these days

these days, I'm,

- wanting badly to blog again, to record our days and count our blessings; wondering if I'll have the time or motivation to continue to do so

- grieving the loss of my dear Dad and breathing "to live is Christ, to die is gain".

- rejoicing at the recent wedding of my littlest sister, thankful for a new brother and heartbroken that Dad didn't make it.

- cutting out as much extraneous "stuff" as I possibly can and trying to focus on what counts

- in the groove of a new school year with wonderful students who are making beautiful art

- enjoying my ninth year of marriage with the one I still can't get enough of and excitedly planning and saving up for a celebration of our 10th.

- doing yet a little more schooling with Levi and enjoying (almost) every minute ;), finding endless inspiration from Charlotte Mason

- listening to Magnolia laugh and say new words and mimic everything she hears and sees from her beloved older brother

- spending as much time outside as possible and soaking up October; the blushing trees, golden light, crisp air.

- thankful for this season of slowing, simplifying, cloistering in.