Thursday, September 24, 2015

chess

On their way to their first chess tournament in over 3 years!


Matt and the boys joined a chess club in Cambridge, MA.  We had looked into scholastic chess,  but a couple of things made Matt decide against it.  First, in Massachusetts almost every scholastic tournament is on a Sunday.  Second, Cameron and Matt couldn't play in a scholastic game.  So, with being a part of another club, all four of them can compete and the tournaments are on Saturdays.

They were so nervous when they got there- lots of high rated people were there!  But they all won at least 3 of their games and left with a higher USCF rating than they started with.

They were so excited when they got home and we were all proud of them :)

football season and apple pies


This can only mean one thing....it's football season!

For the preseason games I made apple crisp, but to celebrate the season opener I made 2 apple pies.  And the Pats pulled off a win to make it a really good night!  



Tuesday, September 22, 2015

outside

I'm not sure why, but I didn't seem to get much of a chance to enjoy the outdoors this summer.  Now summer is over and the cool, crisp fall is here and I am determined not to miss out on the beauty of it.  And the refreshement it brings!  Although my garden was a huge disappointment this year, I am thankful for the cucumbers, potatoes, celery, kale, onions, snap peas, and peppers I did get.  Not a bumper crop by any means, but still some fresh veggies to enjoy.  I added kale and onions to our scrambled eggs this morning and they were delicious!  Brianna added potatoes to the chicken pot pie that she made for supper, and cut up cucumbers to go with lunch.  I had roasted onion for a snack tonight....mmmm!  

Micah, Caleb, Leah or Andrew have been joining me in the garden as I harvest potatoes on an as-needed basis.  Yesterday I was out there twice and both times as I was digging, I literally dug up a frog!!  Yes, I screamed. TWO frogs!!  I have never even heard of frogs burrowing themselves in dirt, but apparently here in Monson they do.  Bleh.  Leah was with me today as I was digging and she kept telling me I don't have to be afraid of frogs.  I tried to explain that there is something about thinking you have discovered a potatoe only to find that it is alive!
  


The dug up dirt where potato plants used to grow make a great place for Micah to play with his trucks :)










Andrew has been going outside with Leah and Micah.  He takes the blue football, throws it up at a tree and as leaves fall to the ground Micah and Leah  squeal with excitement as they run around trying to catch them.  What a great big brother!









I need the outside.  It's beautiful, declaring God's glory, and giving me the refreshment I desperately need.

i'm not sure why....

....or even how.  But, I love these kids more than words could express.  I don't love them more than my own-  but the love I have for them is supernatural.  And I love that they love me too.  
My heart breaks for them.  Not just when I see them, but when I think of them and when I pray for them.  They each have their own story.  Some aren't so bad, but others?  Unimaginable.  I'm grateful that God has put us in their lives to offer some hope and to point them to Jesus.





















Saturday, September 12, 2015

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

sunday evening

Getting to know some new friends.....
















dirt

Cameron has been working for a security company running data wires and installing systems of all kinds.  He has learned quickly and is looking forward to becoming a full fledged technician.  But, oh my!  He comes home so dirty sometimes!




random thoughts

So I've been doing a lot of thinking.  And resting.  And praying.  And reflecting. I can't believe I am a grandmother- with two mo...