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

Remember December?

Here we are in January and it has been too long since I have written. So much has happened, and some of it in a quick time, or busy time, and my mind and heart are stretched out into so many places.

December shared some special moments with us. It was also a bit of a challenge as the couple of weeks before Christmas we all came down with the flu. That put a damper on my planning and getting ready for Christmas Day and cards and shopping and baking :)

However, Christmas Eve Jeremy read the Christmas story and the little ones acted it out enthusiastically. Cotter lead us in a few carols, and though it was bittersweet in some ways, it was still one I think we will treasure.
Jesus is the reason for the giving and the sharing and the celebrating and He is still our treasure when circumstances don't lend to a perfect Hallmark Christmas (which I really kind of love).

Assembled dollhouse:



New jammies and slippers from Aunt Ann and Uncle Gene:


New Years Eve was cozy as we made some of our favorite foods and watched as much of the Lord of the Rings as we possibly could until we zonked out. I was the first!


Our dear Hannah has had some changes in her life, but we all agree it is for her very best. My sister told me that her old Pastor said that parenting is a series of painful releasings, and I find this to be very true :) As much as I miss her, it's hard not to see she is in a place to grow and thrive, just where God planted her.


And before she left us, she went and campaigned for this new little kitty. This sealed the deal that she is the best big sister ever.


~Cassandra