Autumn through the eyes of a child

A Simply Lovely Life

Come little leaves said the wind one day,
Come O'er the meadows with me and play,
Put on your dresses of red and gold,
For Summer is gone and the days grow cold.

Soon as the leaves heard the wind's loud call
Down they came fluttering one and all,
Over the brown fields they danced and flew,
Singing the sweet little songs they knew.

Dancing and whirling the little leaves went,
Winter had called them, and they were content,
Soon, fast asleep in their earthly beds,
The snow laid a coverlet over their heads

George Cooper

Autumn. I know my childlike heart is not alone in falling, falling, falling, ever more deeply in love with autumn, every single year. How sweet--beyond measure--it is to see the magical delight and fascination of this beloved season filling-to-overflowing the lives of each precious one that I hold especially dear, from the youngest to the oldest.

Interestingly enough, no sooner had I completed my last post and we lost our wibblie-wobblie satellite internet connection, nearly entirely. But for a few small windows of barely being able to receive and respond to emails, and losing more than a few that I'd written as the window had closed without my knowing it during the writing, and a couple of "hiccups" that the connection had, where I was able to visit a friends blog and check out another dear friend's incredible project, all slowed right down to as near as you can get to nothing for over two weeks. So, if you've been waiting to hear from me and haven't please know that this is most likely why.

The good part was that it afforded me some extra moments to bid, what I believe was the absolute loveliest summer of my life, farewell. And, after "wiping those few tears of sadness from my eyes during the waving at her going", it's been likewise special, perhaps even more so, to have had the time--free and clear--to linger a bit longer and gingerly savor each moment of the shortening days, golden light, and whispers of cooling winds rustling through the jeweled leaves, of autumn. As I know she too, will all too quickly begin to nod off and away, leaves and all 'round about her, having fallen.... fallen....fallen, and finally given way to sweet sleep. That certain to come, contented sigh of peace, as the earth curls up snug and tight, sinking into it's long awaited and well deserved rest, of winter.

We're enjoying spending every moment that we can outside, most days getting cozied-up in layers of woolie goodness; sweaters, tights, socks, leggings, and caps, already. Ah, how wonderful to come in to gather near the warmth of the woodstove, candles and oil lamps burning softly, a meal to be shared as we gather around the table together, tired and happy, at the sun's setting and each day's close. I love it. We all do. It's good for the soul.

I thought I'd take this golden opportunity (of having internet connection :o) to send off a loving hello and share a bit of news and some photos from this past weekend.

We got a new flock of chickens. They just arrived late yesterday. Eighteen hens and two roosters to watch over them. They are basking in all the loving attention that the little ones are lavishing upon them. Hopefully, happy hens will mean many eggs (and all the many wonderful things that come with lots of eggs :o).



This guy is our steer, Louie, whose photo I share for, and in honor of, my beloved sister, Louie. Louie, my dear sister, is really Lorie, but for some reason I have called her "Louie", for as long as either of us can remember. When Louie, the steer, first came to live with us, in all of his adorableness (Isn't he cute) we had to bottle feed him, for a good while. As a rule, my extremely tender sensibilities and I, try not to get too involved with the care of the animals, especially if I know that they will be gracing our table--as a gift of food--by and by. Well, the fact is, that Louie was not only too cute to be ignored, but well, too big to be ignored and has kind of tended to have free reign of the property since he arrived. Kind of like a big super-slow-moving-happily-contented  dog, though I know he looks more like a deer, right?

So, it wasn't too long before I found my--still quite alive and well, and at times overly active--mothering homones magnetically pulling me out the door, with bottle in hand/s (it's a *big* one) to cutie-patootie Louie's big brown eyes, and side.

Now, I did find bottle feeding Louie, though sweet, to pose a tiny bit of a challenge--of strength and heart. It required--I immediately came to realize--a good firm grip, a good solid, steady stance (with fairly-finely-tuned balance recovery powers), a good amount of muscular strength, and a bit of intuition (as in thinking like a cow, or thinking and remembering that Louie, is ever, only, in all ways, thinking like a cow--er--uhm, I mean, steer :o). Even as a little fellow he was strong.

