The online definition of “Grandma hobbies” says – “They are low-tech, tactile, and creative pastimes traditionally associated with older generations that are seeing a major resurgence among younger people looking to disconnect from digital screens.”

Whew, that’s a mouthful.

Grandma hobbies cover a wide variety of things to try. To name a few: knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery, cross-stitching, cooking, baking, puzzles, board games, quilting, gardening, canning, and anything else that encourages you to stop and focus on what you’re doing for a minute or two.

No matter your interests or talents you can easily find a hobby that suits you. To name a few: knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery, cross-stitching, cooking, baking, puzzles, board games, quilting, gardening, canning and anything else that encourages you to stop and focus on what you’re doing for a minute or two.

In this crazy world we live in, we have become overstimulated and under-nourished in so many ways.  We long for things that feel real and useful.  Creating things with your hands solves that.  Old-fashioned hobbies give us a sense of accomplishment not found elsewhere.  Finishing a paper online doesn’t pack the same punch that holding a ripe tomato or a finished sweater does.

Plus, doing these activities creates much-needed pauses during the day.  They give us permission to rest without a lot of guilt.  In these modern times, we often feel guilty if we’re not busy at all times.  Partaking in these pastimes gives us a feeling of accomplishment while also allowing us to rest along the way.

So, how do grandma hobbies help?

They Lower Stress Hormones – Repetitive movements, like knitting or crocheting, act as a form of peaceful “meditation” that actually lowers the stress hormone cortisol.

They Raise Feel-good Hormones – Working with your hands stimulates touch receptors, releasing calming oxytocin and elevating dopamine and serotonin to boost your mood.

They cut screen time – Trading digital devices for hands-on crafts helps your brain decompress and also improves your overall sleep quality

They improve neuroplasticity – Learning new patterns or techniques builds and strengthens neural pathways, keeping the mind sharp and flexible.

They give you better focus – These activities demand sustained attention, which trains your brain to filter out distractions and stay present in the moment.

They lower dementia risk – Studies associate regular creative hobbies and gardening with a lower risk of cognitive decline as you age.

They combat loneliness – Crafting circles, gardening clubs, or baking groups create a sense of community and strong social belonging.  Even online groups allow you to share what you’ve made and get support from other members.

They give us a sense of purpose – Finishing a project or sharing handmade goods with others fosters deep satisfaction and emotional joy.

They regulate the nervous system – The bilateral movement in knitting or kneading dough and the rhythm of the movements signal safety to our bodies.  That activates the parasympathetic nervous system and gets us out of the fight-or-fight system that so many of us are stuck in.

There are so many grandma hobbies to choose from that you are sure to find one that matches your unique personality.

My friend makes the most beautiful quilts.  Quilting is a linear hobby.  Pieces must fit together perfectly or everything is off balance.  I could never quilt.  I am far from linear and my inclination is to make wonky things.  But it’s the perfect match for my friend.

Ann Kirsten

In contrast, I make tiny little things.  I love embroidery.  I love the different colors of thread and the movement of the needle going through the material.  Sometimes I make up a pattern in my head as I go along.

Ann Kirsten

And sometimes I follow a pattern but make it my own with my choice of colors and fabrics.

Ann Kirsten

Either way, the rhythmic movements give me so much peace.

My mother-in-law always had a crochet hook in her hand.  She made blankets, ornaments, clothing and anything else that caught her eye.  The dress in this picture was made for my daughter and then her daughter wore it and it is now packed away for future generations.

Ann Kirsten

Cross-stitch saved me when I first became a mother.  My husband worked twelve-hour shifts, seven days a week and we only had one car.  I was stuck inside with a new baby.  Stitching gave me a concrete way to feel that I mattered.  I had something physical to show for those long and lonely days inside.

Ann Kirsten

Maybe your “thing” will be gardening.  There is nothing quite like growing your own food.  Talk about physical examples of your hard work!  The produce you provide your family will give you so much satisfaction.

Ann Kirsten

Canning goes along with gardening.  Whether you choose to can the old-fashioned way or freeze your produce, the sight of all those jars of yumminess will fill your heart with joy.

Ann Kirsten

My daughter has chosen sourdough baking.  The things she turns out of her kitchen are stunning and so delicious.  Her kids will remember them long after they’re grown.

Ann Kirsten

I love to bake as well.  A few years ago I baked cookies of the month.  The recipes are all on allmomdoes.com.  Simply do a search for “cookie of the month”.

Ann Kirsten

And grandma hobbies aren’t just for women.  When my husband was recovering from a terrible accident we set up a puzzle table.  Working on a puzzle not only gave him peace, but he could see his accomplishments right before his eyes as he put the pieces together.  He needed that encouragement at a time when he was physically unable to do much else.

