Summer Stories

Hello whirlwind days! I wish it hasn't been so long since recording events around here. But I'm backing up to record some of the little and very big moments we've lived the past couple of months.

Cotter, child number 2, graduated from his high school. I love him so much! It's been a treat, and treasure, to watch him grow in maturity and interests through his childhood and up to now. He stretching those proverbial wings in a new city, and thanks to technology, I get to keep in touch and watch from a distance. I'm really thankful for that.








Handsome graduate :)


Grandpa Moore, Jake, Cotter the graduate, Hannabanana


Then in July, a big moment came when we visited north to be a part of my mother in law's wedding. She provided space for us in a lovely big boarding house where we spent time with family and were able to make new relationships with our growing extended family.


Jake tying his tie (photo credits to Hannah or Joe)


Hannabanana and Abby Rose curling hair (photo credits to Joe)



Family and family who is a new friend too.


Me listening to Andre Bocelli's "Prayer" being sung, and praying it myself for the new couple.


My mother in law looking so beautiful, Glenn smiling at her side

It was a special time.

Then there have been all the little things. The campfires, the swimming, the walks, the hikes, the time with friends, a few nice outings, the books I've been able to read, trying new things, new involvements, and the gifts from our small gardens. These also make up the big part of the Summer. I hope to catch up on those next.


~Cassandra

When home is a destination

The loud whistle blows. The sounds of engines turn. The animals and old cars make their way to the end of our road.

"Please Daddy, can we go get the ice cream?"

The sounds and sight of summertime in our hometown.






































~Cassandra

Birthdays, Blessings, Believing

So happy.

I look back over the past few month's pictures, and I'm again amazed at how life brings all these many moments that makes a heart focus in on the true gifts in life. I so don't want tomiss any of them by being distracted by lesser things.

Dear little Grady Mister turned three. three! Grady, you are a dumpling and a handful. It's a funny thing to find myself not so quick on the draw when it comes to being aware of being on top of his mischievous side. Not that that is good or bad. It just is :) and it's both!




































Cotter has turned 18 and will be graduating in a week and in a couple of months will head off to college.
Oh dear.
Have I mentioned how my heart is turning and stretching as my two eldest take flight from the nest? I know it's a good and natural part of life, but it kind of makes my heart ache too. I'm learning learning and learning to lean on the everlasting arms of God who loves us all, the best. Doors, ways, paths, He unfolds and opens. Even if I lose my way a little, His gentle voice is always there to call or direct me back to focus on Him through it all.
























Bella has also turned, 5.

A princess whose made up songs and dramas are entertaining to say the least. Oh the way she mispronounces her words, as a five year old classically does, is way cute.






I hope to regularly blog again. I've so missed it, recording the days here.

Life is busy. Life is bittersweet. Life is good.

God is faithful. He is just. He is fair.

He is present.

And that keeps my heart singing.











~Cassandra

Whispers of Spring

Easter morning, after the treasure hunt, before the day's festive events.



The day was spent with our family in Christ, and then together as we gave thanks, worshipped and took the joy and comfort in the knowing of the enormous gift we have been given to know God through Christ and what He has done for us.

Spring brings the mud, the dirt under the fingernails, the extra time outside.


Castles of dirt and dinosaurs to dig.


~Cassandra

As time goes by

The baby is now 3 :) Time moves on and I'm not quite sure I'm ready for it! I've been so blessed by the knowing that God is with me. This is my portion (thank you Maureen). He knew and knows where my feet and being a mom to a family of 8 children would walk, much more than me and the plans I've made. Some are leaving the nest and the little ones grow big. He is yet with me and even better, with them.

Little Grady marches on to be a big boy, and we celebrated this milestone with him. He plays with his cars a lot and I'm frequently just standing there watching him play, capturing his little chubby hands as a picture in my mind. I'm thankful that though he certainly brings drama to our lives, he brings a lot of fun and love as well.











Little boy with eyes so blue,
Today we celebrate you!
Your lively games and mischievous grin,
And racing cars just to win
We turn the page and watch's God's hand
Grow You in His loving plan!


~Cassandra

If, and reminding my soul where to put it's trust

If God is at work
Why should I be disappointed if things don't work out the way I wanted?

Could I trust Him, and His purposes even if it's not the way I planned it to be?

Can I let Him write His story in my today? Could I just rest in His love and let it quiet and still me?

Can doors of the past be closed and windows of the future be lived when they come? For He knows the future. It will come one day at a time.

Even still, He is working all things out for good. Even still.

Why so downcast o my soul? Put your hope in God.




~Cassandra

On being quieted

Wrestling with relationships, life decisions, and direction right now. Reminding my soul where to trust yet again. I guess I need to do it very often.

Zephaniah 3:17
17 For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.


~Cassandra

Quiet

Slowing down
To sing and wish








Love and thought to those so dear
Dear Abby had a birthday

And I've been telling her since last year I really didn't want her to turn 8, but she just had to do it, and she makes a beautiful version of it :)

She grows with more and more tenderness, attention to detail. She loves her baby dolls, little stuffed animals, running faster than Bannon ;) and having pets.

I love you Abigail.












The moon was full and Daddy bundled up a few to take on a Winter's night walk to look for an owl. As soon as they were seated on some logs and all were quiet, the littlest one began to cry, so it didn't last very long :) But it was a little adventure truly.








It did snow last night. But the last couple of days were very muddy and the smell of spring was in the air. It makes us all a little giddy to see the new slant of the sun, and smell the scent of warming earth.

~Cassandra

Winter Days

Here we are looking toward the end of February. I am looking forward to the proverbial lion of March to roar so then we get to the enjoy the lamb's ending. Winter becomes tolerable,and even understood, reminding myself that the longer busy days are coming and the days of coziness by the fire will end. I'm trying to tackle some books that require more of my time and concentration while the kiddos are playing, and asking for snacks, since winter affords it. Winter walking calls for scarves, gloves, and warm socks. The creek has a beautiful aqua green color to it this time of year. The ducks are about, and sometimes we even get to see an eagle.

I will quickly write that Jeremy is also sending out applications to jobs that would require many changes for us, and who knows what the future hold but God? Though these seasons of my life as a daughter, wife and mother are changing and looking different, I'm learning to lean on God in deeper and different ways. Ways I had previously taken for granted. It's not easy. But God is good and loves us. So often in hindsight, things He asked me to surrender and trust to Him, were so good for me and the others who have been involved in the decisions. So like a child, I'm learning to trust my Father again and again. I'm learning.

~Cassandra

In the heart of winter

Beautiful
Beautiful as as freshly made bed, with lights to glow. An imagined quiet space for the dreamer. Put together.


The hearts that turn toward each other, to share thoughts, to remind little ones to wait their turn to talk, to listen to another's thoughts, to care, to slow


Long hours of play. That make messes. That make memories.


That give the quiet space of time to be and think and dream.


~Cassandra