Family Ties

 

 

“I do think that families are the most beautiful things in all the world!”
Louisa May Alcott

 

 

With wild winds and drizzling rain, Autumn has entered our lives quite with force this year. We have been working hard to quickly to plant next year’s garlic, close up the garden, put away all the harvest that we have worked to gain, collect straw for animal bedding, close up the outdoor kitchen …  and so forth …

{on a family hike}

It seems every season has its own set of required and time sensitive chores. We are nearly finished, and Lord willing, I will be in my resting period from November to March. I still have a patio full of apples that need processing but I am taking my time on it because, well, because apples keep a little longer than most produce …

 

{Autumn outdoors in Algonquin}

 

All that aside, I wanted to share a family photo we quickly took the other night …  in my heart of hearts, I surely wish I could freeze time. My mother’s heart becomes a little sad when I see how big my children are growing … I love having my children at home, I love being a mother and I do not wish these days away. The Lord is faithful and I am learning so much through my motherhood and wife journey. In many ways, I wish I knew what I know now back when I started parenting 17 years ago.

When I see my family all in one photo, I realize what a blessing the Lord has given me in these smiling faces.

 

I couldn’t help but leave this photo in the series – as I see Lazarus looking up at his daddy. That’s his entire life – looking up to his daddy. He LOVES his father OH SO MUCH, to the point where he cannot even sleep without daddy at night. There is a definite bond there that I love to watch unfold.

There’s much more to write about – this has been a very busy Autumn. Heavy ponderings are in my heart and stored in my mind to share … in the meantime, enjoy these last few days of October in your cozy homes and be thankful for all the blessings God has given you.

 

 

November 8, 2020 - 6:09 am

Gigi Michelle- God bless you!

November 8, 2020 - 6:08 am

Gigi Regina, I agree. I really dislike Halloween. Thankfully, as we live in the country, we don’t see the ugliness of it unless we drive to town. Hoping you have a pleasant November!

November 8, 2020 - 6:08 am

Gigi Hello Teresa, well, yes and no – we do have a lot of prep for the garden. The animals need good bedding to keep them warm. It’s always a new hustle and struggle every winter as we realize something is forgotten or broken – water is always an issue in the winter (freezing over).

November 8, 2020 - 6:05 am

Gigi Thank you, Monica!

November 8, 2020 - 6:04 am

Gigi Lynea, thank you! Tea and books and popcorn and apple cider, knitting and crocheting … all by the fire while the snow falls! This is why I love winter!

November 8, 2020 - 6:04 am

Gigi Thank you, Bethany!

November 8, 2020 - 6:04 am

Gigi Hello Amanda, so nice to hear from you. Yes, I will post the apple butter recipe. And advice regarding a pressure canner. I think I posted about it already but yes, I will work on some proper details. Thank you for your note! Have a great day!

November 8, 2020 - 5:14 am

Amanda I’ve been a long time reader of your blog and love it! I’m a mum of 6 in Australia. Would love it if you share your apple butter recipe some time.., I also wonder if you could give advice on choosing a pressure canner? As I’m hoping to purchase one soon and want one that will last well for a large family! Thanks for your encouraging blog, Amanda

November 4, 2020 - 1:05 pm

Bethany Beautiful family!

November 3, 2020 - 5:43 pm

Lynnea Just so precious! I always love visiting here, seeing your lovely photos, reading all of your encouraging and helpful writings. Praying you have a beautiful resting period.…

November 1, 2020 - 9:51 am

Monica I love seeing the family photos! Beautiful..growing…healthy. ❤️

October 31, 2020 - 1:04 pm

Teresa @ SF Love seeing photos of your lovely family ❤️ Families are the greatest blessings for sure. I look forward to seeing your posts during your rest time. We are loving the warm days of fall – in our area. Do you guys have a lot of winter preparation to do for the animals and your home? Blessings to you and your family

October 30, 2020 - 5:02 pm

Regina Shea Your family is beautiful Gigi! I can’t believe how big those children are getting. I’m ready for November to be here so the ugliness of Halloween can go away.

October 30, 2020 - 8:55 am

Michelle Thank you

October 30, 2020 - 8:55 am

Michelle Such a beautiful and precious family!! Thank you for sharing, your life is so encouraging and I appreciate your testimony for the Lord! You and your family are a wonderful witness for God!