And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.  1 Chronicles 29:13

They didn’t know I was taking a picture with my phone.

Dave could not find his shoes and had to wear his Dad’s big white size 13s into the store.

We stopped at Barnes and Noble at about 7:30, on our long-long drive home from Georgia.

Rich and I lined them up on the curb so we could give instructions and information to everyone at once, rather than 6 times (forgetting the seventh, which is typical–SOMEONE gets missed!oops).

The instructions were:  1.  Everyone needed to use the bathroom.  2.  Everyone may pick out something to read.

The news was:  1.  We were driving all the way home without stopping at a hotel to sleep.

We arrived home early this morning at 4:30.

My favorite memory of traveling was at about 2 in the morning when they had taken little naps, gotten over the grumps, and had a second wind of cheer.  Singing to the radio, telling funny stories to classical music, watching a video.  At 2 a.m.!!  Such good little travelers.

Rich singing every hymn he could think of to himself while flying down the highway in the fast lane……me half enjoying it and half plugging my ears so I could concentrate on my new cheap paperback.  Hanging on and whispering prayers.

Rich, by the grace of God, is raising up some good young men.  This is our Ethan.  He loves Jesus, being active, sports.  He doesn’t talk much.  He can dance some cool moves.  He is confident, respectful, honest, and doesn’t take any slack from his younger siblings.  My favorite memories of Ethan from vacation are 1.  When he pulled himself up over a high wall to retrieve the volleyball we had hit way out of bounds.  and 2. When he walked out of McDonalds holding Seth’s hand on one side and Sarah’s on the other.  Be still my heart.

My mom loved vacationing with all of her children and grandchildren, but she was itching to get back to her garden.

I’m just like her.  My garden is much smaller but the first thing I did today after I woke up at 11am was go outside with my cup of coffee.

I knew where to find some treasures.  Some were obvious, like the bright red tomatoes.  But others, like the cucumbers and green beans, were hidden and had to be searched out.

For brunch I made a quiche.

chopped bacon fried with a section of minced onion and one green pepper

added to 8 beaten eggs, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup milk

2/3 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup cheddar

1/4 tsp pepper, a few nice healthy grinds of salt from salt-grinder

all leaves from the two beets I harvested (can substitute 3 cups chopped lightly packed fresh spinach)

fresh basil, chopped (about 1/3 cup)

about 1/3 cup tomato

Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes or until set.

I served it with the rest of the garden tomato, mixed with salt, olive oil, onion, and basil.

***

I almost shrieked when Tessa told me school started this Thursday.  I thought I had one more solid week with the children.   My heart aches because Sarah Joy is going off for her first day of Kindergarten.  Mothers understand what I mean….I’m happy for her, I know she’s ready, but as a mom I feel that small sad-like feeling of letting go.  Rich read Seth and Sarah letters from their teachers, which were in the mailbox when we got home from vacation.  Their little faces were seriously listening to every word.  They have homework to do, and a meet and greet on Wednesday.  I don’t quite feel ready, but I’m thankful for this journey with my children and that little by little they grow up, not all at once.  Thankful for Jesus and for my husband making it easier.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”   John 14:27

“I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me.”  Proverbs 8:17

 

gifts-peace-love-seeking and finding the greatest treasure–HIM