When Louie drank from his bottle he pulled...and pulled......and pulled.... with a force that was not at all easy to reckon with. And, just when I'd braced myself and staunchly settled into my position in the opposing direction counterbalancing his great strength, his instincts would kick in and he would abruptly (without any forewarning whatsoever) butt into that great big bottle (that I was holding and pulling with all my might) like he was butting up against his mama's great big full utter, and yep, you guessed it, I'd go scrambling (though in the very beginning before I got into the swing of things, more like flying--over) backwards. This went on fast and furious until the poor little fella's bottle was empty.

At this point muddle number two quickly presented itself. Louie, refused to even notice, let alone accept the fact, that the bottle indeed was empty. So, now the battle raged on with me (and those afforementioned mothering hormones of mine, now more than a tad jammed and jarred and discombobulated) feeling like an ogre, and wishing (oh so much more than you can know) that I had never given in to those overly sensitive rumblings of motherheartedness in the first place, while I tried to (very unmotherly-like) wrestle the long ago emptied bottle out of that little baby steer's mouth.

In the end, (with a little help from my friends) I did succeed. Well, it's here where I pause and bring you all the way back to my sweet little sister, Louie, who I'm sure has more than her fair share of gripes stored up against me from the long ago days of our childhood (stories for another day :o). Though, if you were to meet her, she might not seem to be the type of gal to stuff (I'm sure such no doubt unmentionably minor) things and hold onto them for (such unreasonably) prolonged periods of time. And, I've forgotten, did I mention earlier that Louie--the steer, is Louie's namesake (which, I can't say for sure, but she may well be harboring a grudge over even now, as I type. How petty, I know ;o)? Anyways, it was the children's idea, not mine. Honest. Honest, Louie. Honest.

So, if you're following me, here. No sooner had I collected myself--pulled my dishelved hair back out of my face and readjusted my apron--and begun to walk away from the ordeal, when Louie, no doubt after a ceremonious bowing of head and pawing at the ground (at the spot where I had wrestled the bottled out of his mouth), came rushing up behind me and WHAM! He butted me square in the backside with his head, and sent me sailing about (what seemed like 5 to 6 but was probably more like) 3-4 feet forward into the air (well, okay, maybe less. Remember this whole story is all about hormones and feelings ;o) .

Though I'm sorry to (to have to) say so, no, it was not captured on video tape (my living color version is probably better anyways, right? :o), I am, hereby happy to (be able to) report, that thanks to the warm-up calesthenics I had performed just moments before in bottle feeding him, my reflexes were wide awake on high alert and I did manage to gather my wits about me enough to do a little fancy work and land on my feet (ancient that I am, granny and all) unharmed.

All of this to say.......without blinking I turned around, looked that steer square in the eyes and said in my sternest, shaming voice of disbelief (for the sake of the already giggling crowd of little loves gathered 'round me, who knew exactly what I meant ;o)......

"Louie!!!" (to Louie) and  "I can't believe she did that!" (to the assembled gigglers/nieces and nephews :o)

And, if you can believe it, (s)he, (Louie that is) actually had the steadiness of nerve (audacity) to stare right back at me through those great-big brown eyes, crowned with their fluttering, long dark lashes, as though (s)he had done absolutely nothing wrong. :o)

Louie....my sister, does have that same steady gaze of guilt-less (I didn't do it, or I didn't mean anything by it) innocence, too. It's uncanny really. I just hope that she can appreciate the supreme compliment that's been paid her. I know I would if it were me. I think I would. I mean...well, no one's ever named their cow (or any animal for that matter) after me. Kind of disappointing, really, now that I think of it (having never thought of it before. Not sure why ;o).




