A Week Before Peak/Hannah's Photography Workshop

Hannah was invited to attend a  photography workshop with one of her dearest friends. I got to spend that time with a dear friend of my own, walking in nature, enjoying conversation.  It was a beautiful day with an overcast - The perfect day for photography.  A few times, I was eager to grab the camera from my girl and snap some shots myself.  But, this day was for her and her friend.  She got to use the "nice" camera.  

 

We learned the three "r's"...not Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic, but Roads, Rivers and Rails.  The day was a little drab - The colors, a little muted.  However, Hannah took some good shots and learned a few camera techniques.  These are her unedited photographs from the day.

Shadows

Reflections

River

River Reflection

Reflection

Lifetime Friends

Drips

I am excited to grab the cameras and head to the woods during peak week.  Autumn colors are beautiful.  God's paintbrush is beautiful.

 

Take advantage of local workshops in your area.  Nature centers, libraries, community centers, colleges and parks offer classes and workshops (many free) where you can learn bee keeping, photography, sheep shearing, canning, writing and the list goes on.  These opportunities are great for those searching for a hobby, homeschoolers or anyone eager to learn something new.  Check'em out.

When Dreams Come True / Fourteen

Fourteen years ago today, a little girl came into this world....I believe she had on cowboy boots.  A true lover of animals of all kinds, this little girl dreamt daily of having a horse. She drew pictures, read books, collected posters, knick-knacks and movies about horses. She continues to do so. Her love for this creature is beautiful. Some girls go through love phases, Barbies, stuffed animals, horses etc. Her phase never went away, nor did we want it to. She is truly a horse-person, one who wears boots every single day.

We are blessed with opportunities to help our children exceed in their interests. This fourteen year old will certainly grow to be a woman who's career will be equine related. Therefore, we try to provide tools for further study, resources at her fingertips and friends who specialize in all things horse. To top it off, her grandparents got her a horse. We are thankful for all our beautiful grandparents and the love they have for the children. Without further ado, let me officially introduce you to Annie!

Annie has been with us since March, but has not been home until recently. She is a five year old Quarter horse mare colored sorrel. She is friendly and gentle and follows us around like a puppy. However, she can be sassy and stubborn, but is disciplined and obeys. She is trained to ride western pleasure. Hannah will have the opportunity to show her as a 4H project and compete in the fair next year. She is excited to grow up with this horse and learn from her. We are excited to watch the growth and see our little girl grow into the beautiful woman she is becoming. Happy birthday Hannah, and welcome home Annie.  Keep dreaming and working hard; because, with hard work dreams do come true.

Apples

 

 

We keep this place in business with our weekly cidar purchase.

Our favorite to pick this time of year. 

Finding surprises while climbing apple trees

Pickers



Just getting started

Smashing apples

 

Picking the perfect ones

Yum

Daddy showed up to help. 

Apple butter, cider vinegar, and apple peel juice

Apples, apples

Yum, yum, yum!

Don't you wish

That you had some?

Apples, apples

Taste so fine!

I could eat them

All the time

                        Adp. Anon

 

Ahh...the grand-finale of summer and early fall...Apple picking!  We look forward to gathering everyone up and heading to the apple orchard.  Books all around the house about apples, orchards, trees and preserving, prepare us for leaning all we can about this special treat. 
Apples can be used for so much!  We make applesauce, apple butter, pies, bread and apple cake, muffins and monster oatmeal.  Nothing goes to waste.  The peels and cores are used for apple cider vinegar.  Did  you know that if you let the peels and cores steep in hot water, you have apple flavored water.  The kids love it - nutritious and tastes delicious.  The peels can be thrown in a pot with a bit of water and cinnamon for a fall-like air freshener. The chickens appreciate the left-over apple pieces.  Apples make everyone happy.

We look forward to the days when the apple trees in our orchard mature and we are able to pick here at home.   
I hope you are enjoying these beautiful autumn days.

Scripture to think about from Sunday's sermon:

Ways to Build up Children:

Deuteronomy 4:9

Deuteronomy 6:7

Proverb 22:6

Ephesians 6:4

How are you encouraging your children?

 

 

Almost Autumn

The days are getting shorter and cooler.  Fall is on the horizon.  That means:

 

It is almost time to breed our goats......

 Pretty flowers will sleep.....

 Abby will get one more hair cut before the cold sets in.

 The woods will bare.....

 The boys will collect wood to burn....

 The yard will be clean.....

 Children will still play.....

 

 

 Kitties will gather mice.....

 The garden will close.....

 And bonfires will be enjoyed.

 

 

We are enjoying these last days of summer.