pumpkin time

So it wasn't midnight, but the process from pumpkin to pie was fun.

Thankful

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I will list some of the things I am most thankful for:

• for a large, loud, fun family
• for friends in all corners of the world
• for people that believe as I do
• for a crackling fire on a cold night
• for health and strength
• for flowers and the promise of beauty in our growing bulbs
• that I will never reach the end of knowledge and understanding
• God’s patient working in me
• the many freedoms I still enjoy
• the internet
• music
• running water
• great teachers
• communication

Thanksgiving

It's that wonderful time of year again when we enjoy great food and celebrate family and freedom. This year could have been one of the best Thanksgivings to date, had Elissa been here (we miss you). Dad made a fabulous spread as usual and we sat around the table as a family, recounting God's blessings and the events that stood out to us individually. This is the highlight of our holiday and it brings to our rememberance the way God is always at work in our lives, the little things that have made this year special. Mostly, I'm just thankful for my family.

baby eyes

these boots were made for splashing

I got to spend the day with my young friend Luke who I haven't seen in a while. I took care of him last year from the time he was 6 weeks old to 1 year. He has grown so much and I couldn't believe that he recognized me, but he sure seemed to. I forget how much fun toddlers are; he is just precious.
It was dark and rainy, but he wanted to splash in the puddles that were forming on his street. He has these cute froggy boots and that's just what they were intended for. Keeping up with a 19-month-old is pretty much a blur, hence the motion in these photos.

Blessed

I am truly blessed. I know this.

My mom's car proclaims this sentiment to the world and it is interesting to hear people's reactions to her license plate. One lady motioned for mom to roll down her window and frantically beckoned an imaginary wave to wash into her car. "I need some of that blessing!" she exclaimed.

The other day my mom and I went to pick up a filing cabinet I had bought and the guy said: "BLESSED, yes, I've seen you driving around."

I pray that I will be able to be more than just seen as blessed and to BE a blessing to the people I meet.

apples, apples, apples

It seems like the seasons change before you have a chance to fully appreciate them. I saw Christmas decorations going up in town today and Adri takes any occasion to remind me that Christmas is almost here. Mum and I went apple picking last week and Sunday made 101 quarts of applesauce. I just love that sticky-sweet aroma of apples cooking and am looking forward to making apple crisp. I'm happy it's still fall.