Falls News and a Recipe

Fall has arrived and the Le Creuset is working hard! Soup is magical - you throw a bunch of stuff in a pot with some liquid and you get a meal in a bowl that's just as satisfying as if you had a separate meat, starch and vegetable. But with less work. Magic, I tell you!

First off - back to school pictures:

I know they're my kids and all but they are adorable!! I just love those two to pieces!

Will's been working hard since August playing football. We've been spending our Friday nights live streaming his game through our family room TV.  I've no doubt my couch is way more comfortable than a seat in the stands, but then I miss the smells and feeling of being at a high school football game and hitting the concession stand for a hot chocolate. 

Part of me is a little bitter that it's because of football that I loose a whole 3 weeks of summer with my kid and then he doesn't even get much playing time. But it's worth it when it's still worth it to him to be part of a team, to share in the highs and lows with his teammates and to have the experience and fun of representing your school. 

For me, watching one of these live games gives me a chance to see exactly what my child is doing in the moment. I look for #82 and breathe a sigh of relief - he's good, he's alive and isn't he cute?!!!

Meanwhile, Hosanna had a chance to spend two nights at Upper Canada Village - a living, working museum set in the 1860's. For those two day and nights, she dressed and worked as a young girl would in that time. 

Will had done it when he was around the same age and had such a good time! They really get a feel for a different life in a different time and learn in a way that is so unique. 

Zanna and I accompanied Wayne to his pastor's conference in Vermont. We met up with the Gumm family and we moms proceeded to show our kids a good time by eating our way through Vermont. 

We packed 2 moms, 5 kids, an IKEA bed, stroller and a cooler into the minivan and headed up to Stow. We took the Trap Family Lodge tour (of Sound of Music fame) and learned the real story behind the famous musical. Truth is more interesting than fiction in this case! At least for the moms ... the kids were wondering when we were going to eat ice cream.

Next we headed to Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream factory to take their tour which is really an 8 minute video, a brief birds' eye view into the factory (which wasn't running at the time) and the free sample at the end.  We followed this up by buying everyone more ice cream for what we liked to refer to as "lunch". 

We allowed for some important play time on the jungle gym area that helped burn off the sugar high before we piled back into the minivan for the next adventure (we're not stupid, you know!)

Last stop before heading back to the hotel to meet up with the guys was a nearby apple cider mill. This was really just a video that you watch the process of milling the apples and then you help yourself to a huge vat of cold apple cider. I would of tried one of the tempting apple cider doughnuts but then I just had ice cream. Next time!

We had a nice dinner out with the group before settling into the hotel for the evening. The kids burned off more energy in the pool and the older girls enjoyed a sleep over in our room.

The final morning continued our attempt at eating through Vermont. We toured the Cabot cheese factory and sampled every kind of cheese they make both before the tour and after the tour. I'm a sucker for cheese. A 3 pound block of sharp cheddar and $50 later we were out of there ... 

The colours were GORGEOUS and I'm not trying to be mean when I say I really feel sorry for those that aren't able to enjoy a real fall season of vibrant foliage and leaves worth pulling over on the side of the road to photograph while a logging truck almost runs you over while your children watch from the minivan. Totally worth the risk!! 

Finally, I leave you with the BEST recipe for homemade pumpkin lattes that are way better than the local chain coffee shop.

Makes enough for 2 servings:

2 cups milk (I substitute almond milk sometimes)
2 Tbl sugar
2 Tbl canned pumpkin 
2 Tbl vanilla extract
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup hot brewed espresso

Put milk, sugar and pumpkin in saucepan and stir until steaming. Off heat add 2 Tbl vanilla and 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice. Transfer to a blender; cover and process for 15 seconds or until foamy.

Pour into two mugs, add espresso. Garnish with whipped cream and spices if desired. Which I usually desire very much.

All the Pretty Things

 I have had one of the neatest experiences this last month or so. For an avid reader, it's a dream come true! I've participated in my first book launch team. The author is the same gal I took the "Overflow" course from and I've enjoyed reading her blog for years. When Tyndale Publishing asked for participants to join their private Facebook group to read the book ahead of it's scheduled release date, I jumped fast on that bandwagon!!

The book is described as a spiritual memoir. It's the book Edie says she never intended to write because she bares her soul in all it's honesty and messiness.  

