first day of 3rd grade...

 

She did actually let her get on the bus...lol

 

 

Lord, please bless her as she begins this new school year.

Be with her Lord throughout each day.

Give her good, Godly friendships.

Please give her understanding and discernment as she learns.

I ask you to pour out your favor on her,

and let her always be a reflection of your love to all she meets.

 In all she does help her to serve you.

In your most holy name, JESUS.

 Amen



Strasburg Railroad...

The first time we took a ride on the Strasburg Railroad our older kids were about 2 and 3 years old. I have to dig up this one specific picture I still have in my mind. It is the one of our son, just as happy as can be. He was a HUGE Thomas the Tank Engine fan.

 

As we travelled  down the rails from Strasburg to Paradise. I was once again reminded how grateful I am that God brought our family here to live. Lancaster is truly a beautiful place to live. It is just our speed and a perfect fit for our family.

We are also getting to do all these things yet again,

 for the very first time. (lol)

She looooved the train ride. She sat perfectly quiet and just took it all in.

Here is an Amish school teacher getting the school grounds ready for the first day of school.

 

It is also the first day of school for us today!

Bittersweet...

Our dd8 starts 3rd grade today. Where does the time go?!

 

 

This week I will be working on getting some order, organization and a new rhythm around here after having a full house all summer.

 

I'm reading Organized Simplicity.

 

 

 

 It's very good.

It's a good jumpstart for me right now.

I need all the help I can get in this season of my life.





now...

It seems some people are just born knowing what

 they want to be and do when they grow up.

My husband is one of those people. Our son is one of those people. I remember the first time our son told me he wanted to be a teacher. He was 5. He left yesterday for his senior year at college as an education major. There are no guarantees on how it will all play out but he is following the desire of his heart. A couple of people have even mentioned to me that they believe he has a charism for teaching. Music to a mother's ears...

I, on the other hand, am not one of those people, I never really had a strong sense of what it was I was "supposed" to do...

All I knew is that I never felt like I was really doing it.

Somewhere along this journey, God has given this restless heart of mine, a sense of purpose, direction, peace.

Not all the time,~ please, I am me after all-lol. (for those who really know me)

I know now, that He wants me to know, love and serve him to the very best of my ability, with all that I have right where I am at this moment, with the circumstances he has given me today, with the people he has put into my care and in my life. 

This is for my oldest daughter..

My dearest Annie,

Oh how I love you, words cannot adequately express the love I have for you. How much I want you to have your deepest heart's desire, how much I believe that our Lord wants that for you too!

I have been where you are. Not sure.

Be patient. Slow down. Listen to Him who knows you like no other. He has a plan, you know that. He created each of us in His image and all unique. Some come to know sooner others later, the plan.

The other day you said to me.

"You know what your supposed to do! your happy being a mom! taking care of the kids! the house! your business!"

Yes, I am. I am grateful for my/our blessed life.

Thanks for the reminder, by the way...

Someday you too may take great satisfaction in things like watching clean sheets dry on a sunny summer day.

or  you could just start living fully right now, today,

exactly where you are at this moment in these very circumstances...

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing;
God only is changeless.
Patience gains all things.
Who has God wants nothing.
God alone suffices.

~St. Teresa of Avila

Roasted Tomato Sauce...

We have tried different recipes for making our sauce. 

This is the one we come back to.

Simple ingredients, tomatoes, garlic and basil from the garden olive oil, salt, pepper and sugar.

 everyone helps...

Sometimes hubby likes to d the canning outside...