Sunday Night Breakfast

Sunday Night Breakfast is a rather common occurance at our house. After a late night chuch service (6:30-8 pm) we return home close to nine o'clock. It's really too late to eat anything heavy so breakfast often seems the perfect choice. Last night Nathan stayed for worship practice and his friend Max offered to bring him home if there might be some breakfast waiting. I smiled. "We're having French toast," I said, to which he answered "Sweet!" Last week we had eggs, bacon, and hash browns. I try to have plenty of orange juice available and sometimes they pop in a video to watch while they eat. Last night it was an old Roy Rogers movie. On those nights when I'm tired I stop to realize how quickly these days will pass and purpose to enjoy them while I can. One of my biggest fans of Sunday night breakfast moved to Minnesota last year. I'm looking forward to having him home again at Christmas and maybe he'll even be around to catch breakfast with us one Sunday night.

Tagged!!!

I was tagged by Kim.

The rules…
Find the 6th folder in your pictures directory and post the 6th photo in it.

So here are the instructions:

* Go to your sixth picture folder then pick your sixth picture.
* Pray that you remember the details.
* Post it on your blog.
* Tag 5 others, leave a comment to let them know they’ve been tagged.

(I must admit that my picture folder probably isn't in quite the order that some of yours are. I have my own "Mom's Folder" for all my stuff and decided I had to put things in order before I could figure out which picture to post, so I clicked "arrange icons by name" to find both the folder and the photo.)

These two little shacks stood on the shore of Lake Ontario about a mile north of our house. I blogged about them almost two years ago. I found it somehow comforting that they stood side by side, but in more recent days one of the buildings has disappeared. I don't know how or why but now one stands alone looking cold and lonely. One day soon I'm sure it will be gone too, maybe replaced by another edifice more stately than itself. I'm glad I took the time to stop for a quick photo nearly two years ago.

I tag... (This is the hard part!) Vicki, Gudl, Shelly, Gmj, and Della

A Rainy Kind of Day

... and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing.

Ezekiel 34:26

Yesterday was bright and sunny, a great day for walking in the orchard if one doesn't need to stay in the house with small children who are napping...

Today was a dreary rainy day but I had no small children. I decided to go out shopping. On my way to Webster I dropped My Darling off at Dave and Leta's house so he could help Dave with some home repairs. Leta had planned to go shopping too so we went out together (along with Ben and Hannah). It was a nice day in spite of the rain. We enjoyed our time together, returned a few baby things and picked up a crib mattress for the baby. After stops at Walmart, Target, and the bank, we headed for Wegman's to do a bit of grocery shopping.

Tonight I am cookin' up a pot of chili and plan to watch Ben Hur with my family. I think I will plant my rear end on the couch next to My Darling and relax for the evening.

At a Loss for Words

I'm not sure if it is my mind or my body that is tired, but I don't have much to say lately.

That's What Friends Are For

Nathan took Ben, Nick, and Caleb out bowling yesterday afternoon. When they came back we had pizza and cherry cheese pie. Afterward we took both the boys back home and retrieved Hannah from Caleb's house. She had spent the afternoon with her friend Kara. They went out shopping, had Chinese for lunch, and were playing a game of cards when we arrived. Ben and Hannah have known Caleb and Kara since they were born so it's really nice when they have a chance to catch up with each other.

Fifteen

Happy Birthday to my beautiful boy!

Today is Benjamin's fifteenth birthday. Because he was born on Veteran's Day, he always gets a day off school and a chance to get together with a friend or two. Unfortunately, his mother is a little slow when it comes to planning so, although he has a couple friends coming, I'm not sure exactly what they are going to do.

Ben was born on 11-11 at 11:13 am. The doctor asked me if I could "wait a couple minutes while he got his blue clothes". I figured I had already waited an extra week so what were a couple more minutes going to hurt. Little did I know I would miss the "magic time" by two minutes. I tried with all my might, to the point of my neck being covered with tiny red dots, but he was still two minutes late. To my relief he did not weigh 11 lbs 11 oz, just a healthy 9-12. OUCH!

A Late Bloomer and Some Birds in a Bush

I was certain all the flowers in my gardens had finished blooming long ago, but it seems a few plants are just as confused with the wacky weather as we are. Hollyhocks usually bloom in July but just the other day I found a couple of smiling flowers outside the door to my husband's shop. A few years back I had roses in the snow so I guess anything is possible.

Not far from the backdoor is a bush full of birds. It is a flowering quince which lost its leaves several weeks back. For some reason the birds find it a perfect gathering spot and often its tiny branches are full of feathered friends. If they are still I hardly notice their presence, but if one is startled the whole bunch takes off toward the barn.

If not for my furry friends, I'd set up some bird feeders and have some fun watching the birds.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.

