ELKA'S EGG APRON

Elka makes me laugh. This girl does EVERYTHING.

While her older siblings were in Tennessee last week, she carried a full load with full on grace around here helping with everything from making meals to changing diapers to caring for all the animals. I wanted to do something nice for her as a little token of our appreciation.

Enter the egg apron.

(chasing chickens)

As soon as my friend sent me a message with a photo of this geniusness, I knew I had to get it for Elka.

And I'm so glad I did.

How I love my Farm Girl. Elka, you amaze me!

Thanks for all you do and for being such a fun friend too!

"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."

Romans 12:11

BACK TO TENNESSEE

They headed back to Tennessee this week. This time Brodie went too.

Somehow I had a feeling the last time they left TN, there would be another trip planned in the near future.

The fellowship is just too sweet.

They explored beautiful green areas and toured inspiring old homes.

(This one was built in 1800.)

We're fascinated by history and in our hearts I think we all live at least a few steps back in time...

(Enjoying a walk around a property on FaceTime...ah, modern conveniences!)

On Saturday, they took a trip up to Virginia to spend the day with special friends.

They even got to spend Sunday worshipping together again with our church friends after all these years apart.

What a blessed day of fellowship!

Then it was off to bed before a very early flight home the next day, full of heartfelt memories.

(feeding/catching fish)

(sweet friendship)

(rainbow in the sky after church)

Although they weren't there long, I know they've left another piece of their hearts in Tennessee and
I'm thinking the next time they head back, we'll be going together as a family. The Lord knows...

Until then, we cherish the memories and friendships that He's given,
all the while looking forward to days yet to come.

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

Proverbs 16:9

FIRE

We packed some things and wondered if we would need to evacuate.
It's part of living on this beautiful mountain.

Airplanes circled overhead. Prayers were raised both near and far.
And we praised the Lord for His provision and protection as the blazing slowly lost its power.

I can't help but marvel at the photo my neighbor sent once the fire was contained.
How great is our God! Casting light like streams of love down from His high and holy place.

Gratitude.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Isaiah 43:2

TO THE FARRIER THEY GO...

She took a walk to the farrier...and so did Bo.

These are the things that make me love living here in our special community so very much!

"Harness the horses; mount, O horsemen!"

Jeremiah 46:4

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRODIE!

He loves us all so well. He models Christ in service and grace. He gives and leads and trains and forgives.

He's an amazing husband, father, man of God and as a result...we are all abundantly blessed.

Happy Birthday Brodie!

You are appreciated, adored, cherished, and extremely loved today and always.

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;

you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.

Psalm 128:1-4

SAN DIEGO ZOO

This week, as part of Bea's birthday celebration, we went to the San Diego Zoo!

It's been a while since we ventured off for such a big outing as a family and it couldn't have been sweeter.

We all loved every single second!

(Bea's favorite...pandas!)

(Noble's favorite...lions!)

(Olia's favorite...elephants!)

(Willow had the best seat...aerial viewing.)

We officially graduated since our last zoo adventure to 4 buckets.

The Skyfari and tram rides were definitely a big hit of the day.

(my bucket buddies)

I think my favorite part of the day, among the many, was watching our big kids enjoy the zoo through the eyes of their little siblings. It's such a special season we're in right now, with all of our little birdies still in the nest. All the while, my mama heart is well aware that my first baby is about to graduate high school, a dichotomy that has definitely stirred my emotions lately. I just love them all so so much and seeing them grow up before my eyes has been the greatest privilege of my life. I couldn't love my people more!

It was a wonderful day, full of time capsule family memories and enjoying God's creation.

We all can't wait to go back!

"O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures."

Psalm 104:24

KALE...

kale...

and more kale!

Brodie and Beck chose to grow kale in their buddy garden box and we've been enjoying the bounty all summer.

Willow loves all things nature, and picking dinner from the garden is high on her list.

Whenever the others are gardening, Willow comes running for her share in the fun too.

I love having a garden. We've all learned so much about God's ways through our seeds, pruning, and harvesting. It's a blessing.

"As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields."

Matthew 13:23

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY BEA!

It was a happy birthday indeed, celebrating Bea!!

There was strawberry shortcake and plenty of homemade thoughtful gifts.

(Elka embroidered a Bible verse she and Bea had memorized together.)

She squealed with delight as she opened each present! I don't know who had more fun, Bea or us?!

Bea is such a special little girl. All of our hearts swell when we think of her. She is a beloved daughter, a kind sister, and a servant hearted person. Bea always considers the needs of others before herself, which makes it all the more wonderful to make her feel special.

We love you, Bea!! You're an amazing little girl!!

Happy 7th Birthday!!

"Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor."

1 Corinthians 10:24

KITCHEN UPDATE...DRYWALL!

{thanks to very kind neighbors}

I love white.

One more step in the right direction...

(stove here)

(fridge space before)

(fridge space after)

Wow, it feels so nice to have walls again. We thank God for His provision!

"They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure
for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."

1 Timothy 6:18-19