I have kept coming back to Edie's blog at www.lifeingraceblog.com for her inspiring pictures of how she decorates her home, for her delicious soup recipes and her insight into Christianity.  I have appreciated her passion and respect for Biblical confessional Lutheran theology after living most of her life without it. I've been encouraged by her heart for hospitality and her willingness to open her doors to everyone and anyone that made need some love. 

It's the pretty that has kept me coming back. 

It never occurred to me where all those passions she focuses on in her blog came from. I never considered that her story may not have began so pretty to look at. I never imagined the reality behind all those pretty things. 

As our launch team read through the pdf of her book, we were treated to a weekly Facebook live book club with the author herself. She and "her people" became like old friends to the group of us. She would give us nuggets of information during these live calls like "what happened to cousin so and so", "who married who after a 30 year divorce",  and "why southerners love a good funeral", etc. Her sister and cousin became celebrities to us and we were so excited to "meet" them on these live calls. 

When reading memoirs in the past, I hadn't really thought about the impact on the author as readers flippantly leaf through pages of some person's real life. As the launch team began to react to her words and read her wounds, she reacted too. We were all a crying mess as she processed other people processing her life! 

The connection between words and human soul was never more evident and obvious for me as her life literally became an open book.

Her childhood was definitely a worthy page turner. I can't say I related much to her strong, southern upbringing (although I do have 10 months of life in Tennessee under my belt), her alcoholic father or divorced parents. I wasn't sexually abused as a child and didn't have need to visit a relative in prison on a regular basis.  

But what really struck me was that within the community of the book launch team, more people than not did relate. And that struck me to the core. Edie's words were starting to inspire a confession revolution! Women were being emboldened to share their own story that they had tried to bury deep and forget. They began to say out loud the things they had only dared to whisper to themselves. As they began to acknowledge the extent of their hurt and brokenness, Edie's written words were reminding them of the Saviour we all need to make us whole again. 

As the book moved beyond the injustices of her childhood, it went on to speak honestly of her own mistakes and sins of adulthood. This may call for even more bravery for the author to admit her screw ups and the consequences they bring! This was something I could relate to if I'm being honest with myself in regards to my own mistakes and sins. 

As I continued to "turn" the pages of my pdf, I suddenly began to understand better her need to nourish the people in her life with food and love and hope. I now saw more than just the pretty things she's showcases on her blog - I saw a woman broken by the sin inherited by human nature, the same one I'm broken from. I saw a woman hurt at the hands of others, as I have been in different ways. I saw a woman make her own mistakes and insist on learning the hard way, as I'm prone to do. I saw a woman in need of redemption and being led into the arms of her Saviour, Jesus. Redemption is my greatest need too,  and maybe we have what matters in common with different details. 

The message I take from her book is inspired by her openness to put herself out there for the sake of not just her own healing but perhaps even more important - for the healing of others. We all have a story that showcases our own brand of stupidity, hurt and hardship. When I am brave and open and honest with my fellow sisters, I may just move beyond the superficial and the seemingly "pretty things".  The unique challenges that I have experienced can be used by God to encourage and support and meet the needs of others going through their own hurt. Making myself vulnerable to others may just be the beginning of their healing. Bringing what I have to give to someone's fire is Christ working through me. What a privilege this is! 

Watch the book trailer here
Issues, etc
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Life{in}grace blog
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Backyard Scrapbook

I have adored our backyard this season! We had so many days of gorgeousness that I have spent a crazy amount of time enjoying the extra space we have for only about 4 months out of the year. 

It's always an interesting experience for me what I can manage to keep alive the whole summer and what just doesn't work. I have to laugh because what else can I do?! 

The above picture is what I was beginning to think were weeds that I was watering from seeds all summer. Imagine my surprise when they finally started blossoming flowers! But they had to grow crazy tall before they did and some extend beyond the top of the fence. Who can figure?

This is the first year I've kept herbs alive. We've enjoyed a lot of basil! Included in the pot is also peppermint, thyme and oregano - none of which I really know what to do with. The peppermint is interesting to chew on, I guess. But what else? The other's I might use in spaghetti sauce when I get around to it but if you have any ideas, let me know. Parsley was also in there but after I used some of it, it never came back. 

I don't mean to brag but ... We have some awesome hot peppers! We grew jalapeños and cayenne chilies and they've done really well. I made some jalapeño poppers and copious batches of salsa.

