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When I started this blog I wasn't looking for fancy, and I'm still not. What I was, and still am seeking is simplicity and ease. I wanted a place where I could pop on and share thoughts, ideas, happenings from the farm, and photos. A place that the children and I could spend rainy days looking back, reading, and sharing laughs all over again. While I *can* do those things here, it has unfortunately become anything but simple and easy. I'm sure you've noticed that my postings have become fewer and farther between. There are a few reasons for that, though a big one is the difficulty that I've recently been having in posting pictures. I love pictures, and I love to share pictures. What I don't love is having to post, then edit 4 times, sometimes erase and repost, and then STILL have them look wrong. Does it make me too much of a perfectionist to want my pictures in the middle, with an even border all the way around? Maybe. I know I should be happy that the picture is there at all, but I just can't get over the distraction of having them lopsided, or worse, hanging off my page. The other thing I can't continue to do is to fuss over them for an hour to try to get them "right". I said all of that so you would hopefully understand my reason for a move. I asked a few people where I should go, spent time looking at friends' blogs, and finally decided on blogspot. I'm not going to get all fancy and elite, though since I'm there I may as well take advantage of some of the fun benefits available, right? So, without further ado, hop on over and visit me and the new and improved Truehart Treasures blog!!
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Do you think he likes them?    |
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That's my motto today....and most days it seems! Yes, it's nearly a month late, but I still wanted to make sure that I was able to share about Brianna's special day! What special day is that?! Why, her birthday of course!! And not just ANY birthday. April 21st was the day that Brianna hit her DOUBLE DIGITS! The morning started with me reminiscing of the day she was born. What a day that was!! Before I can get into the day, you need to know that I prayed for this girl! I prayed that I would carry another baby. I prayed for a sibling for Paige. I can remember kneeling at the altar many times, with a dear friend, pouring out my heart to the Lord, and asking for another child. I can remember being so afraid that the sins of our past had made it impossible. Nearly a year later, I was *elated* when I found out that I was in fact, pregnant!! Fast forward......due to numerous complications, I had been on strict bedrest for a couple of months. I had already quit my job, as we knew that after the birth I would join the ranks of stay-at-home mom's everywhere! Because I had strict orders from the doctor, Duane was still bringing Paige to her daycare provider which left me on the couch, alone, every day. They were both well over an hour away, and at that time, we lived quite a ways from our church family and friends as well. I'll never forget the love that was shown to me at that time though! From our church family, who made meals and brought them to Duane so that he could bring them home each evening, and from a sweet, sweet lady from our church that called me EVERY afternoon to read the scriptures with me over the phone and pray! Beth, if you ever read this, I want you to know how much you BLESSED me during that time! Ok, back to the day. My due date was still 2 weeks away. I explicitly recall telling Duane not to go to work that morning because I just knew that baby would be coming. He snorted, gave me "the look," and headed off. Sure enough, late that morning, things started progressing! I was nervous, emotional, and afraid to be alone. I called the hospital (which was about 20 minutes from us), and they said to come in. Well, I wasn't about to drive myself, and we didn't really know anyone around us, so my options were limited. Picture this. We had only met two of our neighbors, and both of them worked. I looked out my window and saw a truck parked in the driveway next door. Mr. John was a mid 30-something bachelor. He owned a sport shop in town, was a part of the volunteer fire department, and was NEVER home! I debated for what seemed like forever, then mustered up the nerve to make the short trek across the backyard and knock on his door. I get outside and realize that his truck is still running! He must have JUST got home when I looked out, and he wasn't planning on being there for long. Talk about timing! As he opened the door, I'm sure my face was filled with a look of fear, mixed with pain, and some embarrassment thrown in there too. He responded by peeking out towards my house with raised eyebrows and a huge look of question! I don't know, maybe he was expecting to see my house on fire or something. Come to think of it, I bet he would have VERY much preferred that! LOL!! Me: "Ummmm, hi Mr. John. I'm sure you are busy. I mean, it looks like you are in a rush. Ummmmm, is there any way that you might have the time to do me a favor?" Mr. John: "What do you need?" Me: "Well, Duane is up North of Northfield working. I can't wait that long for him to get