Here is our little man helping the big boys with outside work. This boy wants to be "in" on it all, especially drinking sssssoda! I have never let a baby drink it before, but now it seems impossible to keep him away from it.

Here, Joseph is working on a plot we intend to get landscaped in a more rugged, southwest look. We took down a cypress type tree, that was nearly dead, and are in the process of re-doing this plot.
Thank you, Joseph, for your superhard work!!

Hard workers

Where have we been for the last month??
Well, doing quite a bit. First, the good ol' Suburban has been in need of repair, and Jared has done a marvelous job. Water pump, spark plugs, and so much more...It was a job, but complete now. Think all we need are new wiper blades and new cables for the battery.
Great job, Jared!!! Thank you!

Another development has been Joseph and Graham buying Joel's truck. It has been a huge blessing, as the car Craig was driving, is now being driven by the owners who were overseas for 10 months. It is a beauty, and we love it!
(Especially 'cause the air works)

Now all we need is a photo of me driving Joseph and Graham around town in the truck for their lawn jobs. I am very pleased to see these boys get out and WORK! It is good for what ails all of us, but I know that God truly wants their heart and soul more than all. Please Lord, continue to draw us closer to you!

Work

Family Homestead

The above pictures show some of the fancy improvements the boys have made, including hauling rocks out of the front yard, land clearing and some stump removal. Wish I had pictures of that! Somewhere we have great shots of burning huge piles of brush. Even had a visit from the local fire department, 'cuz we did not call before hand. They were okay with it, just a neighbor was not. OOOPS!

Trusty Suburban still kicking, at the moment! Sometimes, no air, but...
hurrah!

This one shows some hanging baskets I picked up at HEB for $2 a piece, and we finally tossed the fake (and faded) blooms that had been there for at least 3 years. What a nice change! Now, Grace and Joelle water these everyday. And what an improvement!!! Thank you, girls for your hard work!!!!

Pretty pineapple plant Craig planted.

Showing some growth of pineapple. I think that plant growth is one of the most rewarding things I have undertaken lately. And, I cannot claim responsibility for it, since the children do it all. I just manage it.
But it is rewarding to see the improvement!

I returned from Phoenix to this lovely addition. I believe Joseph and Graham did this great addition to the front yard. GREAT JOB, boys!!!! Many thanks!!!!

I love this shot of the front yard. I was not too enthusiastic about clearing all the other junk (trust me, there was alot) so as to keep our privacy, but I am so happy with the "new look". I have learned to trust my husband on this kind of thing. He has the "eye" I never will have. We will, hopefully, plant more grasses/trees along the side, to add some privacy. All in good time.

Family

Here is Truman and I clashing for the camera. I guess we did not color coordinate our outfits. . . We went to Macaroni Grill for dinner when Mother was in town.

A slice of life in our "perfect" family! This was taken just after Bible reading. Think it really sunk in. We are currently reading about Joseph reconciling with his brothers.

The Garden Flowers

The garden has been doing rather well. Does anyone know the flowers I have included?

!

Cucumbers

Asiatic Lily

Dahlia

Sunflower

S * W * I * M * M * I * N * G

Our pool is the BEST!!!!

Joseph giving Joelle a throw.

I had left to get dinner started, and am told that Truman kept walking towards to car, telling everyone it was time to go. Ofcourse, that was after he threw Grace's purse, and everyone's flip flops in the pool.

Joelle named this game, "Chicken pox". That is because she has never had it yet. Anyone have chicken pox, so we can inoculate her naturally? Jared, Graham, Joseph, Kathryn had it, all at the same, fever spiking on consecutive days. Ahhhh, the memories. Ofcourse, Craig was out of town.

Our Grace, who has now turned TEN!!

Ready, set, go...

Joelle in her cute pink goggles.

A rare quiet moment (above).

My Mother

It was terrific going to get Mother in Phoenix and enjoying a great week together!!

Jared was able to drive her to Michigan, where he had fun doing odd jobs around the house, including cleaning out the garage. Here, she is modeling a lovely feather hat, one of the many treasures found.

Okay, so people do not dig the reformation. Very few comments. So, now posting something maybe a little more interesting?? This is from our front yard, just in front of the porch, where Joseph put fresh mulch over the ground cover Craig has been trying to grow for the last 4.5 years. The deer (those precious animals) have been gnawing it down, as soon as it gets full. Just want to fill our freezer with those precious darlins'...(spoken like a true Texan.) However, I am told you need to be here about 14, no really 15 generations before you are accepted as true Texans....Oh well, I am destined to never fit in. . . . . Too "northern", you might say. And much too much belief in a little idea called Christian Liberty, and the lack of a well known idea called Legalism. Alas, I will refrain from waxing what could have been and proceed with what is....

The garden groweth well. Sproutin' beans, flowers, kale, working on cucs (otherwise known as cucumbers). Hopefully will have those before too long.

Will post more pictures soon, as this audience seems to like the photographic approach as opposed to prose. Ta ta for now.