Fun Weekend

This past weekend we went camping as a family. I want to share some pictures of the fun we had, but it takes so long to upload! I'll have to share more later. For now, here are four of them.

Molly's getting to be good at using the kayak, and a fairly good swimmer as well, so she has slowly been given more freedom to roam as long as we are within shouting distance. She and the other kids had a lot of fun in the kayak. Dani was the only one who wasn't allowed a solo attempt yet. She went for a nice ride with me though.

When she and I were out we got very close to this loon, and many others. It was so much fun to have the experience with her.

We did some fishing. Dan was the only one who caught a fish, a nice rainbow trout.

I was more successful in the wild food gathering category. Dan and the kids even helped. We got some raspberries and pin cherries. When I have enough juice from them I'll make jelly. We also picked another 10 cups of blueberries, and a gallon and a half of hazel nuts. That won't be very many when they're hulled and shelled, but they'll be nice to use for something.

Back home, things weren't fairing as well. We came home to a house full of flies and a missing cat because someone left an upstairs window open (without a screen on it). We also had a dead hen in the hen house. There was no clear reason for her death, so I guess it remains a mystery. The rest of the chickens seem fine, thankfully.

So, today I have a TON of work to accomplish at home, lots of tired muscles, lots more freckles, and a VERY THANKFUL heart. God is good, and life is an exciting journey!

Feeling Thankful and Full of Wonder!

I'm so excited to be back online (with photos!!!) that it's hard for me to decide what to share first. It seems that so much has taken place since my last post. Summer is in full swing, and the gardens are growing. I look so forward to visiting the gardens every morning and seeing the little changes day by day...except on the mornings I discover little visitors have been wreaking havoc during the night. Thankfully there hasn't been too much damage yet, but I think I'm going to have to come up with something to keep them OUT! Here are a few garden pictures...

This is evidence of the deer who visited last night. Notice the ailing carrots. If there are still any left by fall, it doesn't seem like they'll be very big. Hopefully they'll start growing faster! The spinach has been growing nicely. I've picked it twice, and it was delish: However, this morning there were some extra leaves nibbled off, and some plants were pulled up...pesky deer.

The beets, also molested but holding up better than the carrots.

Heirloom squash: a gift from a dear friend!


Snow Peas

Yellow Onions


Sugar Snap Peas

God's plan is so amazing...all this in a little seed! I'm so overwhelmed with thankfulness and wonder this time of year!

I'm also very thankful for this new camera! It was hard to wait for it, but I'm so glad I did. I'll be back soon. Until then, may God's righ blessings be evident and may you be full of wonder!

Eli Saylor

Hi everyone! I have still been really busy and had no time to post, but I have some praises and requests to share again.

Praise to God who knows all our needs, and is really showing His faithfulness in my sister's marriage. He is really working in His wonderful ways. Please continue to pray.

My cousin is home, and the baby (a BOY, not a girl, who's name is Christopher Martin) is still tucked away and growing! She is doing much better, and I've had the opportunity to learn to change the dressing in her incision. It is healing fast, and she is feeling well. I am also going to be with her at the birth of Christopher (Lord willing) as her doula. This will be my first "official" experience as a doula. I am in the process of earning my certification, and this is one of the 3 births I must attend and have evaluated to qualify for certification. Please also pray about this! Thanks!

Those who have followed Kayleigh's Story since my last posting know that she was ushered into the arms of the Great Physician, and her healing is now complete. Please pray for her family as they cope with their loss. You can still find her story in my blog list.

And now, please pray for Eli Saylor, http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elisaylor/guestbook/ He is one year old, and suffering complications from an e-coli infection. His kidney's are holding on to toxins that are causing them to kill his red blood cells. Please pray, and feel free to leave encouragement in his guest book! His family attends the same church as my sister and her husband. He also has a 3 year old brother who is being cared for by another church family.

Thank you so much for your prayers. There has been so much going on in my life lately, and I appreciate knowing that you all are praying with me. In Jesus!
-Patty

PS one last thing- My little sister (17) is going to be living with my family for the summer. Please keep us all in your prayers as we live together. Please pray that God will give grace and wisdom as Dan and I life out our faith with her, and incorporate her into our family life. We love having her with us, and she really blesses us a lot. We want it to still be true after 3 months! :)

THANKS!!