And these are my sad, pathetic tomatoes that make me laugh every time I'm out there watering them. I started with three plants. One just up and died overnight in a shrivelled up mess. The other two never did rebound. 

I thought I'd better take a picture of my mums before they go down the toilet. It's a good thing too because shortly after this the pot fell over and the whole thing has become top heavy with the flowers spread apart. What the heck?!

Let's focus on my peppers, shall we?

And my ferns. I rock the ferns! I'm so proud of them that I'm sad to see them go. I could try and take them inside before the first freezing but I don't know how to keep plants alive inside. 

Right now it's so hot outside that I really don't want to go out there. I'm starting to get the fall itch and it's killing me not to bring up all 7 boxes of fall related decorations and whatnots. I put in my Pumpkin Chai order from David's Tea and my pretty teal box arrived at my doorstop full of 400grams of fall flavour delight. So be sure to stop by and have a cup (or two) of tea with me, will you?

I have also managed to resist making soup even though it's KILLING me. My sweet and thoughtful husband gave me back in June for my birthday a beautiful Le Creuset French oven that has soup and stews just waiting to be made it it. Must. Keep. Grilling. 

Ever since I've started keeping Morning Pages and a Bullet Journal, I've become slightly obsessed with composition notebooks. I went notebook happy when we were down in the States because everything is cheaper there!!! So now I have a stack of these little beauties all ready to contribute to my overall sanity and well being. Or something like that. 

And we are back in farmer's market season and Z and I try to go every Saturday morning after we get some schooling done. Bad thing is, we just don't go through as much food as when Will is around so we have to eat the produce I buy fairly fast!! Also, no one seems as excited as me by a bunch of kale, a beautiful bag of brussel sprouts, or those adorable patty pan summer squash. I live with crazy people! 

Alright. As lovely as my cool air-conditioned house is feeling right now I will force myself to go sit outside and read my book and drink a cold beer. After all, it's still summer! 

Wisdom and Knowledge Part 2

 Welcome Grade 5! The plan for this school year is basically a continuation of last year because if it ain't broke, why fix it? That being said, there's still plenty to learn and lots of ground to cover. I'm excited to learn and discover alongside my daughter. Let the fun begin:)

Spiritual Studies: 

• One Hundred Bible Stories (New Testament half) with Activity book
• Scripture memory starting with Isaiah 53
• Hymn study starting with Hymn 512 from Christian Worship
• Retirement home weekly service
• Wednesday night choir and Bible study
• Daily Devotion from Dig In

Academic Studies:

• Saxon Math 6/5, Xtra math (math fact study), and Kahn Academy 5th grade math
• Learning Language Arts Through Literature (purple book), Easy Grammar, Handwriting Without Tears, Institute for Excellence in Writing, All About Spelling level 4
• Sonlight American History Year 2 (Core E), Presidential Scrapbook, MapTrek US Edition 1 & 2
• finishing up Science in the Beginning, A Child's Geography
• Weekly Chinese school
• Co-op (New France, Astronomy, etc)

 Academic Arts:

• Violin lessons, Home Art Studio 5th grade art, poetry study, monthly cooking lessons, music appreciation, theatre visits, Lutheran Girl Pioneers

Physical:

• swim lessons, synchronized swimming, skiing, ice skating

My favourite books on homeschooling that have been influential in the direction of our curriculum include:

• Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace by Sarah Mackenzie
• For the Children's Sake - Foundations of Education for Home and School by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
• Upgrade - 10 Secrets to the Best Education for your Child by Kevin Swanson
• You CAN Teach Your Child Successfully by Ruth Beechick
• Seasons of a Mother's Heart - heart to heart encouragement for homeschool moms by Sally Clarkson
• Educating the Whole-Hearted Child - by Clay and Sally Clarkson 

Wisdom and Knowledge Part 1

Sometimes I secretly dream of being the kind of mom who makes her kids school lunches and tucks sweet notes in them to discover during their day. 

Sometimes I recall my own nostalgic memories of the classroom - dear teachers, the bell of recess, and the desk that was mine to keep my school supplies in - and I wish my child could experience that, too.

Sometimes I imagine having a plate of cookies and a glass of milk ready for when she comes off the school bus. I sit down at the table next to her ready to hear her chatter about her day and fill me in on all the happenings of her life. 

Sometimes I resent the heavy load that falls on me to research learning styles, curriculum, and teaching methods. I get overwhelmed with the shear magnitude of taking on my child's education and being responsible for making sure they learn the right things at the right time and is that even possible?