Psalm 139:13-14

This is my new grandson! The best I can tell this ultrasound photo was taken the first week of August when he was just 20 weeks old. What an incredible picture of this sweet baby! I can hardly wait to meet him, smell his sweet baby smell, and kiss his soft baby head.

Today we had our church baby shower. It was a long and busy day but full of joy and laughter. I was blessed by all the ladies and girls who came to celebrate with Dave and Leta.

We ate lunch together (chili, corn bread, and salad), played some games, and ate cake. It was a Teddy Bear kind of picnic. There were lots of presents, of course, but mostly friends and fellowship. It was a wonderful party. (You did a great job, Bethany!)

Autumn Days

We have had a run of exceptionally good weather this past week. Sunny skies and warm temperatures prevailed making me wonder if it was truly November or if we had actually reverted back to late September. This morning an abundance of fallen leaves covered the ground and my boys were out raking again in the afternoon.

Dry, fallen leaves are wonderful! Not only do they form a gorgeous harvest carpet, but the are great for shuffling through and tossing into the air. They make lovely crinkling, crunching sounds under feet and stick on hair and clothing. We rake them into great fluffly stacks and launch ourselves through the air landing with a "ploof!" on a very soft bed. It's wonderful!

Yes, we have been blessed with an exceptional fall this year. A wonderful season to go out for a ride, wander the orchards, or simply play in the yard. Fall is still my favorite time of the year. I feel must enjoy every minute for I know the snow will soon fly and my auburn world will be traded for one laced in white.

Swiping Photos

I found this cute looking couple on Facebook and swiped their photo. Don't you think they're cute?

Someone is bound to ask me who they are... Do you think I should tell or just let them wonder?

And how about this adorable group of kiddos? Aw, why does family have to live so far away?

"Make Like a Tree...

... and leave."

What a mean thing to say but then we aren't always kind, are we? I've been thinking a little bit about President Bush and how so many people are quite anxious to see him move out of the White House to make room for Mr. Obama and "Change". Lots of folks are very upset with how Mr. Bush has run the country the past eight years but I can't for the life of me see anything he is totally responsible for that is so deserving of their disdain. I for one would like to thank him for keeping watch over our country since 9-11, for standing firm on Christian values, and for not giving up as the pressures have mounted. Maybe living five miles from a boarder nuclear power plant makes me think a little more about terrorists. Call me foolish and naive but I am proud to have had him as our President.

Moving Forward

The elections are over and life goes on. Hopefully things don't change too much in the days to come. I'm not quite sure what change people are looking for and am a bit wary of the change that may be in store.

Josh came to visit today so we took some pictures. This morning we played toys, old toys, because they're the best. I found these two school buses on ebay. I think they're wonderful!

This afternoon we went outside for some fresh air, sunshine, and leaves. We took a walk around the yard and stopped across the street to say hello to "Grandpa Bob".


When we came back Nathan was raking leaves. Josh helped by walking through and sitting in the pile. Of course he had a little help getting in there

Aside from a ball, Josh's favorite thing is sticks. He wants to be a hockey player like his daddy when he grows up so he got in a bit of practice with the leaf rake.

Once in a great while I catch Josh with a smile on his face. He's usually too quick for the camera, but I got him this time.

Oh, and it was great weather for my little sister's fortieth birthday! Hope it was a great one, Rachel!

I Have Elected...

In honor of Election day, this morning I elected to go shopping. On the way home I stopped to pick up Troy at preschool. It was a busy place filled with polling booths and voters. It is not my polling place, although it once was. I did not intended to take a nap today but after reading a book to Troy, I could not keep my eyes open. I elected to take a nap. When my small boy left for home I elected to walk back into the orchard and find some of those 20 ounce apples James and I spotted on Sunday. They make great pies and seeing as the trees have already been picked over and abandoned until next year, I elected to redeem some for baking. Hannah was elected to accompany me on my venture. Before supper James, Nathan, and I elected to exercise our right to vote. We stood in line for a short time, chatted with our neighbor, spent a moment behind a short curtain, and returned home to eat. I elected to make spaghetti tonight. When the dishes were done I eleceted to assemble two apple pies and store them away in my freezer until my son returns home for Christmas. The family is watching a DVD. We have elected not to torture ourselves by watching the Presidential Election. Whatever will be, will be.

Election Day

Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:10-11

I am looking forward to the Presidential election being over. I hate election years. Tomorrow I will go to the fire station and cast my vote. It is my right and my responsibility, but I sure hate the awful stuff that goes along with it and sometimes have to shake my head and wonder at the candidates. The decision was not difficult to make and no amount of campaigning will cause me to change my mind, I just pray that God's will be done and trust Him to take care of the rest. (Okay, I'm still learning the trust part, but I've come a long way.)

