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

Lacy Paper

We had our annual snowflake making activity, with Jake, as always, leading the charge.























~Cassandra

just a little bit of life

Taking rest: Last night, the boys and Jeremy were late at school for a talent show, and so after I had finally settled the little people for sleep with a little Christmas background music, I sat myself down to a classic I had been wanting to watch. It is a black and white movie called The Bishop's Wife. It was me, with a blanket, the screen, dim lights and a warm fire. So nice, so so nice.

Taking learning: I have found and always discover afresh, that if I need wisdom and ask the Lord, He so faithful, loving and generous, and sends thoughts, books, verses my way to attend to me and what I need. A precious older sister in faith once wrote that it is a good thing to look around at things that are right and good, Godly and working for people. We can take what we need to learn from it. The outcome is all our own though, always designed by God. We are ourselves, with certain personality bents, gifts, callings, people to love and help.


The big question and desire of my heart is to teach my children to build their lives on the Rock which is Christ. May this affect the course of our lives.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105


~Cassandra

"Heap o' livin'"

Well now. Just like that time escapes and we've crept right into December :) it certainly is a bunch of living these days, while we are busy keeping up with life which seems to be moving so quickly. Thanksgiving has come and gone. Hannah came home from college for a week which was wonderful, and will soon be home for Christmas~time.
As always, I have lots of little hands that kept busy along side of me to help.


The landscape is hard with cold, the trees are bare, the sounds are all a bit louder with nothing to absorb them. It's still so very pretty.


Walks are a special kind of treat this time of year.



Homeschooling continues on, and I do so cherish my time with the young ones. I love them dearly, and find so many of their ways enjoyable.

Abby comes to tell me any of the cute antics I missed that Grady did. She is such a sweetheart.
Sophie dotes on Grady and the dogs terribly. Just like that, she seems a little bigger.
Bella insists she is the main character in any movie she watches.
Grady is just so cute, and saying new things and plays wonderfully and faithfully with all the kids. What a blessing this little 2 year old is.

Mom has been up to continue teaching the girls to sew. They really love it, and she is amazing.


I guess for keeping up with things here at home, I'm finding the work to be constant, and sometimes tiring and yet I still am realizing it is to be understood as part of a life because of the lives that are growing and being and doing. I pray every day for vision and strength to do my part well.

"It takes a heap o' livin' to make a house a home." Edgar Guest

Truer words have never been penned ;)





~Cassandra