Sometimes I daydream about what I'd do with the time my child is away for school. I'd start working on my Christmas scrapbook that I'm about five years behind on. I'd start going to the gym. Maybe I'd do some volunteering in the community. I'd meet my friends for a mid-morning coffee break. I can see it now .....

The beginning of a new school year is my opportunity to directly face those "sometime moments" and remind myself of all the reasons why I don't give in to them. Even after 12 years of this homeschool gig, I still get frozen with self-doubt and anxiety. Usually preferring to blend in and not be too different from the other "fish", I often find myself swimming in the opposite direction of most I know.  The mere sight of the bus in front of my house ready to pick up the neighbourhood kids sends me into a panic attack. At least for a day. So I find myself going back to the only place I trust to find conviction for this lifestyle we've chosen. God's Word. 

What is the goal of school? We believe it's to receive an education. We believe an education means for our kids to grow in knowledge and wisdom. Others could add socialization, civic development, moral and ethical development, and opportunities for witnessing one's own belief system in an open atmosphere. While we would agree that that list may certainly be covered in a government school according to their standards and worldview, we hold fast to our belief that the main purpose of attaining education is for growth in knowledge and wisdom. 

There are many opinions on how to best grow in knowledge and what kind of knowledge should be pursued. We are passionate about memorization, math fact retention and reading good books. We see learning history as an opportunity to learn His story and studying it in a timeline can give a better, clearer picture of the context of any given period. We see value in children learning  communication skills and to be able to comfortably interact with all ages and stages, giving them plenty of practice to do so. We teach cursive along with typing and spelling before the spell check kicks in. We like our kids to get bored so that they have motivation to use their imagination and experience daily quiet times to encourage thoughtfulness. We not only teach civic duty but a world wide awareness of different cultures and people groups, seeing them as precious souls that have been bought through the blood of Jesus, too. We understand that none of the above can be expected from our local schools. Our understanding of how best to grow in knowledge and what kind of knowledge to pursue is fundamentally different. 

The book of Proverbs has an awful lot to say about what God considers wisdom and what the world believes is foolishness. I will often find it useful to reread the book of Proverbs in my yearly planning for school while praying for the insight and eyes to see how best to apply it for our family. I can only speak for my own family and I find my conscience convicting me that this is the path we must take. There is no wisdom apart from God's Word and if God's Word is not only lacking in the local curriculum but shunned and banned, then how can wisdom be found there? It is the answer to this question that convicts us. 

However, I want to be careful that I don't burden myself or others in an unbiblical way. There is no commandment or direct command to reject a government funded and run institution. Schools weren't even really a part of our culture until about 200 years ago though it's hard to imagine a society without them now. The references I look to in Scripture when searching for guidance in this matter are not only found in Proverbs but Deuteronomy 6:5-9 in which parents are encouraged to keep God's Word close to our hearts and keep learning and growing, but to pass this knowledge on to our children. We are to bring it into our everyday life in all we do. How can we do this if we are separated for 6 hours or more every day? 

I know of godly families that have chosen a different path for their children but still take these directives to heart in their families. I am amazed by their willingness to make time after a long day of work and school and immerse their families in God's Word, training their children in truth and comparing it to the claims of truth they hear in school. I know families that get up early to study ChristLight material as they would daily in a Christian day school. These families know the lasting value of starting their day in wisdom and letting that guide them for the rest of the day. I know of a church that takes a couple evenings a week to gather the kids in their congregation for multiple midweek ChristLight study knowing that the church is there not to replace parents but to offer resources to parents.  I know there are godly parents who carefully look over school texts with their children so that they are equipped to spot lies even when it looks and seems believable taught from a teacher they trust.  There's no doubt it takes work and effort like my homeschool does. 

Being a Christian parent in today's culture is not for the faint at heart!! Regardless of the education we choose for our children, parents have the ultimate responsibility even when they choose to delegate (and I think almost all of us delegate something!). What a high privilege and calling it is to parent the children God has entrusted into our care - to teach the next generation the truth of what God says and the beauty of how what He's done for all of us through His love and grace! 

Oh, teach them with all diligence The truth of God's own Word,

To place in him their confidence, To fear and trust their Lord,

To learn that in our God alone Their hope securely stands,

That they may ne'er forget his works, But walk in God's commands.

