In the Garden

We have lived on our 10 acres for 7 years now, and I am embarrassed to say that in all that time, I have never had a successful garden.  Oh, I could grow weeds better than anyone, but nothing else ever seemed to do well. 

I was determined that this year would be different.  I needed a new plan.  Enter my sweet husband :O)  with the solution to all my problems....RAISED BEDS!  I have the best garden I have ever had!

This morning it was just beautiful, so I went out early to get the weeding done.  It feels so productive to grow our own food.  I can't wait to enjoy the bounty.

What is that bright light?

It's the sun!!! It's been so long, I had nearly forgotten.

The kids spent over 2 hours outside this afternoon gathering rocks, jumping in puddles, and getting their bikes ready to roll. Also known as "making more laundry for mom". It was GREAT!











Milo the cat enjoyed following them all around the yard.

Busy Days

The first part of June is hectic, so my posting will be sparse for a week or two.

We started VBS at our church today and I am the Bible Story teacher, so everyday I have the privilege of sharing God's word with over 100 kids. It is awesome!

For my husband it is hay season. In addition to his day job, he puts up about 30 acres of hay. This means a lot of sun up to sun down days. It also means that my "relief pitcher", so to speak, is unavailable. The days can seem extra long without Dad around. However, this spring we did buy a used round baler which will make the work a little faster and easier than past years. Here is a picture of Allan in the field. It is dusty work.




Our kitten, Milo, has made himself at home. Here he is perusing the bookshelf. I knew I liked this cat!

An old fashioned Sunday picnic

Ring around the Rosie

Allie made a sweet clover necklace for our beloved cow Rosie.

Rock Painting

It was a beautiful day outside today - 75 degrees and sunny - PERFECT for painting some rocks on the deck. After lunch we scanned the driveway for the best specimens, trying to imagine what each rock "looked" like. Ashlyn eventually ended up wearing more paint than the rocks. Caleb painted 2 or 3 before he was ready to be off playing pirates again. Then there is Allie, my perfectionist, she painted dilegently for close to an hour. I'm sure you will be able to tell which rocks are hers.

From Humble beginnings...

Learning is FUN!

We read Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson in April and the kids just loved it. So much so, it's infiltrating their play. Caleb in the coonskin cap (strapped on with a leather belt) is Paul Revere and Allie and Daisy the dog are the Red Coats hot on his tail. It's a good thing we live in the country, because I'm sure even the few neighbors we have heard the shouts of "The Red Coats are Coming". Ahh, don't you love living books that just keep on livin. Have a blessed LORD's day.

Apple Trees in Bloom

Allie was practicing her photography skills on our apple trees this afternoon. The blossoms smell even better than they look.



Daisy came along to keep her company.

Under the Clothesline

It is 80 degrees and sunny today with a gentle breeze - the perfect day to wash and hang out my quilt on the clothesline to dry. The kids love the cool shade a quilt on the line offers and often play underneath - today was no exception.

I Think I Can - I Think I Can

Caleb learned to ride his bike - YIPPEE! He was given this bike for his sixth birthday (almost two years ago now) and the fear of falling off has kept the bike sitting on the porch most of those two years. Well this week he decided he was going to learn to ride that bike and that was all it took. He spent the last two days practicing and practicing and alas he rides. The funny thing is, today he said, "Mom, I learned to ride my bike in only two days!" I smiled and cheered him on as I laughed to myself "give or take 695 days" :O)

What should one do on a beautiful, sunny, spring day?

After several soggy and or chilly days, the sun and warmth of spring prevailed. We must have spent 2 glorious hours outdoors. It was good for all (especially for Mom who had said,"Please don't run in the house." and "Can we be a little quieter?" at least a hundred times) So here are a couple of ideas of what one can do on a beautiful, sunny, spring day.

Run around a make LOTS of noise (Soldier Caleb)



Hug a chicken. The "girls" with our favored hen Sassy


And of course one cannot ignore puddles as nice as this....one must JUMP!