And, just incase I in any way gave the impression that (either) Louie was big and scary and mean and threatening........Not true. Simply not true. It was actually true love that did it, and I know that. Louie, really does, think of and sincerely consider me, in the motherly way. He's definitely fond of me, and yes, this does of course touch my heart. But, I do have to confess (head hanging extremely low)that I was never able to bring myself to feed him a bottle again. I admit, my heartstrings were numerous times pulled in that direction, but (difficult as it was) I resisted. And, just for the record, it was because of the heart wreching experience of prying that empty bottle out of his mouth and knowing that he really could have no more, not because of the big butt. Honestly, I could hardly blame him for butting me, could I ? :o)

But (no pun intended) all's well that end's well (again, no pun intended). Now, Rosie's mothering him instead.





When I spoke to (the she) Louie, and told her the (whole, long, bigger-than-life) story, we had a rip roaring good laugh  :o)

It was a wonderful weekend. Wesley, James and Joseph went turkey hunting on Saturday, and Wesley and Joseph each got a turkey. Wesley's took his home to share with his little family (or to freeze and share with Claire's family on Thanksgiving, just incase he doesn't get another--though he's highly hoping he will) and we cooked Joseph's up nice and long and slow, here. I know I've inspired you here (as you would have me) by mentioning this, and more than a few of you have already left me at this point, to go and get your well worn copy of "Little House in the Big Woods", or better yet, "Farmer Boy", down off the shelf, dusted, and ready to be cracked open for a nice cozy family read aloud, tonight. Haven't you? It's autumn. That's just what it is. It's deep, soft and low, delightful rumblings are everywhere (except in Australia, where those dear ones are going on and on about the goodness of spring. But we'll get to that later. We're all about autumn right now, okay? ;o).

We went by an alpacha farm which we actually stumbled upon after a good while of searching for an icelandic sheep farm, which, in the end (after a round of freshly made donuts gathered up at a quaint little country store of which the nicest, sweetest elderly lady was proprietress, and her husband donut maker), we did find, but, was not what we had hoped it would be. The alpacha farm was beautiful and wonderful. The children--as children so naturally and readily do, had so much fun. Oh that we could all remain so easy to please with the simplest of things that life and God's amazing creation hold out to us--most times for free, or for a song. The farm's not at all far and I know we'll be enjoying many more visits there.



The friendly kitty was one of the gifts the farm held out to the children, that they delighted in scooping up. Happy day for kitty. Happy day for kitty lovers.

And the alpachas, of course, whose fleece can be unbelievably buttery soft and luxurious. They're so gentle and mild mannered.



Don't they have uniquely cute faces?





Maggie Lou, was there, too, happily riding along with her mama. Talk about cute! Whew. Cutie. She couldn't be happier than when she's snugged in with her sweet mama.

Toad, looking "toad-like".

Little Auntie, watching out for her beloved Josie Wondernose.



And apple picking, yesterday afternoon. It was perfect. Fresh air. Sunshine. Love. Laughter. So many priceless memories made and stored away--for all of us, for always. Lots of apples for lots of things; eating fresh, apple pies and crisps and sauce--for now and for keeping, and extras for pressing into cider. The apples are just $6.00 a bushel and will be going down to $3.00 a bushel next weekend. What a blessing.

Auntie Rosie, and her beloved Josie Wondernose.

Big Papa, towering over one of his littlest loves and fellow apple pickers, Sally Pickle Brown. Amazingly enough, though they were teamed up for a good while, he didn't drop and single piece of fruit on her lovely little noggin'. What a great dad.

Chubb, Super Picker. Look at him go! He looks like he's gearing up to juggle, doesn't he?

Sporting matching hair-do's. Auntie Aimaija and Josie, looking like twins.

A bit of feasting.

And right back on back to more picking... May I introduce Super Picker number two.

And, "You-Know-Who" was there, too. This time on her mama's back.

What a wonderful, loving, little mama.

A Bug-sized smile that melts your heart.

Julia--not to be outdone. Super Picker number 3 (just when you were beginning to think it was a guy thing, right? :o)

And, (one of the apples that seemingly didn't fall very far from the tree--of my side of the family, as it appears from the looks of this post). Nicholai, philosopher. Super Picker he is obviously not, counting on everyone else to pick all the (many) apples that he will gobble up later.

Each of these big bags was half a bushel. Super Picker is now Super Hauler Extraordinaire. It was a good trek back to the van, too, let me tell you. Then, once he'd unloaded, he ran back to get our bags. Love this guy.



