bright spots
Well, December knocked us down and ran us over. Illness waxed and waned, cycling through us in pairs, and still lingers in raspy coughs and runny noses. I got a chest infection, and somehow a stress fracture in my foot, which makes walking difficult and is still healing. Jake managed to escape unscathed until the New Year, and then he too fell victim to whatever this illness is. We covet your prayers, friends. It’s been a doozy of a month. So I’m breaking up my complaining with some pictures of adorable kids. Though December was much more low-key than any…
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thanksgiving 2025
Goodness, we’ve had a busy time these last few weeks. Starting the week before Thanksgiving, every room on our property ended up being full with a total of 13 people from out of town staying with us. The kids were delighted to see so many of their aunts and uncles (both honorary and those by blood). They were surrounded by so many people who love them and cherish them, and it made my heart full to see it. Aunt Boo flew in Saturday and the kids got to pick her up at the airport with Jake while I prepped the…
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deep breaths
It’s the week before Thanksgiving, and it feels like a deep breath before plunging into a river. Next week brings guests galore, loved ones we haven’t seen in weeks or months, and honestly I’m so excited. Thanksgiving is usually a big affair at our house, and this year is no exception. But right now we’re in that period of calm before the storm, finishing the last minute travel coordinations and cooking plans and decoration ideas. November has been quiet, mostly because we all fought off a few weeks of sickness, including Michael having strep throat and reacting to his antibiotics.…
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october adventures
Once again, I didn’t get a second post written for October — but as I mulled over everything that’s happened over the last few weeks, I realized we’ve really been too busy for me to sit and blog. Between writing for HERLIFE Magazine, impromptu trips, Halloween, and visitors, October ended with quite a bang. I was privileged to write the cover feature for HERLIFE’s November issue — a spotlight on the Stockton Symphony in anticipation of its 100th anniversary. You can read it here. It’s a piece I’m quite proud of, and a subject that’s dear to my heart. Jake…
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october joys
I didn’t quite reach my goal of posting twice a month last month, but I hope to make up for it in October. It’s my favorite month of the year: so beautifully golden and crisp, full of soup and bread and fall vegetables, and the best weather for going on walks or sitting and reading a good book. Now we keep the windows open all day, letting the breeze waft through the house and bless each room with the smell of drying leaves and petrichor. I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. — Anne Shirley…
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september glimmers
It has been the most lovely September. For the first time in a handful of years, we’ve had actual fall weather this month! No hellish 100+ days. I’m so grateful. I don’t care if loving autumn makes me “basic” — I unashamedly I adore the weather, the seasonal foods, the temperatures, the traditions — all of it. In exciting job news: Jake has officially accepted a position with EverBlue Partners — a company that focuses on SAP implementation for retail clients. His first day will be on September 22nd. He’s very excited — he loves the company and its culture,…
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new rhythms
August somehow passed both incredibly slowly and in a flash. I’m still reeling from all that’s happened, and still hardly believe September is around the corner. Regarding Jake’s job news, we’re still waiting on some last minute things, but his start date is hopefully in early September. We continue to ask your prayers! Thanks for being along for the ride with us. It’s been a very interesting season: so much unknown, so much “hurry up and wait”. It’s been an emotional and spiritual workout, learning to embrace the discomfort of this transitional season. We’re exhausted, yet also restless. But God…
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celebrations
I know it’s been a while since I’ve last written, and mostly I’ve been holding off until I could share the good news: Jake has an official job offer! We are elated and grateful. We’re waiting on a few more things before we share the details, but he loves the company and the people he’ll be working with, and he’s excited about what he’ll be doing. It will involve a bit of travel, so we continue to ask your prayers as we get ready to adjust to it all! And, in writing news, I have another article published in HERLIFE…
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summertime glimmers
July has been warm and beautiful and busy. One of the articles I wrote in June was published: you can read about it in HerLife Magazine Central Valley’s July issue. I have a few more upcoming that I’ll be sure to link and share for anyone interested. Jake has had a few interviews and currently some hopeful leads, but nothing definitive as of yet. We appreciate your continuing prayers as we keep moving forward in faith. We had a quiet but fun 4th of July. Our local fireworks were cancelled due to the tragic warehouse explosion in NorCal that occurred…
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darkness won’t endure
The world feels heavy lately. We have our personal stress and work: Jake continues on the job search in a difficult market, I continue to write for local magazines and online markets, and we both continue to maintain the homestead as best we can. But we’re very well taken care of by our community and we’re doing quite well all things considered. The heaviness comes from outside. I’ve caught myself doomscrolling more often than I’d like, drawn in by the tragedies and chaos that’s happening all over the world. Angered and grieved by the injustices; frightened by the “what ifs”.…
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five acres four generations 