Autumn Tea Leaf...My Cup Overflows

This picture reminds me of changes that have taken place in the past month and a half...it's a bit of a blur, but filled with goodness and blessings.

Even when the days seem to be made of struggles and uncertainties, we can rest assured that God has the overall plan in our best interest.

Upon returning from our trip to Japan, I visited my mother who had been admitted to the hospital...she had fallen and broken her hip and was now 'recovering' in a nursing/rehab center.  What was supposed to be a month long recovery to independence, turned into a nightmare.  Her health took a drastic turn and it seemed we would lose my mother.

Sparing the ugly details, I removed my mother from the 'care center' weeks early. I moved into her home, where I would become her full time caregiver and therapist.

My years as an Occupational Therapist paid off.  I could not only offer her professional treatment, but attentive and loving care 24/7 to bring her back from her torment.

Today, this first day of Harvest, she is walking outside with me and enjoying the crisp air and warm sun on her face.

It was not without pain, perseverance, sacrifice, humility and tears.

In the past month, my daughter has left for college.  This is her first year out of the house.  I haven't really had time to feel the emptiness of her presence in the rooms of our home.  Her beauty.  Her laugh.  Her smile.  Her loving and gentle hugs.

My beautiful Butterfly

I miss my Butterfly and my heart is mixed with so many emotions.

I am filled with excitement & happiness for her.  I know that she will grow in the Lord and strengthen her Faith.  She will gain wisdom and knowledge through life experiences and academia.  She will make life long friends and build upon her character.  She may meet her future husband, or learn what God is calling her to do...how to serve Him, now and in the future.  She is a precious child of God, and I love her to the heavens and beyond.

In a few days I will return home.  I will resume my full time position as wife, mother, and keeper of my home.

Soon, I will be reunited with my garden, and my silly and sassy dogs.  I will decorate my home with things of autumn.

I will praise Him with every detail in my life.

My time with my mother, and my father, has been such a blessing.  My cup surely overflows with God's good love.

God is so good.  

He allows us to know, love and serve Him through those around us.  

He is always giving us the opportunity to reap His Harvest!

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, 
for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.  
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.  My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, 
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever." 

~ Psalm 23:4-6

Harvest, Autumn, Fall...

I am giving thanks and feeling mighty grateful for another season of Autumn...my favorite season!

The months and years are slipping by...and now, I have another graduate.  She is away at college, thankfully in California.  This mama is happy about that!

And so a new Academic year begins...

Blessings to all our homeschool families, students and teachers everywhere, and college students near and far...

"But those who hope in the Lord, will renew their strength.  

They will soar with wings like eagles; 

they will run and not grow weary, 

they will walk and not be faint."  

~ Isaiah 40:31

FEAST-ivities continued...

My favorite month of the year is NOVEMBER.  It is a time when I feel things slow down, even for just a bit.  The nights get longer, the air is cooler and the sun is toasty warm...not scorching hot.  Here in California, the sun can be merciless.

It is also the month that I celebrate my birthday. :o)

This year, my daughters and husband made me the most wonderful Birthday Brunch to go with my Birthday Extravaganza.

This is the spread they prepared to help me celebrate the day...

It was a day of jollity!  Nearly festivity overload.

Everything tasted delicious.  Everything was done with such love.  Every detail in the presentation was exquisite and I was most appreciative.

Goodbye November...you've been feastive. 

XO,

FEAST-ivities

The month of November, and October for that matter, passed by so quickly!  Autumn is definitely filled with a lot of family activities and traditions.  

Once again, I am Back-blogged and so I share a few highlights of the Autumn months...

And let the Feast, er, Festivities begin...

Our dear friends invited the girls over for a pumpkin carving night, what fun!
Prize ribbons and all....

And with pumpkins, come pie!

My Butterfly made this baked deliciousness from scratch.  

All Souls Day, a holy day, commemorates all of the faithful departed.  We celebrate with a beautiful Solemn Mass.  Our Cathedral Choir sung Gabriel Faure's Requiem.  Heavenly.

This November, my husband lost another of his aunts.  We held the memorial (or remembrance) reception at our home for dear uncle's wife.  Their friends and family were invited and it was a blessed day.

Autumn is my favorite season...the colors, the coolness in the air, and all the foods associated with Fall...

And then there is THANKSgiving...a time to reflect and express our gratitude for all that has been given to us in the preceding year.  Yes, here in Northern America we clebrate the autumn harvest festival from 1621, but it is much more than the traditional turkey and trimmings feast that most Americans replicate.  It is stopping and giving thanks to God for everything. Watching football, feasting and enjoying the company of family & friend reunions are just wonderful benefits and blessings. ;o)

Thanksgiving Menu and Recipes Here

Hopefully, I will resume with the final Autumn back-blogged feast-ivities soon...

xo,

This one's for you...

Little Lamb.

A week or so ago, you asked me why I don't journal on my blog anymore...

I am so glad you asked and I am SO thrilled that you enjoy reading and remembering a few of our family highlights.

There are about 20+ posts that are waiting to tell of some of the adventures and blessings that we have experienced over the paste several months (and years).  I promise to work on them so that you can have a place to reminisce.

I really miss sharing some of the family times here on the blog.  Now that things have settled down a bit, I hope to start posting again.