And, of course, there was that simple, ordinary, good-old-everyday-childhood-fun-of-autumn goodness being spread all around, here at home, too.

The children have been busy building more wooden cottages and castles for their little people and animals, which has been a long-standing childhood delight in the family for about twenty years. It's nice to once again have room for the whole village to be set up for ongoing play. Chubb, who is still reigning supreme as the world's most fun big brother (and uncle) among the littlest ones, really knows how to make life magical for them, having not too long ago been a little one himself, I suspect. He has (as have all the children I know) been gifted with a marvelous imagination (and a great big, loving, giving, heart) and can dream things up, bringing them from idea (which presented gets everyone excited), to the creating of (which is always wonderfully fulfilling for the children) and on to a finished project (that they are so proud of and that is so useable) in record time. It's almost as though he continuously has some kind of workshop set up for them, with them going to town, lost in the wonder of creation. Happy as can be.

I've been making little matching outfits for Josie and Maggie, which are nearly done. I'll share the outfits and the patterns if and as time allows. We got some delicious smelling beeswax from an amish friend and neighbor that we also get our honey from, and are going to get to dipping some of our colorful autumn leaves that the children have gathered to dip and enjoy long after the rest have all fallen and begun to crumble back into the earth from whence they came. They always look and smell so lovely.

Joseph--18, is still continuing on with his schoolwork, working for Wesley (which is part of what caused our meager satellite allowance to max out) and also heading out with James--20, to work with our dear amish friend, Rudy (Eli's son) to do carpentry work most days. They just finished putting a dormer on a nice old farmhouse, not far from our home. God has been so good to bless the boys with countless rich opportunities, in the most interesting and amazing ways, and we're so grateful to Him.

I'm enjoying being back into school with the children full swing now, and consider it such a privilege to get to learn and grow right alongside and with them. I'll sure miss the magic and wonder of getting to teach yet another little one to learn to read, when this season of my life draws to a close. Though thankfully, it isn't for a bit of a while yet, whenever I pause and take a peek ahead at what will be (and, having already crossed this particular bridge a number of times, already, I know--all too soon will be) I do have to admit to a pinge of sadness even now, over the thought...just the idea....of the lasts of many things that I've treasured, that I know will surely come, in the autumn of my life. As beautiful as I know that so many aspects of it will be. Like the sadness of saying goodbye to this loveliest of summer's now passed, this loveliest summer of my life will also, I expect, hold a few tears in it's passing, as well. To everything there is a season. I'm so thankful that autumn is the very season to follow after summer, in God's creation as well as in my life. What a blessed mystery, that something equally/possibly even more special and beautiful, can and will, softly and quietly move into the place of something else long-held unspeakably dear, special and beautiful. God is so very good. So kind. So good.

I'm so grateful for my home, my family, my life, where learning, growing, changing, is simply a natural part of everyday. Ongoing. All the time. For everyone. From the youngest to the oldest. Each person unique with something special to offer, just because of who they are. I'm so thankful to have so many, each one themselves found in so many different seasons of their own lives, to share in my own journey along life's way.


Friendships that will last a lifetime.

A little window into this past week's end.

Well, believe it or not, there's another big turkey slowly baking in the oven for tonight's time of coming together, gathering to share our minds and our hearts, around our table over the evening meal. Big Papa's homecoming and all good things that follow, is still always the time of day that everyone seems to look forward to most of all.

How thankful I am that three of (of the four of) my, now adult children, are still--for a season, here at home, and that Wesley and Claire are now, once again, near--just down the road. What joy (and growth and change) the children (and God through the lives of the children) have brought me and continue to bring me, every day.

I know there's lots of hard work and sacrifice involved in mothering (and fathering) on a daily basis, but do know that it's so true, you will be repaid in things and ways of the heart that money simply cannot buy--a thousand times over. Your love given, will turn right around and come back to you, moreso than you could ever have imagined, all for the taking of the time to do the simplest of things in the simplest ways, regardless of where you are and what you do or don't have. Be yourself, right where you are, using what you presently "have in your hand".