here. I'm so sorry to bother you, but......." His look of question is growing bigger at this time. Seeing that he's not understanding, I finally blurt it out. Me: "I'm in labor and I need a ride to the hospital." Oh gosh! I'm rolling with laughter here as I can SO vividly recall his look of panic at that moment!! He rushed into his house, grabbed some things, and was out the door in a flash. I waddled home, grabbed my bag, met him outside, and climbed up into his truck. Not even 5 minutes later, the labor pains were replaced with absolute fear that I was going to die! ROFLOL!! Yes, this man was most definitely a bachelor, and had no doubt watched too many movies about women in labor! He was in a HURRY to get me to that hospital! All the while, apologizing that he had his "old, bouncy" truck with him that day. I can remember him saying something about his sister and babies, but really, my mind was more focused on the prayers that I was pleading to God, to get us there safely! Really, he is a very sweet man, and I'm sure HIS mind was reeling with thoughts of having to assist in a roadside birth or something, which made him pedal that gas with even more fervency, all while saying many prayers of his own! Obviously, we made it there intact! He offered to carry my bags into the hospital for me, wished us well, and was on his way, with quite his own story to tell! I called Duane, who headed right over, and then made the calls to let family and friends know we were at the hospital. My mom grabbed a bag, and headed out for the two hour trip from Wisconsin, hoping that she would be able to make it in time for the birth. Kim, a dear friend from church, came in as well. They were all there, offering their support, laughs, encouragement, and many prayers throughout my laboring process, and at 4:17pm, they shared in our joy and our second daughter was born! Our joy soon turned to uncertainty, as we were informed that there was a problem with her lungs sticking, which was not allowing her to get enough oxygen. She was placed on oxygen, X-rays were taken, and we were told that they were talking about making arrangements to have her transferred to a children's hospital in the cities. Prayer requests were immediately sent out to our church family, who happened to be having a bible study at the time. They all stopped what they were doing, and lifted our sweet Brianna before the throne of grace. One of the elders of our church came and laid hands on her, praying for healing. We all believed for a miracle, and God answered!! The doctor came in and told us that while they couldn't explain how it happened, they had taken another scan that showed her lungs completely clear. WE were able to share that the HOW was only through the healing power of our great physician!! What an awesome God we serve!! Today, Brianna is ten years old! While she currently waffles between wanting to stay ten forever, and one day becoming a wife, and a mother, her hearts desire is to please the Lord, and be a godly example to others. She has a servants heart, a tender spirit, and a contagious joy! She is kind, creative, and has been gifted with an artistic, and writing ability that amaze me! In addition to all of that, she has taught me so much by example. I was recently brought me to my knees when Brianna allowed the Lord to work through her to show me the depth of the love of Christ for me. What a gift the Lord gave me in her!! I am so blessed. Happy Birthday Sweetie!! MOMMA LOVES YOU!! |
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Papa Ed has been talking to Paige for years about the time when she'd be able to go on her first turkey hunt with him. She was thrilled beyond belief when he called us a few days ago to ask if he could pick her up the next morning! 4 o'clock Friday morning came quickly. She was up, dressed, grabbed a bottle of water and a banana, and headed out the door with a smile on her face! Look, she returned at 8:30am with the same smile, even though they hadn't seen, or heard a thing!
She may not have had a turkey, but what she did have was stories to share from the morning out, as well as her first scratch box turkey call. What happened next was a series of unfortunate miss-es. First, I thought Ed had said that he would be back the next morning for sure. Duane thought that it wasn't a "for sure", but more of a "we'll touch base later". A mis-communication. Later in the day Friday, Duane called Ed's cell phone and left a message to give us a call back, and when we didn't hear from him, we assumed that they would not be going out Saturday morning after all. We got up about 6:30 Saturday morning, turned on Duane's phone, and there were two messages. One at 5am, from Ed, saying that my mom had turned off the alarm when it went off, he had fallen back asleep, and was now running a bit behind. The second call came about a half hour later, saying he was standing outside our house, in the dark, wondering what to do. Turns out that Ed left his phone in the truck and didn't get our message the night before. Missed calls =( He didn't want to call the house phone, or knock on the door and risk waking up the rest of the kids. I sure wish he would have, because when he stopped over later he said that the turkeys were EVERYWHERE!! And of course, he shot a jake.
