Fall Findings Friday: Pumpkin on a Stick

Who knew pumpkins grew on sticks? 

I was visiting my mom and noticed tiny pumpkins on cut vines,

tucked into her pitcher. She'd purchased them at an Amish market. 

The lady who sold them told Mom to leave them in the pitcher 

without water, so they'd dry out

and serve as a decoration for several months. 

When I Googled miniature pumpkins, the search popped up with

"pumpkins on a stick, red China eggplant seeds." 

I've never seen such a thing. But, they are pretty cute!

Children's Book Review: Love is Kind by Laura Sassi, illustrated by Lison Chaperon

Book Description:

Love Is Kind is a heartwarming story about Little Owl who hopes to buy his grammy a heart-shaped box of chocolates for her birthday. On his quest for the chocolates, he’s thwarted at every turn, but ends up discovering the real meaning of love as described in 1 Corinthians 13. Told in simple prose by bestselling author Laura Sassi, this heartfelt and humorous picture book is a sweet reminder that real love isn’t found in a box – even one filled with chocolates. Love Is Kind takes a charming and gentle approach to teaching kids the true meaning of love, while celebrating the bonds that kids have with their grandparents, and the many forms that love and happiness can take.

My Review:
I love this book. Laura Sassy has written a great read-aloud that should be shared with children, especially grandparent to grandchild. I especially like how Chaperon hid the words from Corinthians 13 in plain sight, amidst the delightful illustrations. The autumn setting makes me want to snuggle with my granddaughter and read the story together. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zonderkidz. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Board Book Review: Thankful by Eileen Spinelli, illustrations by Archie Preston

Book Description:

Thankful, by bestselling and award-winning children’s author Eileen Spinelli, combines charming rhymes and whimsical illustrations to convey the importance of being thankful for everyday blessings. Like the gardener thankful for every green sprout, and the fireman, for putting the fire out, readers are encouraged to be thankful for the many blessings they find in their lives. Spinelli exhibits her endearing storytelling with this engaging poem, reminding children how blessed and special they are. Meant to be read aloud, this heartwarming picture book will be a treasured keepsake for parents and children alike.

My Review:
What a fun book for fall! This version of Thankful, made into a board book for little ones, is as delightful as the original hardcover. As the child in the story dresses up for various vocations, Spinelli's lovely rhymes tell the story of what each person is thankful for in their line of work. This book is great for little ones up through five years old. Although shortened from the original, the book is just long enough to hold the attention of a young child. The whimsical illustrations will delight the readers. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zonderkidz. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fall Findings Friday: A Poem for Fall

Apples and pumpkins made into pie

Warm shades of leaves, a brilliant blue sky.

Cook up the chili.

Wrap in a sweater.

Let's get ready for cool autumn weather!

I love the crispness of fall. 

What do you like about fall?

Gourds at Young's Dairy Farm

Welcome Autumn!

Children's Board Book Review: Snuggle Time Fall Blessings by Glenys Nellist , Illustrated by Cee Biscoe

Book Description:

Snuggle up with your little one and enjoy all the best parts of autumn together—pumpkin picking, colored leaves, hayrides, and more—with this adorable padded-cover board book. Get ready for repeated readings and lots of hugs!

Carving pumpkins. Fresh baked apple pie. Leaf piles. Jack-o'-lanterns. Featuring Glenys Nellist’s whimsical read-aloud rhymes and Cee Biscoe’s cuddly illustrations, the Snuggle Time Fall Blessings board book will become part of your new autumn reading tradition.

My Review:
I love everything Glenys Nellist writes for children. Her sweet poems are paired well with the adorable, whimsical illustrations of Cee Biscoe. Fall is the perfect time to tuck into the house and snuggle with a child or grandchild and this delightful little book. I know my five-year-old granddaughter will enjoy the poems and pictures with me. This is also a perfect way to share the change of seasons with little ones. Grab some hot chocolate and cuddle up and read Snuggle Time Fall Blessings with your favorite child. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zonderkidz. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Beautiful!

Gotta Love Autumn!

Almost Autumn

October

When Summer and Autumn Meet

Ever Green

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

One afternoon after work, I strolled along the sidewalk to my car. As usual at this time of year, I glanced at the trees to see the autumnal colors. The college has some lovely maples and several other smaller trees. Along one side of the walkway, a group of small pines stood in front of several deciduous trees whose scarlet, gold, and orange leaves were in the process of falling. It struck me that we, the people God created, are like the trees who go through seasons of change. Not just aging, but spiritual challenges, physical adjustments, and emotional trials.

As I studied the beautiful scene, my focus then rested on the pines. Evergreens don't lose their leaves. They retain their rich, verdant color, even after all the leaves from the deciduous trees fall to the ground. Just as the maples and oaks reminded me of people, the pines reminded me of Jesus. He's always the same. No matter what happens, Jesus is still Jesus and God is still God. Sovereign and in control. My faith rests in the one who never changes. Praise God that I can live without fear because he is the same yesterday and today and forever.

crooked-stemmed asters

Autumn Mistflower

Autumn Evening

What I Found Along the Trail

nature's bouquet

autumn's color-

God's gift

©Penny Frost McGinnis

Every Leaf

Children's Book Review: Pumpkin Patch Blessings by Kim Washburn, illustrated by Jacqueline East

Book Description:

Pumpkin Patch Blessings celebrates fall and shows little ones there are blessings all around us, especially in the pumpkin patch! The sweet rhyming text by Kim Washburn and whimsical illustrations by Jacqueline East bring autumn alive for readers young and old as they take in the fun of the fall season and remember how much they have to be grateful for.

My Review:
With fall just around the corner, this is a cute board book to share with little ones. They'll enjoy the bright oranges, reds, and yellows Jacqueline East uses to create whimsical illustrations. Kim's simple rhymes will be fun to read out loud. Many children visit a pumpkin patch in the fall. This is a great book to share before or after the trip. It's also a good book to share the wonderful things of autumn God has made. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Changing

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

The leaves, they are a-changing. As the green fades and the reds, oranges, and golds hang like jewels from the branches, I once again stand in awe of God's creation. On my drive to work, I take in the amazing changes on the hills that surround us. While I'm excited to see the season gradually fade into the next one, I'm not a huge fan of change in general. I get a little nervous when plans are altered. I struggle a little when I'm told I have one more new thing to learn for work. I need to adjust and that rattles my confidence. When life throws a curveball what do I do?   

I turn to the one I can depend on. Jesus. He never changes. He's the same every day. His love and compassion stay steady. When Peter betrayed him, Jesus kept loving him. Even though religious leaders mocked him, he continued to speak to sinners. Against the custom of his day, he spoke to women in a respectful manner. Jesus made changes happen, yet he remained the same. He's the one consistent anchor. No matter what kind of crazy day I've had, I can open my heart and pour out my prayers to the one who always cares. As the leaves change, I know Jesus stays the same. For this I am thankful. Praise God for Jesus.

Sit & Watch