It’s been kinda quiet around here, I know.  I feel like I can hardly breathe with the constant flurry of activity in our home.  Classical Conversations has been in full swing for 5 weeks, and I haven’t even shared any photos from my wonderful class of 13 students.  We’ve had a great time learning Latin and algebra together, performing lab experiments, competing in the stock market, and engaging in heated, but civil debates.  We launched 10 new small groups at church two weeks ago ~ five of which are for women only.  I’ve attended and hosted a couple of baby showers, enrolled Kory in a Calculus class at Amherst college, chauffeured Kayla to dance classes and Cooper to cross country practices several times a week, and tried to consistently meet with women from my church. We’ve been to Maine and New Hampshire in the past few weeks ~ for short vacations we weren’t able to schedule earlier in the summer.  There have been parent orientations, visits from grandparents, potluck dinners, birthday dinners, and more.  

Robert and I went for an 8 mile run this morning ~ trying to up our mileage and participate in the Hartford Half-Marathon again this year for the third year in a row.  Typically, we would give ourselves MANY more weeks than 4 to train, but we couldn’t even THINK about the race until some other “races” were finished.  As we ran, we noticed the trees.  They are already more-than-blushing with the reds and oranges of the New England fall.  And as much as I do not like the end of summer, I long for the routines that fall brings.  One more hurdle this weekend ~ but a delightful one.  I have the privilege of speaking at a women’s retreat in New York tonight and tomorrow. Pray for the women who will be there to be refreshed and renewed and built up in their faith if you think of it.  And pray for me, that the Lord would speak through me and bless those who hear by His Word.

And here’s a repeat recipe, but a very fitting one!  The mornings and evenings are cool, but the afternoons are still warm here.  This is the perfect smoothie for days like that!  And who can resist pumpkin right now?  I made my first batch of pumpkin chocolate chip muffins this week, and it felt so good!

Pumpkin Love Smoothie

1/3 cup canned pumpkin

1/3 cup plain yogurt (or vanilla, but I don’t like all the added sugar.)

1 frozen banana

1 Tbsp peanut butter

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 Tbsp honey or agave

1/4 tsp vanilla

Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth.  Top with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream and sprinkle with more cinnamon.  Drink while gazing out your kitchen window and watching the reds, yellows, oranges, and greens blow gently off the trees.  ☺