Last Wednesday Michael got a miserable cold that quickly spread to every member of the family (including my mom and dad). We’ve been hunkering down with a sleep-deprived, stuffy-nosed baby and slowly recovering.

Even though this illness made us cancel a trip we’d been looking forward to and has kept me from updating my blog as often as I would like, there are still many things to celebrate over the course of this week.

I had photos and an article published in the November issue of HerLife magazine! You can read it here, and I’ve included a screenshot of their beautiful spread.

They did such an incredible job, and I’m so thrilled that I have the opportunity to contribute.

Autumn on our little homestead comes with its own set of tasks. We clear away dead brush and prepare the trees for winter, and catch up on whatever other tasks didn’t get completed during the summer. It feels like the land is letting out a deep, contented sigh and getting ready to rest.

Before the illness hit us too hard, my parents were able to trim back one of our large mulberry trees. Michael enjoyed watching (even though he was snuffly). It feels so good to check these tasks off our lists and slowly start to prepare for the sleepy chill of winter.

It was Michael’s name day in the Eastern calendar on November 8th, but all of us were still recovering from this cold, so unfortunately we weren’t able to celebrate the way I wish we could have. His wonderful godmother sent him a text and prayed for us.

He always gravitates towards our prayer corner. I often have to stop him from ripping the prayer books from their stacks, but he loves it when I take down the icon of St Michael for him. He’s been keeping me accountable with doing morning prayers.

Over all the Nine Ranks (of angels), the Lord appointed the Holy Archangel Michael (his name in Hebrew means “who is like unto God”), the faithful servitor of God, as Chief Commander. He cast down from Heaven the arrogantly proud Lucifer and the other fallen spirits when they rebelled against God. Michael summoned the ranks of angels and cried out, “Let us attend! Let us stand aright before our Creator and do not consider doing what is displeasing unto God!”

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers from oca.org

I chose Michael’s name quite intentionally (as I discussed in my Michaelmas post) and I continue to be glad I chose such a strong name for my strong son. May St. Michael’s faithfulness and strength be an inspiration to all of us.

We also celebrated my dear husband’s birthday this week. Later we’ll have a date at our favorite restaurant to celebrate just the two of us, but I loved making him special meals on the actual day.

His birthday cake request is always German Chocolate Cake, which is so much fun to bake, and makes the whole house smell heavenly.

I am not the best baker — I prefer cooking, where I don’t have to be quite as precise and have more room for creative modifications — but I think these turned out pretty well.

Watching Jake become a dad has been a highlight of this year. He is such an attentive and kind father, and Michael absolutely adores him.

Jake has embraced fatherhood with all its joys and sacrifices. Despite his demanding job, he often takes time throughout the day to come in and give Michael a quick snuggle (and give me a short break). When Michael wakes at 5:30 or 6:00 am, Jake takes him to walk around the property or play in the living room so I can get another hour of sleep.

Being his wife is the greatest blessing I’ve ever been given. He’s supported me through some of my hardest times, and laughed with me during some of my best times. He makes me a happier, holier person.

May God grant you many years, my beloved.