So there you have it.  Grandma hobbies are here to stay.  They’re not only special ways to create heirlooms, they’re also healthy!

She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
Proverbs 31:13

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Read more of Ann’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.

October Ministry of the Month:
Focus on the Family

Tune in to KCIS Thursday mornings at 7:50am and Saturday afternoons at 1:40pm for Ministry of the Month.

At the first sight of fruit flies each year, I waste no time. I immediately set up my DIY traps. I find it so satisfying to look in the little bowls each morning to witness how many fruit fly corpses are floating around. But last year, I became frustrated when my traps were getting some of them, but there were still numerous little bugs flying around our house.

I was complaining to some of my friends about it one night and my mind was blown at what one of them told me. She said there is something called a drain fly. I had never heard of this. Apparently drain flies, though basically harmless, like to lay their eggs in moist areas like a drain. Even more interesting, all the friends I was with that evening said they too were having an issue this year with tiny bugs that wouldn’t go away.

It didn’t appear there was an actual reason we were all having this problem. None of us had clogged drains with standing water or unused toilets in our house. We concluded that our neighborhood was just having some sort of random infest; there is no way to know if this is actually true. But what we did know is that we had to take care of it.

I immediately started looking up how to rid my house of these. Thankfully, the solution was simple and so far has been very effective.

If you have fruit flies but think you might also have drain flies, I suggest doing a combination of the vinegar dish soap solution and this new remedy I discovered. I have a hard time telling the difference between the bugs. But what was interesting was after I did this new remedy, I had triple the dead fruit flies in my soap solution than I had previously.

What you will need:
Measurements are per drain. I suggest doing one solution per drain in your house, including showers.

• ½ cup baking soda
• 1 cup vinegar (I used white vinegar)
• Very hot water (I read that boiling can be bad for pipes so I used the hottest I could get before boiling)

What you will do:

1. Sprinkle the baking soda in and on the drain opening (getting into the drain)
2. Pour in the vinegar
3. It will start to bubble like a science experiment (my kids loved it!)
4. After about 10 minutes, flush the drain with hot water (I put it into a large bowl then poured in)

WATCH TUTORIAL:

RELATED:

Your Three-Step Fruit Fly Battle Plan

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It’s easy to be grateful when everything is going our way. But how do we keep from getting angry or bitter when we don’t get our way, our plans are outright ruined, or something really devastating happens?

Cultivating a habit of gratitude is the key. When King David was sad, he spoke to himself like this in Psalm 42:11 …

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again — my Savior and my God!

Notice that David doesn’t deny how he feels. He acknowledges his emotions as legitimate, and then he directs his attention to God who is the only one who can take care of everything we need and lift us up.

If we do more than a quick “thanks for the food” prayer at mealtime and really stop to look for what is good and the ways that God is with us in the hard times, our spiritual muscles of faith get stronger. Then, when we really need it, our default response will be gratitude.

That habitual response brings joy that often doesn’t make sense but is real. And that joy is proof there is more than the here and now, Jesus is at work, He loves us, and we are safe with Him.

There is a future waiting for us when we will never be disappointed again, when death won’t ever rob us of the people we love, and when our deepest heart desires will be satisfied.

With that kind of hope – Jesus’ presence now and forever – we have everything to be grateful for. Let’s take hold of His promises with thanksgiving and praise.

START TODAY: Invite a friend to join you in building a habit of gratitude so you can encourage each other to keep going. And don’t be discouraged if you miss a day or two, or even more. Just start again. It will be worth it!

PRAY: Dear Jesus, I want to have joy and not be bitter about the tough patches in my life. Help me be consistent in thanking and praising You no matter what. I need Your help to rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances. Thank You that I can count on You for that. In Your Name, Amen.

ACTION: Share the secret habit that brings joy with your listening family at KCIS by giving to the Grateful Fall Pledge Drive today.

Share your story of gratitude today and tell us how God has blessed you through KCIS! Share it HERE

Psalm 100:4-5 tell us …

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures.

This is one place in the Bible where we are told to take the initiative with God. Rather than simply responding to His overtures, we are told to be proactive in thanking and praising Him if we want to be close to Him.

Is this because God is distant and we need to manipulate Him to show up in our lives?

Absolutely not.

God is everywhere, and He has promised to always be with us. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and He doesn’t move away from us. It’s we who do the moving.

What is it that changes our proximity to Jesus when we choose to be grateful?

What changes is you and me.

When we thank God and worship Him it takes our eyes off ourselves and lifts them to Jesus. And somehow—whether our spiritual eyes become stronger or the veil between the material and spiritual becomes thinner or for some reason unknown to this writer—we experience God’s peace and joy and love more than before.

