Grandma's rolls

For many years now, Grandma (or Great-Grandma) Bunette has made the same sourdough rolls from starter faithfully every week.  Anytime we were at her house, she always offered us rolls with jam - either as a snack or with the meal.  So, it was a sad day when she took her starter out of the freezer and found that it was no longer active.  In some ways it makes life at 100 a bit easier for her now.  But we will miss all her labor in the kitchen to make these amazing rolls.  

Trevin was sick the last time we went up to Grandma's last weekend. So she sent his 2 rolls home for him to enjoy.  He savored every bite!!

a pumpkin on my table

I love the change in perspective when I'm reminded of everything I have to be thankful for.  My little pumpkin turned out cute & goodness, it wasn't too hard to fill up the space.  

Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

Thought for Tuesday

Trevin's project

Trevin intently wrote his thankful thoughts on a little pumpkin this week.  He needed help with a few words, but I have noted progress in his writing skills!  It is certainly getting easier for him.  Yay! 

" I love my parents.  We will be thankful and have the right spirit.And don't say mean words.  I am thankful for daddy letting me go to Park and Pizza!  We want to respect around the world."

I think he's got the right idea!!

Florida bound

He's off!  This time Russell is travelling to Florida.  I looked into flying out with the boys for the weekend, but it just didn't make sense this time.  Fortunately the boys really didn't care.  They are currently scheming how we can get back to Sandpoint as quickly as possible.  However, it IS difficult to get the girl out of Texas.  Oh the wisdom from our sweet nephews.  Jeannie & I laughed until we cried about that one.  I look back & miss her so much!

Russell was gone for nearly half the summer.  It has been a growing experience for me & there certainly have been growing pains.  The good:  more patience, empathy for who are in this same situation, getting more organized, learning how to keep things fun for encourage cooperation from all parties, more appreciation for quiet time.  The bad:  sometimes the burden feels awfully heavy.  The good outweighs the bad for which I'm very thankful.

I find myself humbled as I struggle at times alone in this parenting business.  This is good. Convention message for me: Humility is essential when establishing ourselves on the rock.  A lesson I must keep learning.

Success

Fall Hike: Bull Creek, Austin, TX

The boys are always up for an adventure even when someone is hobbling around with a foot boot.  The fall weather did not disappoint as we made our way along Bull Creek.  Of course, we had to climb, run, jump, & explore...getting our feet wet which didn't prove to be very comfortable while shopping at Trader Joe's afterwards.  But hey - we survived & it wasn't so bad after all.  Yep, there is still a bit of drama even without girls in this family.  

Our next hike will be this winter...in New Mexico or Arizona.  Let the planning begin!  

I need to get maps & recommendations.  

Pancakes & peaches

As usual I tried a new recipe since we were having company tonight.  Not sure why I do this to myself, however I could tell this would be a keeper.  It was wonderful!  I made Peachy Pancake Sauce tonight with some frozen peaches.  There is nothing like a warm fruit sauce on oatmeal pancakes.  Delish food & nice fellowship on this drizzly, cool evening....a lovely way to end the weekend.

Click here to view recipe.

Looking ahead to Monday now & thankful for all His provisions.

International Children's Day

This is a huge event at the boys' elementary school....booths representing at least 12 different countries with snacks at each booth and lots of fun facts.  It was an exhausting but fun day.  It was fun serving english tea & cookies to the kiddos as well as showing them pictures of Parliament, the Star of Africa (diamond) in the Crown Jewels, Tower Bridge, & more. 

My fun fact:  What time is tea time in England? 

No borders

A recent reminder at convention -

We are a part of something that crosses boundaries and has no borders.

Thankful on this Thursday for a change in my perspective.

Investigations

It was rather fitting that pumpkin investigations took place this week.  Trevin invited me to help their table with his project.  The kids had fun learning while getting dirty.  Pumpkins float!  Our pumpkin contained over 390 seeds.  And what a fantastic mess we made...just glad it happened at school & not at my house!

Thought for Tuesday

Pondering this convention gem...Responsibility is the response to our ability in serving God.