Cheery Days in May

The skies have been clear and the sun has been gloriously shining upon us lately, here in Western PA. It has been utterly beautiful and we have all enjoyed every moment of it! 

The tree I planted last summer/fall is growing well! It even had some flowers bloom on it. I *think* it is a flowering cherry tree (without the cherries)...but I don't remember for sure. My mom bought it for me! I *love* trees...

Each day, the clothesline is full as we take advantage of this beautiful sunshine and breeze to dry our clothes. It saves electric, makes the clothes smell fantastic and there is just something that makes me smile to see clothes hanging on a clothesline...

We had a picnic down at Chris's family's pavilion for memorial day...

My parents came too (that's my dad's truck there)...

Xavier wanted me to watch him ramp this dirt pile. Right after I snapped this picture, he wrecked! Don't worry, he was okay!

I absolutely LOVE this skirt that I found at Goodwill. It fits me perfectly and I just love the colors and the flow of it!

Jaxson...

Chris with one of our nephews...

Madelyn was a sweetie and rubbed Ma's shoulders...

Chris and his brother played catch...

Nickel, my dad's dog...

And back at home....

Pearl enjoyed a little siesta in the shade...

The girls...

Our rhododendron is in full blooom....

Doing a little planning on the front swing...enjoying the sunshine!

The children enjoyed playing Legos outside on the porch...

Madelyn has a latch hook kit she has been working on. Jaxson wanted to give it a try...

And there you have it...a bit of our days lately...in a nut shell! :) I turned our homeschooling portfolios in to our evaluator and when he is finished with them, I'll take them to the school! :) 
I went to spin this morning and then after coming home to shower and have a quick bite to eat, the whole lot of us went to a local flea market. It was a lot of walking and a lot of sun! I found just a few odds and ends. From there, we went to celebrate Chris's cousin's son's first birthday. We just got home a little bit ago...I finished up our church's worship guide and emailed to the proper people (to print for tomorrow) and now I need to go out and mow the front lawn. It's not too long...but I just feel like I would like to get it done today. I am not sure what else the evening holds! I hope yours is wonderfully enjoyable! So glad you stopped by to see me here! 
Have a great weekend!
Warmly, Katy
It's all about Jesus Christ being first.... and second and third and fourth and fifth.   What I'm saying is, don't put Jesus first.   Jesus is everything.   He's not just first in the rank,  He is everything.  ~Paul Washer

Our Latest Project: Fencing & a New Door

My amazing husband was at it again. This time, we needed to replace the old chicken wire on our run as well as replace the door. It had all fallen apart over the years and needed a good renovation!

Jaxson was there in all his sword-fighting glory...

Are you prepared for this? It's kinda yucky....look what we found stuck in the chicken wire on the back end of the chicken run...

It's a chipmunk that seems to have gotten stuck in the wire and died there. It was very strange to see!

The hens didn't seem to know what to think of all this!

Instead of putting chicken wire back up...we used this sturdier fencing...

We had to cut the fencing in half (long ways) and put another layer around the posts so that it is high enough. Just one layer wasn't quite high enough!

Chris and Xavier made this fantastic new door for the run (you can see the old-falling-apart door in the background)...

Jaxson helped to stain the door...

After letting the door dry a couple days...it was finally time to put it up!

Chris made a "doggie-door"...or in this case, a "chicken-door" for when we let the girls free range in the evening. That way they can go in and out without having to prop the larger door open...

This is how it stays up...

The girls seem to get the gist of it...

Happy Girls...

My husband has done such an incredible job with all this. I can't even begin to tell you how thrilled I am with how things are coming. I can tend to get impatient with things around here sometimes...(sad, but true)...we work on things when money and time allows. Progress happens slowly....sometimes VERY slowly (due to lack of time and money). I always try to keep the right perspective and always be content...but I will admit the impatience monster does come out. It is something I really struggle with and continually try to pray through and do better with. 
When home projects *are* getting accomplished, it is such a spirit-lifter! :) I know Chris feels so good getting things done too! The children are great helpers and it is so nice to work together at things as a family! :)
What have you (and your family) been working on lately??
Warmly,
Katy

Planting May Flowers!

We don't shoot for perfection here...more of a shabby chic, rugged beauty! ;)

I filled in the log planter that Chris made me and I talked about in my LAST post...

I sat out on our front porch this morning reading my bible. It was glorious...a comfy temperature, a nice breeze and the fragrance in the air was wonderful! Oh, the loveliness of spring! On days like this, I truly believe it was only by the grace of God we all made it through the long, snowy winter! ;) 
Today, we honor those who have fought and served our country so we can have the freedoms we do. To you and your families.....*thank-you* for your service. Because of you, I can worship the true and living God without persecution. I can plant flowers and enjoy my home. I can live in peace and safety. My family is so grateful.  
I pray your Memorial Day is full of remembrance, gratitude, family, friends, food and flowers! 
Lovingly, Katy
"The world's favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May." ~ Edwin Way Teale