Misty June mornings

pink zinnia




Daisies and roses




Lettuce




Red matrix pansies




lupine, daisies, chocolate mint, and some weeds :)

I love the early morning. That is not to make anyone feel bad if they don't. It's just that I do. Now that it's summer, I go outside and watch the birds, check out the flowers, sometimes read, many times pray, sometimes rock on the swing with a little one or Jeremy. It's my favorite part of the day.

I love watching things grow. It's a handful to keep on top of weeds though. I do what I can, but boy they are strong and fast. The harder to grow things, are the beautiful blooms. But when they bloom their sunny faces, what a pleasure. Burdock, grass, and many varieties of weeds are always trying to establish their dominance. But I love the work. When the weeding is done, I'm left with pretty.

Less Like Scars

For tonight, I am marveling at and resting in His love. Be blessed.

Evening thoughts

The house is quiet now after a rather busy and noisy day. The littlests are tucked in bed after a happy/tearful trip for ice cream, baths, songs, prayers, and hug with kisses. The oldest three plus Bannon, and an uncle who is really more cousin-like in relationship, are off with Jeremy to do some socializing.

How the little ones needed my patience tonight. When they get tired, the tears and irrational wanting is difficult to soothe, and I needed to get a bit creative in my soothing. Well, they quieted down nicely with slow walking and singing about their bathtime. Now, I'm left alone with my own thoughts and prayers after the day filled with the ups and downs of this particular season of life.

I'm grateful for His love tonight. May no one rob this joy from us as His love secures our feet on the pathway to heaven. When we are weak He is strong as we look to Him as our strength. When we are tired He carries us if we but let Him. We might not all look the same. We may have different tastes, different hobbies, different talents. But the fact that His amazing love is steadfast applies to each and every one of us no matter what. This love has been displayed through His grace. May we stand firm in His grace and not let the yoke of slavery rest upon our shoulders. We are free. His purpose was to set us free. Let's stay that way!

As time goes by

"Don't be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of." ~Charles Richards

Oh the pleasures of June. Of course we have annoying ants, mosquitoes, and flies, but there is so much more in the summertime that I take enjoyment with. Having children gives me permission to stay childlike ;) in my 30's summertime years. I wouldn't trade it, unless I were forced to.

Swinging.

Sliding, climbing.

Abby and Little Foot berry picking

Berry picking. Jeremy usually takes the children. If there are blackberry bushes at home, I'm usually in charge of that responsibility.

"Share half with me. And we'll both eat it up. Yum!" The Big Hungry Bear and the Red Ripe Strawberry

Picking can be very scientific and analytical.

Picnics in the backyard. I pretend we are in a camping atmosphere. The fun of camping in our own backyard! (But I stay warm, dry, and sleeping soundly in my own bed...)

I hope to climb this guy! It has been a while, but I'm not "heavy laden" right now, so I think I can fly up that path!

Embracing Today

Why always "not yet"? Do flowers in spring say "not yet"? ~Norman Douglas

It was Bannon's idea. Last week while he was drifting off to sleep in our bed, he was watching his dad burn brush. I went in to tuck him in and he said,

"Mom, I want hot dogs and marshmallows."

I love hot dogs and marshmallows. Typically reserved for special parties, the roasting and enjoying comes at those moments. But this time, I thought..."Why not?" and fortified our hot dog/marshmallow reserves for the first open slot in the upcoming week.

I have a picture somewhere in this exact spot of my brothers and me when we were children.

It rained so much, we had to put it off. Finally, it was dry enough, and Jeremy, who is clearing/clearing/clearing said, "Let's do it!"

The biggest kids were off at worship team practice, so it was the youngest set with big brother, outdoorsman extraordinaire, Jake. And Mom and Dad.

Hot! Dog! Jeremy?

An indulgent, "there's no place like home" picture.

Yesterday has come and gone. They are one day older, one experience older. I'm glad we lived in the present.

Were grateful for it, lived it,
gave them time

to live and be loved.

Hot dogs and marshmallows.

$3

worth of

fun.

A week in the merry month of June

Friend Jonny and Sophie at the park

With the rain, we have been indoors a lot. But that's ok. We seem to make do in lots of interesting ways. My favorite thing to watch is the developing friendships between Sophie, Abby, and Bella. It's an amazing thing to watch a little peanut of a person, grow and interact with their world. She has her own God given personality, and Abby and Sophie love her. What a gift their lives are. Bella has discovered that moving around on her bottom is a much better way than on all fours. It is fantastic to watch.

An unforgettable visit with our good friend Dan. (Unforgettable as in "When can Dan come over again Mom?" )

We did have a nice day Wednesday with friends, swings and wiffleball. We ate dinner outside that evening...and I don't think there is a better way to enjoy June than to be outside enjoying it. We currently have a large garter snake in a tank on the porch. Ew. But, no better way to discover the world for the children. It's the best preschool/kindergarten curriculum there is. All it takes is time. Other than that, it's free! Thankfully Jake is a real go getter when it comes to catching and learning all about these things. I just get to say, "Ohhh... Wow... No it can't come indoors."

I love my rustic gardens

Last evening we attended a picnic at a friend of Jeremy's house. In spite of a downpour in the middle, we had a nice time meeting and talking with all sorts of interesting people. I don't mean to brag, but the potato salad we brought got a lot of complements. The secret ingredients were chopped pickled banana peppers, celery, dill pickles, and a smidge of Italian dressing, along with the usual potatoes and mayo. Yum.

A sweet view in June

I Hope You Dance