Posting

I'm not sure if the season is winding down or gearing up. I suppose it's all in how one looks at it and what season I have my focus on. Summer and warm weather are definitely behind us now. James and I went for a very nice walk back in the orchard this afternoon. Jasmine's eyes were pleading to go out and not wanting to leave her out unattended I decided a hike through the trees was in order. Sofie went along too. It was not the warm walk of September, instead a cold breeze gave us an earache and I wore my gloves to keep the wind from drying out my wimpy hands. Yes the warmer weather is behind us now.

Although the temperatures are dropping and the days are growing short, there are great things to look forward to. With Halloween over, I can look at the harvest season in a new light. The pumpkins remain on the doorsteps and scarecrows still grace front yards and markets. Now it is time for Pilgrims and Indians (I still call them that), turkeys and mashed potatoes, apple pies and horns of plenty. A bushel of apples waits on my back porch and I'm beginning to wonder if we should make applesauce cake for the shower Bethany has planned for Leta next Sunday afternoon. I guess I am looking forward to doing some indoor projects without the guilt of feeling like I am wasting a good day staying in the house. Baking, canning, painting, and crafting are so much easier when the weather is cold and dreary. Christmas is right around the corner and I need to gather my ideas and start my preparations now.

A Rather Strange Day

Yesterday was full of mystery. A blushing bride showed up at my house after school and while I was in town I saw a large white dog riding a bicycle. On my way home I stopped at the grocery store for some candy and drove past a pumpkin behind the wheel of a minivan. Batman was running through Troy's front yard and on our way out to church we saw a gorilla driving a red Neon. Very strange indeed!

Last night there was a gathering at church. Uncle Ralph sold dinners and the teens provided entertainment, but it wasvery loud. James and I decided to go see a movie. We watched Fireproof. It was a good decision especially since I already had a headache. The movie was much easier to handle with a migraine than loud music with lots of bass. When we got home I took some medicine and went to bed. This evening I am feeling much better and even enjoyed Leta's first baby shower this afternoon.

Woodpiles and Leaf Raking

It is firewood weather. Each morning for the past week my husband has built a fire in the wood stove. There is something about the warmth of a fire that makes a house warm and welcoming. On chilly mornings everyone tries to find a spot on the couch or in a chair close to the fire. Jasmine stretches out on the rug on the floor, and every once in a while one of us takes a turn standing close to the front of the stove where the heat from the fire warms up our backside. A few years ago, when the power was out for four days, we cooked our meals and heated water on the wood stove and huddled around it to stay warm. I imagine that's how it was in the old days, families gathered around the primary heat source, playing games and working where it was warm while the rest of the house was cold and silent.

Soon fall will be over and the leaf piles will have either been hauled away or blown into the neighbor's yard. I always feel just slightly guilty for the leaves that blow across the street from our yard into Bob's. He tries so hard to keep an immaculate home. He is always out picking up, raking, and trying to keep things neat and tidy. Here... well, we do try but when there are still leaves on the trees it seems a waste of time to rake the yard, besides they look so pretty laying all over the ground and they're so much fun to jump in!

He's One!

What a difference a year can make!

Yes, Gmj, he's one super little guy! He's one sweetheart, one bundle of fun, and one small screamer. He's one ball of energy, one hungry thing, and one much loved little boy. He's one year old today.

Squashed!

A fierce and unrelenting wind has assailed our home since late last night. It's a wonder any leaves are left on the tree branches but some still cling tenaciously. I'm not sure why but they refuse to give up and release their grip. I guess there is just enough life left for them to hang on.

I must have been hearing the wind in my sleep last night because I dreamt of hurricanes and tornadoes. We had just arrived on a beach in Florida and black clouds were rolling in. We ran for cover and ended up inside some kind of building much like a hotel. We needed to get down in the basement but could only go in one at a time. I needed to get our pillows and ended up getting into line somewhat late. The basement was very nice with carpeted stairs and there was plenty of room. Still I had this fear that I wasn't going to be allowed down. Needless to say, I woke up tired.

Did Somebody Say "Party"?

Looks rather like someone was hosting a celebration one one kind or another... Possibly an early birthday party? Oooo, pumpkin pie and ice cream! Now that IS special!

Do you notice that stack of plates on the table? I count at least fourteen. My advice to the local dishwasher is to clean out the kitchen cabinets and make those extra dishes not quite so easily accessible. If the same number of dinner plates, bowls, cups and saucers, and drinking glasses reside in her cupboards, she will have no end of dirty dishes for the remainder of her days. What she needs is a great big storage bucket in a dark and hidden corner of the basement, a place in which to store the excess tableware for those rare occasions when a crowd of friends or relatives invade her living space. They say "Necessity is the mother of invention". Well, it also provides a great incentive for reluctant dishwashers.