July Happenings ... Introduction

Hey Friends!

Here is a partial recap of our month of July.  A LOT happened in July; we were very busy with non-stop action.  Whew!  Here we are and July is just about done.  

July starts with remembering my mom.  Of course, I remember her at times more than just the beginning of July ... I think of her often, ... but the beginning of July is when she passed ( two years this July) and so I think I will always make a point of remembering her in a special way on that day.  That day was not special or fun but to honor her and our memories of her, it is important to replace the difficulty of that day with positivity and family-time and a good experience.  

Of course, my memory garden is a constant and intentional reminder of my mom and I enjoy adding things to it that I know she would really like.

This year we spent the day with my dad and we all went to a Brewers baseball game.

The weather was really nice and the Brewers won so that makes it all worthwhile!!

Miller Park is pretty impressive!

Yea, we know how to make the most of it!!

Yes, we were in the nosebleed section ... with PLENTY of room to move around!

Also at the beginning of July, we had a quick but nice visit with some dear friends.  We went out for ice cream to enjoy each other's company for a bit.  

Our boys and theirs just LOVED spending some time together!

But what I REALLY wanted to show you is this B-E-A-Utiful cup/mug that they brought me!!!  They know how much I LOVE poppies and upon seeing this treasure ... just knew it was meant for me.

I TOTALLY AGREE!

I just LOVE it and I am so happy to have it!

THEN ... I wanted to share with you our gardening expedition for this season.  Back in May, I took a couple days off work (all by myself - it was a glorious couple of days!) and I prepped and planted our garden.  

We had started the plants in our house about six weeks before that and then transferred them to the little greenhouse we have in early May.  

This is what they plants looked like when I first planted them.

Above: banana peppers and sweetpeas.

Below: roma tomatoes

Below: green beans, zucchini, spaghetti squash and cucumbers

We also planted more cucumbers in some big pots outside our deck.  And they've started growing!

Just look at that cute little harvester!!

He is a tremendous helper and he really enjoys finding the veggies that are growing.

Will you take a look at what our garden looks like now???

The spaghetti squash has grown so much that it is now travelling along the little fence and even OVER the little fence!

I just know my mother would be overcome with JOY!

WOW!  Are you as amazed as we are??  

God sure knows how to show Himself to us in ways He knows we will get big delight from!

We've also harvested LOTS of herbs!  

While we definitely got a lot so far, I feel that the plants did better when we actually planted them in the ground as opposed to the planter boxes we tried this year.

Next year, we may go back to putting them in the ground.  On the lookout for more garden space!

Just look at all those peppers!

They've yet to ripen up but we sure are hopeful! 

The spaghetti squash is TAKING OVER!!

Who wants some? 

At the beginning of the season, Peter Rabbit was finding his way into our garden but all he was eating was the Kale.  Well, we finally reinforced the boundaries and NOW he can't get in so we have a GLORIOUS bouquet of Kale!  

Take THAT Peter!!! 

I just love a harvest!  

I really think a farmette may be in my future!

June Happenings ...

After school let out for the summer, we sent the girls off to Camp AWANA ... a whole week of outdoors fun, on their own with their friends and camp counselors and drawing closer to God.

While they were away, we took the little boys on our own camping adventure.  We love camping and rarely have time with just the little guys so this was a great opportunity to spend time with them doing what we enjoy most.

It was pretty hot that week so ice cream and water was a MUST!!

(even for our dog, Jax!)

During one of trips down to the water, we spotted an eagle perched on a small limb ... this was SO EXCITING ... I mean, how often do you see an eagle?

Yea, I know ... he was way out there and a good look was not an option ... but STILL, it was an eagle.

(can you see him?)

On one of our days, we took a drive and found THIS!

Shalom Wildlife Zoo in West Bend, WI.  

We had no idea what to expect, but let me tell you, ... it was really quite a great place to visit.  

It may have something to do with the fact that we were nearly the ONLY ones visiting the park at the time, ... 

... but it is pretty large and there is plenty to see and do.  Even if there was a crowd, I think it is a worthy go-to destination.

Meet Mr. ELK.  

He was amazing to see and these photos do not do him justice.

He was GIGANTIC and as he was coming over knowing that we had food to give him, he actually towered over us in size.  His back came nearly eye-level with Brian!

The albino deer were really something as well ... so beautiful and gentle, amazing to see!

There were even horses, zebras, sheep, and ostriches (BIG ostriches) to see and feed!  There are also great big turtles (maybe tortoises), foxes, wolves, bears, rabbits, badger, etc ... there are really a lot of animals to find at the Shalom Wildlife Zoo.

I don't think the turkey is particularly beautiful but it sure is impressive when they get all puffed up trying to impress the ladies.

And, of course, my favorite ... the peacock!

But I have to tell you ... this might be my new favorite and I have been seriously thinking that I am destined to live on a cute little farmette.  This pygmy goat stole my heart.  He is just a baby but, oh, the cutest, mischevious, spunky little thing!!  

He was leaping around and doing gymnastics with a tree trunk and twirling himself around ... I couldn't help but fall in love with him.  At one point, he escaped his area and we were concerned for his safety so Brian picked him up, much to the little guy's dismay, and he put him back inside his pen.  

We later found out that this goat roams in and out of his pen quite often but that he always comes back because of his momma.  Now, isn't that a nice thought?

I want one!  or two ... or ten!!!

Anyone want to give me goat lessons??