Not too easy - Day 295

Sometimes it seems that life would be so nice if we could just plop on a park bench and watch it go by. While it sounds nice sometimes, nobody ever trained for a marathon sitting down. And the view doesn't change much when you sit in one place! Challenges and work grow us in ways that leisure life can never do...

“Don’t handicap your children by making their lives easy.” Robert A. Heinlein

Beginnings that look like endings - Day 294

Sometimes something that looks like the end of the world, is just the beginning of a new adventure. If these leaves didn't lose their color and fall to the ground and die, then this tree would never break forth into the glory of new growth in spring. Without fall, there is no spring...

“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.”   Louis L ‘Amour

Valuable Memories- Day 293

I am working on treasuring each and every moment that I am given...all the small insignificant things that happen throughout every minute of every day add up into so many valuable memories!

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”  Dr. Seuss

Nothing is impossible - Day 292

This little girl of mine doesn't seem to be afraid to tackle anything! Impossible is not usually in her vocabulary! Love her bravery and unquenchable spirit!

“Sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”   Alice in Wonderland

Busy Minds - Day 291

This little girl has one of the most active and busy minds of anyone I know! Sometimes you can look at her and just see the wheels turning - then look out! You never know what question or statement is going to come next! Love it!

“Quiet people have the loudest minds.”   Stephen Hawking

Gray and Rainy Day - Day 290

In Wyoming, it is a rare thing to have a gray, overcast, and rainy day - at least for more than a few minutes! So when we recently had one of those days, it was kind of a little kiss from heaven for me! A little bit of home for this girl who has always loved a good rainy, cozy, and stormy day!

“Into each life some rain must fall.”   Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Here and now - Day 289

This picture makes me think of the different circumstances everyone finds themselves in. It has the falling leaves and empty branches from the deciduous trees - makes me think of those struggling through whatever challenges they might be facing. Then there is the evergreen...seemingly without a care in the world - solid and strong while facing every challenge. We all have to weather the storm at some point, and we all get to do it in different ways. But the same Heavenly Father watches over us all. I am so humbled, blessed, and thankful for that!

“The trick is to enjoy life. Don’t wish away your days waiting for better ones ahead.”

Hidden paths - Day 288

Sometimes, you just want to get lost for a little while somewhere beautiful with no destination in mind. This is one of those places I would love to do that...

“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.”   Lewis Carroll

Starting School - Day 287

This picture was taken on the first day of school...which we started a bit later than I had intended! Couldn't be helped with moving and all though, so it's okay. Homeschooling is such a huge investment of time and energy - both mine and theirs! But I'm grateful for the way they learn to manage and be responsible for their own efforts and work! They are growing up so fast, and I couldn't be more proud of them!

“If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.”   Abigail van Buren

Evergreens - Day 286

I love this picture! In the background you can see the brilliant colors of the inevitable death of the leaves of deciduous trees each fall. And then there is the evergreen...continuing on through all the seasons. As long as God wants it growing there...nothing will change that fact. I'm grateful that my life rests in the same hands...

“If God intends it nothing can prevent it.”   Unknown

Letting things slide - Day 285

I have learned that there are a million things in a day that I can take offense at. But you know what? It is so much easier to forget my pride and let things slide...maybe not easier in the moment, but definitely easier in the long run. Take this chair for example. It took a bit of effort to add the floor pads that allow it to slide smoothly over the floor, but that is easier than repairing an infinite number of scratches to the floor from it gouging it's way around without them!

“We should be too big to take offense and too noble to give it.”   Abraham Lincoln

Apples - Day 284

I love apples! I don't know if it is true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but I'm happy to keep working on testing that theory! Even though we now no longer live in apple country, we were fortunate enough to be driving back to visit family during apple season. This meant a mandatory stop and stock up on apples. Besides the ones we consumed fresh, we are now well supplied with applesauce and frozen apples for pies and crisps. Yum...makes my mouth water just thinking about it!

“Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.”    Rober H. Schuller

Simple Pleasures - Day 283

I am so grateful for the little and seemingly insignificant blessings...like running water - warm water even! - and a tub to soak sore and tired muscles in...

“Happiness, not in another place, but this place…not for another hour, but for this hour.”   Walt Whitman

Morning Showers - Day 282

I love my morning shower...there is just something that feels good about starting the day off clean and refreshed! I try to remember, however, that my morning routine needs to consist of so much more than outward beauty. No, the more important things are not visible and easy...but of so much more value!

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”   Audrey Hepburn

Windows of Change - Day 281

Windows let in a lot of light - and give glimpses of what is going on outside. As grateful as I am for the windows that I can peek through - it takes walking through the door to really experience what is outside. I think I can say I've walked out the door!

“Making a big life change is pretty scary. But, know what’s even scarier? Regret.  Unknown