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Ohhhhh, so much to talk about, and so little time! Let's see......I haven't mentioned anything about my great "Momma Time Out" day with Sarah a few weeks ago; when we went out for lunch, haircuts, dumpster diving, and sucanat dust baths. I haven't talked about the maple syrup season that's in full swing here, or the new farm plans that we are looking at for the year. I haven't shared about our latest scare with Nathan, the night we spent in a children's hospital, and the skull fracture that my baby is now walking around with! Sigh. As I stated.....so little time! I'll have to get to all that soon, but today is cleaning catch-up and baking day! Hot from the oven we have two loaves of fresh ground whole wheat bread, a loaf of parmesan herb bread (that's going to be served with our meatloaf, fried potatoes, and beets for dinner), and a pan of cinnamon raisin rolls for breakfast tomorrow!
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14 years ago today. Picture me young, tired, and very fat! While I was no longer in classes (I had completed the credits necessary to graduate with my class that coming May), I was still technically a senior in high school. Hubby (then just my boyfriend) was home from his nightshift job, sleeping. I decided to join him and take an afternoon nap. When I woke up I was in horror thinking that I had peed in the bed :blush: As I got up and made my way to the bathroom I realized that there was more than just piddle there! My water had broke, and the contractions were coming. I phoned the OB department, who told us to make our way into the hospital. My next moments were spent by waking up Duane, waiting on him while he got dressed, and watching him meticulously opening up and placing garbage bags over the seats of his camaro so that I wouldn't get them wet :snicker: We were finally on our way, though I did have to sit in the car while he stopped at the credit union to deposit a check, and at the local A &W to grab a couple burgers!! I sure was thankful that no-one stopped to knock on my window and say hello! LOL! Awwww, men! The good news is that I was, and still am, able to chuckle about it later ;-) We did finally make it to the hospital, and, as hubby will tell you, we had *plenty* of time to spare! That evening, at 9:44pm our first child, a sweet baby girl, entered our lives! She was beautiful then, and she is beautiful now! I thank the Lord for her, for that baby was the beginning of a string of events that eventually led both Duane and I to the saving grace of Jesus Christ! Here's my princess and I then:  and now:  Happy 14th Birthday Paige! You are a blessing to me each and every day! |
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I saw this going around on facebook before I deactivated my account there. I thought it would be fun to see what the girls said so I copied it! I saw that a lot of people had split their children up so they wouldn't hear each others answers. I thought that was a good idea, so that is what I did as well! Here we go! 1. What is something mom always says to you?
1. What is something dad always says to you? 16. If your dad were a cartoon character, who would he be?
Oh, that was FUN! Now, how well do your kids know YOU? |
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What can I say? We've been snoozin' over here.....
I'll try harder!! Really, I will =) |
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.....and look at him now!! Getting Steadier! |
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For some reason I can't get this video to rotate, but I think you'll want to see it anyway ;-) Nathan has been having some brief periods of standing on his own for the last few days. He's even have a few times where he has lifted off of one thing, pivoted and leaned into another, taking a hop in the process. We knew that steps weren't going to be far behind. How exciting that we were all able to witness this milestone! I've been trying all day to get a video of him taking his "baby steps", but if he sees me watching him with the camera he comes at me (as you can see at the end of this one as well). I got a laugh, a smile, then a big slobbery kiss! He's getting more and more confident with each hour! Check back in a week or so for his progress report =D |
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Nathan celebrated his Golden Birthday yesterday! Yep, our little man-in-training turned ONE! I can remember my parents always talking about how FAST the years went by. I, of course, thought they were crazy! Now, being a parent myself, and seeing my own children sprout before my eyes, know exactly what they meant! Our son, then: And now: I clearly recall those first moments with him.....like they were yesterday! Where did the time go?! I can tell you, it sure does remind me of just how much we need to cherish EVERY moment we have with them! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG BOY!!! WE LOVE YOU!! |
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He grew up with 2 older sisters. He knows these things. I really should have believed him, but I didn't. Until it happened. He WILL recover from this madness won't he? I mean, if we never discuss how he had pretty ponies in his hair. And we don't tell him how his sister laughed until she had tears in her eyes. And I never, EVER show anyone this picture of course! Hmmmmmmm. At least it's a cute pony. And is DOES match his totally boyish football hoodie........ |
