A New Little One

Our newest granddaughter, Delaney Aliana, was born Sunday September 28, 2008. This wee lass is number three for our daughters' family and we are so thankful for her safe arrival into this world. May she come to saving grace in her Creator early and walk with Him all the days of her life. Already she is a joy to her family and her two sisters. We truly are blessed with another grandchild and so happy for Kim and her family.

Up Close and Personal

As many of you know there is nothing that gives me more joy than to see God's handiwork up close. One of the many blessings of moving to Colorado has been to travel to the "high places"as I like to refer to the Rockies and view the wildlife. Today we decided to make a quick trip up to the Rocky Mountain National Park to see the Elk bugling and also to see the colors of Autumn. What a wonderful day; we saw the bulls up close, really close and at one point had a ranger moving us back because we were off in the trees taking photos and didn't notice the bull traveling towards us. I was surprised at their bugling, I expected it to be much louder. What magnificent animals they are-such strength and beauty. Hubby and I are hoping to plan a few days up in the park after our newest grandchild arrives so I am looking forward to it and today's trip will keep me until then.

Thank You Father, for the beauty of Your creation and of all living things.

Many Hands Make Work Light

Yesterday afternoon and evening my oldest daughter and I toiled over 50 pounds of apples, making applesauce and another gift that Carrie desires to bless others with. It has been a number of years since I've canned fruit and although we've always processed 25-50 lbs of peaches, pears and apricots,I had forgotten how much work it can be. We've never made large batches of applesauce before and for many families 50 lbs of apples is not a large batch; so to you who make very large quantities my appreciation is much greater today. One thing I learned is that apples do stain your hands and nails, maybe not as much as other fruits and veges but still you can tell you've been up to your elbows in them. For this years batch we choose Gala apples simply because we enjoy their taste and they were on sale. Next year we will have to ask around and see what types others use. I also learned that you don't come away with as much applesauce as I thought you would. Several months ago I found a sieve at a thrift store and it was one of the best investments I ever made, it certainly makes the process easier. It was so much fun to once again can with my daughter, maybe next year Kim will join us and last night made me want to put up more fruits and veges for the family. I also wish I had an extra freezer to freeze lots of pies and crisps but this too must wait. After I left, Carrie worked for another two hours continuing to process more....oh to be young again.

Fall Colors

I have had the privledge of traveling through New England several times over the last 10 years and both my husband and I love it. Although we've never hit the time of year when the colors peak we have been blessed to see glorious displays of autumn. We loved the quaint towns and villages, the covered bridges, friendly people but mostly we loved the back roads. I am notorious for always choosing to drive the back roads, I so prefer a slower pace and really seeing the countryside.
Within the next week or so I hope to get to "high places" here in northern Colorado but until I do I am content to look at photos of New England. Our dream has been to spend a good three weeks in New England and Maine, really getting to see sights that you can't take in during a quick visit. We'll see whether it materializes next Oct. or not but until then I can look back on our photos and read my Country magazine.

Photo: courtesty of: http://www.css.cornell.edu

Autumn is here

My oldest girl Carrie hosted a Welcome Fall party yesterday for all the children at our church. This was a way to celebrate the new season and give the little ones opportunities to gather, play and also dress up. My grandchildren do not celebrate Halloween so we try to celebrate whenever there is opportunity. Don't they just look adorable!! Little Olivia was down for her nap so she wasn't in this pic.

With fall I always pull out my seasonal decorations, add mini pumpkins and light fragrant Yankee candles. My absolute favorite candle is Mom's Apple Pie and I'm not sure they even make this anymore but I've had mine for years. It fills our home with the sweet scent of apples and Cinnamon. I also love sipping on Celestial Cinnamon Apple Spice tea and my newest fun passion is making applesauce. Do you see a trend here?

During the fall I also pull out my quilt projects that I let go over the summer and start quilting during the evenings. This year I will have more to do because we are trying to give homemade gifts to our family.

What types of things do you do to celebrate fall? I'd love to hear your traditions, or maybe additions of chores-from raking to canning.

Enjoy the changes.

Funtastic Friday

I can't believe another week has passed and here we are again. I love Fridays! Some of the things planned for today are: Having granddaughter Shannon over this morning while our pregnant girl takes youngest to therapy. Our house is in desperate need of vacuuming and cleaning, laundry needs to get started as well. At some point we'll hit the grocery store and stock up, not only for the week but we are beginning to stock up on winter supplies. It is hard to believe but Christmas is looming out there and there are several quilts I need to work on and other presents that need to be finished. Our granddaughter Faith is getting ready for her birthday so we need to get her presents ready soon, just in case Kim delivers within the next several days. Speaking of Kim delivering, I still have not purchased fabric for the baby quilt, since we don't know the sex, but if we are out and about there is another store I want to check out in Fort Collins. So as you can see, my day is full but full with life and joy at living.

Although this picture was taken on our way home from Laramie, the weather today looks a bit like this-overcast and potentially stormy. With fall arriving it means there will be lots of time to quilt. I even got a baby girl dress pattern, just in case.

Have a great weekend.

In all things give thanks

Today is Thankful Thursday and there are so many things I am thankful for; the list could go on and on.
On my drive home from my girls' house I was listening to one of my favorite CD's called 'Valley of Vision'(these are songs for worship inspired by the book of Puritan Prayers) and singing about thankfulness. So this day I am thankful that:

You were broken that I might be healed
You were cast off that I might draw near
You were thirsty that I might come drink
Cried out in anguish that I might sing

How deep is Your love
How high and how wide is Your mercy
How deep is Your grace
Our hearts overflow with praise
To You

You knew darkness that I might know light
Wept great tears that mine might be dried
Stripped of glory that I might be clothed
Crushed by Your Father to call me Your own

How deep is Your love
How high and how wide is Your mercy
How deep is Your grace
Our hearts overflow with praise
To You

This says it all; I pray that in your life your heart might overflow with praise to Him who is worthy to be praised.

"Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father". Eph.5:20