Cooler Weather and Outdoor Fun

One of my favorite aspects of fall is the draw to be outdoors enjoying the crisp temperatures and multitude of colors. Many days the kids are suggesting at the breakfast table where we can go walking or bike riding later in the day. The beauty of God's creation can be both a distraction and a motivation. It is hard to keep little eyes on books when there are hundreds of leaves falling in the backyard or a little chipmunk or squirrel scurrying around the patio or fence. Yet it is wonderful to send the kids out to burn off some of their restless energy without having to slather on sunscreen or bundle up coats.

Another fall favorite is breaking out the crock pot for some yummy soups, stews and chowders. I have always loved soup, but definitely not when it is hot outside. I always look forward to the first pot of the season!

I love these mugs. They are humongous, but they are so fun. I bought them when I worked at a gift shop in Natchez, MS, so they bring back some special memories.

Breathing in the aroma of corn chowder, one of my comfort foods!

                  

                      Sadly, our soccer season is over but here are some highlights of the last games.

Will and Conner Lutz reviewing their awesome plays.

Maggie getting ready for her game.

Just including this because of the ponytail! More pre-game warm-ups.

Getting the dregs of Nana's Diet Coke.

Maggie's a pretty tough goalie, but her team Blue Thunder ended up losing the game. This year was definitely one of those character-building seasons. Blue Thunder had a losing record going into the last game. The final game was played in the rain (unfortunately, I didn't make it because Will had a stomach virus), and through perseverance, Blue Thunder won the game. Maggie came home wet and cold but thrilled over the victory!

A special treat -- my parents came up for the soccer games and we had a late lunch at one of our favorite Memphis eateries -- Los Tortugas Deli Mexicana. 

Finally, to end with a laugh, one of the kids' new pastimes is to take crazy pictures on our computer. Some of them have us rolling! (But please note, some of these images may be disturbing to small children.)

These last few Meredith did this morning while I was in the shower. She's 4, and she already knows how to work the computer on her own!

Meredith's Birthday Means Yummy Cake and Cookies!

I cannot believe that our baby is 4! (Not to mention that Maggie is 9 and Will is 7!!) I feel like I am caught in life's whirlwind, and it is so fun, and I love, love, LOVE being a mother with every detail that comes with the title, but, alas, it is a whirlwind which will be over before I realize it. Our days of diapers, high chairs, bibs and crib sheets are gone as far as we know, and now we have book bags, soccer cleats, ballet shoes and bike helmets to take up the space. I definitely get more sleep than in the earlier days, and I don't really have the excuse of having to get myself and 3 children ready when I am late, yet even with homeschooling, we stay pretty busy, and I am ready for sleep at 9:00! God is so good though. Even with all the change, He is the faithful Rock who is and will forever be the same loving, gracious, sovereign God who has blessed us with these three kiddos. How thankful I am to Him -- how dependent I am on Him when I begin to grow sentimental or frustrated or overwhelmed.
Isaiah 26:3-4:  "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock eternal."

Forgot to mention that our van got scratched and dented at the soccer field last Saturday. Thankfully, the driver left a very kind note, and his insurance agent has already called.