Another sneak peak

Shimmery silver

Sparkly silver

Shiny Silver

All different, all silver,  all "Fu -i -ful"
Perfect for a December 1st wedding. 

Next...shoe shopping.

Joining the ranks

There are few things more memorable in a young boy's life than spending time with his dad... just the two of them.   It affords time to talk, and laugh, and learn a bit more about each other.

Dan has been looking forward to hunting with his dad {and brothers too}.  The rituals of bundling up in layers of warm clothes,  trekking out into the cold darkness to wait for the dawn, quietly sitting and observing all the sights and sounds around, and being a part of the stories that are told once back at home.

But before all that can happen, there is Hunter Safety Education class.  
It is a grueling two full days of in-depth study of firearms, how they work, and how to handle them safely.
The first day is all book work.  The information is extensive, but essential for safe hunting.

The next day there is a comprehensive written test

followed by time in the field, handling the firearms, and putting into practice all that has been learned.  Passing the course requires passing both the exam and the field work. 

Recently Dan had special time with his dad as they attended the class.  It was also a time of discipleship as the two of them talked about the things of life {God, guns, growing up, etc.}

This is Dan's first memorable "hunting" event with his dad.  I know there will be many more.

This certifies that Daniel has successfully completed 

Hunter Safety Education in the state of Washington.

October 2013

A sure sign of fall

Where I live, signs are everywhere that fall is in full swing.  Our long driveway is covered in leaves. The trees are beautiful shades of yellow, gold, orange, and red.  The smell of woodstove smoke hovers thickly in the crisp air.

While in Maui - the weather was a perfect sunny, clear, 85 with a tropical gentle breeze.  
The ocean was warm, the palm trees green.  If you never glanced at a calendar, you wouldn't know it was fall.  But there was one clue that indicated the change of seasons.  Starbuck's was selling their signature pumpkin spice latte.

No matter where you are - a sure sign of fall is pumpkin.

Because it's Monday, because I adore pumpkin, and because I love ya  {Can you guess, who that sounds like?}

I'm giving you my all time favorite Pumpkin Granola recipe.  It's so good, so crunchy, so flavorful, and so much better than store bought granola! 

Enjoy!

Happy Soup Season

When it's cold and crisp outside there is nothing more comforting, soothing, and nourishing to the body and soul than a delicious, steaming-hot bowl of soup.

Here are 5 winners for you to try this soup season.
1.  Beef Stew  {My all time favorite!}
2.  Chicken Noodle  {This one always get raves, and for a GF version swap rice for noodles.}
3.  Chicken Tortilla  {Simple and delicious.}
4.  Sausage and Bean Chowder {hearty and satisfying.}

and the star of the show for these autumn days..... {drum roll....}

5.  Pumpkin chili
     It's a fun twist on a classic, hearty dish.

Here's my regular chili recipe - to which you will add 2 cups pumpkin and some pumpkin pie spice {to your taste - start with 2 tsp.}

2 lbs. ground beef
2 cans (14 oz. each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 oz. each) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (28 oz.) marinara sauce
1 large onion, chopped
1 -2 green peppers, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

for pumpkin chili:
add 2 cups pumpkin and 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice.

Brown your beef and drain the grease.  Put it and all the other ingredients into a crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. 

This is really flexible.  If is seems too thick, I add a little beef broth. If you have other colored peppers instead of green, they work just as well.  If you like your chili a little less zippy then cut down on the chili powder. 

Serve with sour cream {we actually use Nancy's plain yogurt}, shredded cheese, chopped avocado, and corn chips.

Matthew's Senior Pictures

Matthew arranged with a friend to shoot his senior pictures.  I wanted to tag along because, frankly, they are fun to be with.  She and her sister met us at this artsy cafe in Snohomish.  

She captured Matt's rugged good looks and his unique style quite well. 

{the urban look}

{the artsy look}

{the travelin' man look}

{Look out, Mark Ruffalo}

{If this car had been a mustang, it would have been perfect!

The owner was flattered that we asked to take a few photos.}

It was a beautiful day.  The hint of fall was in the air, but the sun was warm and bright.  
Good friends, good laughs, good times.  Eric and I are so thankful for our children and the great friends they have.  {and for some great shots for our photo wall.}

My special day

On the heels of our amazing Maui trip, came my birthday.  We decided to spend a fun filled day at the Anderson Family Farm Fall Festival.  The best part was that ALL of us could go.   I know that getting days off from work isn't easy and I was extra blessed that my older kids requested the day off to celebrate with me.  That was a gift in itself!

We listened to Lamplighter's The Wanderer audio drama on the way.  A good story to listen to and beautiful scenery to admire makes for a nice drive. 

One could not have asked for better weather for the day.  It was warm and sunny with not even a hint of a breeze, not even later in the afternoon, when typically the wind can really pick up.  Picture perfect!

This year, they added a few new activities.  This Apple Sling Shot (think Angry Birds) was a hit!

 

 

 

through the window panes on the door

 

Dan's turn

 

Eric gave it a shot too

 

Donut bobbing is always a hit with the Littles, though not easy.

 

Two new little doelings joined their farm recently.

 

Life long friends...from boys to men!

 

The favorite, most requested...the goat train.

A field full of pumpkins for the pickin'

 

 

 

Grace's Amazing cupcakes

 

 

Mary Beth serving out their delicious pumpkin chili

{with hot dog, chips and, a drink - great deal!}

 

 

Their beautiful products to sample {and buy because you will LOVE them}

 

 

 

The Obstacle Course

 

 

Toss your apple into a bucket of water...a little harder than it looks.

 

 

Matthew and Hannah were part of the "fill in" crew. 

{Appropriate black and white attire required - so guests know who is part of the crew}

 

Sarah hadn't planned on it, but she is so good with animals that her expertise was requested.

 

 

 

 A great way to get your Instagram pictures!

 

A Daddy/Daughter moment

 

The Hosts of the show....Rick & Kimberlee Anderson

 

A beautiful day, a beautiful birthday!

 

 

P.S. Is anyone else having compatibility issues with Windows 8 and Blogger?