Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Pumpkin Patch

I am so grateful that my girls love traditions as much as I do.

September is apple picking and October is picking a pumpkin.

It's all about a cool crisp day.

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And the hayride.

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It's all about the bumpy ride down the hill from the farm to the pumpkin patch.

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It's holding hands

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and walking around

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It's about knowing that they used to be little - and for a second, just one, wishing they were still.

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Being out there every October rings joy-bells in my heart.

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Yes, there's just something, something about the pumpkin patch.

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We size it up

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and buy some cookies right there for the evening at home.

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Another memory tucked away.


Friday, October 25, 2019

Where I've Been

It's been a while - where HAVE I been? Teaching mostly. I've changed so many things up this year and I'm in love with the new ways I've been doing things. Other than being in room 124 from 8am to 4pm and working all evening when Abigail is doing homework.. this is what I've been up to:

Mothering --

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Brunching --

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Falling --

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Cozying --

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Porching --

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Tuesday, October 15, 2019

A Delicious Homemade Pumpkin Latte

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First fire in the fireplace

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A little October gift for guests

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We have the most amazing bagel store near our house

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Whenever we have kids (including teens) over for brunch - besides all of the yummy brunch type food (bacon, quiche, french toast) I love to have out these little boxes of cereal - so fun!

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I served apple crisp tea.

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And a new recipe - I love to make a yummy, seasonal hot beverage: this was the pumpkin spice latte and you've GOT to make one! Fall in a cup!

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1. Mix together 2 heaping tablespoons of canned pumpkin, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.

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2. Into each large mug put the mixed pumpkin mix (above) I like to heat the mugs first with boiling water and then dump the water out. Heating the mugs makes all the difference.

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3. Fill the mug halfway with coffee.

4. Fill to the top with hot milk, whisk.

5. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

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Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Just This Week ~ and it's only wednesday

It's Wednesday at 9 am. There is no school because it's a Jewish holiday. That part is good. It's one of my favorite fall weather days. Cool, really cool and rainy. I love when I get to be home all day when it's rainy out.

Except

that there's a huge garbage can in my family room. Because on Monday afternoon we came home to rain coming down through the ceiling. There was a drip or two a year ago and Scott patched the roof. But I guess it's not enough. Yes, the whole ceiling is ruined and we will be replacing the roof (if only we can get someone out to take a look at it and give us a quote). All I can think about are the holiday and how I want this done - like now.

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On the same day...

I got a call from the school nurse that Abigail closed her fingers in her locker. Not broken, but bruised.

On the same day...

I finally couldn't ignore, "mama my toe really is starting to hurt". So I finally took a look and on my golly, I don't know anything about toes but that thing is infected. Off to Urgent Care we go. Antibiotics, draining it, on and on.

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All the while...

my husband is running a 60 million dollar school renovation and running the school in a high performing district. Lots of night meetings and me "running the show" at night as we call it on nights when he's not home.

And still...

I am teaching 4th grade - teaching my heart out - writing my beginning of the year goals - oh the paperwork.

Even just now...

Scott walked in from the doctor trying to get blood work done for Abigail which was 'fasting blood work' which we didn't know needed to be done before 9am, and they were there right after 9am.

This week (and we're only 3 days in) is reminding me again that I need to trust God. And that having all of my circumstances all perfect - teaching in a sweet school, having Scott home right away each afternoon, having no health announces to have to handle... having all of those circumstances all perfect is unsustainable and impractical and not real.

But truly, the Word says (Proverbs 3:5-6) when I "lean on, trust in, and am confident in the Lord with all my heart and mind and do not rely on my own understanding. And when in all my ways I acknowledge Him, He will direct and make straight and plain my paths."

In every situation (like this week so far) and when I'm hurt, or tired, or anxious, or stressed-out, or scared, or upset - the greatest words I can say are "God, I trust you."

I am a believer and God has simply called me to trust and believe that He has my best in mind and that He is working for my good! When I believe it releases tremendous peace in my life. It is in the believing that joy and peace comes. (Romans 15:13) May the God of your hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing .