The Smell of Fall-another update

So I don't think fall is really as close as it seems today, but today smells like fall to me. Sam has a fire going outside burning some wood from the property...I love the smell of a nice wood fire. It's a cool day, and the sun has finally decided to make an appearance. I love this kind of weather---a cool sunshiny day! BEAUUUUUTIFUL! I love fall--I love everything about it (except Sam's work hours, but never mind that) I love the weather...I love the food...I love the holidays...I love the leaves...the smells...everything!

Again I've gone a long time without stopping by this here blog. It seems the summer flew by with many things going on here at the Knott farm, and school is here and in full swing already. Amazing. A little sad---I think about the fact that our little crew will be another year older the next time summer comes to visit.

The first of August brought me back to full time at school. We've had some changes for this school year so things will be different, but I am so excited to see all that the Lord has for FCS this year! August also brought the start of a barn project---yes, what would life on the farm be without a project going on. Sam has been working on re-roofing/re-siding our barn as well as adding a large 24'x26' addition. What he didn't expect was that he would have to basically rebuild the old part of the barn due to water and termite damage. He's amazing...he truly is. I know I'm biased, but until you watch him at work--you can't fully appreciate it. Sam has put in some long days out there, but it looks like it's finally coming to an end. I'll have to post pictures soon. The Lord has been gracious in protecting him--me and the kids too because we've spent our share of time out there helping Daddy too. I don't take for granted that it is truly God's protection that has brought us through the projects around here without serious injury.

Cel is in first grade this year! She's loving it so far. She's pushing the limits in her quiet way, but she has a good strong teacher that will NOT be pushed! It's wonderful! She started school with glasses this year. We found out a couple of weeks before school started that she has an astigmatism and needed glasses. She has done really good with keeping them on. She looks so much older with them on---I can hardly believe it's my baby girl! She started piano lessons this past week. She is very excited to play the piano like Grandma Esther. She even had to call Grandma to tell her about her first lesson. Now, if she can just keep up the enthusiasm through all the practice time. I seem to remember not appreciating the practice time much myself when I was her age. And I guess I'm getting some payback for the hours my parents had to listen to songs like "In the Jungle" or "The Dancing Elephant." Yeah---it's beautious!

Micah continues to be on the smaller side. He seems to have grown up so much in the past few weeks though. He picks up on so much that I think he's not paying attention to. He'll randomly share some kind of insight into his view of life...extremely interesting. He loves driving his "tractor" around the property always towing something in the back. He's starting to pay attention more during Sunday School and Clubs---it's wonderful to finally hear him talk about what he's learning. Sleeping---well, we're struggling with that. He goes through stages where he doesn't sleep very good---now seems to be one of those. Praying it's a short one...

Carson "Tank"---well, he still fits his nickname. Oh, he's just not my baby any more. He's such a little boy now. He loves being outside with Daddy. He's constantly dirty---not that his brother and sister aren't too---but he seems to always be exponentially more dirty than the other two. He loves to find pop cans and "drink" out of them. He sticks his tongue down the hole (yes, he still has a tongue--hasn't cut it off yet!) and drink it that way. Then when he can't reach the pop with his tongue any more, he shakes the can so some spills over into the lip of the can---and he sucks it out of there. It's disgusting---dirty---but pretty funny to watch! He's still not understandable most of the time when he talks, but it's probably just a matter of time because he has plenty to say. He's still such a happy little guy that I have to admit that his sleepy smile in the mornings just starts the day off right!

Sam and I...we're doing good. Life is full of ups and downs...we are learning more and more how to weather the downs ---grow in them...and enjoy the ups. It is fun to work together on projects and see the fruits of our labor. Sam has enjoyed the break from the insane pace at work and the opportunity to work on things here...and of course spend more time with us. I am in my second year of working at FCS as administrative assistant. I enjoy it most of the time, and it's been good to be back into a routine. Now, if I can just get my laundry routine under control again! All these projects and beautiful days lead to LOTS and LOTS of laundry! Sam started a "Real Men" class on Wednesday nights while I started working with the Junior High girls. It's been good---an opportunity to serve and grow for both of us.

I'm ready for September...as my title indicates I'm ready for fall. I'm excited to see what the Lord has for us in the coming months. We (Sam and I) have so much to work on in our relationships with God; we're excited to see how the Lord works in us and in turn helps us as we raise our kiddos for His glory. The start of September will be difficult as it marks the anniversary of Mom's death. It seems much of this year has been very difficult in that respect, but I am determined to honor my mom by serving my God and teaching my children about Him and His love for them. My brother and sister in law are in limbo waiting for news about some positions that Joshua has interviewed for. I have to admit I'm claiming the verse "be anxious for nothing" in their situation because I DREAD the thought of them moving away (I can't even imagine the anxiousness they are fighting just to have answers!). I know God has a plan---for their family---for my family---Jeremiah 29:11--plans of hope and future! I'm so glad for a God that cares about the details of our lives...even the details we can't completely comprehend ourselves sometimes. I'm glad He goes before us. I'm glad He LOVES me (and my family). I'm glad He's sovereign...gracious...just. Why would I try to take the reins of my life (or my family's) when I have a God?!

Again, I will try not to be gone so long next time, but I can't make any promises. The quiet afternoon that has allowed for this post--well, they can sometimes be few and far between! Until next time, dear ones...