Hiking to Scripture Rocks

Many years ago, a man carved scripture and words into large rocks in our area. There are many different places around our town to find them. Today, after a wonderful church service (full of God's truth with the Scriptures properly expounded to us), we went along with some people from church to have lunch and hike to one set of Scripture Rocks. It was about a 2 mile trip, one way. 

Xavier, ready to go!

My boys and their buddy...

Leading the way...

Off we go...

Chris went too! :)

We found the Scripture Rocks! There's Madelyn...

LIGHT: John 3:19

Jaxson...

We had a really good hike...4 miles or so, total. It was pretty muggy out...and it even rained and thundered too! We were all perspiring so much that the rain was a welcome coolness! It was a good bit of exercise and I will sleep **well** tonight! The idea of getting up and heading to spin class in the morning seems almost too difficult! Maybe after a good night's sleep, I'll be rejuvenated and ready to go! 
Have you ever heard of the Scripture Rocks? Are there any neat things like them in your area? :)
I think I am going to go, put my feet up and work on some knitting for the rest of this evening!  Thank-you for stopping by! 
Cheerfully, Katy

Home: Outside

I am so excited to have my tiger lillies all a-bloom! My log planter is looking quite lovely as well...

When we bought this house, there was a (super ugly) street lamp out there. For my birthday one year, my mom bought me another (my style) street lamp to replace the old one that Chris had taken down (it really needed to be taken down)!

Chris (with a little help from his friends) put my light up tonight...

Jack-the-Cat is one of the *best* cats. He really is amazing. He is 16 years old now and still catches mice, chipmunk and squirrels (without front claws!!!)! He is a truly fantastic cat. I have had him since I was 17 and I just can't imagine how sad I will be when he passes...

Time for the finishing touches!!!

It's finished!

Ta Da! I love it! :)

Here it is from a different angle...

Technically, it would look better when it is darker out and maybe I will snap a photo then...but for now, I am happy with how it is right now! I couldn't wait to share because I was so excited about it! I probably would never have even put a street lamp out in my yard....but the hook up was already there so, why not? :) Maybe one day I will do a pretty walkway/path that runs by it up to the door...? :) We shall see! 

June Happenings

I just received letters from our school district letting me know our homeschooling portfolios have been reviewed by the Superintendent and are ready to be picked up! Whew! Another year under our belts! I praise God that we have successfully finished our 6th year of homeschooling! Madelyn will be heading into the 7th grade; Xavier, 5th; Jaxson, 3rd. 

This month (as you have seen in previous posts) has been filled with home, family, friends and **summer**! It's been raining a lot lately though....which means no swimming. The children have enjoyed a lot of playtime with friends and things though...so it's all been good! 

We have been hosting a 5 Day Club (Backyard Bible Club) at Chris's parents' pavilion. It has been going really well! We have had a great turn-out with 10 to 15 kids there per night (despite some rain on and off). The children have been learning about the parables of Jesus (which many of them are already familiar with from the teachings at their homes). They have been singing, learning, doing papers, having snacks and just having a great, God-honoring time! :) Tomorrow (Friday) will be our last day! Our church will be hosting two more over the summer at other families' homes in our area!

Jaxson and his good buddy (and fellow caped-crusader) swinging before the Bible Club began one afternoon...

You can see my Madelyn up front (far left), helping lead some singing with motions...

At home, we have spent time doing many different things. Although the boys aren't excited about reading...we have been focusing on getting some daily reading time in...

I looked at Ruthie, said her name and that tail started wagging ferociously!

The boys were practicing their instruments at the same time (yes, it was a little chaotic)! I was so excited when I got this photo! Jaxson is on his guitar closer to us...and through the window, you can see Xavier on his banjo!

From time to time, I work on my knitting as well! I'll be sure to share my finishes (and WIP) sometime! July is going to be holding many different things for us this year! One thing will be Madelyn's 13th (yes...TEEN) birthday! I don't know if I am ready for this! ;) Any advice, mamas of teens?? 
I hope your June has been enjoyed with all God has given you.  I appreciate you stopping by! 
Warmly, Katy 

Skippy & Dippy

Chris's parents got another couple calves to raise. The other "babies" are a year old now and much, much bigger! Madelyn was so excited...she got to go with Pa to pick them up Sunday evening!

For some reason, unbeknownst to me, my husband declared their names to be Skippy and Dippy. Although, looking at the pictures, I can't remember which is which...? I *think* this one is Dippy...

Look how tiny they are! They need fattened up!!! I *think* this one is Skippy...

I *know* this is Jaxson ;)

I just love their eyes and long eye lashes!

They love sucking on fingers. Poor things were probably expecting milk!

My girl as she walks back to the pavilion (we are holding 5 day clubs here all this week)...

New life on the farm makes me smile. All babies are just so cute! It's hard to embrace the fact that they will provide meat for people one day...but that is why they are here. As they get older (and more stubborn...and a lot less cute), it gets easier to part with them! ;) 

Wide Open Spaces

Chris's parents own a farm with lots of beautiful land...

They share this land with all of us. Picnics, gardening, go-kart driving (for the kiddos) and more happen here! I just love to look at it all. It's beautiful. 
They also let Chris raise his meat chickens here! I helped him put up his temporary fence (as these chickens have a faster growing time than normal chickens). I am a poor, poor excuse for a helper though (in fence-putting-up). I, despite thinking I am quite a strong woman, couldn't even pound the stakes into the ground that held the fence! Chris makes it look easy!

 These goofy chickens were not quite sure of coming outside...

We'd pull them out...and they would fly back in!

Maggie, my in-loves pup, ran laps around the fence...*really* wanting to play with these chickens...

Chris and our youngest, Jaxson, made this door together (I was not with them on the evening they made it so I don't have photos...but it was a good father/son learning time.)...

To entice the chickens to come outside and get some fresh air, Chris put some feed outside...

Still not sure about all this...

Oh! Wait! Food!? Yay!!!

My nephews (Chris's brother's boys) wanted to check out these chickens...

It's a Sunday evening. After an afternoon nap, I feel refreshed and relaxed. I have washed some eggs (from our *girls*), have some laundry going (I know it's Sunday...but it's not difficult to throw a load of clothes in the washing machine...we can hardly call it **work**!), and have been enjoying a Keith and Kristyn Getty playlist on youtube. I have also been listening to THIS Voddie Baucham sermon. 

I may wash a few dishes and then work on some knitting before heading to bed later this evening. It's quiet here...Chris and Madelyn are at a picnic (that I decided to stay home from just to have some down-time) and my boys are playing at a friends' house. 

We've had an enjoyable weekend. Things were accomplished, time was spent together! Every moment wasn't perfect but the Lord has been continually humbling me, admonishing me, teaching me and loving me each and every day. I am striving to do all for His glory...and when I am *not* doing that, I am usually focusing on "self" and sinning. Oh how I am grateful that He is constantly molding me. It's often painful as I realize my short-comings and sinful attitude about things but knowing these things helps me humble myself and fall to my knees in repentance. My heart reflects Romans 7:20-25. 

How was your weekend? 

Living, for His glory,

Katy