I Can't Imagine

  These last few weeks, I wake up with so much joy and wonder

as Stillestead grows even more beautiful than the day before.  

Minnie and I wake up, still in our PJs, and stroll around,

ohh-ing and ahh-ing at the colors, sights, and sounds of autumn.

Today, I said a prayer out loud, thanking God for 

Stillestead and for AUTUMN. 

Sometimes I think He created it all just for me

because it brings me so much joy.

You know the poem by L. M. Montgomery

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

Well, I can't imagine a world without October either,

but I also can't imagine a world where I didn't believe it was because

we have a wonderful, glorious, merciful, loving Heavenly Father

who created Octobers for you and me!

As much as I love October, November is THE BEST month

here in North Carolina, and it's just warming up!

I Voted

 

For once, I woke up before Minnie, so I slipped out of bed

and did a load of laundry and picked up the kitchen before I 

heard her talking and squealing, wondering where I was.

We co-sleep, and I'm not ashamed to say it.

It works out great, and yes, my back hurts every single morning,

but I love sleeping with her so much.  I love being close to her 

all night long, and I love seeing her in the morning.

She's my last baby, and this new old mom is

letting a lot of things go and doing what I want.

It's been great.

After breakfast and tubs, we met up with Christian to vote.

Taking Minnie to the polls took me back to 2005, when Oliver was her age. 

We took him, Claire, and Jane to our local elementary school in

New Jersey to vote for a bunch of people with last names

that sounded like they were in the local mob.

I was a long way from Utah, where names like 'Smith' and 'Jensen' were on the ticket.

God bless America.

Steps Away

 

Yesterday, Christian moved the cows into 

the pasture in front of the house. I love having the cows close by. 

There’s something so calming and relaxing about having them right outside.

Christian has divided Stillestead’s pastures into about 25 areas 

and regularly moves the cows so they always have plenty of delicious grass. 

The cows also fertilize the pastures naturally, keeping them healthy and viable.

Since the herd is literally steps away from the front door,

I threw the leftover Halloween pumpkins to them,

and Minnie and I watched them nibble throughout the day.

She loved listening to them crunch the pumpkins,

but she hates when they moo.

Thanks?

Today, Minnie woke up at 6:30 am.
This is early for Minnie, who usually is up by 7:45.

But what Minnie doesn't know is that daylight saving time began today.

One of the stupidest days of the year.

She's confused, I'm confused, and everyone is confused.

Anyway, she lay on Christian's chest before he had to

 get up and head to church for his church meetings.
Sunday is the busiest day for Christian, who is also the Bishop.
I guess daylight saving time gave us this beautiful, brief morning together.
So, thanks?

Welcome, November!

My favorite month in North Carolina!

Happy Halloween 2026

 Halloween this year was one of my favorites, 

and I know it's because of Minnie.

Everything is so fun, new, and exciting, and she loves it all!

She waves, points, and makes the cutest sounds!

Enjoy the sights and imagine the sounds and smells

of Halloween at Stillestead:

I dressed Minnie up as a little clown.

Christian and I wore our classic gorilla costumes, 

(Minnie wasn't even phased; I thought she was going to be

terrified!  Nope).

Jane and Lottie were cute little kitties.

We had our Halloween feast, including playing the board game Clue

while eating dinner, enjoying cider and dessert.

Menu included:

-Veggie board with cheeses and hot Brie (with flies)

-Campanelle and cheese (the noodles remind me of ears)

-Green salad (greens from the garden) with warm nuts

-Fresh sourdough bread

-Baked pumpkin seeds with anise

-Three layer Black chocolate cake with Spiced cider

Afterward, we went on a spooky Halloween 

walk around Stillestead in the pitch black. 

I bundled up Minnie, and she fell asleep.

I think that is a new Nielson tradition.

Happy Halloweeeeen!