KITCHEN UPDATE - WINDOWS

(before)

They've never done windows before, but this was their opportunity to learn,
raising the windows to counter height to accommodate the sink.

...mid-process...

Learning as they go...

(new windows in + added siding)

(after)

I love watching our sons learn alongside their dad. Great work on the windows, men!

(And thanks for painting, Elka!! And for catering during project mode, Aida!!)

We love a good family project. Now for those cabinets...

"My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways."
Proverbs 23:26

SEED SAVING - CILANTRO

First came the cilantro (lots of it!)...and now for the seeds!

"And God said, 'Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the

face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.'"

Genesis 1:29

SO GOOD THAT IT HURTS (SAFARI PARK)

Sitting in traffic on the way home from a day at the Safari Park and my heart is so full it might burst at the sound of the song

and the flashbacks of the day and I'm suddenly so aware that this blessed life sometimes feels so good that it hurts.

(following our leader)

(the birthday girl's favorite)

I thank you, Lord Jesus, for this family of mine that stretches and challenges, encourages and loves me

chock-full to the top and overflowing with gratitude that you would think to give me such a precious gift.

(Olia Lily loving the lilies)

(taking our time with my big walking girl)

The woman at the counter pushed away tears (which is more than I can say for myself) as she looked into our children's eyes today at the zoo. "Homeschool?" She asked and she choked up as she followed with comments of the love she could feel and here I am feeling the same as I reflect on this really great day in the life and it's all just so good that it hurts.

"And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace."

John 1:16

HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY OLIA LILY

11 years ago today, the Lord blessed our family with the most grace-filled and graceful gift...Olia.

Olia is kind and sweet. Always. She is gentle, obedient, tender, helpful, smart, sensitive to the things of the Lord, compassionate, and lovely. Olia is one of the most peaceful people I know and is a consistent soft place for others to land. She is a dear and trusted friend, appreciated and cherished daughter. Every day, literally, I thank the Lord for the blessing He gave me in Olia.

Dearest Olia, you are loved deeply by all who know you, most of all by Jesus.

Keep shining for Him and reading His Word. He uses you to encourage others...especially me.

"May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace."

Psalm 144:12

TOMATOES

(first tomato!)

There's something special about firsts from the garden.

And there's also something special about eventually harvesting enough for a meal.

Elka loves to make bread and she loves to make bruschetta...a winning combination if you ask me!

"The Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens,

to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands."

Deuteronomy 28:12

PRAYER WALK

{every day at dawn}

She walks and prays and talks to God and the animals.

Precious Nova...I'll always remember and cherish her prayer walks.

"O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch."

Psalm 5:3