Monday, August 20, 2007

A Lovely Life

The weekend flew right by me, but I was able to relax and enjoy it immensely. It was time well spent, I guess you could say.

Have I ever mentioned how much I enjoy my children? Homeschooling is a big commitment, to be sure. I am often asked about spending so much time with my children. "Don't you need a break?" "I would go crazy if I were with my children all of the time." That's not at all how I feel. In fact, I really enjoy all of the time that we have with one another.

I also wonder if I have ever mentioned how much of a help Collin is to me. This boy can melt your heart in an instant with his grin. He loves to be right beside you, doing whatever it is that you are doing at the moment. He's well rounded, and can scrub a floor, cook an entire dinner, work in the garden, help his daddy fix the car, and comfort a crying baby. He truly is a blessing to our family.

Last Friday evening as I was finishing my cleaning for the evening, Collin pitched in and helped. When he finished scrubbing the living room floor for me, he sat down and started to read to me. We marvelled over God's creation as he read out of the Usborne Book of Facts and Records. He wasn't quick to run off and play after his tasks were complete, but continued to stay by my side for more sweet fellowship. These are the moments that I treasure.


We've had many, many lizards hanging out on the front porch this summer. Most of them are 4-5 inches in length, and boast a blue tail. This is the biggest one that I have seen so far. It was the first one that I had seen of this kind.


The girls and I spent a lovely time with the other ladies and girls from our church at a Girl's Bible Camp this weekend. It was well planned, and enjoyed by all in attendance. Singing, Bible Study, crafts, good food, swimming, and games filled our day. We came home exhausted, but with refreshed spirits. The topic of study was Becoming a Woman of Gracious Speech.

Sunday afternoon, Abigail asked me to take a walk with her. We walked slowly, enjoying the view, and good conversation. We enjoyed the flowers along the way.

Queen Anne's Lace:
Sunflowers at the edge of a cornfield:


Petunias hung from a flag pole/bell post:


And this lovely flower growing by the side of the road. Does anyone know what it might be ?


I spent the late afternoon at a quilt meeting with a friend. I had prepared supper in advance, and Verne fed the children and Grandma before I arrived back home. As I was driving home, I called Verne and asked him if he would like to have a date, just the two of us. You see, you don't have to leave home to make things special. We sat on the front porch, watching the sun set as we ate. We enjoyed chicken salad sandwiches. You may find the recipe on Mama's Fixins.


We took a stroll around back to view the sunflowers that Autumn planted earlier in the summer. They've finally bloomed, and are beautiful! Look closely at the pattern of the flower. Isn't God's creation awesome?


As we headed back around front, we could see the moon rising in the sky,


and the setting sun.
Thanks for reviewing my weekend with me. I hope that yours was pleasant as well!

You may click on any of the images to enlarge them.

21 comments:

Momma Roar said...

What a wonderful weekend review! I love the picture of Collin - love the dimples and what a sweet boy!

weavermom said...

I can't see the pictures for some reason - but what a beautiful post. I'm so glad you are enjoying Collin!

Jodi said...

I can't see your pictures either ... but it does sound like you had a precious time with your family this weekend. So lovely to read! :o)

Pen of Jen said...

oops I can't see the pictures either!!! Oh well Hello and have a wonderful Day!!

Trella said...

What a great weekend. I love all the pictures. Collin sounds wonderful. I love the picture of the sunflower, it looks perfect.

Anonymous said...

I'm unable to see the pictures. Maybe in a bit blogger will allow them to show up. :o)

***Becoming a Woman of Gracious Speech*** I'd like to read about this - will be you sharing about it on your blog?

Blessings...

candy said...

Cant see the pics either. Although my computer or blogger or something isnt working properly today. Even on my blog everything is very tiny..all my words and everything. So, Ill cme back again later to check your post once its all fixed :)

Mrs. Anna T said...

Can't see the pictures... but I'll drop by again later, I'm sure the problem will be resolved.

How wonderful to hear that you enjoy spending time with your children. I often hear, 'oh, just wait until you'll have children, you won't stand having them around longer than absolutely necessary, you'll see'. Hopefully not!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!

I'm getting the same comments about the children staying home for school this year. :-(

I love the idea of a date with my husband on my own front porch!

Sharon said...

I can see all of the pics except one.

The flower you asked about is called a passion flower, I think. I don't know the botanical name.

Collin has a beautiful smile!

Tracy said...

Thank you, Sharon! I googled Passion Flower, and there it is!

Christy said...

What a sweet post!

I am so glad you had a relaxing, peaceful weekend.

Thank you for being such an encouragement!

Jennifer said...

My prayer is when we finally have children that we all will enjoy each others company just like you and your family. What a blessing (and you have such a handsome young son there too!)

So glad your weekend was great. I just love retreats like that which boost the Spirit inside you. Often times I feel like I need one of those every day!

Have a great evening!

Lori said...

That Colin he sounds like he is a wonderful helper.

Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend at the bible camp.

I can't see the pictures either.

Kelli said...

I can't see the pictures, but I did enjoy hearing about your lovely weekend. I get asked the same questions, I'm so sad when my children are away from me!
Kelli

Diane @ A Watered Garden said...

This was a great post!! It warms my heart to hear you bless Collin and God's gift to you through him. They grow way too fast. I always heard people say that...but now that I'm there...it's quite an adjustment to have the girls gone. Enjoy!! Your pictures were lovely. I also liked the pic of your "at home date" and the chick salad sandwich looks yummy! Blessings, Diane

Stacie said...

Hi Mrs. K,
Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend! I did too! The pictures were really pretty too! I love the one of the sunflower. My mom always gets asked questions too about if she get's tired of spending so much time with us. And they always say how they couldn't stand for their kids to be around them so much. But my mom tells them she loves it! Have a great day!
~Stacie

Unknown said...

What a lovely walk. Thanks for taking us on your date with you :)

Karen said...

Collin is such a cutie! I'm sure he is such a joy to you. Alaina thinks he's cute too!
I enjoyed the beautiful pictures, well all except the lizard on steroids! LOL!
I love the new look of your blog in case I haven't told you yet.

Ruth said...

Your weekend in review was wonderful! It sounds like your weekend was wonderful and that you have a wonderful helper in Collin!

Anonymous said...

Your beautiful flower is a passion flower, passiflora incarnata. They are so extravagant, but stunningly beautiful.