The First Day of Fall

I just love this day... it is the day I pull out my fall decorations and fill the house with fragrant smelling pumpkin spice candles...

It is a day I reflect on the goodness and plenty God has so richly bestowed...

A day for pumpkins and mums... they just give me a smile... I have become so sentimental about them... they grace my door and home.

My sweater becomes my old friend again...a comfortable second skin... warming me through the chilly mornings and evenings.

I enjoy the scent of apple cider...warming my hand in my favorite mug.

Anyone who knows me well, knows I am looking for a pumpkin patch to wander through... is there anything more wonderful than children seeking out a perfect pumpkin in the brisk fall air?

These are simple things that fill my heart with joy and thankfulness...

"I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly"
John 10:10b

Back to the Books!

Today marked the first day of our 2009/10 school year!

We have been busy all summer with lots of activity and learning opportunities... but now it's time to stop and reinforce and gain more knowledge through book learning for a while!

Homeschooling is such a blessing... I am so thrilled that I have the opportunity to be with my children throughout the day.

Education is discipleship; whomever we allow to educate our children is discipling our children.

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40 ESV).

This is the main reason my husband and I have chosen to school our children at home. We have been convinced that this is the best way to really "know" our kids and keep their hearts turned toward us... and for them to really "know" and understand us.

Simply walking the road of life together...rather than going in different directions.

Spending a lot of "quantity" time as well as "quality" time (rather than giving them over to others for the "quantity" and hoping the "quality" is good enough).

Homeschooling simplifies our approach to parenting and creates a common, and stable environment for all of us to live out our lives in faith, love, discipline, and educational pursuits.

I write this to remind myself... the importance of my choice... to walk this road. It is never easy to do things that are counterculture, but it sure helps to remember the "why" as you walk the journey...

Shoshone Falls

After an evening spent in Sun Valley we headed South to Twin Falls. It is set high up on the ridge of a valley that is cut deep by the Snake River.

A View of the Snake River from Twin Falls.
An amazing golf course is set there in the valley over looking the river...

We enjoyed a fun evening visiting the Shoshone Falls. It is beautiful, and the construction of the dam was very careful to preserve the beauty of this once magnificent waterfall on the Snake River.

Shoshone Falls

After a long week, the children and I packed up the next day and headed back home sweet home...

Can I tell you how nervous this makes me???

We had a great week exploring the State of Idaho and learning about the rich history and heritage of the Wild West!

Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon National Monument was another stop made on our way from Idaho Falls to Sun Valley.

Standing in front of the Spatter Cones

Endless Sea of Black Rock

We spent the afternoon hiking and exploring caves...and were amazed by the lava flows and black rock that covered the surface of the landscape. It was truly amazing and beautiful.

The Devil's Orchard

Thomas and Sarah exploring a section of the North Crater Flow

Life in the midst of Lava

Thomas, our mountain climber

Cave Explorers, Indian Tunnel

A joy filled day... exploring God's creation...

Nuclear Energy

Today we spent driving from Idaho City on Highway 20 toward Sun Valley, Idaho.

Part of our day included a stop at the first nuclear power plant in the world, EBR-1.


Sarah found herself very familiar with the surroundings as we had watched a comprehensive video several months ago... It was fun to see her put theory to reality!

My husband and Sarah practicing using the mechanical arms
used to handle radioactive materials... Great job!

The original reactor site is now made into a museum to learn and discover the origins of nuclear energy. It was very interesting, educational and quiet worth the stop.

Sarah and Thomas the origianal Guard Shack of EBR-1

Mesa Falls Scenic Byway

Yesterday, while my husband was busy working, the kids and I headed up highway 20 from Idaho Falls to Ashton, Idaho. We had learned that Ashton is famous for the seed potatoes that have made Idaho Famous!

We also enjoyed the amazing scenery... Ashton stands in a rolling valley with great views of the Grand Tetons in the distance.

The Grand Tetons in the distance

From Ashton, we were able to take Highway 47, which makes a loop through the Targhee National Forest. This route is known as the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway.


Along this beautiful drive you can stop and view two amazing waterfalls, Lower Mesa and Upper Mesa. These waterfalls are significant in that they are the only waterfalls left of the Columbia River system that have not been impeded by hydroelectric dams. They are left, as God created them... in all their beauty...

Sarah and Thomas at Upper Mesa Falls

Learning about the Geological explanation of the area

Upper Mesa Falls

The falls are a part of the Henry's Fork of the Snake River, named for Andrew Henry of Pennsylvania, a trapper who was in the area in the early 1800's.

A Rainbow!

We really wanted to take off on one of the many trails through the area... but there was a strong bear warning given by the park ranger as I asked about the best way to go... and I decided to not take any chances! So, we stayed close and only enjoyed a few walking excursions around the camp areas.

Thomas is watching out for Bears!

My Wildflower girl...