Summer's Delights....

Mmmm... s'mores

E and the boys during he last cool night we had in June!

It's been a great beginning to summer, although incredibly hot lately.  I think... no, I KNOW, if we could afford it, Eric and I would travel to and live up north, whether it would be Canada, or New England, or even out west somewhere, for 6 months and stay here in the winter... homeschooling the boys and seeing new sights together... ahhh, sounds delightful!

Morning coffee with one of my ladies...

Rabbit's newest girlies... Rhode Island Reds

But, we can't, so here we are.  The garden is in and germinating, window fans are in, school's back in session (albeit a slower, more relaxed schedule), the annual father/son weekend with our church is happening as we speak (I am sequestered over here alone.  Darn! Some quiet time to myself!!), and the pond has been open for several weeks for friends and family.

Newest additions... 3 Big Blacks (although, not living up to their name quite yet!)

I just finished my Director training/practicum for Challenge (CC) in Waynesboro for a few days, where the boys and I were blessed to be able to stay at my mom's place in Nellys Ford with her and Big Pop.  I had a very tiring, but inspiring 3 days meeting with others and learning more about taking the time to wonder at God's creation.  I know I don't always take the time to appreciate creation and all its complexities, and I live on a farm! I get distracted, running from one errand to another, while homeschooling and taking care of the house and family.  All of the great thinkers... scientists, philosophers, artists, mathematicians, etc., discovered and contributed because they took the TIME to wonder.  As we begin our summer lesson plans, I am going to make more of an effort to really get out there and take time, with the boys, to wonder and DELIGHT in God's glorious creation... its simplicities, complexities, symmetries, asymmetries, beauty, harmony and challenges.  And I challenge you to do the same.... when was the last time you rested in and wondered about the graciousness, love and delight God has for us as he allows us to be a witness to and enjoy his creation?

hungry little piggies...

E checking them out...

"From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made.  They can clearly see His invisible qualities- His eternal power and divine nature." Romans 1:20.

The boys and me at Monticello...

At Aggie's (my mom's) place in Nellys Ford