God gave your children to you, on purpose, and no one could do a better job of lovingly parenting them, By God's grace, than you. What a blessing to know that you're perfectly suited, because you're you. And, let us not forget, that we all make mistakes, and while we are parents, we're also fellow sheep with our children, each and every step of the way. This is a blessing to our children as well. It's good for them to see us as real, thinking, feeling, fallible human beings, that were and are, children with great need and much to learn, for and from Him and before Him--just like them. God is the only one that's perfect.

And, in regards to the giving of love and being loved in return by our children. Though I do believe it's God's best and what He is continuously working towards--on our end and theirs, He is also many times, of necessity, doing a restorative work in our lives as well as theirs, which is why we have such great need of His love and guidance on a daily basis, for ourselves, and in knowing and loving and leading and guiding them. I have reminded myself over and over, throughout the years, that with our children, as with any relationship, our giving should not be based upon or with our goal being, receiving. We should give as though we are giving to the Lord, looking to Him to meet our deep needs for love, for security and significance. People will always fall short and/or fail us, and really, they don't have what it is that we're truly seeking and longing for. God does, and when we go to Him to be filled up, we are able to keep giving for the sake of giving and not as a means of receiving. This is so vitally important with our children (again, as it it with any relationships) whatever their ages.

When we give freely, to the Lord, not looking to receive (from human hands or hearts), the Lord will give back to us in amazing ways, supernaturally, perhaps through the one/s that we've given to, but perhaps not. Perhaps through another, or others. Just as God promises, we do reap what we sow, but I think we limit God when we don't freely give as He desires and directs and then wait for Him to be the One to give back, seeing that really and truly, all that we do receive comes from Him. Amy Carmichael has another saying that I love, "Though givest and they gather". How beautiful is God's loving economy.....We have nothing, He has everything, and of His great wealth (in ways far beyond the monetary) He freely gives, what He knows we most need.

I'm all for being lovingly, consistently, firm with children and putting up boundaries with rules and guidelines--children need and thrive in a secure environment where someone is lovingly in charge, but I do think It puts a heavy burden on our children when we want them to be or do certain things in certain ways for us to feel that we are successful parents and/or loved and appreciated. If mistakes have been made, and you find yourself not having and holding your children's hearts as you had hoped and desired, love them. Pray for them and love them. Find any and every way of expressing your acceptance of them. I guess I'm writing this mainly for you many precious ones you that have written to me, hurting so deeply because your older children are making choices that are contrary to all that you have taught them and hoped and dreamed for them. Making choices that it seems are going to hurt them, their lives, their futures.

To you, I'm gently saying gently, "let go. Let God love you, and them". There does come a point, when as parents, we have to sit back and allow God to work on the inside, perhaps saying and doing very little, physically, ourselves. And, as we yield to God's way, letting what we do say and do, be said and done in His Spirit of loving acceptance. Only God can work on the inside of a person's heart. And, there's a good chance that while He's busy about the business of doing so, it will (to our human eyes of understanding) look to be anything but, the means of guiding our loved one/s and us, anywhere near where we'd be hoping (for them or us) to go. As always, prayer is not doing nothing, it is the greater work.

This said, just last night, Big Papa and I were once again marveling over the fact that He doesn't just take up the parenting of our children once they're grown and out on their own. Oh, no. Rather, through circumstances that He allows in our lives and in their's, He's desirous of shaping and forming and thus parenting them, through us and the countless people and situations that touch their precious lives, right from the very start....Beginning by placing them in their (specific) mama's womb, by the fruit of the union of their (specific) mama and papa's love.

