Strawberry Picking

Yesterday was a perfect day to pick berries. The children and I visited a local farm, to do just that. This was the first time we have picked our own berries. I wanted to do this at least once before the weather gets unbearably hot, like it does here in Georgia. Even Benjamin picked a few. He was too sweet walking down the berry isles ooohing and ahhhing over the pretty red berries. When we left he had a red little face, I think he did more sampling than picking.

The farm was close to Gary's jobsite this week. Since he builds buildings, the location changes often. It was nice to get to stop and visit with him for a few minuites during the day. We fed him strawberries too.

On the way home, we stoped to see our dear neighbor. We enjoyed the sunshine, and watching little ones play in the grass, and chase bubbles. She has a box full of blue sand for her little grandson. It seems to be that sandboxes are thoroughly enjoyed by all children, big and little alike. I would love to get a sandbox for them this year. It will have to be one thats easy to keep closed, because we have lots of critters here in the woods.

When we got home, the baby still hadn't had a nap. I bathed him, and layed him down. Not long after that Gary was home. We spent the evening in our little playhouse (aka the camper..). We have so much fun out there. It's like a little cabin, where we are all close together. We ate dinner there. While the little ones watched a video in there room, Mama and Daddy had a cup of coffee. It was a good day.

Our weekend

I love the weekends. Gary is home, and we are all together. All week long the children and I look forward to no more school work, and just being with Gary. We are usually out and about for much of the weekend. Sunday is church, and half the time we have services at the nursing home as well. Saturday we go out to eat, get groceries, etc. More often than not, Gary takes the little ones somewhere while I go in a store or two by myself. That is always so nice.


This weekend we hooked up our camper and took it to town. We went to Wal-mart and stocked up on non food things we were still needing to put in there. Next, was Aldi's, for food stocking. I think that now, officially, I have more food in the camper than in the house! I was amazed at how much fit in there. Gary wanted to have it full of things that wouldn't perish quickly. This is good for emergencies, and for the trips we have planned.

On Friday we are going camping for the first time, in our camper (well, the first time if you don't count staying in our backyard). There is a nice state park not too far from here, and we are spending a few days there. I will be sure to update with pictures from our trip when we get home. The kids are so excited, because we have been looking at these for a few years now. It has plenty of room inside, and I think having two separate bedrooms will make all the difference when we are in there for more than a day or two.

And here is Miss Marendy. Sitting at the counter, ready to go camp. The kids love the little stools that are in the kitchen. Mama thinks they are pretty neat too.

On our way home from town, our car is full of singing. We take turns choosing hymns to sing. I think this is some of the sweetest worship I have ever had. The Lord fills our car with his sweet spirit, as we sing of his goodness, and think on his grace. Even little Benjamin is singing now. He doesn't get the words quite yet, but I think the Lord is pleased.

The men in my life

I wanted to share some pictures with you. Benjamin looked to me, like a little prince in his Strasburg suit. I especially love the picture of Gary holding him. I like Gary's hand there, with Benjamin's tiny hand sitting on top of it. How sweet.

I look at these and realize how gracious our Lord is. Benjamin shouldn't even be here. I had a tubal ligation after Marendy was born. Through the mercy of the Lord, it was reversed, and we conceived another blessing. I can't tell you how much joy this little boy brings to our family. He lights up the rooms here in our little home. His sweet face is a continued reminder to me. These precious little ones are on loan to us. We must be diligent in training them in the Lord. I pray that each of my children go on to serve Him in every aspect of their lives.

I think my job is the best in the world. I love being home with my children, and being able to put all of my efforts and energy into raising them. I hold tight the task of making my home a wonderful place, so that my husbands misses it greatly, and can't wait to walk back into those doors each evening.

Benjamin is growing so fast! He loves being outside now that the weather has warmed up. I let the children go in the front yard during the afternoons, while I sew. I watch them from my window upstairs. They love their little brother so much! They take the red wagon and give him rides all around the yard. He likes to pick up sticks and rocks, and play in the dirt! As such is boys... Notice the little scrape on his leg in his pictures?

