Outside my window:
Fog most mornings, as is common to autumn in Germany. I watch the sun rise most mornings since it is getting later and later.
From the kitchen:
Amish Friendship Bread. Friends gave Alannah some starter several weeks ago and she made her loaves up this weekend. It multiplies. Trying to think of ways to rehome starter ; )
Thinking about these words:
"In our big, active family, it seems there’s a major or minor crisis about every thirty minutes, but most… get resolved according to our most frequent advice: wait a minute; it’ll pass."
– Jim Bob Duggar, A Love That Multiplies
Stuff happens. If you have a good sized bunch of kids you are nodding right now. Sometimes it helps to know its not just you. <g> I have revisited Michelle's story of her gallbladder trials and emergency surgeries lately. Meantime, one of our son's broke his arm (not badly) at football practice. I thought that meant our schedule would open up some, but now all his school lessons will be oral or with me transcribing. 'Cause why? Cause this isn't heaven folks. We work now and rest later. And it helps me a LOT to read about strong women doing just that with a good attitude. Keep fighting the good fight. <g> On that note…
Book Basket:
The one book I read this past month was Joyce Swann's homeschooling memoir. I was so excited when it arrived. It might just be my era. I am guessing younger homeschoolers have no frame of reference here. Joyce was my homeschool hero though. She took her ten kids through master's degrees at home by their teen years. (largely because they worked 3hrs/day and went through summer so she didn't have to reteach concepts each fall) Every. One. Of. Them. And she didn't meet another real homeschooler until she had been at it for EIGHT years.
Their family life, which began rather comfortably, eventually endured longterm unemployment, premature birth, life threatening illness, and her near fatal accident. It's all found in her book and her daughter's. They have gotten their share of flack over the years for acceleration, but you have to admire determination in face of daunting odds. Bottom line, they have ten great kids, a strong marriage, and a good story to tell.
You can find more of Joyce here and here.
(more from sunrise)
Picture inspiration:
(shared from Ali Edwards)
Starry Sky Journal 
And it helps me a LOT to read about strong women doing just that with a good attitude.
Amen. :o)
Hello,
I have enjoyed your blog for several years now and was sad to read of your recent health crisis.
You are a true inspiriation to me and I sincerely hope you have a full recovery. As a Christian I admire how you are not afraid to stand for your beliefs and set good examples.
Your children are all beautiful and you and your husband should be so proud.
I would love to meet you all someday and when you come back to the states come visit us in the beautiful Adirondacks of New York State!
I know if you have your camera back out, or are at least uploading and looking at photos, you are feeling better. I hope!
Beautiful pictures! Have you tried the Duggar’s famous tater tot casserole? 😉 It’s actually quite good, especially if you are looking for an easy, comfort food meal for a large crew! Feel better… continued prayers. +JMJ+
Yes, yes, eat up that inspiration!
Still praying here, peace, peace, peace…Jesus knows!
Sherry
I am loving reading Joyce’s blog, thanks for sharing! I remember, as do you, those early, lonely years of homeschooling. Happily, seems like these older ones are doing well and even thriving in our wild world. 🙂
Thanks for your blog, Kim…yes, with seven kids here, we know about the crisis/mini-crisis events that daily transpire. And, the health dip you have taken is no easy road…I’ve been there too, and think of you often. Enjoyed hearing about your new read, and your reaction to it (!). I too look for inspiration in gutsy women, both Christian and otherwise. And, Kim, you are one of those women I look to! I so appreciate your determined walk and transparent life, THANK YOU for sharing yourself with all of us (and thanks to your family for sharing you with us too!)