Four Seasons: 30 Days, Autumn #30

My mom collected teapots, and I kept just a few of them after she passed away. I switch them out seasonally. This is the one I chose to keep and display during fall, and it is one of my favorites. It is not only beautiful and satisfies my love for displaying all things antique in my home, but it is a subtle reminder of my mama and who she was. It may not make sense (at least it doesn't make sense to me, but few parts of how I have grieved have left me feeling sane), but November is a hard month for me. It is the month I realized she was slipping away, and it was the month she eventually chose to end her treatments. Sure, December brings the day of her passing and the day of Dad's passing 2 weeks later; but, somehow, by the grace of God, I still love December and Christmas, or at least I was able to enjoy it more than I expected last year. I anticipate decorating this year, and I am looking forward to showering my children with love and my time and special memory making during the Advent season. I will mourn Mom's loss on December 12th, and I will mourn Dad's loss on December 29th, but the joy of Christmas and who Jesus is will not be lost in my heart. But November? It holds those hard memories. Last trip to the cancer treatment center. Last time I thought she might be here for Christmas, birthdays, special occasions. Last hospitalization.

It doesn't make a lot of sense, does it?  December should be when I feel this way, and maybe I'm wrong. Honestly, I didn't expect to feel this so strongly this year. I don't know what is normal or what is okay. I might be certifiably insane.
 
As an added note about the photo itself (all that was bonus, or something), the grape shade is one that I purchased years ago when my kitchen was decorated in a grape motif. I still love it, and I thought it spoke of Autumn as well.

The 30 day challenge is done, and I think I will miss it. How much fun it was!

Four Seasons: 30 Days, #29

 

This is what a cozy, fall school afternoon looks like at our house. Reading Little House on the Prairie while snuggled with a kitten on the couch. :)

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Lighting wasn't the best, but isn't this what fall looks like?

Four Seasons: 30 Days, Autumn #27

 

Chilly night family fun in the cozy house!

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We had a special family night tonight and made gluten-free, pumpkin doughnut holes. They are amazingly tasty!

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Our little church alight with the late afternoon autumn sunshine

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Nothing says "rainy fall day" quite like an indoor fort.

This is actually measured to be the size of a Conestoga wagon and filled with items representing sacks of corn meal, flour, potatoes, luggage, cooking items, etc... We're on our way to Indian territory with Laura Ingalls and her family.

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Handsome husband of mine. :)

Four Seasons: 30 Days, Autumn #22

Looking across the Scioto River in the Columbus, Ohio area.

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Lunch with these two favorite people of mine on our first ever fall break mini-vacation.

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Peeking through the woods.

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Found this lovely spot when I was out driving.

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Fungi :)

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Don't you want to explore this lovely lane?

Four Seasons: 30 Days, Autumn #16

 

Favorite people enjoying few moments at a state park on a lovely autumn afternoon.

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Harvest

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Saturday family brunch. Pumpkin oat pancakes, coffee, and a handsome husband.

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Autumn candlelight

A Simple Double Blog Hop: Four Seasons and a Daybook

Outside my window... Autumn fog shadowing the colors of October.

Praising God... for His hedge of protection.

In prayer for...one of my most precious relationships.

I am thinking... about slowing down and why I need that, why we all need that right now.

I am thankful... that our fall festival was a big success, and we all had fun.

In the kitchen... grain-free cinnamon coffee cake.

I am wearing... miss-matched pajamas.

I am creating...learning moments that last.

I am going... to breathe deep, slow down, and listen more. and maybe say nothing at all.

I am wondering... how this feels so normal already in so many ways, but so lonely in so many more.
 
I am reading... Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers. Of course, it is amazing.
 
I am hoping... for a couple of truly, heartfelt, new connections. Soon.

I am looking forward to...Saturday at home to get some real planning and cleaning accomplished.

I am learning... to notice the good first.
 
Around the house... grocery trip planning in the midst of teaching my favorite people all day.
 
I am pondering... next steps.

 

One of my favorite things... driving or walking through the Autumn landscape.

A few plans: grocery shopping, taking my husband to an appointment, son to a lock-in, a slower-paced weekend.

A word from the Lord: "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 (I encourage you to read the whole Psalm. It is one of my favorites).

A photo to share: I was still in my PJs this morning, so I didn't want to walk to the end of the driveway to make this a better shot. Still, isn't the fog over the fall colors in the trees lovely (in spite of the power lines)? 

Visit The Simple Woman 
for both of these blog hops.

Four Seasons: 30 Days, Autumn #11

I bought these beauties today at a local market.