Apples, Pumpkins and Kids OH MY!

Crisp autumn days are here at last!  A respite from the heat of summer.  Chilly fall nights are so great, when curled up with a book and cup of apple cider!!  Fall has always been my very favorite time of year.  Especially here in UT where the four seasons are so evident.  The mountains are a glorious riot of color.  It almost looks like they are on fire!  Brilliant Reds, vivid oranges and yellow so bright it almost hurts.  Fall is also a time of reflection for me.  The beauty of watching nature get ready for it's long winter's nap, makes me, melancholoy.  I get homesick for the south and my family there.  Soon the trees will be bare and snow will blanket the ground.  And in my mind I see green, green trees lining skinny little winding roads through the hills.  Dirt that is so red, you can never get it out of the knees of your jeans.  And lakes and rivers that actually look like lakes and rivers.  Not ponds and streams.  That is home in my head.  People talk slower and open doors for you.  They actually drive the speed limit too.  It is a place of laid back, rest your cares and let's talk over a big cold glass of tea kind of place.  There are times I really miss it.  Yet, in my heart I know that Utah is home.  With skies so blue it doesn't seem real.  Mountains so majestic it makes your heart ache.  And sunsets so beautiful...it makes you cry.  Just to be a part of this beautiful world... 

Yes, in my heart, I am home.  Crisp apples in hand, watching the sun sink into the mountains...and one by one little pinpoints of light brighten the darkness.  The milky way curving it's way across the night sky. There is a chill in the air that soon will be downright cold.  Snuggled with my kiddos under a blanket in our jammies reading, laughing and just hanging out together.  Life is so good.  So, good.  At home.  It is said that home is where the heart is.  This place stole into my heart and became home to me.

I know! I know...

It has been far too long.  I know!  It is busy here!! Come over and see.  Really!

We celebrated Sam's birthday.  Yes.  Yes, we did.  It was awesome.  With cake, a helmet and everything.  Helmet you ask?  Yup.  We got him a ski helmet for his adventures in the snow.  It is for jumping off cliffs and stuff.  On skis.  Yes, he is crazy.  

In other news... the transmission fell out of our truck.  So guess what is strung across the garage.  That is right.  Transmission stuff.  Sam is trying to rebuild it himself.  He can do it.  I am not worried!  It is so great that he has the skill, knowledge and ability to do these things!  I love that man!

Also, we took family pictures this past week.  It is unreal how much the kids have grown this past year.  Crazy.  Hopefully I can get them posted for you to enjoy as well!

Fall is totally here.  Cool nights.  Warm, Sunny days.  Ah.  My favorite time of year.  Makes me want to bake.  Pumpkin bread, chocolate chip cookies, apple cider.  Mmmmmm, delicious!!!  We have already made some caramel to dip the fresh apples in.  We picked peaches Sunday and I hope to make a pie today!  Fall harvest, pretty much rocks.  =)

Looking to our Flag

The American Flag has always stirred something inside me.  Even as a child, I can remember staring at the flag against a bright blue sky and feeling...well, patriotic.  Grandfathers on both sides of my family have served and fought in wars.  As 9/11 approaches I have really been pondering what good I have done for my country.  Although, I am not a soldier, do not carry a gun, or risk my life to defend, honor and uphold God and country... I am making a difference.  One child at a time.  One life at a time.  It is my hope that my gratitude bleeds over into all those I come in contact with.  With all the war, sadness and depression in this world there is much to be thankful for.  That is where Light comes in.  In opposition to war is peace.  Joy in your heart.  Gratitude to a soldier.  It is so hard for me not to hug a soldier in uniform!  When I see them in the store I get a lump in my throat.  My desire is so strong to do MORE.  Then I remember that the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world.  Mothers, do not doubt your ability to raise good people.  The world needs them in every capacity.  Soldiers, teachers, workers, builders, preachers, people who inspire and uplift this weary world.  And everyone of them has a Mother.  Be kind to your children.  Be loving to your spouse.  Share a smile with a stranger.  We can make a difference.  By spreading light.  I encourage you to read, study and pray how you can bless the lives of those around you.  I still pray for those whose lives changed on 9/11.  All of us were changed, but some lost everything.  I think about them nearly every day.  So many lives lost.  Our soldiers continue to give their lives... let us give them hope.  Be the change YOU wish to see in the world.  It all starts with you.  As for me.... well.  My colors are flying high and free thanks to those who DO defend our freedom.  May God bless them all.  Wherever they may be.  Thank you.  Freedom is never free.

