EKjourney Backup

We have been fortunate to have the opportunity to pick (and eat and process) free cherries! We kept half in the giant refrigerator at my parent’s house and then Phil and I processed the rest last night. We filled the food dehydrator and froze the remaining fruit. I plan to make several big batches of jam, then dry and freeze the rest. Now, onto our cherry picking experience…First, I have to say the area in which we live is absolutely GORGEOUS. I love the Willamette Valley. We picked from some trees near my parent’s home. On one side was a long narrow field of golden hay. You could see trees, foothills, and mountains beyond that. Next to the field is a tall line of trees that border my parent’s property. Directly behind and in front of where we picked are Filbert orchards. Now, what can take away from the romance of cherry picking in such a setting? Glad you are wondering… First, if you have ever picked cherries you know how delicious and inviting they are to eat. You also...

I just have to share what the Lord’s is currently doing in my life. I have been quite candid about my struggles and the changes in my thinking as I began my parenting journey. It has taken quite awhile but I feel as though I have really begun to grasp what the Lord has called me to do (and be). My problem now is implementation. I have been amazed at the doors that have opened into solving part one of this problem, which for me is finding joy. I have been blessed by several books that I am devouring. I am currently reading a verse by verse “explanation” on the book of Romans by Michael Pearl. Very meaty, requiring much concentration!!! I am also reading Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit by Teri Maxwell which emphasizes being in the WORD and PRAYING. She has given me a couple of real zingers to chew on. Coincidentally, a blog that I follow (Earthmuffin Manor) has been posting a lot about “joy” and our Sunday service was on praying. Other books I have on my summer read...

       

The art fair is going on this weekend!!! I look forward to the art fair every year! We always save a little money to buy fun décor for the house or garden. Sometimes, I spend my “jar” money, (money that I received as a gift and keep in a jar). We bought some art work for Sawyer’s room. The pieces are from Zimbabwe artists (sold through a foundation) and are wonderful folk art paintings with animals and African village life. I spent my jar money on a beautiful water feature that we set up in our living room. Jubilee got her first pair of earnings (besides the ones that were used for the piercing). She picked out little horses. We also got a few gifts. The kids did very well despite all the walking around and lack of naps. Grammy and Grampy were a huge help as always! Evangeline takes home the prize…not a peep from her, only smiles! Poor Jubilee was so tired that she fell asleep before Phil had finished loading up the stroller. The evening with her was, shall I say, unpleas...

       

       

  Everyone is having a good time. Evie is trying to render Daddy blind   Lots of laughing   Uh Oh   The fun has ended text-align:CENTER'>

     

Things that are not fun about my day… Struggling with being joyful. Having a dark skin irregularity on my back removed (ouch). My back hurts. Getting a tetanus shot (ouch). My arm hurts. Killing time for over 2 hours while waiting to see the vet. (Sookie needed her stitches out from being fixed.) Three children that didn’t have naps and were cranky. Lots of crying included. Going to the grocery store and having a former student (now 15 years old, just finished her Freshman year) tell me she is pregnant.

      Auntie Tina took these pictures of my middle child, my big 2 year old girl, my first born daughter wearing a dress that I used to wear.

Oh my, could it really be July 7th already? Time for an update! We picked an additional 18 quarts of strawberries. That brings that grand total to just under 40 pounds. We have 9 gallons of frozen berries, 2 quarts of dried, 15 pints of jam, and Phil made snow cone syrup with the leftovers that we didn’t eat. We picked at the end of the season and the berries were really ripe but so sweet and flavorful. Next up are raspberries, cherries, and blueberries. We went to a Civil War reenactment at Willamette Mission park. We got there at the tail end of the battle scene so we missed the excitement but I loved wandering around the camps seeing people in their traditional clothing and “camping” in the traditional style. We would like to join a group at some point and get the children involved in learning about American history this way plus it is a great way to meet other homeschooling families. Zellee’s first birthday celebration was this past Saturday. It was fun to have both sides ...

We took the kids bowling! Bowling is very exciting. A group effort Good form Daddy!

I think I will just bite my shirt and check out my buns in big girl undies while Sawyer bowls. It is a long wait for the ball to get to the pins. There were several times when we weren't quite sure if it would make it.