Sunshine Heavenly Sunshine

I know we really need the rain (especially for our garden) but I am soooooo happy to see the sunshine back this morning. It is a bit chilly but look at beautiful blossoms on our crab apple tree - this is the tree that the bee hive settled in last spring. It does attract the biggest bumble bees you will ever see. And then I got up close and personal with my lilacs, I wish they could last year round. Hubby told me last night that our pear trees we planted last summer have blossoms too. I am really excited about that! Looking forward to our own home grown fruit. How life affirming spring is.

What A Weekend

Finally found time to get on the blog and share what we have been up to. Friday night started off with an 18Th birthday party for our nephew Vinny. He has grown so big and strong and actually has broken 2 school records at Brookville High School this spring in track. The high jump of 6'5" he made broke a 37 year old record. Everyone was able to attend and we had a wonderful evening. Saturday was the "Surprise Baby Girl Shower" for Sara and what a joyful time we had - more baby girl clothes than I have ever seen at once. We are down to 4 weeks until the blessed event and very excited. And today after church we ate a quick lunch then packed everyone up and headed to "the Berg" as the kids call it. Made some plans on where to put the camp and shed we will be starting soon. Momma doesn't care as long as there is a massive front porch for rocking my babies. Papa and I took Raymond on a hike down to the beaver dam - industrious little critters they are - they have pretty much abandoned this one and spend most of their time at some other ponds on the property which are now massive, thanks to the beavers handiwork. Now here it is Sunday evening and we sat on the porch enjoying the thunderstorm and watching the lightning. Hope everyone has a great week!!

Site For New Camp

Well I guess you can say we are going to blog our progress for the campsite at Starberg. Adam is home on leave so he and hubby spent some time out there getting the campsite ready. We chose the spot more than a year ago, now I would like to think of an appropriate name for it. The location is probably two miles or so from the main highway, hidden beyond a rock quarry and around a bend in the hill is a perfect cove - hidden and protected on three sides by hills and trees. There is a beautiful view and the grand kids can explore forever. So far they pulled all the bushes and small trees and and have mowed it a couple of times to soften the grass up. Adam built the fire ring and weather permitting we are planning a picnic soon. Our plans are for a very old-fashioned wood cabin. We want this to be a restful retreat for the whole family to enjoy. Ray even mowed a couple of extra spots in case any friends want to come out and camp with us.

The Best Of Friends

Would you look at this - my amazing friend Lori made this tablecloth for me!! I was so excited we had to put it on the table right away. How appropriate for spring and summer. I have been looking everywhere and haven't found anything near as nice. She sews like a pro, now I am intimidated about starting to quilt with her. I love surprises and who could ever ask for a better friend , when she is at our house she is always bringing nice little surprises. Her generosity is a wonderful treat to all who know her. The hubby was even impressed and liked the flowered pattern. I think we are going to have to take a "girls day" and do some craft and antique shopping - Smicksburg here we come!

Starberg

Here are some pics the hubby took of some property we own, yes it really is known as Starberg, a 540 acre parcel of land that was gifted to us by my parents. The name is fitting because the view at night is amazing. Now comes the hard part - being good stewards of this land. We want to mow some hay and plant some fruit trees this year. But first and foremost it is for the men a hunting sanctuary. We are planning a small camp "retreat" for the family to enjoy. There is so much to explore, I am sure we will spend many years discovering its treasures. My Mom's favorite spot is a beaver dam that has been on the property for years and there are several ponds for them to enjoy. The game commission has relocated some that were considered nuisances elsewhere. We spot them once in a while travelling from one pond to another - it is so much fun to watch them walking down the road. We need to always keep in mind that it belongs to the Lord first and we have the privilege of enjoying it during the short time we spend here.

Pencil Tree - Chapter 4

Now that the excitement of Easter is over we move on to the next chapter in the pencil tree saga. Chapter 4 is "Spring has Sprung" with beautiful flowers, butterflies, apples, eggs and a little birdie and nest to top it off - I think we have accomplished a spring look. I am so excited to plant my real flowers, the hot weather sure has been a teaser. This spring look chapter should be there for a few weeks, hm wonder what will come next?

Easter Sunday

Is there a better way to celebrate Easter and the sacrifice of our Savior, than to share it with the ones we love? Although there is a gap in our family circle again this year because the military does not consider Easter a "major" holiday - we missed you Adam & Salena. Youth Group made breakfast before church mm mm good. We had perfect weather and lots of good food and an amazing Easter egg hunt. Max is so much fun this year at 2 yrs old and Raymond is growing up way too fast and loves making goofy faces for the camera. From the photo of Sara's tummy you can tell we aren't far away from meeting Miss Maggie ♥ We had some family come for lunch and company in the afternoon - all in all just a perfect day:)

Easter Mums

While doing some grocery shopping today I happened to spy these Easter mums in the flower department. I didn't realize there were spring mums - but here they are in all their splendor. As pretty as they are they didn't completely sell themselves it was the glass jar they are sitting in that had me hooked. Hubby was impressed - he said I would have paid more on eBay for it and wouldn't have gotten the flowers. They really brighten up the back porch and I dubbed myself "smart shopper of the day" ;)