When we are open to God’s presence we begin to see our identity as His dearly loved child. Knowing how much we are loved is the spark that ignites gratitude!

START TODAY: Choose to enter God’s presence with worship and thanks today. Turn on KCIS and sing along with the music programs. Voice the things you are grateful for to Jesus, even if it means you are thankful IN and not FOR what’s going on in your life.

PRAY: Lord, thank You for the air You give me to breathe every day. Thank You for the freedom I have to worship You. Thank You for showing me who You are, Jesus, and drawing me to Yourself. Thank you for dying to pay for my sins. Thank You for loving me and never letting go. I praise You because You are worthy of all my thanks and praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

ACTION: Spread gratitude today by sharing the identity we have in Christ with your listening family at KCIS. Your gift to the Grateful Fall Pledge Drive means listeners throughout Puget Sound and the world will hear about Jesus and His love for them.

Share your story of gratitude today and tell us how God has blessed you through KCIS! Share it HERE

Enjoying the last bit of summer doesn’t come without the realization that fall is practically here which means our fall schedule is practically here.

I rely heavily on my Google calendar. It’s shared with my husband, and I always say, “if it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist.” There are misses but overall, my husband is pretty good about ensuring that commitments get put into the shared calendar to help us stay aligned. I am sure I have also had misses, but I like to believe I too am when it comes to getting things on the calendar.

Knowing that we are coming up on the fall season, I decided to deep dive into the schedule come September to start preparing myself for what is ahead. Up until that point, we had enrolled the kids in things and crossed our fingers for as few conflicts as possible. I knew that everything would work as far as no two sports overlapping. That seemed like a small miracle, quite honestly.

Conflicts will arise as we get further into the season. We have practice times but not game or meet times yet so it’s inevitable that some sort of scheduling challenges will arise between the multiple extra curriculars that my kids participate in.

I can’t yet wrap my head around that because I am still in the stage of how to make it all work with just the practice schedule. Soccer, swim team, drums, basketball, flag football, youth group and three different types of dance classes. We are also throwing in drivers ed for my son who will be 15 soon.

Fall is already feeling like a lot, and it hasn’t started. Some of it is anticipation. I think once we get into the groove of the schedule, we will be fine. Having two kids and two parents means that we can divide and conquer which we are used to doing.

My kids really enjoy all their activities and my husband, and I think keeping them busy is a good thing. If they have good grades, we try to support the activities that they want to do. We love the community they have from each activity, getting to meet different people and we believe that staying active is really important.

As I look at the calendar and try to envision what the evenings will be every day after work, it is a little overwhelming. There are zero days Monday through Thursday that we’ll be able to have dinner together as a family. This also means very limited, if any, time to get dinner ready. Sundays will remain critical for me as I prepare for the week. Meal prepping of some sort will be important because there just won’t be time for it during the week.

It feels a bit like organized chaos even though the season hasn’t yet begun.  But I think I kind of thrive in it. I love routine and I love organizing. As I look to the fall, it brings me joy knowing that I can organize the days that will lead to the type of routine that I love.

It doesn’t mean there won’t be moments of stress or feeling like maybe we are overcommitted or moments where I feel like I am failing. But for someone like me who does thrive in routine, I have figured out that I prefer a little chaos over an open schedule. As long as I feel like I can somewhat organize and manage it.

Are you gearing up for fall? Do you too actually thrive in the organized chaos, or will you be longing for the days of summer where things tend to be a little more easy going?

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Recipes often claim to be “quick and easy” and then 45 minutes later I find myself still without dinner on the table. When I find a recipe that is actually quick and easy and something that tastes good, I keep it on hand.

This gnocchi soup is not only actually quick and easy but it’s also vegetarian which, for us with a vegetarian 11-year-old, makes it an ideal meal. It also has a ton of veggies in it but my kids loved it.

Warning- the finished product doesn’t look totally satisfying but I promise you it is delicious and the perfect fall meal.

PC: Stephanie O’Farrell

You will need:

• Vegetable Broth- about 2 cups
• “Holiday Vegetable Hash- this is chopped up butternut squash, sweet potato, celery, sage, rosemary and parsley. You could chop it up yourself, but this pre-chopped version made it incredibly simple.
• Boursin Cheese- 5.3 ounce box
• Gnocchi- I used pumpkin to make the perfect fall meal

Here is what you will do:

Sautee the vegetables in a lightly oiled pan until they are softened

In a blender add softened vegetables, Boursin cheese, 2 cups vegetable broth (I used about 2.5 cups)

Blend for about a minute

Pour mixture into a pot and bring to a boil

Add in gnocchi

Cook gnocchi as instructions call for (typically only a few minutes until they start rising to the top

I served my kids grilled cheese on the side but croutons in the soup would also be lovely.

