Outside my window:

It is cold and foggy quite often.  The last of the leaves are holding on stubbornly here and there but it won't be long now before they are all gone.  The bare branches of the tree out back now leave no hiding places for the birds, which is rather nice for me looking out the window. 

I am listening to:

Well, lately I am listening to the kids speaking German on Rosetta Stone, the beginnings of Christmas music practice on the piano, and the bible in the car.  We have become hooked on audio bibles as a family, which has prompted a lot of discussion and further research in the paper versions.  Simple, consistent.  My favorite. 

Reading:

The Pagent of Life by Owen Frances Dudley.  This is part of the series I have been slowly working through with Colin. This was another that began slowly and now has my rapt attention. 

From the kitchen:

Marshmallow fondant on deck for Abbie Rose's birthday cake. I am not in charge of that. I am just the Wilton enabler, happily financing the production and cheering from a distance. I was however volunteered by husband to make a ham for the office Thanksgiving shindig this week.  (It was ham or turkey we had to choose from) This announcement triggered no small amount of panic on my part.  I just am not a great cook.  Good enough for home.  Most of the time.  But not reliable enough for the general public. Wish me luck.

I am creating:

Christmas gifts, therefore I can't elaborate because my family reads my blog.   I also picked up some delft blue Aida cloth and ivory floss for a simple monochromatic something.  

Around the house:

We picked up another old crucifix at the consignment shop last weekend. This one is probably close to 30in high.  Just over $10.  Unreal.  Also found a little vintage creche set.  Another ten dollar purchase that made me very happy.  It is nearly the same as the one I grew up with, not precious but precious to me.  Otherwise, the craftroom shelves need tackling.  I am not sure it will happen before Advent and Christmas however.  Just being realistic.  I do have some little prints framed and ready to hang in there this week though. 

From the schoolroom: 

Restocking our file folder games.  Lots of cutting and laminating involved. Finishing book reports. Full steam ahead since sports are finished and dance is settling down. 

Thinking about:

I am thinking about my oldest sons a great deal these days.  As of this week, my family is spread out across three continents.  Continents.  Boggles the mind.  Asher is flying to Korea as I type. I am so very proud of him.  Still, it is a very long ways for a heart to stretch and mine feels close to bursting some days.

Growing up, I truly envisioned a Walton-style existence, with all my kids close by in the same little hamlet forever. But they inherited the adventurous spirit they were raised with and off we all go to explore this big world and take on personal challenges. I wasn't expecting this but that could well be my life theme song. : ) 

I thought about a verse today, "To whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required." Luke 12:48  There is so very much to be thankful for. Certainly this family has been blessed abundantly.  Now and then someone comments that they read here and assume we lead a charmed life.  Not so.  There are times I truly disagree with what God seems to think I can bear.  But He always wins these disagreements.  I have determined to focus, especially in this space, on the good that is given daily.  But know, too, that much is also required in this simple – but not easy – life. : )

…apples… and Alannah.  And a very fine day for a long hike with my oldest daughter. I do so love an overcast autumn afternoon for wandering backroads and tractor paths.  

We headed out together after church, taking the road this time, passing the cows watching warily from the pasture. 

She was the first to spot the tiny green apples.  I followed her rabbit trail, watching her muse. 

Conversation comes easily these days with this girl-turned-woman. Sometimes it is serious and pondering.  More often on these walks it is just thinking out loud.  Noticing. Exhaling. 

Exhaling is important for girls-turned- young women looking down the road at a wide open and largely unknowable future just around the corner. 

 It is important for their mother's too, especially if they have sent other children down that road.  

It is good to just BE with this girl because I know that like her brothers, each passing year now and each step she takes will take her further from home into the bigger world. 

We won't always have all the time in the world for walking through orchards and gathering apples in our pockets.  This is the last year of her childhood officially. Next fall she will be eighteen. 

Knowing that, I consider an afternoon like this a singular gift.