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Can someone tell me how a month has gone by since I last posted? I feel like all I did was blink! We've all been busy with this project and that, many of which you will hear about in blog posts to come......After all, I'll need SOMETHING to do this winter while the kids are building snowmen and I'm hibernating in the house!! So back to the topic at hand today. I said something about "Out with the old....". I know it's a lame title, but it's really the best I could come up with, so it'll have to do. What was old you ask? Well, unless you consider 16 months old, nothing really......which is why I made the comment above. Are you following me here? Let me cut to the chase and put it bluntly. Remember T-Bone? For those who said no, I'll offer a visual. He looked like this: And in about two weeks, he'll look like this: That's right. Yesterday was "the day". Duane made a couple phone calls, one to our butcher and one to the traveling cow-slaughterer. I doubt that's his REAL title, but it works right? Anyway, Duane called with the intention of scheduling a day in the coming weeks and was shocked when the guy said he could be here within the hour! He is a man of his word. I'll spare you all of the gory details and just say that T-Bone is now hanging in the cooler of our local meat market. Paige was a little sad, but Brianna took it really hard. She had pretty much the same reaction as she had the day she found a poor little butterfly with crumpled wings. We told her it wouldn't survive, but she still tried to feed it, give it drops of water, and keep it warm, all while she prayed that it would recover. She ended up holding that little thing until it died. Then she bawled. Poor girl. Leia on the other hand, I can see that it's going to be a totally different scene for her. Growing up on the farm is going to make these things "just a part of life" for her. She was sad, until we told her that we were going to get to have steaks. Leia LOVES steak! Her response then was, "Can I eat him NOW"?! LOL! She then went through the whole day commenting that "T-Bone is dead now", and she even prayed at dinner, "Thank you that we killed T-Bone"! Did I mention that she likes meat? She makes her daddy proud ;-) Now, as I was saying. Out with the old.......and in with the new. I bet you know what's coming now don't you?! Yep.....BABIES! We headed to the farm and picked up three new Jersey/Angus bull calves. The girls got to help bottle feed these babies while they were at the farm. They are now off the bottle, but are still taking milk twice a day from a bucket. In addition to the milk feedings they get some warm water, and a handful or two of grain each time. We'll continue on with this routine for a few more weeks, slowly reducing the milk and increasing the grain until they are weaned completely. Each of the girls "adopted" a calf. It's only been a day, but we're already seeing distinct personalities in these guys. Let me introduce you. This is Cody. Now meet Chester. Chester is "Paige's". She's wanted to name something Chester forever. Chester is pretty quiet. He's also an affectionate lad. Look at him trying to lick at Nathan while we were visiting at the farm bottle feeding one day! Then there is Porter! Porter is "Leia's" calf. Porter is HILARIOUS! He's the rambunctious one. A little (better make that a lot) pushy and piggish with his food, and completely GOOFY! He's the one who starts leaping about, kicking his heels, running into everything, wanting to play, and make everyone play WITH him! They're quite the trio! We're sure to have lots of laughs as we watch them grow. T-Bone was way past this stage when we got him so hopefully lots of extra laughs now doesn't mean extra tears next fall! And if that wasn't sweet enough........we have more IN WITH THE NEW news! CONGRATULATIONS to our dear friends Kim and Todd, who were blessed to be present and welcome their new baby girl into the world this morning. Protected and nourished for 9 months by her Mother Carmen, Miss Emily Rose was born at 5:24 this morning (her grandma's birthday), weighing in at 6lbs 2oz. She will now grow with, and learn from her Momma Kim and Daddy Todd, but the best part is, that she will be prayed for, and loved by ALL! Thank you Carmen, and thank you Lord! |
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"Dad" and "Da-da-da-da" has been sweetly ringing through our house for months now! The word mama hasn't even been attempted. It's so funny....we'd even get up close to Nathan, smile and say, "Nathan, say MAMA". He'd think for a moment, smile, and blurt out "Dad"! That was until yesterday morning! All of the children had congregated into our bedroom. We were there chatting about the day ahead, playing, and listening to the roosters crow. Soon started the, "Nathan, say MAMA". As always, he flashed his sweet little smile, and then......imagine our shock, surprise, and pure elation as he blurted out "MOM"! Hearing our joy, laughs, and clapping, he responded with "Ma-ma"!! Oh the sweet, sweet sound!