Enjoy!

RELATED

• Six Things I Do On Sundays To Set My Week Up For Success

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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says …

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

The Bible tells us to be grateful more than 150 times! And science confirms what our Creator knew all along when He told us to give thanks continuously, in all circumstances. Research shows that when we are grateful:

• We have less stress
• We are happier
• We feel better about ourselves
• We have lower blood pressure
• We sleep better
• We have more energy
• We have stronger relationships
• We are more generous

With all of these benefits, why would we not pursue a lifestyle of gratitude? As with everything the Lord commands, obedience is for our good!

START TODAY: Write three things you are grateful for right now. Then write three things you are grateful for that happened today before you go to sleep tonight. Do this for a week and notice any changes in your emotions and well-being.

PRAY: Creator God, there are so many things to be grateful for! Your love. Forgiveness through Jesus’ blood. Your power to transform every part of me. Your constant presence during the hard things I’m going through. Help me to remember how good You are, and to cultivate a heart of gratitude for You and all You do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

ACTION: Show your gratitude today by sharing how God has blessed you with someone else. One way to do this is to give to the KCIS Grateful Fall Pledge Drive so more listeners in the Pacific Northwest and world can hear about Jesus and His love for them.

Share your story of gratitude today and tell us how God has blessed you through KCIS! Share it HERE

It involves perfectly coordinated flannel shirts, a picturesque apple orchard, a wagon ride through the trees, pumpkins picked directly from the vine, homemade pies cooling on the counter, and children who somehow manage to jump into a pile of leaves without getting dirt in their hair, mud on their clothes, or into an argument with their siblings.

It’s beautiful.

It’s also…a lot.

And while I love a good fall outing as much as the next person, I’ve realized that sometimes our expectations for a “magical” autumn season can make the actual season feel a little less magical.

Because real fall looks a lot more like buying pumpkins at the grocery store because the pumpkin patch is 45 minutes away. It looks like raking the same leaves more than once because the trees apparently have an endless supply. It looks like making hot chocolate from a packet instead of homemade cocoa because you have approximately six minutes before everyone needs to be somewhere else.

And honestly? I think that’s okay.

This year, instead of creating a Fall Family Bucket List that requires reservations, matching outfits, a free Saturday afternoon, and a small miracle, I’m making one that is actually doable.

Because the goal isn’t to cram 25 fall activities into six weeks.

The goal is to notice the season.

To make a few memories.

To give ourselves permission to enjoy the ordinary things that make this time of year feel special.

So here is my Realistic Fall Family Bucket List—25 simple things you can do with your family without turning fall into another item on your to-do list.

Our Realistic Fall Family Bucket List

1. Make a pile of leaves in the front yard and jump in it.
   Yes, you’ll probably have to rake them again. That’s part of the fun.
2. Find five different fallen leaves outside.
   See how many shapes, colors, and sizes you can find.
3. Make hot chocolate at home.
   Bonus points for marshmallows, whipped cream, or a ridiculous amount of cinnamon.
4. Paint your pumpkins instead of carving them.
   Less mess. No pumpkin guts. Everyone wins.
5. Have a popcorn movie night at home.
   Pajamas encouraged. Blankets required. Cleaning up popcorn afterward is optional.
6. Go on a fall color walk.
   You don’t have to go anywhere special. Walk around your neighborhood and notice the changing trees.
7. Bake something with cinnamon.
   Cookies, muffins, bread, or whatever you can manage.
8. Buy a $5 bouquet of grocery-store mums.
   You don’t need a whole porch makeover to make your house feel like fall.
9. Drink something warm outside.
   Coffee, cider, tea, or hot chocolate. Put on a sweater and stay for five minutes longer than necessary.
10. Make a fall playlist.
    Let everyone in the family contribute a song.
11. Go for a drive just to look at the leaves.
    No destination required.
12. Make leaf rubbings.
    Grab some paper and crayons and turn those fallen leaves into art.
13. Eat dinner outside on a chilly evening.
    Wrap everyone in blankets and call it an adventure.
14. Make caramel apples—or just dip apple slices in caramel.
    The second option is considerably less sticky.
15. Have a family game night.
    Pick an old favorite and embrace the inevitable arguing over the rules.
16. Take a picture on the first really “fall” day.
    Not a perfect family photo. Just a picture of everyone as they actually are.
17. Make a simple fall craft.
    Paper leaves, painted pinecones, cardboard pumpkins—use what you already have.
18. Go to a pumpkin patch if it works for your family.
    And if it doesn’t? Buy the pumpkins at the grocery store. They still count.
19. Read a fall book together.
    Bonus points if everyone piles onto the couch.
20. Make a batch of soup or chili.
    Something that can simmer while your house starts smelling delicious.
21. Have a flashlight walk after dinner.
    It doesn’t need to be late. Kids think walking around with flashlights is exciting at almost any hour.
22. Make a fall-themed dessert from a box mix.
    There is no prize for making everything from scratch.
23. Collect a few beautiful things from outside.
    Leaves, pinecones, sticks, acorns—whatever catches your eye.
24. Do absolutely nothing “fall-ish” one Saturday.
    Stay home. Watch TV. Play. Nap. Wear sweatpants. Remember that rest is an activity, too.
25. End the season by talking about your favorite fall memory.
    Ask everyone what they loved most. You might be surprised by what they remember.

