The Close of Summer

With the start of school right around the corner it makes us realize summer is inevitably ending.  While living in Ohio can be nerve-racking sometimes because you never know what the weather will be like, I have to say I love the change of seasons.  Fall is my most favorite season!  I love the colors of fall, the smells of fall, and the anticipation of the upcoming holidays!

At the beginning of summer I was still working and traveling to Maumee.  When I resigned, the girls and I made a list of all things we wanted to do this summer.  Yesterday morning we went to the park and on the way to the park Kate said, "Mommy & Daddy, I just realized we did everything on our list.  We went swimming, went to Lake Erie, went camping, went on bike rides, and went to the park."  Let me just say my heart just about busted with overwhelming joy!   God continues to confirm to both Scott and I this was the right decision. 

The TRUTH

Nowadays everyone has their own version of "the truth." Most likely it has something to do with "This is who I am" or "This is what makes me happy." The reality though is "Jesus answered them, 'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" (John 14:6) Truth is not relative. Truth is pretty black and white. I have just been thinking about this so much lately. The truth can be scarey or even hurt sometimes, especially for those of us who can be a little on the sensative side. The Truth allows us to love. Also, there is 'perceived' truth and then the 'real' truth. The bottomline: Compare whatever you believe to be the truth to Jesus and His word. If your truth isn't lining up with Jesus, then it isn't the truth.

YUMMO!

Vinegarette
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3-4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano, or 1/4 teaspoon dry
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
pinch of red pepper flakes
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
Add feta cheese!! Toss this with fresh tomatoes and dark greens. YUMMO!
Also works awesome with pasta and fresh veggies!

PB & J

I promised the girls I would take them to the Honda pool last night to swim.  Before we left I had a few phone calls that I needed to make and it was getting close to dinner time so Kate offered to pack us a dinner.  She made her and Anna raspberry jam sandwiches and asked me if I wanted peanut butter and jam.  I said yes.  Anyhow, she packed water, sandwiches, and applesauce.  It ended up that we didn't take a break for dinner at the pool because we were having so much fun!  When we got into the car we ate our picnic dinner on the way home.  I was thinking about Kate's thoughtfulness and independence when I took a big bite out of my sandwich.  Unfortunately I started to gag (quietly as not to upset Kate).  I asked her what kind of peanut butter she used since I have JIF and natural.  She said she got it out of the little container in the refrigerator.  I couldn't help but bust out laughing.  The little container in the refrigerator contained refried beans.  Needless to say, I did NOT finish my sandwich of refried beans and raspberry jam.