When I was scanning cookbooks at the library last Friday, this one was especially appealing, not only because of the beautiful pictures, but also because I wondered if it would spur a child on to cooking.

It did.

When Peter spotted it in the pile of checked-out library books, he picked it up and exclaimed, “Maybe this will inspire me!” Then he brought it upstairs to read before bed.

Immediately after returning from church today, he announced that he would make lunch. He turned to this recipe:

and got to work.

I enjoyed the tastiest sandwich I’ve had in a long time. This could be the start of something beautiful.

One generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts. (Psalm 145:4)

There is no better way to leave a legacy.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them. (Psalm 127:4-5)

We love fall at our house. Time to harvest.

Guess what we’re harvesting today:

Stumped? Here’s another clue:

When the sunflower begins to droop due to the heavy weight of its head,

it is time to cut the flower off and shake the seeds off for roasting.

Yum!

Hard to believe this big guy turned 12 years old yesterday! He kindly reminded me that he’ll be driving in 4 years. Let’s not rush things, I told him.

His favorite verse right now is Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

Run fast.

Be tough.

Hit hard.

Be agile.

Cheer loudly.

Celebrate a job well done!

With the nice weather this week, when Jake leaves for class, the rest of the kids have had free time outside. Derek soloed on the lawn mowing job they had yesterday.

Ruthie mimicked.

Meanwhile, Peter and Jeremy had to clear the front yard a.k.a. football field of doggie doo. Look at that balance of Jeremy’s! And what a responsible older brother Peter is to supervise the cleanup.