Autumn

I like the word "Autumn". She is the only season with two names, Fall and Autumn. I think Autumn fits her best. She's warm and cool, she's radiant and solemn, peaceful, mysterious, and yielding.

I feel the need to store things up in Autumn. Dad gave me a bunch of left over cabbage and carrots from our Oktoberfest booth so I decided to make my own version of sauerkraut. I cooked it all down in a brine of apple cider vinegar and broth then added some spices and canned it. I love how it turned out. It looks so pretty in the jar I almost don't want to use it. I'm sure we will though. It goes great with sausages or in soups. Not to mention the "cleansing" qualities. :)

Yesterday I went along with Ben's class to Bauman Farms. It was the perfect Autumn morning...foggy, crisp, and vibrant with color. It was so much fun riding in the tractor and tromping through the muddy pumpkin patch filled with stalks of indian corn. After we watched the cider being made I noticed Ben looked a little upset so I asked him what was wrong. "They pretty much just murdered the apples in there Mom" said my 6 year old son. I tried not to laugh and encouraged him that apples look forward to becoming apple cider. It made me think again on the fact that Ben has such compassion...even for apples! I wonder how God will use that one day.

Last night was our annual Pie Social at school. It's always a lot of fun visiting with the other families that have become such good friends. I couldn't help but feel a little sentimental, wondering if we will be here next year to enjoy it. I soaked in everything I love about Evergreen...it's quirky little schoolhouse building, the playground surrounded by rolling farmland, the amazing teachers, and dear friends that our kids have made. It is a very special place and one I thank God for daily.

Thank you Lord for creating Autumn and making this place for us to savor it in.