[DOWNLOAD BUCKET LIST HERE]

I love that this list doesn’t require a perfect autumn.

It doesn’t require traveling to the best pumpkin patch in your state or finding the most beautiful trail covered in golden leaves. It doesn’t require a camera-ready family or a calendar with endless open weekends.

It simply asks us to slow down enough to notice what is already happening around us.

Because someday, our kids probably won’t remember whether we went on the fanciest hayride or picked the perfect pumpkin from a field.

They may remember sitting on the front porch drinking hot chocolate.

They may remember Mom letting them jump into a giant pile of leaves.

They may remember painting a pumpkin purple because orange was “too boring.”

They may remember popcorn on the couch and a movie they watched a hundred times.

And maybe that’s the real bucket list.

Not How much can we do this fall?

But How much can we enjoy the fall we already have?

So here’s to grocery-store pumpkins, messy leaf piles, boxed brownie mix, chilly walks around the block, and hot chocolate made from a packet.

Here’s to a fall that doesn’t have to be extraordinary to be memorable.

And here’s to making a little room for magic in the middle of our very ordinary, very busy, very real family life.

Because sometimes the best memories aren’t the ones we planned.

They’re the ones we almost didn’t do at all.

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If you are struggling to find things to love about September, may I offer a few suggestions?

READ A BEAUTIFUL BOOK

I love to check out children’s books from the library.  The illustrations are so beautiful, and they get me and the kids in the mood for a new season.  My grandkids love Fletcher and the Falling Leaves.  The little fox is adorable.

DRINK SOMETHING COZY

One of the best parts of Fall is the cozy drinks!  Whether it’s pumpkin spice or hot chocolate, add whipped cream on top to make it extra festive.

GO FOR A LONG GENTLE WALK

I’m not talking about a power walk.  Instead, meander through the neighborhood or a park and look at all the changing leaves.  They’re gorgeous this time of year.

BAKE SOMETHING

Fall is just meant for home-baked goodies.  Not a baker?  Grab some rolls from the grocery store, add extra cinnamon and pop them in the oven.

Ann Kirsten

WATCH A SWEET FILM

This is not the time for hair-raising action movies.  Instead, watch a quiet story that feeds your soul.

BUY YOURSELF FLOWERS

Mums, anyone?  I can never resist the beautiful varieties that are everywhere this time of year.  Pop the whole pot into a container of water for an hour.  Afterwards, water them from the bottom.

VISIT A CAFÉ

I love people watching in a rustic café that serves simple foods.  I much prefer that to a gourmet spot.

LISTEN TO MUSIC

Have you listened to the music that was popular when you were a teen lately?  Do it!  You’ll be amazed at how it energizes you.

LIGHT A CANDLE

I love the spicy Fall scents of candles!  I just bought myself a soy candle that smells of clove and cinnamon.

PICK FALL FRUIT

Apples and some varieties of pears are ripe and ready to be picked.  Or buy a box of them from a farmer.  You can make pies, crisps, cobblers, sauces, and cakes.  There’s so much to make with apples.

Ann Kirsten

WATCH A SUNSET

This one is simple.  There are some beautiful sunsets this time of year.  My friend, Suanne, took this one from her window.  Isn’t it gorgeous?

Photo by Suanne

STEEP A NEW TEA

Many tea companies come out with Fall flavors.  Caramel Apple by Republic of Tea is one of my son’s favorites.

SWAP COFFEE FOR APPLE CIDER

Try this at least once!  You can order one at a coffee shop or make it at home.  Simply warm some apple cider in the microwave, top it with whipped cream and drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top.  Yum!

PICK SOME LEAVES

Collect the last of the garden blossoms and the most colorful leaves you see.  Press them in the pages of a book or put a branch of them in water.

Ann Kirsten

READ A BOOK

Check out a cozy Fall mystery from the library.  There are lots to choose from and they have the cutest covers. Download our Harvest Bookmark!

PUMPKIN PATCH

Visit a pumpkin patch.  Even if you don’t plan on carving a jack o’ lantern, pumpkin patches are such fun places to visit.  They often have mazes to try and delicious food to buy.

