Two years ago I did a blog like this. It was one of my most viewed posts, which tells me people like this sort. I certainly enjoy real life pictures in the blogs I read, so here’s some highlights of our summer. (I don’t so much like when bloggers use photos off Unsplash or the like.) Be real people. That’s my theory.
Most of the summer was spent at home staying alive. Eating, sleeping, feeding baby, napping, cleaning, washing clothes, cooking. Trying to keep the house and children under control and not get overwhelmed in the process. Not much excitement out of the ordinary, but that’s ok with me. Not all excitement is thrilling.
Josie was tickled pink to receive her perfect attendance award at our school’s year end program!Grandpa and Grandma Rhodes came for the school program and to meet little Macie for the first time. Jerald and the children’s Mother’s Day gift for me. I loved it! There were some handcrafted body products and a non-toxic candle. We took a trip to Ohio to attend a reunion. On our way there, we spent one night at this cozy cabin in Jacksonville, Illinois. So quaint yet comfy!Jerald led the hymn singing at the Schrock reunion. I baked cinnamon rolls to serve at Jerald’s open house at his shed lot. First we ever grew such beautiful broccoli and cabbage! We had a cooler spring, which largely contributed. We get local jersey milk. This summer I started making butter with the cream. You should have heard me singing the joys of a simple wonder like homemade butter! It gives me homesteading vibes. I couldn’t believe how simple it was. I used my Bosch mixer but have since switched to my blender. It whips up butter in no time flat!Big brother babysitsFather’s Day gift and picture Reece’s old bike had quite the issues besides being too small for him. After prayers and much searching on marketplace for a used bike, we found this one for a good deal. His face says it all! “Thank you, God, for answering little boy’s prayers!”My flower garden in early summer. I enjoyed hosting a couple parties for bouquet making. Jerald and Reece building me this workbench for flower arrangement. It was part of my birthday gift and I love it so much! So handy to do all the trimming and snipping right there.We got a new mailbox and improvised our old one to the flower workbench. It’s perfect for hosting vases and scissors. The 5 gallon bucket is for dipping water for bouquets. Flower garden in late summer If you’ve never tried a flower garden, you should. It was a small dream I had last winter when I was making my 2025 vision board. It’s one of the things we got accomplished and have thouraghly enjoyed! My goal was to have plenty to share with church friends as a small way of giving back for all they did for me last winter when I was ill. God has granted an abundant harvest and many bright bouquets! It’s therapeutic to meander out barefooted, into the evening sunlight, and arrange flowers. I’m already dreaming of next year.Reece turned 6 in July. The Case is pulling the JD out of the creek. (Cake decorating isn’t my gift so figured I ought to explain) He was pleased with his pocket knife and ball glove.Josie made this cake mostly by herself for a fellowship lunch at church one Sunday. Our Josie Kate turns 10! Her gift was the seat for her bedroom reading nook. Macie licks her first beaterWe were thrilled to pick the first plums off our tree this week! Jerald has fervently endeavored to plant & care for fruit trees over the years. It’s been a battle; pessimistic me always wonders if it’ll ever be worth the effort. But these were delicious! I might start hoping for abundant crops in coming years.
The following photos are credits to Mary Steria. My flower garden was the perfect place for photo shooting at golden hour.
6 months. She brings abundant sunshine and joy to our family!
Incredibly blessed and grateful for the beautiful family God has given us!🤍
of windowsills and breezy hills 