Carmelizing fennel and shallots for a hearty autumn stew
Our recent days have been overflowing with the blessings of friends, family, and church. In addition to homekeeping and homeschooling, I've been helping my husband with scheduling and planning church activities, reaching out to neighbors, and entertaining guests. Spending alone time with God has been more important (urgent!) to us than ever before. We cannot give of ourselves, of our own strength; we must be full of Him and draw from His strength. Haven't you found that to be true, too?
Early last week, we enjoyed the company of dear friends for dinner and dessert. They graciously brought an apricot almond tea cake, and I baked an apple pie and coconut cream pie from scratch...
Did you notice the homegrown tomatoes from a friend and the last of the pretzel bread from supper? We had such a wonderful evening.
The next day, my mother-in-law arrived from the West Indies. We don't see her often, so we made the most of our time together in between my husband's work and church responsibilities. One afternoon we chose to keep things simple and enjoyed a leisurely walk through a local park, capturing memories along the way...
She left to return home early this morning, and now we're focused on cleaning out the guest room and preparing for my mother and nephew to arrive tomorrow afternoon. This weekend is our Pastoral Installation Service, and we'll have a few more guests arriving from out-of-town these next few days.
Very early this morning, I stole a few minutes to finish reading Catherine Levison's book, A Charlotte Mason Education. We're integrating some Mason teaching philosophies into our homeschool and I've found this book an inspiring resource. I'm hoping to begin Levison's next book, More Charlotte Mason Education, and then progress to Ken Ham's book The Lie: Evolution.
What's been happening in your busy home? What are you reading? I'd love to know!
your mother in law is a beautiful woman! .. you both are! blessings!! ~melissa
Looks like you had a lovely time with your MIL! What a fun picture — thanks for sharing!
I’ve been reading and re-reading my well-worn copy of Karen Andreola’s “A Charlotte Mason Companion” and have found much encouragement there.
The recent busyness within our four walls includes making homemade kielbasa, history lessons, muffin baking, planting garlic and spring flower bulbs, and harvesting the last of our corn, carrots, and green beans. Life is full! We are indeed blessed!
Praying blessings upon your family in the coming days as they sound b-u-s-y!
~Lisa
Just read “Left Neglected” by Lisa Genova – it was a great one! Today: getting ready for dinner guests, preserving last of produce, feeling “nesting syndrome-ish” and literally scrubbing things with toothbrushs – yep, and snuggling my babies.
This is a great reminder to me as we are on the brink of a church move as well (my husband is a youth pastor). Remembering to hold tight to my quiet moments with God in the midst of all of the new friend making!
What wonderful pictures! Your home has been a busy one! But it must be a welcome warm place that people love to visit. I have been getting my home ready for the holidays since we do a lot of hosting. We usually have our teen group out to our farm for a bonfire in the fall, but we have had so much rain.
When I sacrifice my time with the Lord, things just seem so chaotic, it’s not worth skipping tapping into my lifeline.
Great post!
Love your pictures, thanks for sharing!
I just finished reading “Raising Real Men”, by Hal and Melanie Young. Excellent!
Our family just returned from a camp meeting in Missouri, and have been busy this week trying to catch up on rest and get back into our homeschooling routine.
Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage
so beautiful! what were you two up to anyway? a cha-cha?
Hehe! Just being silly
Lovely pictures of precious family time! Have you ever visited Karen Andreola’s blog “Moments With Mother Culture”? ..You will love it! She is always so kind to respond to questions and encourage one along the way in the Charlotte Mason adventure. The Lord bless you during the Pastoral Installations …it’s always such a time of joy and hope for the future of the local body!
Cute pic with you MIL:)
Busy here getting ready to host our 1st Thanksgiving/history of the Pilgrims event next weekend. This week I worked on recovering a couch–hope to be done tomorrow and celebrating three birthdays in a week–mine and my two girls so things are hoping around here:)
blessings!
I just LOVE the pix of you and your mom-n-law! Looks like you all had a very blessed visit together! You are such a beautiful woman from the inside out! Love and blessings, sweet friend, Kelly