Ann Kirsten

As you can see from these ideas, September is a month to be celebrated.  I am in awe that God made something to celebrate in every single month of the year.

Have you ever done a simple search for “harvest scriptures”?  You will be amazed at how many there are to study.  Wouldn’t it be fun to use a scripture in your fall decorating?  A framed calligraphy version, an embroidered sampler, or even a verse painted on a pumpkin would be a wonderful way to honor the Lord this time of year.

Here a few verses to get you started:

• Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.“
• Matthew 9:37–38 states: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
• Proverbs 10:5 states: “He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.”
• Leviticus 19:9 – “‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.”
• Exodus 23:16 – “Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field.” “Celebrate the Festival of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field.”
• 2 Corinthians 9:6 – “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
• Jeremiah 5:24 – “They do not say in their hearts, ‘Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives the rain in its season, the autumn rain and the spring rain, and keeps for us the weeks appointed for the harvest.”
• James 3:18 – “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
• Galatians 6:8 -“For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”
• Matthew 13:30 – “Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”
• Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
• Matthew 6:26 – “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
• Leviticus 26:3-4 – “If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.”
• Revelation 14:15 – “And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.”
• Genesis 8:22 – “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”

As you can tell, harvest is an important topic in the Bible, and September is a wonderful time to celebrate that.

However you choose to celebrate this special time of year, may you feel the blessings of God shower down around you.

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Christians have nothing to be smug about; we are not righteous people trying to correct the unrighteous. Just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. -R.C. Sproul

Public schools often have a bad reputation, especially these days when it’s not uncommon for the environment to be increasingly hostile toward believers. Living in Western Washington, we’re no strangers to feeling a little out of place when it comes to our values and beliefs. My husband and I were raised in the greater Seattle area and went to public school there. It wasn’t perfect and we did grapple with swimming upstream when it came to many issues, but we were both confident in our faith and the foundation we had built. We are raising our four sons a bit south of there, which we have really enjoyed! It’s been a good fit for our family since my husband got out of the military when our first two were little. They each went to a private, Christian preschool, which we loved. Before we knew it, it was time to make the decision for kindergarten…homeschool, send them to private school, or brave the wilds of the public school system?!

“God didn’t call you to be liked. He called you to be light. And light, by its very nature, makes darkness uncomfortable. If you feel out of place…you might be doing something right.”- unknown

It’s a very personal decision for families to make, and there are a lot of variables! Location, finances, schedules, and environment just to name a few. We’ve had a few, short bouts of homeschooling over the years (our kids are now 4, 8, 13, and 15), but ultimately, we landed on public school. I know families that homeschool and love it as well as families with kids in private schools that they have great things to say about. So, why did we choose public school? The short answer is that we want them to be able to thrive in the world they’re going to be launched into.

That doesn’t mean kids who are homeschooled or go to private school won’t thrive. There are so many positives when it comes to homeschooling and private schools! Both of which we considered due to those pros. At the end of the day, we felt that nothing would prepare them as well as growing up with a wide range of kids and teachers from all walks of life. Being exposed to a diverse community in our school district reflects the society that they’re going to be a part of. Knowing that it was our influence and foundation in Christ that matters the most, we trusted this to be the path that our kids were going to travel down.

I know there are some very negative stereotypes when it comes to public schools. I understand if it fills you worry that they’ll be so influenced by those who believe differently from them, they might lose sight of who they are and who we’ve raised them to be. I know families who have homeschooled or gone through private school and had negative experiences and outcomes. Nothing is certain and we can’t know what the outcome will be. We can make the best decision with the information we have, and trust God with the rest. As long as our kids are thriving emotionally, socially, and academically, that’s what matters and gives us confidence in our decision. Daily communication with our kids helps us know where they’re at and what they’re seeing and hearing. Having those very open discussions when certain things come up has given our kids a lot of confidence in who they are and what they stand for. They aren’t afraid to question things, and I admire the way they’re already thinking for themselves.

They have gravitated to like-minded friends but also have friends from other religions, friends who believe different things than they do, and friends who come from very different backgrounds and families. Wealthy, poor, and everywhere in-between, public school has them all. As hard as it’s been for them to see their friends hurting who come from abusive or broken families, to hear kids say they have no food at home, to see kids who can’t afford shoes for the next sports season, or to know kids who don’t believe in God, it has already taught them so much and given us countless opportunities to have deep conversations. They have an understanding and appreciation for who we are as a family and also empathy for kids who don’t have the support they need. The potential for outreach is huge, and I’ve been so proud of their big hearts when they come home concerned about someone who needs help. It’s also been encouraging to see when they’ve made the decision to boldly wear their cross necklaces and “Jesus is King” shirts, knowing that it could be received with hostility by some of their peers.

