Just A Little Bit of This & That

                                                                       Button Bush is blooming by the water's edge.

Recently I was able to get down to the lake for some much needed time alone.
As a stay-at-home mom and homeschooler, I'm with my children 24/7. I need a break sometimes and God's creation always provides me with that much needed respite from our daily routine of taking care of animals, schooling, and life in general.

                                                                             Thistle grows in the pasture.

While hiking down through the pasture, I am afforded time to ponder the beauty that surrounds me and appreciate the blessings that are my family back at the house. I have time to be thankful and praise the One who fills my cup.
Upon reaching the lake, I am refreshed by gazing out over the water and observing the plants that make their home here.

                                                                        American Germainder & Frogfruit

Another plant that grows near the water and is quite unique is Button Bush. The multi-flowered globes attract many butterflies and nectar seeking creatures to their sweet-smelling buffet. There really is a  perfumed scent in the air when these wonderful plants are blooming!

                                                                              Skipper on Button Bush

My time spent on these walks is a time of reflection, prayer, and photographing God's rich creation. I'm never disappointed by what awaits me when I can get away for just a short time. 

In other news, this summer has been quite varied in activity. In early June, our little guy kept us busy at trying to negotiate schedules to get him to ball practice and games.

Here my little guy is bunting...he even got a homerun off a bunt in one game!

And then immediately following baseball, he attended a cub scout day-camp for a week.

                                       He looks every bit of the "happy camper" doesn't he?

It was during this particular week of June that we went through an intense heat wave. Temperatures climbed dangerously high every day and I prayed hard my little guy would be taken care of properly. It is so hard letting go.
The critter count has climbed dramatically and the chicken that was broody successfully hatched out two chicks. Now my whole flock is displaced just to accomodate her and her brood.
We've purchased two more goats in addition to the Kinder goats that I had posted about previously. The two new ones are Boers and are show goats for the girls.
My day begins around 5:30 and we try to get the kids outside by 6:30 to help feed the horses, cows, goats, chickens, dogs, and cats. The girls have started working with the ponies as they will show them at the fair  the end of August.
Of course there's much more...so much more...just like your place...it's a constant moving forward.
And with all this activity I must say I fail to relate to the phrase, "I'm bored."

Staying busy and thanking God for our blessings,
Julie