To help get things going...let's begin sharing about my very favorite season of all,..

AUTUMN

Thank you, Little Lamb, for helping me put up all the Autumn decor!

It was fun!  Any you were Oh, So, helpful.  

xo, 

Styling my Autumn Hutch

Displaying my silverware in a flower vase...
easy access, while reminding me to use enjoy the silverware more often.

Decorating for the season can be simple.
I never find decorating to be a hassle or burdensome.  If I did, I simply would not decorate.  Right?

Autumn Changes

Joining Like Mother, Like Daughter for some pretty, happy, funny and real times...

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

{pretty}

This pretty white rose is from my the garden.  My mom is now taking great care of the plants.  She enjoys cutting the flowers and bringing them into the house.
I love that.

What a difference a little flower can make in a room.

~ Back-Blogged: AHG, Blue Mass, Birthday, Action...September ~

Joining Like Mother, Like Daughter 
for some pretty, happy, funny & real family fun!
&
Catholic Bloggers Network Link Up Blitz!

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION...

{pretty}


The crew looked {pretty} & handsome as they attended a movie premiere gala event.  Our friends' daughter produced, directed & filmed a movie that included several children in our home school & church friend circles.  
It was a super fun afternoon.  Cast members (siblings & parents, too) brought snacks, desserts, drinks to watch the completed film.  The families enjoyed watching the youth laugh and enjoy themselves.  

Movie Premiere

VIPs

The Event included:  The Walk of Fame; Special Movie Premiere; Luncheon with the Stars. 
All the cast dressed to the occasion.
Everyone enjoyed the afternoon.  Good wholesome fun and entertainment.  
Rated G for GREAT! 

{happy}

AHG & Trail Life have been bringing many {happy} events and memories.
A lot of badges and service hours have been accomplished through meetings, camping trips and home activities.  Little Lamb even took the initiative to personalize her new tote bag that each girl received to hold their AHG book & projects.  She embroidered the American Heritage Girls initials onto her bag.

American Heritage Girls

Conductor has turned SEVENTEEN.  Wow.  TEMPUS FUGIT.  

He requested his favorite side dish with bacon, and this fruit torte.  

Happy 17th!!!!!!!!!

We are so proud of you, son, and 

WE LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!

{funny}

Fresh eggs

After a good wash, I lined up the eggs in a safe spot so they would not roll away...I love having fresh eggs every morning.  Love it.


{real}

We attended the 2nd Annual Blue Mass at our Cathedral to honor our police, fire fighters and first responders. 

Blue Mass

Eighty years ago, the first Blue Mass took place in  Washington, D.C. at St. Patrick's Church.  Since 1934, the Church has been asking for special blessings for those that work in public safety, protecting and caring for our communities; and to pray for those who have given their lives.
We take time to honor those that gave their lives in the line of duty.  This particular Mass was special in that a family friend, a police officer, was killed in January of this year.  Our bishop mentioned his name during the intentions.

Credit:  SFgate
Funeral Mass of Detective Sergeant T.S.

Bishop Barber celebrated the Mass along with ten chaplains, and three deacons; The mayor, 3 chaplains from the Episcopal church and two from the Baptist church were also in attendance and praying together with the law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders.

We pray for those living, especially my brother.  

Please offer up a quick pray for all those that serve and protect us.   

St. Michael, Patron Saint of  Law Enforcement Officers
St. Florian, Patron Saint of Firefighters

Go to Like Mother, Like Daughter to find more contentment...

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2014 Link Up Blitz
~ Family Journal ~

~ Birthday Bows ~

Butterfly and I worked together to decorate these gifts.

Simple, but thoughtful.  We used silk flowers that I had in my craft box.

The wired ribbon (love this stuff) was from last years clearance bin...stock up!

It was easy and makes the present really special...

...and you want to make the recipient feel special...

...because the recipient IS special!

~ Autumn Bows ~

{pretty, happy, funny, real} ~ The flavor of Autumn ~

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday at Like Mother, Like Daughter

 

{pretty}

The Kitchen Table Centerpiece

 

{happy}

 

An early birthday gift from my children.

 

I think they were pretty happy about it...

since it makes hot chocolate and Hot Apple Cider!

How convenient!  :o)

And that makes ME HAPPY!

 

{funny}

 

Little Lamb has been asking to learn the following languages:

Spanish, Italian, German, Latin and Polish

Little Lamb making her own layered candle

 

She wants to speak these languages "conversationally" and not just learn them "grammatically".

 

 

Little Lamb:  Mom, when can I learn Spanish?

Me:  Well, there's no time like the present!  (Getting up from my computer and immediately getting out the Rosetta Stone).

Little Lamb:  WOW, that's the first time I've heard you say that!

Me:  Really?  You act so surprised...do you like that saying?

Little Lamb:  Yes; that is the smartest thing you have ever said!

Me:  LOL.  (I'm guessing that I say, "just a minute" and "just one moment", way too often!)

 

{real}

 

New gift = Re-organizing my Tea Drawer

 

And what goes wonderfully with some Hot apple Cider...?

Baked Apple & Cinnamon Oatmeal - extremely easy, delicious and with the flavor of Autumn

Autumn Breakfast

 

Go to Like Mother, Like Daughter to find more contentment...