Fall in Eugene!

This summer was the hottest summer that we've experienced in Eugene since we moved here 14 years ago. We always get a couple weeks of upper 90's and a couple triple digit scorchers, but for the most part we have mid and upper 80 degree weather. Not this summer though. Instead we had week after week of upper 90's...well into September. That hot weather was not going out without a fight, but suddenly our temperatures have dipped and today the rain for the next nine months has come upon us. It's definitely fall in Eugene!

This is my favorite view of our neighborhood in the Spring and Fall. Those trees drop beautiful pink flower blossoms in the spring, and a ton of beautifully colored leaves in the Fall.

Here's Justin helping with the groceries. He grabbed my slippers in his hurry outside. They were the closest to the door. Notice him ducking from the rain?

 These are my transitional season nails. I really loved how Dollie got the shape right. They are more true to my natural nails then ever! 💙💚💛

Overwhelmed

Do you ever just feel overwhelmed? I have been having varying degrees of it lately.

Overwhelmed with the large supply of "stuff" in our house.
Overwhelmed with the amount of "clutter" (I'll refrain from using the word "junk" since although it applies to many things, it doens't apply to all things) that stuff provides.
Overwhelmed by the amazingly long, large and rapidly growing, "to do" lists every day.
Overwhelmed by the amount of cleaning that needs to be done despite the endless hours of cleaning that has been done.
Overwhelmed by the non-stop "mommy-ing" there is to do 24/7 without any break, regardless of the desire that others have to give it, but simply can't.
Overwhelmed by the relentless travel that has to be done by a very wonderful husband and father.
Overwhelmed by the constant homesickness, even when home.
Overwhelmed by the endless home renovations that are needed and are currently in progress.
Overwhelmed by the time needed by each individual childr.
Overwhelmed by how happy the children get upon arrival home after even the shortest period of time.
Overwhelmed by the beauty of the fall with it's gorgeous red, gold, and orange leaves.
Overwhelmed by the sweetness of a kind friend offering their help when they are aware of any struggle that might be occuring in church.
Overwhelmed by the generosity of others who drop a note in the mail or make a phone call, just to say how much their lives have been blessed by some, insignificant act on the giver's part.
Overwhelmed by the comfort of a great hug from somebody who knows the trials, loves anyway and gives freely on an especially difficult day.
Overwhelmed with Gratitude for the many wonderful things learned as a child by parents, teachers and leaders that have been exteremely valuable throughout adulthood.
Overwhelmed by the Love of the Lord who blesses,  is mindful, and allows these feelings of opposition, but still understands the necessity of it for learning and growth.

So you see, I'm overwhelmed. But overwhelmed isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes it is the sweetest blessing that our Heavenly Father has to offer us.

May you feel "Overwhelmed" this Thanksgiving Holiday too. Overwhelmed by His goodness.

Back to School!

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