Fall @ Pyrah's Farm

If we knew this would be one of our last outings with Josiah, would we have done anything different? The only thing I can think of is we would have dragged all those who had other things to do that beautiful, sunny Saturday along with us.  When I look back at this day from today (Nov 15th) knowing Josiah would be shot and killed in October, I see such an example of who Josiah was in our lives. He was unassuming, gentle and humble. He's checking on sisters, helping with others' young ones, cutting up apples and making sure everyone has some, spending time with Carrie and Liv...he even went to intervene for a little gal being poorly treated by an older sibling.  I'm so thankful we had this day together. Good job, Arielle. Thanks for orchestrating the outing. 

Josiah and Arielle

When Arielle and I took the boys to a Field Trip at the Farm, we realized we enjoyed all the fun of the Fall Festival without the crowds and vendors, or the expense. She decided to ask everyone if they'd like to meet at the far some Saturday.  All agreed - the farm without the crowds sounded great. Bre brought popcorn, Arielle and I brought apples and there was caramel, MnMs and such in which to roll apple slices. 

We've come out to the farm with CyRi for the past 3 or 4 years. THIS year Carrie had newly announced her pregnancy. 

Arielle was also pregnant - but at this point we were still not public with the fact! I promised not to post this photo until she was public with the pregnancy. I didn't think it would be quite THIS long. 

Carrie and Arielle and babies

CoRielle

We didn't have hayrides, but many of the other play structures and such were up on Saturday. 

Charles and Danny

Feeding the goats

Charles, Bella and Bachan

Cory and Danny 

Benny loves Mario. 

Bella and Annie

Nine of our twelve grandblessings were at the farm. Trudy is not in this photo. 

Charles, Liv and Annie on top 
Gideon, Danny, Bella, Benny, Jojo inside 

Jojo - Bre and Izaak's Josiah

Livie (CyRi's) and Bella (BreZaak's)

We gathered for snacks. Jojo and Stacia enjoy their popcorn. 

Bella

Such fun - Bella and Charles

Danny LOVES golf!  House rules. 

Uncle Josiah with Charles

Krista and Luke on the obstacle course

Josiah and Charles....

Climbing web structure

Cutting our apples and prepping the toppings...

Aunt Krista and Livie on  - whatever this pad is...We were happy they had up all the bouncy things. 

I still think Michael needs to make us one of these slides and tunnels....and a zip line! 

Krista and Stacia

Bre and four of her children. Trudy was sleeping in the stroller. 

Cory about to get Charles' attention. 

Gideon 

Go, Danny! 

Liv's a pro. 

Krista checked the website before they came. There was nothing on it about not bringing dogs. We'd seen dogs at the farm before. Reno was satisfied to pull kids in the wagon. They told us dogs are not allowed and he spent much of his time in the truck. He seemed happy to wait in the truck too. 

Charles got braver and braver. 

Josiah and Livie

Fall Decor

 Around here fall doesn't last very long. I've noted if I don't have the fall decor up early, I'm simply not motivated to decorate for fall when there is snow on the ground. LOL That being the case I decided to utilize some free time to get the fall decor up. 

I do love having the fall things out. Once again, I am going to embrace fall for fall and NOT spend all of fall dreading the upcoming winter. LOL 

I do find all these touches of color to be pick me ups in the midst of the fall rain. 

Yes, There IS More than Mugs

 My day begins with a photo of an empty mug because I lived a full day before 10:30 a.m. Michael attended a prayer meeting with pastors in the valley. I decided to get as much done as I could before he returned. I got Dad up and going, made an apple crisp, air fried some salmon to turn into sandwich spread, got a pork shoulder going in the instant pot, made scones, swept and realized I hadn't had breakfast or tea....but I wanted to post a #mugshot on FB.

#mugshot

When Michael returned Stacia and I jetted out for our "breakfast" study - at 1100. We haven't had a SET study since women's ministry went on break. We've all been enjoying reading independently and sharing together weekly. This week we discussed college, and what we've read...me from Philippians, Proverbs and Genesis and she from Matthew and Psalms. Once again - I remembered too late for a great photo but here's another empty mug shot. LOL

#mugshot

Stacia left to meet up with a new friend from college. This gal has moved from CO and so Stacia showed her around some of her favorite spots in town. 

