We Love Alaska!

Sarah Palin meeting our boys.

Yes, She Did Notice!

Heavens to Betsy, today has been exciting! I don't care who you're rootin' for (I'm not totally decided myself), a political rally is incredibly inspiring and reminds one how great it is to be an American. 4/5 of us got to shake Senator McCain's hand. I got to look Cindy McCain in the eye and say "thank you". She answered me back "thank you"and we shook hands. (Being the wife of the man running for president would be tough).

Governor Palin DID notice the boys' Alaska shirts, did a double-take and had a sweet little conversation with them before signing 2 things for us. (Our youngest told me later that he had a brief panic attack, as she walked closer to him, and said to his older brother "shouldn't I call her Mrs. Palin?!")

My amazing husband got the whole interaction between the boys and Sarah (that's what we decided to call her) on video!

We had amazing conversations with the kids about politics in general -- classy politics vs people getting mean and nasty, and what the candidates on both sides of the aisle are promising.

My hope is that our children can be light and salt as they and their peers discuss the presidential race.

And ultimately I pray that they always remember that no man or woman has the answer.

The answer lies in Jesus Christ alone. But today sure was fun.

I Wonder If...

Flying Over Alaskan Tundra & Rivers

...Sarah Palin* will notice our kids wearing their Alaska t-shirts when we listen to her speak on Monday? She will undoubtedly know the small fishing village name on their shirts if she can see us (we'll only be about 20 feet from the podium).

*we would take the kids to see any presidential and vice-presidental candidate visiting our hometown!

Autumn Crushes

Turtlenecks, crockpot dinners, the smell of leaves burning, hooded sweatshirts, socks, fires in the fireplace, colors, sunsets, fog, crisp mornings, steaming coffee at the soccer fields on Saturday mornings, blankets, marching bands, apple cidar, the sound of the furnace kicking on, a new Bible study, leaves falling, trick-or-treat in our Mayberry town, acorns, my birthday (and also my husband's and sister's -- on the same exact day!), preparing yard and home for winter, apple crisp, firepits, down comforters on beds.

What's your autumn crush?

Past to Present

Wedding Vignette

Bottom suitcase used to safely house family pictures when I was a child. I fondly remember the click-clack when I opened it, and the scent of the lining.

This is an actual letter written by my Grandmother McCarthy about being stranded on a lookout platform. She was a gifted writer.

The photo is not of my grandparents. My grandfather died when my mom was only 6, and in her sadness (for their's was a great love story), my grandmother burned all but one or two pictures of my grandfather.

Wedding Day: May 18, 1925

My Grandfather Albert's wedding tie and Grandmother (Marmee's) garlands. In the far back is a piece of faded blue lace with a bright blue piece of fabric pinned to the back.

"Something borrowed, something blue." Her wedding flowers (over 80 years old now) were tucked carefully into tissue paper and stored under the tie and garlands.

I think it's so interesting how "acorns don't fall far from the tree". As I read my grandmother's writing, it reminded me of something I would hope to pen. She loved antiques (me too), reading (me too), and going on adventures (me too). She was brave (a widow raising 3 children during the Depression) and strong.

Sometimes when people visit our home and look at her photo, they think it's a picture of me.

I thoroughly enjoyed decorating under my library table this morning with lovely mementos from bygone days. I actually felt like I was treading a little bit on sacred ground...bringing the past to the present.

I left my lovely vignette to accompany my men to the golf course where I mostly drove the cart, but played a few holes, too. After my first practice swing, my husband said "look boys, Mom's swing looks just like Papaw's."

Threads woven from generation to generation.

In our personalities, our likes, our skills, our looks...

and sometimes even in a golf swing.

Fair Treasure

Scherenschnitte now gracing my living room

A friend and I went to the Country Living Fair today. While there weren't any farm animals, there were plenty of artisans and vendors in beautifully dressed tents selling their wares to all of us kindred country spirits. I brought home some treasures to be cherished for years to come, but I especially love this beautiful framed Scherenschnitte (German paper cutting) of little lambs looking up to their Good Shepherd.

When I got home from my day at the Fair, I returned a phone call to a friend. She is weary from life and in need of encouragement. I let her talk and then we both, figuratively, tipped our heads upwards as I prayed to our Shepherd on her behalf. Peace, Love, Hope, Rest.

Are we not like the sheep who, moving about valleys often lose sight of their Shepherd?

Look up little lambs. He is there.

Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

New Day

Thank you, God, for the song-gift yesterday morning.

Laughing and spinning with you.

Yeh, it's gonna be alright. 'Cuz it's a new day.

Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

"New Day" by the Robbie Seay Band. So good.