Don't be quick to be (or long) discouraged by what you see or are experiencing externally, rather, go to God and His Word (as often as you need to) and allow Him to walk you and yours through whatever it is that He is allowing. As much as it might hurt and as dark as the path may seem, He is always leading you towards light and life, in Him. He knows not only where you want to go, but how to get you there. Praise Him and thank Him for the deep work that He is doing. If and as you see that you've made mistakes go ahead and be right up front about it. Quietly, let God, and your children, know that yes, you do see it (because God does, and will be excited that you do,too, and your children most likely do, too). Your brokenness and humility will touch their tender and perhaps hurting hearts, if you have--as we all have--made mistakes, whether they say so or not. A great-big-fat part of parenting is humbly apologizing--saying I was wrong--and asking for forgiveness from our children, quickly and often. I have to acknowledge mistakes and apologize to my children so often, but the amazing thing is, it only causes them to love and respect me more. God's ways. Amazing. Who'd a thought, it's actually legal to make mistakes and admit it when we're not perfect, and despite our best intentions, miss the mark. :o)

Wherever you are with your children, even if they are young adults and are making choices that you are grieving, and/or you have made choices you are now grieving, love them. Speak words of life, to them and about them. Be their friend, and be the very best friend that you can be to them, by and through whatever means God leads you to wisely do so. Hug them (even if they bristle a bit when you do so). Massage their shoulders. Rub their backs. Touch them. Spend time having fun with them. Laugh with them. Above all pray for them. God loves and cares for them far more than even you as their own mother and father could ever hope to. They are so precious to Him. You are too. He knows your heart and it's deepest desires. He knows your children and desires their greatest good, but also has access to the deepest places of that intricate labyrinth which is inside of them. He is ever and always at work in ways that we cannot see. Pray for your children, give them over to Him and then walk in the peace that He gives you, each day. Let Him take care of all that concerns you. He will. He is faithful. He is love. Without faith it is impossible to please God.

I know I've said it so many times, but sometimes it seems it can never be said enough, to me, to each one of us. How often we need to remind one another. How inconceivably important it is.

Do take the time, often, to just love on your sweet children...... to look into their eyes, listen to them, read to them, sing to them. Simply be with them, pulling them alongside you in your daily activities and entering into theirs, putting things of lesser importance aside, and in acceptance and praise of who they are--just the way God made them. Keep going for their hearts. Let your goal and aim be to win those tender little hearts (and likewise the perhaps not so little hearts, that are still tender on the inside) that are so looking and longing to be won by you and ultimately Jesus--regardless of how young or old they are--in loving best--friendship.

The time passes so quickly, but unlike the hope of many more autumns, winters, springs and summers yet to come and be looked forward to and enjoyed all over again, this season of being a mother will only come around once, while the the fruit of our labors during this one season will bless us for a lifetime. This day is all we know for sure that we have. And as it passes, though others may come in it's place, we will never have today again. It's a gift. A gift given by God, in His gracious love. Every new day, fresh with no mistakes in it, as His mercies are new every morning.

Be with Jesus. Let Him hold you close and tenderly, lovingly, parent you, and as He parents you, you parent your precious children. It's the very best way. A blessed way. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. All His ways are overflowing with life and love......and over the course of the moments, days, and years that He graciously gives, the fruit will be sweet. So sweet, in abundance, in His way, in His time, beginning with today. Cast your cares upon Him. Trust that His word is true--He cares for you, more than any other could ever hope to. You are so free to rest in His love, today, amidst any and all circumstances, as well as tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that....

Thanks so much for coming by for a visit. I do realize that time and (lack of) internet connection hasn't allowed me to post as often as I did in the past. I'm not sure if/or when this will change, or not. My desire has been to get back into the swing of shorter posts and less photos on a more frequent basis, and that may work out, but to be honest, it does seem that blogging--the computer overall, really, since setting it aside during our transition--has taken on an entirely different rhythm for me, this time around, which is nice in many ways. We'll see, I'm praying for things to fall into place *just right* :o)  For now, if you don't hear from me for awhile, know that I'm still here, tending to the things of home and relationships (here and beyond) ; loving and enjoying my life and family and the countless blessed things that fill the moments of each day, and that I'll pop in for a hello when and as I'm able.

Thank you, again, for all of your very kind and loving notes. You're all so sweet. So precious. Thanks for taking the time to share the gift of your treasured bits and pieces of your lives with me--how blessed I am by your sharing. Thank the Lord, for blessing and keeping you, and each of your beautiful families--every special and uniquely crafted one.
With much love, Jewels

Comments

[mima]

Thank you! Thank you!!! I look forward to your posts soooo much!! I hope you have amazing internet services so you can post more! Love your writings,the beautiful photos....ahhh... so encouraging! Love and thanks and hugs!!!!!!!