He has two fine young men to help mold him. His big brothers are as different as night and day. I love that about them.

Baylen has patience, and can build most anything. He takes joy in all that the Lord created. Growing gardens, and tending animals. All the while with a song in his heart, offering it up to the Lord.

Brady has boldness, and is becoming a leader. He is fascinated with science, and can hold with the best in a creation debate. He is a God called preacher, and its quite evident, even at 13 years old, when he is behind the pulpit.

My handsome husband makes a mighty fine Daddy too. Watching him with our children makes my heart do flip flops. Well, that and his strong hands holding holding my littlest blessing. Have I told you I was blessed? I am, I really am.

Sewing for my Girls

I love to sew for my babies. And my big kids too! I can't count how many times Gary and I have been out shopping for the kids and we leave frustrated, and empty handed. I don't have a very hard time finding things for the bigger boys, but the girls have always been a challenge. Just a few weeks ago we were looking for shirts to go with their khaki skirts, and couldn't find anything.

I have added to thier spring/summer clothes with 3 shirts each, and a cherry cullotte set each. We wear out our culottes quickly here. They love them for bed time, playing outside, riding bikes, and the nicer sets I let them go out in if there will be active things to do.

Seeing little girls look modest and feminie is so refreshing. It is improtant to me that they are comfortable though, and don't feel burdened by what they are wearing. What my husband thinks of their clothes takes top priority here as well. Gary likes seeing them in clothes that coordinate, and usually he has color and style preferences too. I always try to take the time to ask him his opinion of fabrics, and styles before I start a project. Sometimes our ideas are totally different from each other! He is so supportive of my sewing, and always makes sure to compliment me on what they wear. Yes, I am blessed. Sometimes it takes alot of effort, to be sure things are pleasing to him, but I think of how it would be the other way, with a husband that didn't care, or even notice what was on our children. I am so thankful that Gary is interested.

On our little farm

The yard is full of life here at the little home. The baby chicks are getting bigger, and the ducks have been swimming in their pool. Gretta and Ace (our baby goats) love being out in the sunshine and free to roam during the day. I was a little concerned that they would venture off too far from home, but they seem to stay close by the chicken house. Yesterday Gary pulled my car over to the shop to change the oil, so I went and sat outside so we could visit while he worked. I heard a strange noise, and looked to see Gretta up on top of the feed barrel. Who knew they were this agile? We are going to build them some ramps and for them to climb on soon. I wouldn't want them to get bored and use the cars to climb!

We made homemade salve yesterday. It is all pourpose, and the kids decide we will call it "Mamas everything ouchie stick". I added lavendar from the garden last year, comfrey and tea tree oil. It is excellent for scrapes, stings, bites, cuts, and rashes of all kinds. It is very anticeptic and very healing as well. I sent the children to gather empty containers around the house to put it in. It set up nicely and we even made two chapstick tubes filled with it. (Hence the title the kids gave it.) The tubes will be perfect for taking along whenever we leave home.

Marendy just brought in some wildflowers from outside. They are yellow and just perfect sitting in my kitchen window below the red gingham curtains. Spring is here, and very welcome at our little home!

I would like to end this post with a photo for you. Baylen and the goats. They were his birthday gift this year. He is our little resident farmer. And so you get to know everyone Gretta is the white goat, and Ace is our dark boy.

Who lives in the House?

This blog is about the full life of our family. Mama, Daddy, and 5 little blessings live here. We love the Lord Jesus, and strive to live for him, and please him in everything we do. If you follow us along, you will hear about many things. Everything from farming, to baby dolls! We have many interest and pursuits.

Here is our family this past Easter Sunday.

Gary, Misty, Brady 13, Baylen 12, Madison 9, Marendy 6, Benjamin 16 months.