September 28th marked the third year anniversary of Mom being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Little did we know that the Lord was preparing her for her Homeward journey. I think one always clings to the hope that all will "work out all right in the end and that we'll get to keep her." We do get to keep her, though that "keeping" may look different than we originally thought it would. Our precious treasure is laid up in heaven. She's forever safe in the arms of our Savior, anxiously awaiting our reunion someday.

I spent the week leading up to the anniversary having a more intense feeling of missing Mom. The novelty of her "extended vacation" is wearing off and reality is setting in deeper. I see little bits of Mom everywhere. It may take the form of Christmas ornaments found at a booth in the Mall, a cute dress or sweater I know she would have liked at Christopher & Banks, a chick-flick movie she would have enjoyed watching with me, reading a book that I would have liked to discuss with her, going on outings that she would have been delighted to participate in, sharing kitchen tips with others that Mom taught me, listening to songs or reading Scripture that remind me of God's faithfulness through joys and sorrow, seeing the evening stars twinkle with the brilliance that Mom and I used to enjoy on evening walks together... .

Even though I (/we) miss her passionately, the Lord has faithfully shown us His ministering touch by surrounding us with a wonderful support network; the gentle hug or shoulder of a friend; a phone call or e-mail; meals shared; Scripture passages brought to mind from memory, read, or shared by a friend; days or evenings spent with friends and family; extended visits from friends and family; friends opening their homes and lives to us; and other countless ways.

The past few weeks have been filled with many joys and pleasures. While Shannon has been away (yes, he is still gone, though he will be returning this Wednesday night) I've enjoyed many occasions to share my days with friends--either by their coming to stay with me for a time, going on girls-day outings, going dancing (which is a personal love), going to a friend's house to spend the day sewing and enjoying her two little ones, my cousin Bethany coming for a weekend (and getting roped into helping me with a perm. =) Thanks, dear!); and spending the day with Dad at the office a couple of times. I went to a lawn party and authentic barn dance with my dad last weekend. To my great delight, Dad even danced with me. =) What a treat! I know how some of you love seeing pictures on blogs. I'm sorry to say I don't have any to share as my camera hasn't been working properly of late. Here-say will have to do. =)

I'm beginning to get used to silence (did you know that perpetual silence can be deafening when you aren't used to it?). I've been working on various projects, household duties, and tackling some fall cleaning. I'm currently beginning to sew aprons to sell online. Here is a sample of the apron pattern. Once I get my shop set up, I'll be sure to post a link so you can see what I've been up to.

Shannon, as I said before, is still away from home. His trip was extended by two weeks to see friends (and Alice, who is visiting her sister) in Los Angelos. He's having a grand time enjoying the sunny beach, sight-seeing, watching dancing fountains, eating Sprinkles cupcakes, and many other "big city" pleasures.

Bryan continues to go about his job with God's hand of protection. He had another near miss with a vehicle that pulled out in front of his semi a few days ago. He made two cattle runs to Tennessee this week. I think he has missed his road trips. =)

Tina is keeping busy with her human relations job in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Her work office got flooded earlier this year by the extensive flooding, so they have set up temporary office space. It has been said that it will take them two years to get back into their original building. Tina doesn't relish that news. We often see her on the weekends as her boyfriend, Tracey, lives in the next town east of us (it gives her a good excuse to come back to the area frequently).

This week, Dad began working on cutting firewood to feed our wood stove in the basement over the winter. The nights and days are getting colder, so it probably won't be too much longer before we'll enjoy its warmth. Dad and I have enjoyed our evening cuddles as we read together, talk about life, and/or just watch a movie together. (He told me he has a post formulating in his mind, so don't be surprised if you see a note from him here soon.)

Autumn is such a beautiful time of year. The comfortable temperatures and lower humidity levels return, the scent in the air is fresh and crisp, the color of the sky is such a magnificent blue. All around us we see the bounty of another harvest. Though it may not be the best year for the corn or soybean crops in our area, that they have any harvest once again shows us that God's grace is at work in the world. The leaves on the trees aren't a flame of color quite yet, though our first frost (whenever it arrives) will surround us with even more beauty. I love to see the farmers busily about their work in the field. It gives me the itch to go riding with Bryan in the combine. The only problem is that Bryan hasn't been in the combine much the past few years due to hauling cattle. Though, I've made him promise to let me know if he does get behind the wheel of the combine so I can ride with him. =)

May the Lord bless you this season, and bring you many reasons to find Him faithful and a comfort--no matter what life holds for you.