Thursday, August 17, 2017

Fall

Fall is my favorite season of all!
The long, hot days of summer finally give way 
to cool, crisp morning air.
Once green and waving gently in the summer breeze... leaves transform into colors of red, orange, brown, and gold.
They twirl and dance as the autumn wind catches them falling from off the limb.

Fall is the time for harvest on our farm.
The harvesting of fruits and vegetables 
before autumn's end. 
I can't wait to bite into a large, sweet, crisp Honeycrisp apple!
And just thinking about the smell of grapes, ripening on the vine, is so intoxicating.
There's nothing more exciting than harvest's end.

Fall is the time for gathering at our home.
We gather to celebrate harvest's end. 
We have parties, make scarecrows, carve jack-o-lanterns, and eat the bounties of our harvest.
Bonfires beckon an evening gathering
of family and friends. 
We roast smores, tell stories, and bask in the light and warmth of the fire. 

My favorite thing about fall is the way it makes me feel.
Life's pace seems to slow down a little. 
A settling of sorts. 
I love to wear sweaters and sit by the fire...
reading a book or simply dream.

Fall is a great time to reflect on life's blessings and to give thanks for all we have. 
Thanksgiving is the perfect ending to fall's end.

The kitchen comes alive with delightful smells... 
of spices and herbs and potpourri. 
Fall soups, breads and cookies... yumm! 
Comfort foods are high on the list of things I love to make in the fall.

My birthday usually falls on the first day of fall. Taking a drive up a nearby canyon, 
soaking in the beauty of the leaves turning colors, 
and being with the people I love...  
is my piece of heaven on earth.

I'm ready for Fall! Are you?


A Fall drive... Midway to Park City


Playing in the leaves


Honeycrisp Apples


Bringing in the harvest


Comfort foods


Smores


Halloween Party


Jack-o-lanterns


Pumpkin Head stands watch

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop


Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Summer Fun Activities

Looking for some fun activities for the kids this summer? Our R.S. Midweek Activity for June is Summer Activities for kids and easy lunch fixings. So... I've been stalking Pinterest and have found some great ideas for summer activities. Here's a direct link to my Summer Activities board. I made up a resource list of links to pages of ideas and all kinds of things to make and do. 

My favorite place, before starting a summer list, is found on thirty days of homemade (*). Scroll down and find the Summer Chart. It lists suggestions of things for your child to do before being allowed to get on electronics. Keeping kids moving and using their imaginations is the idea to busting boredom and creating an atmosphere of both learning and fun!

Some of my other favorites are Reading Challenges, punch cards, Vocabulary Jar, Cooking Challenge, and Kids Summer Camp. And the DIY Sand and Water Table is awesome!

I will make another post on "lunches" after our meeting on June 20th. In the meantime, have fun making your own lists of Super Fun Summer Activities! 



Summer Activities, Schedules, Bucket lists, Boredom Jars 



DIY Sand and Water Table


What are your ideas for Summer Fun?






Thursday, May 18, 2017

May Blooms

In the Merry Month of May... is the beginning of lush color that landscapes my yard. From April to October is the season of flowers... my favorite!

Blooming flowers of vivid purple, pink, white, and yellow are scattered among rocks, beds, old boxes, and pots. 

Colorful petals burst into full bloom in the early light. 

Sweet fragrances fill the air. 

The texture and shape of the petal heightens my awareness to its uniqueness. 

I am in awe as I watch the bee carry nectar from bloom to bloom, spreading joy to every corner of the garden.

Buzzing bees, fluttering birds, and yellow butterflies bring life and harmony to the ever changing garden. 

I am totally aware of a higher power, and my heart fills with gratitude for God above... the creator of all.

The beauty of nature never ceases to amaze me! 


Iris


Lilacs


Creeping Pholox and Lily


Lavender





Creeping Pholox, a hearty and reliable ground cover, spreads and creeps among the rocks of the beds and waterfall. 



Bridal wreath blooms are giving way to bright green leaves.

There are some flowers that are close to blooming....


Peony


Daisy


Wisteria

Potted plants....



Wave petunias and trailing vines.

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop