the things that make a life

The sky was clear blue this morning as the sun rose on a fiery orange horizon.  Frost flirted here and there, landing mostly on roofs around the neighborhood. The beets and carrots have been harvested and I've relinquished the garden to the hens.  There may be a few more bright yellow summer squash over the next week and those are safe because the chickens don't like them.

It's been a wee bit since I blogged last.  Last month I was able to go to the Northwest Baptist Ladies' Conference in Puyallup.  This is always, always a huge blessing to my heart and this year was no different.  It was amazing spending time with my "sisters" from church.

 

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One evening last month both of the boys were gone doing something, I can't recall now what, so Aaron and I were on our own.  We took ourselves out to a new restaurant in town (great atmosphere, delicious food, tiny portions, and steep prices).  The presentation of the food was beautiful and every self-respecting blogger takes pictures of their food at a restaurant, don't they?

 

 

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Over the weekend was Homecoming.  Aaron and I went to the game together.  Have I ever mentioned how much I love that?  I love sitting in the energy of the home town crowd and hearing the band play the Star Spangled Banner.  The Homecoming game is extra special because the NJROTC Sword Guard and Armed Drill Team get involved at halftime to crown the King and Queen.  And I wax nostalgic because 20 years ago, wearing a borrowed dress and with my dad standing next to me, I was crowned Homecoming Queen.  Sigh.

Austin and Elena went to the dance together.  But first, they had a candlelit dinner at our house catered by yours truly.  The menu:  grilled filet mignon, oven roasted potatoes, asparagus, and brownies (cut into heart shapes by Dad).  It was pretty epic.  My favorite part was before she arrived, he waited at the front window with an umbrella in hand so he could meet her at her car and walk her in.  Ever-lovin' sweetness right there.

 

Waiting for his girl...

 

 

Candlelit dinner...

 

 

Putting on her corsage...

 

 

 

I love this kid...

 

 

 

 

Wait...what???

 

 

 

 

Pinning on his boutonniere at her house (yours truly reflected in the window)...

 

 

That face...

 

 

Success!!

 

 

 

I'm telling ya, this kid has enough personality for the both of us...

 

 

 

 

Sisters and their dates...

Sparklers!!

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Did you know I have a lot of opinions about current events and politics?  Well I do and I often write things in my head regarding these topics but they NEVER make it to my blog.  Sometimes I think it is just a waste of time to even bother over any of it.  There are facts (which we cannot change) and there are opinions (which are wide and varied and ever changing).  So it seems we ought to accept the facts as what they are, throw out the opinions as what they are, and move forward.

I will not dwell on fear, or gossip, or scandals.  I choose instead to see the good (there is good).  Mr. Rogers always said to look for the heroes and that is applicable now.  If you can't find a hero, look up.  The author of the Universe knows this story well and he's got us in the shadow of his wing.  And turn off the poison that is the media.  Instead, dwell on those things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report.  If there is virtue, if there is praise, think on these things.  (Philippians 4:8)

Finally, if you  are overwhelmed by bad news and despair - make a difference.

Be the good.

Be the change.

Be the hero.


Moving on...

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I made this Autumn inspired Chex Mix.  Super yummy and super easy to throw together.

 

 

Mix together:
4 c. Cinnamon Chex
4 c. Vanilla Chex
1 1/2 c. candy corn
2 c. chopped mini candy bars (Hershey's assortment)

Lay out on a couple cookie sheets and drizzle with:
2 c. melted chocolate chips mixed with 2 T. cooking oil

Cool.  Break apart into chunks.  Serve.

If I had it to do all over again I would add 1 1/2 c. peanuts.  And maybe pretzels.  It needs a touch of salty to counteract all that sweet.  And I don't like candy corn so maybe Reese's Pieces would add that same pop of Autumn color without being gross?

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My boy came home from school on Monday looking like this!  Be still my heart.  I snapped a quick picture through the front window much to his excitement.

 

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My every morning looks like this.  Journal, Bible, coffee, blanket, Charlie.  It's a pretty great set-up we have.

 

 

These verses stood out to me yesterday and today:

Keep me as the apple of thine eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings.  Psalm 17:8

For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. Psalm 18:28

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Take care, my friends.