Let Children Hear the Mighty Deeds, Hymn 512, CW

Bragging Rights

I have just to take a post to brag about this very special couple. Let me introduce you to Grandma and Grandpa (William and Charlotte) Nork. They have just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. 

Think about that for a minute.
70. 

Here's the family celebrating our togetherness with a Friday Fish Fry which includes Shirley Temples for the kids and Old Fashioneds for the adults. 

Grandma thought she'd get some mileage out of this whole "70 years" thing and mentioned it to the waitress because she knew good and well that she'd get a sundae out of it. How? Because she already played that card with a different waitress a few weeks earlier. Yep. That's my Grandma, God love her. You can also catch her stuffing saltine crackers and whatever else she can find into her purse. 

Grandma is my personal mentor in all things domestic. She is the queen of baking and cooking. She shares with me her Taste of Home magazines when she's done with them. Some of my favourite recipes I make came directly from her. 

She has showed me the value of opening my home to friends and family. She has modelled hospitality and warmth. We laugh when we're together and tease each other in good humour. 

Unfortunately, neither my mom nor I have inherited her green thumb. Shouldn't it at least skip a generation? But I got the short end of the stick on that one. I had my neighbour take care of my flowers and plants while I was away and I came back to better looking and healthier plants than when I left. I planted flower seeds in a barrel and have been watering them all stinking summer. Things have grown but they haven't been flowers. They're green though so I keep watering them all the while wondering if I'm really watering weeds. Which would be just like me ...

I may be taller than them now but they'll always be larger than life to me!!

We celebrated this momentous occasion with a party. It was a lovely affair with their closest friends and family in attendance who could make it. 

Aren't they adorable?!!!

They were married when they were 18 and 20. That puts them at 88 and 90 today. They are still mowing the lawn, shovelling snow, growing beautiful flowers in planters scattered around their home and making sweet and savouries enough to nourish heart and soul of all who enter their home. 

Grandpa used to work for the telephone company. As in, "Hey, kids! Wave to your grandpa up on the telephone pole as we drive by!" And there he'd be all strapped into his climbing gear as he worked on the telephone wires. 

Grandpa also used to fly planes for recreation. As in, "Grandpa's picking me up for the weekend (from boarding school). Can you drive me to the airport?" And I think I had about the coolest grandpa ever who flew me to their home on weekends I needed a respite from high school dorm life. 

Which makes sense that I'd name my first born son after the man. So began my grandpa being known as "big Will" and my boy being referred to as "little Will". 

Which makes this picture too comical. Whose big and whose little now?! 

First and foremost, Grandma and Grandpa have passed on their faith in Jesus to their 2 girls that have continued this legacy onto their grandkids and great grandkids. One of my very favourite things to do is to take communion with them and know that just as I share with them in the body and blood of Jesus through a common faith here on earth, I will share eternity with them beyond this life! 

They also influenced all of us in their love of music. This was witnessed in the program we had for them at the party. Hosanna played Amazing Grace and my cousin (also adopted from China), sang the words. Amazing grace, indeed!! 

My mom, Will and I played together Let All Things Now Living. We all participated in singing How Great Thou Art. 

It was hard to find a dry eye when we sang with the help of my Aunt Wendy, Will and the MC, a dear friend of theirs, How Great Thou Art. 

Will and I had been tasked leading up to this event to compile video messages from all their grandkids since most of them were unable to attend. Their grandkids and families are very literally spread out all over - 2 in Alaska, 1 in China, 1 in Canada, 1 in England and 1 in Germany. It was a treat to surprise them with a gift they weren't expecting! My cousin and his wife in China announced in their video message that they are expecting their first baby in November! It was the perfect ending to the video. 

Speaking of which ... 

Check out the size of that video camera! Grandpa has always been passionate about all things video, camera and tape. He has shot countless Christmases, Easters, my high school graduation, Will's baptism, my high school senior play, my wedding and reception and hours of footage driving.

Mainly through Alaska.

It's not for the faint of heart. 

So it should not have been surprising when he showed up with the old VHS video camera, having assigned someone ahead of time to take a movie of the anniversary party. 

Apparently he never saw the advertisements for the smaller, newer digital cameras out there now. But why take a chance when "Big Bertha" has always shown her trustworthiness? 

Thanks for letting me brag a little about these two precious people in my life and join me in celebrating a love that has been honoured for 70 years! 

Cheers to Grandma and Grandpa!!!