 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

For what it’s worth, almost every teacher our kids have had after eleven years so far in this school district, has been encouraging, supportive, and passionate about what they do. Many coaches and staff members at their schools are phenomenal role models and have been solid leaders for our children. Sure, our kids have witnessed and heard some crazy things, I’m not going to sugar-coat that. Things that my husband and I, of course, wish weren’t even topics or concerns for children, but it’s real and it’s the world we’re living in. We’d rather them have to stand up to adversity in these formative years when they have our support and guidance, than be sheltered from it until they are out in the world and we can’t be there.

We feel that any challenges they may face when it comes to public school are preparing them for their purpose and are helping shape them into strong, stead-fast, courageous men. We know that they will eventually face battles we can’t fight for them, but we trust that through faith, prayer, and our influence, they will know they are never alone no matter what adversity they face. (Isaiah 41:10)

We’ve had some bumps along the way and I don’t think any school year will be perfect (no matter what educational route you go), but I hope that if you’re considering public school or if you’re your kids are already on that path, you’ll feel confident in your decision. Believe that through prayer you will know what is best for your family. If public school is the best option, then don’t worry about the stereotypes and trust your influence in your child’s life. Look for the good, look for the opportunities to help them grow and to understand others, and lead by example. Show them what it looks like to have courage to go against what’s popular or easy, especially when it conflicts with their beliefs.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

 Prayer for our children at school:
Lord, please protect them from all harm. Help them be a light to others and to honor you with their words and actions. Give them the confidence, wisdom, and strength that they need. Help them to feel your presence and rely on you always. Amen!

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Read more of Maria’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.

The good news? Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are three delicious options that are simple, family-friendly, and perfect for busy schedules.

Popover Soufflé: Feels Fancy but is Super Easy

Getty | Zoryanchik

If you want a breakfast that looks impressive but comes together with 6 simple ingredients, a popover soufflé is a great choice. Also called Dutch Babies, these are light, fluffy, and comforting; the kind of breakfast that makes an ordinary morning feel a little more special.

Now here’s the deal… when you hear the word ‘soufflé’ it’s easy to get intimidated. The reality of soufflé is that it puffs up beautifully in the oven BUT IT WILL DEFLATE… It’s science and I’m completely good with that because it doesn’t change that it’s still absolutely delicious.

Pair it with fresh fruit on top, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that the whole family can enjoy. There are lots of topping options for sure, and I’ll list them in the recipe below. It’s seriously a special option for breakfast, though I’ve whipped them up for dinner too. Sometimes gathering around the table for a warm breakfast is exactly what everyone needs before a busy day begins.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 2/3 cup flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Optional: a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top

Directions:

Set the oven to 450 degrees.

Place a 9×13-inch baking dish in the oven while it heats.

In a blender or mixer, combine eggs, flour, milk, salt, sugar. Blend until smooth.

Carefully remove the hot baking dish and add the 2 tablespoons of butter. Swirl to melt.

Pour the batter into the hot dish.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Be sure to call the kids when you see it begin to puff up – It’s fun to watch! Bonus points if you turn it into a science lesson!

Add your choice of toppings and serve immediately.

Topping Options:

Sweet Toppings

• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Cinnamon sugar sprinkled over the top and sliced bananas
• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Warm cinnamon apples
• Peach or berry compote
• Nutella and sliced strawberries

Savory Toppings

• Shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
• Crispy bacon crumbles
• Diced ham
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Spinach and feta
• Green onions or chives
• Avocado slices
• Smoked salmon with cream cheese
• Scrambled eggs

Family-Friendly Combinations

• Berry Bliss: Mixed berries + powdered sugar
• Apple Pie: Warm cinnamon apples + maple syrup
• Breakfast Classic: Scrambled eggs + Cheddar cheese + bacon crumbles
• Peanut Butter Banana: Banana slices + peanut butter drizzle

 Banana Muffins: Grab-and-Go Goodness

Getty | Straycat

When time is tight, banana muffins can be a mom’s best friend. Bake a batch ahead of time and keep them on hand for rushed mornings. They’re easy to grab on the way out the door and make a great addition to lunchboxes, too.

Not only are they a delicious way to use up ripe bananas, but they’re also a breakfast option that both kids and adults tend to love. Having something ready to go can make all the difference on those extra hectic mornings.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 ripened and mashed bananas
• 1 3/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1 cup of chocolate chips or nuts

Directions:

Set the oven to 350 degrees.

Mix the butter, sugar, eggs, sour cream, vanilla and mashed bananas together.

Add the dry ingredients and mix.

For muffins, bake for 20 minutes.