[amy]

I'm so glad you're back :) Even if we don't "really" know each other, I so look forward to the little peeks into your life. Thank you for sharing your beautiful life with us :)

[Lorie/aka Louie]

I am so honored to have this beautiful calf named after me. I love you will all my heart Jewels. It has been very refreshing to come on here and see your posts. The music is very soothing, too. Everyone looks so wonderful and it makes me miss you all so very much. I cry every time I read your posts. The kids are growing up so fast. Love you lots, the first Louie.

[Marqueta]

Dear Jewels,

Thank you for the beautiful, uplifting reminder that the earth is preparing for a well-deserved rest. I tend to hang onto the free-living of summer too much, and have a hard time dressing lots of littles for the cold (and looking for snowboats/socks/mittens!).
My girls would sure love to come and play with your girls! They love looking at your blog, and I love knowing I can let them wander here, safely.

Autumn's blessings to you,

Marqueta

[valerie]

I just love this blog. I just learned of you this past weekend. I love all the pictures and the stories of your life. Your children are beautiful. Where exactly are you located? We were just curious of what state. I will be back.

[Elizabeth]

What a blessing to come here once again!! I too have always loved Fall!! Thanks for sharing yourself so well and the encouragements you send our way. As one friend has so aptly stated: "All God's paydays don't come due in October." Some of us are waiting for yet many things in way of relationships. You have given me more hope and I thank you for that!! May our FATHER bless you much!!

[moey]

ooooh! So glad you posted! Yay! Now I have to go back and read it!~ thank you Jewels

[Kimberly]

Dear Sweet Jewels,
What a wonderful treat to end the day with one of your posts. A smile rests on my face as I soak in your words and pictures and reminders of His love. Thank you, a million times, thank you---for your sweet words of encouragement and love to each of us. What encouragement and peace. Blessings and sweet dreams to you, dear friend.

[Shell]

You encourage me greatly to cherish these precious days of having my little ladies close, every day. May they know how much I treasure each of them, just as I can tell how much you treasure the gifts given to you!

[Cheryl]

Dear Jewels,

The hour is late but I just wanted to say that your post made me feel......so very PEACEFUL and CONTENT. I am struggling right now with my husband being unemployed and having to make many scary decisions.....he is a disabled veteran and life is/has been in such crisis management mode....but, I thank God for people like you....people who can relate our Lord's love to us and remind us that we are NOT alone and that we are LOVED by Him. Cared for.

Thank you again, and may God bless you and your beautiful family richly. :-)

Your Blog Friend,

Cheryl :-)

[Kelley]

Oh Jewels, it was wonderful to check and then find a new post!
I am so glad to know that you are fine and that you are enjoying autumn's wonderful activities and changes...
We too are enjoying autumn in our little corner and looking forward to our apple picking adventure very soon!
Wishing you a most blessed week!

[Louise]

Dear Jewels, thank you so much for this most recent post! I only recently discovered your blog through Biblical Womanhood and have been checking back here eagerly each day to see if you have any new posts. In the mean time I have read through all your archives.
I have loved coming and reading about your family and listening to the beautiful music.
This recent post seemed like it was written to me. I really am finding things such a struggle at the moment. I want so much to create a home atmosphere like you write about. Thank you again.
Louise in New Zealand

[Mrs. Anna T]

Dear Jewels,

How lovely to read an update from you. Thank you for your beautiful, timely, touching words. Thank you for sharing a bit of your autumn - we're enjoying autumn holidays here, and it's still very warm. Nights and evenings are cooling down pleasantly.

How encouraging it was to read your words about mothering, while I'm expecting the arrival of this little baby who is now curled up in my belly, growing and letting us know she's there by her gentle movements. Sometimes I wonder whether I'm ready, whether I'm fit, but I know there's a reason God placed this precious child in *my* womb.