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I don't even know what to say, except that my God is an AWESOME God, and I am SO thankful for the very precious gift He has given me today. God can choose any day to pull one of our children onto His lap and keep them there for eternity. Today could have easily been that day for me, however, for some reason He chose to allow my baby girl to stay with me for a longer time, and for that, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Three years ago, a family we know lost a young daughter when some hay bales fell on top of two of their children. One of the girls was able to dig out an airway, but their smallest daughter was crushed below the weight of the bale and was unable to be revived when they got her out. That scene almost became our reality this afternoon when, without warning, a large stack of hay bales fell onto Brianna and Leia. Brianna was closer to the edge and was able to climb out from under the bales but Leia was buried. Duane was right there. He saw it happen and he immediately started throwing bales off of the pile, desperately digging for his daughter. When he got to the bottom he was both relieved and amazed at what he found. Leia was there on the ground, scared, but safe......under a lawn chair! It can only be described as a miracle. There was a chair behind the girls when the bales started to fall. God took that chair, and inverted it over her body, placing her under His "teepee" of protection. That chair saved her from the weight of those bales. I believe that chair saved my daughters life. My chest is heavy and the tears well in my eyes just thinking of it. I'm off to snuggle my babies a little extra tonight, but first I must say it again. My God is an AWESOME God! |
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WHAT DID YOU SAY?! Somebody had a birthday?!
Who could that special somebody be? Ohhhh.....me you say? YES, it was ME!!!! Yesterday was my birthday, and now I am THREE!!!
Do you want to hear about my very fun day? First, my biggest sister, Paige, made me an egg sandwich for breakfast. After that mom gave Nathan and I each a bath, and I got to pick out a dress to wear! I chose one of my very favorites.....a polka dot dress that Grandma Pooh gave me last year on my birthday =) We played for awhile, then mom said we were going to go somewhere special to have lunch. Daddy was working, so mommy and the rest of us hopped into the van and off we went. We arrived at the someplace special and I was very excited to see that it was Grandma Pooh's coffee shop (ok, it's not really grandma's shop, but she DOES cook all the yummy food and treats there). We ordered our sandwiches and sat down to eat. I liked the tortilla chips the best ;-)
When we were done eating grandma surprised us with ice cream treats! I chose strawberry!
After lunch we stopped at the store to get some things that momma needed to make my special birthday dinner. While Momma and Paige made dinner I played outside (as you'll easily see from the pictures below). I got to choose what we had. I told momma that I liked shrimp and noodles, so she and Paige made me shrimp alfredo. Momma let me pick the vegetable too. I wanted peas so she steamed some from the garden. Paige knows I like bread so she made me some buttermilk biscuits too. It was VERY yummy, and I ate it all gone! After dinner I opened my presents. Nathan gave me a bug catcher! He knows I like to find and look at bugs. Paige gave me a book. She loves me......to the moon and back.
Next was one from Mommy and Daddy. It's A Match from Discovery Toys. I like it, and I'm doing a good job matching!
Brianna gave me a phone. A phone with her voice on it. She's telling me how much she loves me too! Look how nice I share with my brother. He likes it too!
After dinner everybody sang to me. I sang too! Then I blew out my big number 3 candle and we got to try my cake. Brianna made it, but she let me help! We sure made a big mess, but we had lots of fun, and it was very good! Whew, turning three sure is hard work!
I wonder what my birthdays will be like when I'm old......like Paige is ;-) |
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After spending the morning in the garden picking cucumbers, potatoes, carrots, and onions, we all worked together to wash, chop, slice, and put away our pickings. Duane put a batch of onions into the dehydrator, while I ground some grains and, using a new recipe, started a batch of bread.
