you trying to go somewhere?  By the way... I was going to ask you this before you leave... What are some of the fall ideas you have for you and your home throughout the month of October?

  Do you have any new recipes to share or that you like to prepare this time of year?

Well... I really shouldn't keep you.  If you must go.

I hope the rest of your week is wonderful.  Come over again - please!! 

It's always a pleasure having you here.  I hope we didn't give you anything.  It seems like we all have slightly sore throats, coughing or watery eyes.  yikes!!

I call this out to you as your walking back out our sidewalk...

And, what are you making for dinner tonight?

I need some inspiration.