Allie had an appointment at the dentist, and I was happy to join her. She had her first cavity filled. I thought I prepared her - and I did for the thing that bothers ME - the shot and that plastic tent thing. Unfortunately, I forgot to mention the drill. She did great but the dentist could have been WAAAAY better at telling her what he was going to do...it was rather routine for HIM. I've not been thrilled at the changes in our dentist office since the founder retired. It was a calm, Christian environment with sweet staff....and now it's all new people - except for the dentist I like - and it's just not the same at all. AND they are not an in-system provider for our dental insurance, so it costs us out of pocket quite a bit more than if we'd go to another who was in-system.  We may switch at the start of 2024. I like a female dentist (smaller hands) and I'm not finding a female on the preferred list. What to do? 

Back at home Allie and Michael discussed a theological issue raised in one of Allie's classes. 

We picked Millie up at the groomers - she will get her own post. 

I was so happy I had put our main entree in the instant pot early in the day....I made a salad; air fried some asparagus and cooked some dilled carrots. We were ready. Jenni showed up. Jenni has been up in Denali for a couple of weeks, and we have missed her. She brought garlic bread which we warmed up while Michael sliced the meat, and I made an onion butter garlic sauce for the meat. We gathered at the table and didn't leave for several hours. I really must remember people may want to "retire to the living room." LOL  We, as a family, tend to linger at the table. After dinner and dessert, we played a round of Farkle.  This was a really good roll by Stacia, but alack and alas, one cannot see the dice. I believe Stacia won? 

I decided Jenni has been over enough to know I didn't invite her for blog fodder; I took a photo.  While we visited Jenni mentioned going to see Hamilton. "One thing led to another," and I bought three tickets to attend as well. We found seats right next to Jenni, Joelle and Laura - we're crashers that way. ::snort:: 

GG went to bed. 

We realized it IS a work night for Jenni. 

We brought the evening to an end. 

August Randomness

Here are some shots from things I never got around to blogging...randomness from August. 

Stacia joined Arielle and the boys on one of our glorious summer days at the local swimming hole. She planned to work this summer, I'm really glad she hasn't.  It's been fun to have this last little bit of childhood with her before she turns 18 and jumps into college. 

Stacia and Danny 📷by Arielle 

Danny 📷by Arielle 

He's cool. 

That smile! 📷by Arielle

Ah - Sonlight Box day! Oh the memories they'll make this school year. 

📷by Arielle

Our new little ladies have begun laying...Quite a bit smaller than the others...but we're getting lots and lots of eggs now. We have 35 hens and 1 rooster for those who wonder. 

Stacia turned 18 this month. She decided she was going to attend youth group until she was 18...but she's graduated high school, she's 18 and it's time to transition out of youth group. It can get so uncomfortable for younger ones entering youth group if graduates never move on. Her birthday and last youth group fell on the night of the Back to School Olympics. She was happy to be able to participate. Allie is a year older but has stayed on as part of the leadership team. She is in charge of games, leads small groups and has also spoken a night or two. 

Allie in the middle, Stacia on the right 📷via Krista G

Stacia is working with Jenni, our children's pastor. She has taken the lead a couple of times when Jenni has been gone. 

Stacia's team in the lead📷via Krista G

August is the month of our State Fair. I've not made it over this year but have enjoyed hearing from those who have. Noah and his folks went to the fair where Noah experienced his first comedian show. 

📷via Larissa

Larissa, Noah and Jared📷via Larissa

Our new pastor began the first week of August. Bre has been helping out with worship. 

📷via Facebook post 

The boys came over one Sunday afternoon and the battery wasn't in the car. Charles and Danny spent a "happy" hour pushing the car back and forth across the yard. LOL 

Push, Charles! 

Cuteness Overload 📷via Larissa

Allie produced this week's announcement video for church. 

Noah went to his first nursery gig at JaRissa and CyRi's church. Larissa sent this photo when she picked him up. She said he had a bit of an attitude about being left. 

📷via Larissa

It's been a busy month!