After lunch I continued my bread adventure......let's just say I learned the hard way that my kitchen-aid mixer bowl is NOT large enough to mix dough for four loaves at once! While I transferred the sticky mass of dough to my counter to finish the kneading, and then tried to peel the glue-like substance from all the nooks and crannies of my machine, Duane started preparing a beef stew for dinner! After cubing and browning some round steak, he added potatoes, carrots, french cut green beans, onions, fingerling potatoes, corn, and a handful of spices, and brought it out to cook over the open fire! We've been trying to cook more meals outdoors. Not only does it save electricity, but it keeps the house cooler, and of course, it's tons of fun.....and oh so yummy!! Just look at this stew! After a delicious dinner of beef stew and fresh bread (which turned out excellent by the way), we heated some water over the fire to use for washing the dishes. Once clean-up was done we played outside, swinging in the hammock, singing songs, picking grass (Nathan), and trying to catch a chicken (Leia). The fire was still smoldering so we pulled out the makings for smores. Smores are a RARE treat around here so the excitement mounted! Grab your skewers and avoid being impaled by Leia! Yikes....she's dangerous! LOL! Toast them to golden brown......or in Leia's case black from bouncing off the coals repeatedly..... Hey mom, don't you need this? Why, yes we do Nathan! Thank you! Mmmmmmm.......yummy, gooey, sweet, sticky, goodness!
After a good wash down, teeth brushing, and jammies, we took our onions out of the dehydrator and ground them into powder, loaded up the trays with a batch of carrots, and we then all snuggled in to watch a movie for the evening (we've been renting a bunch of the old family classics from netflix lately). And that concluded our family fun night. A good time was had by all =D |
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I admit it, I'm a bad blogger! I try, really I do! You wouldn't believe all of the things I have swirling in my head that I could blog about. You wouldn't believe all of the pictures I've taken, solely for the purpose of sharing with you. Sheesh, I even have a bunch of them uploaded and ready to go! I just can't seem to find the time, or the energy to get it done.....actually the real problem is finding them both at the same time!! Anyway, since Sarah scolded me about it, I figured I'd better make some time to post some coffee pictures! These are for you Sarah =) All of these pics were taken at the FABULOUS BBQ we had here in July. Yep....the same BBQ that I have yet to post about First of all, our ingredients all lined up. The clear cup is a double chocolate frappe powder. We have since each ordered cans of this, as well as some more syrup flavors, so we have instant access to our delicious indulgence anytime we get the urge. You want a chocolate/peppermint drink? You got it! What? A turtle you say? No problem at all! Just dump your choice ingredients into the blender. Neither of us could take the withdrawals anymore, so we searched out recipes, ordered ingredients, and viola! It's SO nice to be able to get together at one of our homes, let the kids play together, chat a bit, and still enjoy our coffee treats! Even Duane has been enjoying them on occasion with me! He also enjoys how much money is being saved by making them here!!
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I know, I know....there are people waiting on me to share pictures of the wonderful weekend we had while our dear friends Troy and Colleen were here! It's just been so crazy since they have left! We're currently working hard, trying to harvest and preserve our garden yummies! The strawberries are done, but we're now getting tons of green beans and peas. The apples are ripening, the tomatoes are getting their color, and I saw our first cucumber ready to pick today! Last week we enjoyed a meal with our fingerling potatoes, and I'm SO anxious for my brussels sprouts and sweet corn! I'll get those pictures up, but it'll take me a bit of time. After all, we're talking about TONS of pictures to go through, upload, and share! Yes, I'll get to that.....as soon as I can, and in the meantime, you can check out a video of the super cool fireworks show that we all went to on Sarah's Blog. Yes, the garden is taking a lot of time, but it's not only gardening keeping me on my toes these days. Oh my.....what a difference a day makes! Seriously, I posted last week (yikes.....make that 2 weeks ago), about Nathan starting to pull himself to standing. That was it. The NEXT day (and every day since) he has been crawling everywhere, climbing on everything, and not only pulling himself up to things, but cruising along them as well!! He is by far, so much more advanced than our girls were at this age. He was our earliest teether, earliest cruiser, and I'm guessing he'll be our earliest walker as well! He's SO interested in watching how things work, and has repeatedly amazed us with his ability to problem solve and figure out how to make them work on his own! He is so much like his Daddy! And speaking of daddy.....Nathan has him smiling from ear to ear as he giggles, claps, and proclaims his love for "da-da-da-da-da". How can you not smile too?
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