A Week in June

    Sunday evening is here once again. Another week is behind us, but a new one is just beginning. What adventures might it hold?

    This past week we had a good ole downpour. It rained and rained and rained. I do love a good summer storm. 

Strawberries from Steven and Bonnie's garden. Yum!

A grandma and her babies.

Prepping the site for the new goat barn. 

This sweet boy is growing so fast. He is such a joy. 

 Helping Mamma go through the mail.

Bible study is hard work!

 Sitting like a big boy!

Hanging out with Jaten.

Reading in the porch

Chilling with Daddy

I love his sweet and smiley awake times but there is also something incredibly special about holding a baby as he succumbs to sleep. They relax and get heavier and snuggle in. Soft little nose and cheeks to kiss.

My parents celebrated their 32 wedding anniversary this week. They have an awesome marriage! Spend some time with them and their is no doubt they are still head over heels for each other. My mamma did a great job modeling to me what it means to love and respect your husband! 

 And finally I spent some time this afternoon planting this little garden of succulents. 

May your night be lovely and the week ahead even better!

"Find joy in the ordinary." ~unknown

Summer is Here!

Happy first day of summer! Buirlen is all about enjoying the great outdoors. 

     The past couple of summers, the Lovely Keren Ruth and I have shared a garden. But, last summer Keren and Benjamin bought their own home and thus now have their own garden. So, this summer, my friend Katy is sharing my garden with me.
       4 babies under the age of 3 + 2 mammas + 1 garden= plenty of summer adventure potential.

I was out there working in the mid morning sunshine today and things are starting to grow!!!!

     Our house has a large attached 3 season porch which until recently we have basically used for storage. I have dreamed of making it a beautiful and inviting space for awhile, but finally did something about it. Luke's parents came over last Friday to help me get it cleaned up so that we could host a Father's Day picnic out there. I had so much fun and felt like a little girl with a playhouse as I looked for things to decorate with. Then Luke brought home twinkle lights...which make everything wonderful. I love this space, so wonderful!

Buirlen helping Grandma Bonnie vacuum 

Enjoying our sweet summer hangout space

     A year ago, when I first started dreaming about this space, Luke bought me a hammock for it. I love that this summer I have a tiny pair of feet to share it with. Buirlen is as impressed with it as I am.

Last summer. Didn't know it yet, but Buirlen was on the way!

 This summer. 

 

Don't let his face fool you, he thinks it's pretty great. 

   Not only is my vegetable garden growing, my flowers are as well. I am looking forward to when this little patch hits full bloom, it's going to be beautiful, and make the porch even more inviting!

Sunflowers, Zinnias, Geraniums, Morning Glories, Nasturtiums, and Gerber Daisies

 My Sweet Cheeks

 Reading a good book

Miss Nettie, helping out in the kitchen. 

Ephraim clearly knows how to enjoy chocolate. 

He is learning how to bounce. Fun times. 

 Buirlen finally got to meet Uncle Peter, Aunt Holly, and his cousin Jaten. 

And if you need a happy melody to flow through your day, may I suggest this one. Happy Wednesday!

"It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside." ~Maud Hart Lovelace 

Friendship Grown From Friendship

     Lately Buirlen has been dressed to match both Ephraim and Brody. There is just something fun about tiny matching clothes on tiny humans.

Katy, Brody, Buirlen and me

The Lovely Keren Ruth, Ephraim, Buirlen and me

    Someday, the boys might look back at these pictures and think they are ridiculous, but I hope that they will get a good laugh over it and then run off to play because they are the best of friends. Growing up my very best friends were Amanda and Emily. We had all sorts of fun, and we spent a lot of time together because our moms were best friends. It was a friendship that had its roots in friendship. I don't get to see them nearly often enough anymore, but they are still near and dear to my heart and I love the times we do get together. It's a friendship that will last a lifetime. 

Amanda and Emily getting to meet Buirlen.

    And that is what I hope for Buirlen, that he would grown in friendship with the babies of my friends.  That there will be many adventures had and memories made as they grow. And that one day, they will continue their friendship as grown people. Friendship grown from friendship, it's a beautiful thing!!!!

Nothing like a hug from your cousin!

Happy Sunday

"A true friend accepts who you are, but also helps you to become who you should be." ~Unknown

Baby Grandpa and Grandma

   A few weeks ago my "Up the hill" grandparents came. Well, this weekend, we were visited by my "Baby" grandparents(The Shearers) and it was lovely. There is something so special about getting to introduce your baby to your grandparents.

Grandpa, Grandma and Buirlen

   I was telling a friend the other day something I remember about my Grandma Shearer is that she made fudgesicles when we were little. She also makes awesome homemade grape juice and bread and butter pickles. 

   Visits to Grandpa and Grandma's always involved sitting around their kitchen table and playing games and in the summer we would have picnics at the Oasis, a portion of their farm with a pond and canoe, cabin, fire pit, and tree swing. 

    My Grandma made each of her grandkids a blanket when we were born. I think things like that are special and I still have mine. Well, Grandma is still at it and made a beautiful quilt for Buirlen. 

Buirlen and his "grandma blanket"

My sister Lydia and I chilling with Grandpa.

Grandpa and Buirlen getting acquainted 

Grandpa and Grandma, Lydia(1 year) and me

Grandma has that special touch, Buirlen was just about asleep

I am so thankful for these people. 

"What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And most importantly, cookies."  ~Rudy Giuliani