If you’d rather make banana bread, just pour the batter into a greased bread pan and bake for 1 hour, or until toothpick comes out dry.

Fruit Smoothies: Fast, Fresh, and Kid-Approved

Getty | Arx0nt

Some mornings call for the fastest breakfast possible. That’s where fruit smoothies shine. In just a few minutes, you can blend together fruit, yogurt, milk, or even a handful of spinach for a nutritious breakfast that’s easy to take on the go.

Whether you’re sipping one during school drop-off or handing one to a child on the way to practice, smoothies make it easy to fit healthy ingredients into a busy schedule.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt, Greek yogurt is a great option!
• 1 banana
• 1 cup berries (I love using strawberries, blueberries and mango)
• 8 ice cubes
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons wheat germ or chia seeds, or both!

Directions:

Throw it all in the blender and blend it up. Enjoy!

Whenever possible, gather around the table for meals. The conversations and laughter are so good, and as the years go by, this time to gather together becomes harder and harder to do.

Debbie Sage

And on the mornings when everything feels rushed, remember that God’s mercies are new every morning.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
-Lamentations 3:22-23

Take a deep breath, offer a quick prayer, and trust that He’s already walking with you through every moment of the day.

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One minute we were soaking up the last bits of summer, and next it was 60 degrees and raining. I was suddenly craving cozy sweaters, candles that smell like cinnamon, football on the TV, and basically anything that involves pumpkin. The calendar may still technically say summer, but my heart has moved on.

And when that switch gets flipped in our house, there is one recipe I immediately want to make: our all-time favorite pumpkin cookies.

These might be the easiest pumpkin cookies you will ever make. And I don’t say that lightly.

There are three ingredients. That’s it.

No butter to soften. No mixer. No complicated list of spices. No carefully measuring out flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and seventeen other things hiding in the back of your spice cabinet.

Just a box of spice cake mix, a can of pumpkin, and chocolate chips.

In fact, my daughter Penny can now make these all by herself, which is one of my favorite things about this recipe. They’re the kind of cookies that are actually fun to make with kids because there isn’t much that can go wrong. Dump, mix, scoop, bake. Done.

And honestly, those are my favorite kinds of recipes.

The ones where you don’t have to spend the afternoon measuring ingredients while simultaneously answering questions, wiping up spills, and reminding someone for the fourth time not to eat the chocolate chips.

The 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies

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Ingredients

• 1 box spice cake mix
• 1 15-ounce can pumpkin purée
• 1 cup chocolate chips of your choice

And here’s an important note: Do not make the cake mix! Just use the dry cake mix straight from the box.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Mix the dry spice cake mix, pumpkin purée, and chocolate chips together until well blended.
3. Use a cookie scoop to place approximately 2-tablespoon scoops onto a greased cookie sheet.
4. Bake for 12 minutes.
5. Let them cool and enjoy!

That’s literally it.

And because the recipe is so simple, it’s also incredibly easy to make your own.

Our favorite is usually chocolate chips, but you can switch them up depending on what you have in the pantry—or what sounds good that particular day.

Try milk chocolate chips for something extra sweet, dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor, or white chocolate chips for a fun twist. Butterscotch chips are also really good and give these cookies an especially cozy, fall flavor.

You can even add chopped nuts if that’s your thing. Walnuts or pecans would be delicious.

And if you happen to have a bag of chocolate chips that’s been sitting in your pantry for months because you bought them for a recipe you never made, this is your sign to use them.

One Little Tip

There is one thing I’ve learned after making these cookies: they can get a little mushy if you immediately put them into a container while they’re still soft.

So I like to let the cookies sit out overnight before putting them into a Tupperware or glass container. You can also store them in the refrigerator, which helps keep them from getting too soft.

They’re not a crisp cookie. They’re soft and cakey and wonderfully pumpkin-y—which is part of what makes them so good. But giving them a little time to dry out makes all the difference.

I love recipes like this for so many reasons, but mostly because they remind me that making something special doesn’t have to be complicated.

You don’t need an entire afternoon. You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect kitchen. You don’t even need to be a particularly good baker.

You just need a box of cake mix, a can of pumpkin, some chocolate chips, and maybe a little helper standing on a chair beside you.

For us, that little helper is Penny, and I love that she can make these cookies herself. There is something so sweet about watching your kids gain that little bit of independence in the kitchen—especially when the end result is a warm cookie you get to eat together.

So if the fall switch has been flipped at your house too, pull out the pumpkin.

Put on the cozy music.

Let the kids help.

And make the easiest pumpkin cookies you will ever make.

Because sometimes the best fall traditions aren’t complicated at all. Sometimes they’re just three ingredients, a messy kitchen, and a plate of cookies disappearing a little too quickly.

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Read more of Joanna’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.