As you can tell from the first few pictures, I went apple picking this weekend. It was a delightful fall day and we had a great time! Nothing better than munching on a fresh apple, while drinking a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks, and enjoying a girls day out! Now, I am in the mood for autumn. I have some yummy baking goals for this week! Lisa and I thought we could speed up Molly's labor process by having her walk through the orchard for a while, but no baby appearance yet. If there isn't news by this weekend, I have threatened a bumpy hay ride for the next adventure:) The last picture is of my birthday cake created by a friend from church. Her youngest shares my birthday, so we have had fun talking about "our day" for the last several months. I happened to mention that I have a turtle collection (from friends and family who have traveled the world:), so she and her kids thought that a turtle cake for my birthday would indeed be a special treat. It was/is delicious! If anyone wants to fly out to RI, I would be willing to share a piece!
Thank you to Aunt Benita and Uncle Gene for the great birthday ecard!! It was absolutely hysterical. Wish I could figure out how to post the birthday "dancer" for everyone to see:)
Once again, hope everyone has a wonderful week. Love you all!!

Fulfilling my quarterly blog:)

So, I have been back in RI for 2 weeks already! Can that even be possible? Time is flying, and I will be enjoying my golden birthday in 6 days. I wanted to thank the Sutton-Spizirri-Arndt-Kaup crew for the fantastic birthday party that I had while at home! It was so great to see everyone and enjoy some good laughs. I love birthdays! They are the perfect time to look back over the past year and reflect on all that God has done. Whether it be growing through tough situations and experiencing his peace and guidance, or being thankful for the full life that I can enjoy through his abundance of blessings. I see so many people struggle through very difficult circumstances every day, and am so thankful for the life that he has given me. Even as I type this blog I am listening to a song by Casting Crowns that summarizes it all for me . . .

"All Because Of Jesus"

Giver of every breath I breathe
Author of all eternity
Giver of every perfect thing
To You be the glory
Maker of Heaven and of Earth
No one can comprehend Your worth
King over all the universe
To You be the glory

And I am alive because I'm alive in You

It's all because of Jesus I'm alive
It's all because the blood of Jesus Christ
That covers me and raised this dead man's life
It's all because of Jesus I'm alive
I'm alive, I'm alive

Giver of every breath I breathe
Author of all eternity
Giver of every perfect thing
To You be the glory
Maker of Heaven and of Earth
No one can comprehend Your worth
King over all the universe
To You be the glory

And I am alive because I'm alive in You

It's all because of Jesus I'm alive
It's all because the blood of Jesus Christ
That covers me and raised this dead man's life
It's all because of Jesus

Every sunrise sings Your praise
The universe cries out Your praise
I'm singing freedom all my days
Now that I'm alive

I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive


Ok, enough of the sappiness:) Fall is here!! My favorite season would be a toss up between fall and spring, but if I HAD to choose one it would be the fall! I have apple picking plans for next Saturday. I am sure that the apple picking will translate into a day of baking and many yummy apple treats. I tried an apple brownie recipe last year that will definitely be making a comeback! I am also looking at joining the Appalachian Mountain Club. I am hoping that they have some fun day hikes planned for the fall, so I can check out the foliage.

The pics are from my time back in Nebraska--family fun and my friend Karen's wedding.

That is about all I know for now. I am making chili right now that I will be taking over to some friends' house tonight. Molly is due this week, and not feeling too comfortable today (I believe "feeling like a puffer fish" was the exact phrase used:)

Have a great weekend/week!!