Before and After

Margaret has started some orthodontic treatment.

BEFORE



AFTER



She is enjoying her new look but doesn't like the restricted diet!

Thankfully it's just the top teeth that need some rearranging to make room and help line up her bite.

And The Winner Is

Mark won the grand prize at the library Lego competition!

He received the Lego model of Star Wars' Imperial Star Destroyer.



He Stands Alone



The Send Off

We spent the last week of Dan's summer on the farm with Grandma and Grandpa.

The boys worked hard cleaning out the barn and taking down some old sheds.



Riding bikes on the country roads was peaceful.

Driving the mule from place to place was convenient!

Move-in day was surreal, happy and a little sad.



His siblings miss him but all are happy he is here.

Praying for a peaceful, JOY-filled freshman year!



You Git a Line and I'll Get a Pole

When I was a girl I spent a couple summers at the crawdad hole fishing with my friends. We gave it a try this past week at the farm creek.  I remembered how much I enjoyed time spent down at the creek exploring, fishing and just breathing in the quiet, fresh air.

The kids were "hooked!"

We opted not to have a crayfish boil.

You can take the girl from the farm but not the farm from the girl.

The kids got a kick out of seeing Mom join in the fun.

They caught a lot and were sad to leave the fishing hole.

Bale Jumping

We love to visit Grandma and Grandpa on the farm.

Our trip would not be complete without some races on the hay bales.

It's a nice place to sit and visit too!



National Ultimate Championships

The boys played hard at YCC. 

They were challenged by teams from around the USA. 

Dan and Dom's team placed second overall!

Mark and Mike's team gained some experience
and received the overall spirit award!

Our family enjoyed the cool air of Minnesota
and had fun visiting with the other parents and families.

We are so grateful to great coaches and thank God for an injury free weekend. 



Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real

~Capturing the context of everyday life~

~Pretty~

I tried planting a variety of coleus this year.  I love the way it all blends together.  One of the plants has blooms that have attracted a hummingbird.

~Happy~

The boys have spent hours creating legos for a library competition.



~Funny~

None of the tomato plants we planted have done very well but this volunteer cherry tomato is covered in blooms. It is a huge plant!

~Real~

Soccer season has started.

Four players.

Four teams.

One coach.

Visit with us at Like Mother, Like Daughter.

College Time

It's time.

Time to say goodbye.

Time for new experiences.

Time to adjust to having one away.

Thanking God for a happy and holy childhood.

It has been a joy and blessing!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength!

Phillipians 4:1-9,13

Just a Boy and His Slug

J.P. loves slugs or "snugs" as he calls them.

 

To this three year old, they are perfect!

Sticky, icky slime that only a little boy can appreciate.



They (Mantids) Grew Up!

Earlier this spring Michael hatched a large batch of praying mantises and released them throughout the yard.  A few of these predators staked their claim in the flower beds. We have watched them grow all summer.  One of them is particularly aggressive to us and actually comes after us if we get too close! 

We enjoy observing all kinds of insects

but it is especially fun to have some good bugs in the yard!

 Here is what they looked like in May.