A walk around the farm

Dad requested a family walk around the farm today, and we were glad for the opportunity.  It was a perfectly beautiful fall day.  

If you look carefully, you can see the kids walking in the corn to the left.

Dad showing us some bittersweet

This was the mens' project today.  This huge old oak tree had split and partially fallen where it was dangerous.  Part of it was in the pond, and part was precariously perched.  So, the guys took the fallen/falling part down.

Krampa showed Caeden that poison ivy can get really big and look like a regular tree branch size.

 Caeden and Krampa hiked up their pants and had a bit of a waddle to see who could walk like a Krampa the best.  Both decided it was pretty tough work being a grandpa.

Sylvia collected this bouquet as we walked.

A visit

The kids are on Fall Break this weekend, so I picked them up from school when they were dismissed at noon yesterday, and we all got in the car to head for Indiana.  

We arrived at Mom's and Dad's last evening just about supper time.  Mom had spent all afternoon cooking and baking!  We had a yummy chicken noodle casserole and some of her heavenly quad-berry pies!  Welcome home, for sure!

Travis and Erin and the kids came over too, and we all hung out until bedtime.  As usual, Krampa tried to fall asleep in his chair.  But, the kids like to keep trying to get his attention.  

Grayson looked intrigued by my camera until I blinded him with the flash.  Little cutie-bug!

This morning, Aunt Erin treated Annah to a manicure for her birthday!  

 She took her to get a pumpkin spice latte at McDonald's first, and they had some fun girl time.

Annah enjoyed being pampered. 

Her nails turned out really cool looking!  And they are gel polish, so they should last a long time.  What a fun treat!  Thank you, Aunt Erin!!

Sylvia and Tessa played outside since it was such a gorgeous morning!  

Although he loves watching Disney Channel while we're at Gram's and Krampa's, Caeden wanted someone to play something with him.  So when Aunt Erin came back with Annah she played a game of Sorry with Caed.  He loved that--even when she beat him!

Wednesday night

I have a few new piano students who started lessons last month.  This is Lyndsey.  Little beginners are my favorite students--so happy to start learning and loving music!

I made a yummy new (to us) sausage dish tonight.  It was kind of a combination of this recipe and this one.  I forgot to add in the carrots, but it was good--and really easy.  

Look alikes

Me and my girl

People are saying more often now that Annah looks like me.  She definitely does have my hair.  

Sure do love her.

Living room transformation

While we were waiting for Lowes to come pick up the extra rug they delivered to us, Jeremy hung the curtain rod for our living room curtains this morning!  It's not his favorite thing in the world to do, so I really appreciate him making the time.  I have wanted curtains in here for years, and it is SO WONDERFUL to have them up!!  

The room feels so cozy now, with the window fixed, the big bookshelves, the new furniture and rug, and now the curtains!  I snapped a few quick pics with my phone, but will take better ones if I ever get stuff hung on the walls to liven it up a bit.

Sylvia decorated our mantel for Fall.

Leaves

It's time to call Krampa... We are buried in leaves over here, as Sylvia is working on her leaf project for science class.  Thank goodness, Krampa had the wonderful forethought to collect leaves with Sylvia last time we visited just in case she had to do this project!  

Homecoming Game

We enjoyed the evening at our homecoming game-- RHS vs. Watseka.  Our little team played a great game and just barely lost in double overtime.  The kids' friends came to sit with us, and we had fun chatting and watching.  The band looked and sounded great and ready for their competition tomorrow.  Nights like these make us really love our little rural school and community. 

Sunday Fun

I attended a lovely shower for a young lady in our church today.  She's having a little boy...

Jillian and Annah played with Mackenzie during the shower, until it was time for them to go to youth group.  

Megan did a great job putting on the shower, including making a very yummy and totally adorable teddy bear cake.  Best wishes and lots of prayers go to Melissa and her baby boy!

Setup Silliness

Sometimes setting up (and tearing down) all the things it takes for our church to operate as a church that's in a union hall can have some frustrating elements.  It is hard work!  And doing it over and over again every single Saturday night is tough!  

I'm thankful my husband knows to add humor when stress gets a little high...even if it does embarrass poor Samuel.  

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." 

-Psalm 28:7

Harvest

I love harvest time.  It's exciting to me to see the farmers gathering in their crops.  I love thinking about how those crops will be sent all around the world to feed people.  It's a beautiful and hopeful thing!  

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest 

if we do not give up." 

- Galatians 6:9