If you find the chance, look up Operation Bandanas.  It is a non-profit organization that sends bandanas to the soldiers deployed all over the world with Psalm 91 on them.  Soldiers wear these beneath their helmets, and many simply fold them and keep them in the pocket over their heart.  It is a poignant reminder that God is watching over us all.  If you are able to make a contribution it is greatly appreciated.

Psalm 91

 1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, andfrom the noisome pestilence.

 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for thedestruction that wasteth at noonday.

 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Really? *Warning, RANT ahead...*

When kids are throwing up they should stay home.  Our cousins showed up for camping sick.  Knew they were sick and came anyway.  Seriously?  Who drives FOUR hours with 5 kids who are sick?  Just to turn around the NEXT day because ALL OF THEM ARE PUKING!  GRRRRRRR.  Guess who is sick now?  My kids.  All of them.  Sam is still hunting in the mountains 4 hours away.  I have a love/hate relationship with cousins, camping and hunting.  And I really, really, REALLY hate it when people are so inconsiderate.  Well, I am off for a date with my bleach bottle.

Tip...
When you are sick.  Stay home.
We don't want it.
Really.
Thanks.

The first two weeks and camping...

We are settling into a routine, if that is what you call it... I prefer craziness!!  School schedules are finally settled and everyone seems to be happy with what they are doing.  Riley is in football and had his first game of the season last night.  It is such a struggle to get him to practice and games, but, I know it is worth it.  He really, really loves it.  He has more heart on that football field than I could have ever imagined a 13 year old could have... He will be 14 in a week.  Is taller than me, and soon will outweigh me too.  The changes he has gone through this past summer have been obvious.  He is maturing...( well as much as any boy can at this age) and being more responsible.  It is wonderful to watch him suffer growing pains as he grows into himself.  Katie is loving orchestra and drama.  Katie, drama?  Same sentence, yes.  My little shy girl LOVES drama.  Who knew?  She is rocking out on her cello...which sounds much less squeaky than a violin.  Listening to a child learn the violin is like scratching your fingernails down a chalkboard.  Listening to a child learn the cello...is kind of like a bad cookie.  And we all know that bad cookies don't exists.  She has grown so much.  She is turning into a beautiful young woman.  If I could only get her to see that...  She is taller than me too.  *sigh*  The scary part is she is all legs.  ALL LEGS.  She has the longest legs I have ever seen.  ( Well besides Sam's...)  She really is growing up.  She of course still spends a lot of time reading and writing.  Now if she would only let us read what she writes.  That leads us to Ellie.  Our personal sunshine has been kinda pouty.  Hopefully it is just a stage and she will get over herself.  She was super excited to test into gifted math...surprise!, Not.  Math is still her favorite subject with science a very close second.  She made a salt dough map of Utah this week.  And painted it too.  Along with her clothes and face and arms and...you get the picture. Most of herself along with it.  It's awesome.  We are trying to find her a piano teacher.   She is ready to get back to a creative outlet.  She has been playing alot on her own and finally came and asked to have lessons.

As I type this, Sam has them all packed up with horses, bells and whistles to go camping in Boulder.  Labor day weekend is always a fun time for them.  They ride the horses, camp, eat junk and hang out.  Sam gets to hang out on the side of a mountain and try to shoot things.  *sigh*  And clear his mind.  This is a time of reflection for him.  Fall always is, for both of us.  I am trying to see the good in everything.  There is a lot going on right now and we are simply trusting the Lord's plan for us.  Sam shattered his elbow about 3 weeks ago, his grandmother died, and I am having some health issues too.  We will get through and be better for it.  All I know, is, I love that man.  LOVE!  He is everything I wish I could be. He makes me a better person simply by allowing me to be in his life.  So together we keep holding onto each other and to the Lord.  When the storm clouds clear away...a perfect rainbow will be on the other side.  Can't wait to see you there!!!

A new school year

Tomorrow is a big day!  The first day of school for the 2011-2012 school year.  The kids are fluctuating between excitement and disappointment.  It is tough for us to get up early and get out the door.  We are all night owls by nature...  Yet, the lure of books, friends and lockers seem to make it more promising!  Riley and Katie will both be in Jr. High this year.  Which means more extracurricular activities and money and time.  Riley is playing football again and loving it!  Katie is the proud owner of a new cello!  Ellie is going into 4th grade and is looking forward to spending time doing more math.  (weird, I know...but that kid LOVES math)

Three fully loaded backpacks are sitting by the door.  Three lunches are packed with love and care.  Three kiddos are tucked safely in bed with dreams of schoolbooks dancing in their head...

A beautiful reminder that this life is so much more than it appears to be.