Love,
Anna

[Katy]

I was so happy to see a post from you! :) I am sorry you have been having so much trouble with your internet connection. How frustrating!
I absolutely loved all the pictures and hearing how you all are doing. Oh my goodness....how the story about Louie the steer made me chuckle! hehe! And ya know, in the pics...he DOES look like a deer! I totally see it! How funny!

Thank you for sharing your life with us! :) It's always such a joy to come and see how you all are doing! :o)

[Mary Lehrbaum]

So very good to see you back, Jewels and to catch up with all that you and your dear family have been doing. Fall is my VERY favorite time of the year and I so enjoyed your beautiful thoughts about this lovely season... The apple picking photos brought back fond memories of taking my own children apple picking and of the fun we had. One farm we went to would pull us out to the orchard on a hay wagon and the children (who are all grown and married now) just loved it.
Be blessed, dear Jewels, You bless all of us so much.

Mary L.

[SuzyQ]

Thankyou for sharing such wonderful memories in such a lovely way.
I love the photos especially the one of Celiesia munching on her apple!
Your words of wisdom and encouragment on mothering are something I truly treasure.
Blessings to you and yours ~

[Bella]

Thank you yet again for another beautiful and inspiring post. It's always such a treat when there is something new from you to read - but I'm sure none of your readers would ever want you to feel bad about not posting more frequently - please just go on living your lovely life, glofifying God, and we'll be happy with little glimpses every so often!

[Naomi MacKenzie]

Dear Jewels, I thank God for your "older woman advice" it is so encouraging. I wanted to particularly ask you how you coped when you had chronic fatigue. I have suffered from this for many years now and I find it hard to have the energy to do things with my children. It comes out in my dislike of craft, helping in the kitchen, spending time outdoors (which I know they would love to do) but I find I lack the energy to clean up messes and if I spend my energy outdoors then I can't get dinner. That is the first thought that crossed my mind when I read about you being outdoors - how could I do that and have energy for all the evening chores and being pleasant and not irritable when little ones are tired. For me the most important thing is not to overexert myself so I can be pleasant. But I know my children are missing out. How did you manage? I would really like to not have to say to my children "I know you would really like to do that but Mummy can't today because I am too tired" because I am also too tired tomorrow and the next day and so many projects remain unfinished and my children get disheartened.

Warmly, Naomi

[Jennifer]

Jewels,

Thank you for writing about loving our children...through all the stages of life. I've been praying that there would be some sweet sisters with older (and younger children) who would write about some of the pains and joys of the transitions that take place as our children go to establish their own places in God's plan. Your words have ministered to me this morning. I am content to look forward and not to hold on to what has already gone. I can love and fully appreciate what has gone before and look eagerly to what is to come.

Jennifer

[Michelle]

Jewels,

Once again you inspire me to be such a better mother, more humble and meek in my dealings with my children.

I too shed a tear for the passing of seasons. They seem to fly by too quickly.

Blessings to you and your family.
God Bless,
Michelle

[Amblin]

What a lovely post! I too struggle with just a hint of sadness at the goodyes that await me as I parent my youngest, and probably last, child. Lord willing, there may be more little ones but as of yet, there are no more little ones. It is a bittersweet time for me.

[Suzanne]

Well there you are my friend! Glad it was just internet connection that kept you away. I do hope you don't get a kick in your backside again from Louie:-) Our steer is at a friends farm , his name is Big Boy and if he ever kicked me I would be down for the count! Be well and say hi to everyone for me. God bless:-)

[Tracy]

Dear Jewels - what a blessing it is each and every time to see a new post from you!

I so enjoy seeing pictures of your family & your life. Louie is simply adorable and does indeed look very much like a deer. So precious!

Thank you for posting whenever you are able and sharing your life & your faith with us.

Blessings, Tracy

[Megan]

Jewels,
I love looking at your family's photos and the encouragement you bestow upon your readers. The music alone lifts my spirits! Hope you have a great week!!!

[Martha]

That was a beautiful post. So inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful life. Your children and grandchildren are truly *blessed*. And I love Louie!