A little of this, a little of that...

Sometimes I fall into the trap of believing I can post only when I have something deep or profound or meaningful to write about. And the truth is, most the time the things I write about may very well be deep or meaningful to me only. But that's okay...

Anyhow, I've discovered that some of my favorite posts to read on other friends' blogs are simply the day in and day out sort of stuff---not necessarily anything deep or earth-shattering; just a glimpse into the simple here and now.

So here are a few random tidbits from our lives this week...

* Our garage project is officially complete. Some of you know that we tore down our old, original one-car garage last fall to make room for a new one. With the help of friends and family, my husband built quite the amazing structure. He completed his workshop this week, and the gutters were installed this morning, making this project finito. Now I'm not much for garages, but I must say, it's a beaut.

* I finally got a considerable amount of planning for school done this week. I'd kind of been dragging my feet. I know several of my friends were praying for me on that front, and let me tell you, your prayers were answered! Thank you! This year we'll have sons in 8th, 6th, and 4th grades. Where, oh, where has the time gone? Our first day is September 2...

* Due to a rainout on Monday, our baseball season officially ended this Wednesday with our oldest son's final game. We lost, but it was a great year. The boys are somewhat bummed that it's over. I, however, am glad for a bit of a reprieve from the frequent running back and forth to games and practices...

* I've been closely following the Steven Curtis Chapman family this week as they made appearances on both Good Morning America and Larry King Live. I'm so struck...so challenged...by their hope and their testimony in the midst of unfathomable circumstances. Oh, that God would continue to use their lives...and that of little Maria...to turn hearts to Him!

* I met one of our girls for coffee earlier this week. She's about to head off for her first year of college in a week and a half. Ah, yes, 'tis the season. While we're about to say "see ya later" to so many of our kids, my heart is full in knowing that they're ready. I was so deeply encouraged to hear her heart as she talked about her walk with God, finances, relationships, and more. Oh, how I love what we do!

* My husband is performing a wedding tomorrow for two of our former students. They are humbly and passionately following after God---in fact, following their wedding, they're moving out-of-state where he has accepted his first youth pastorate. What joy! Tonight is their rehearsal, which I happen to love almost as much as the wedding itself. I love the way my husband conducts wedding rehearsals, as he makes it a true celebration, not simply a practice.

* I've been on a quesadilla kick lately. I recently made Pico de Gallo Chicken Quesadillas, and for lunch today I made a Spinach & Mushroom variety. So easy and so delicious! And no, the boys didn't eat them...they got the straight-up cheese variety.

* The weather has been gorgeous this week. And I hate to say it (since it seems that summer was so late in coming this year), but for the first time early yesterday morning, I felt a tinge of fall in the air. Bliss! Yesterday on family day, the guys and I visited the nature center at our state park, and we also hiked the trails. Our youngest son was feeling very creative and photogenic...hence the reason for all the photos of him. Plus, he's so stinkin' cute!

If you've made it this far, I thank you for taking an interest in me and my family, Reading Friends. I hope you enjoy a happy, joy-filled weekend with your families.