The farmers around here have had quite the year. They lost a lot of their crops in the wheat fields due to rain. We had so much rain that the grain was past harvest time. Then of course the same thing happened with the spuds (potatoes). We had a week of rain and it saturated the ground. The farmers had to wait for the ground to dry and with the colder weather approaching this was worrisome. From what I understand, potatoes cannot tolerate freezing conditions. The spuds needed to come out, but the ground has to be completely dry. Finally the conditions were right and they were able to start. I came home one night at 9 from bible study and the farmers were digging in the dark. The fields were lit up. Today’s machines are amazing and high tech. People no longer have to sort them because the machines do it. Luckily, they got them out in time. The next few weeks the temperatures at night are supposed to get to freezing. Now all that is left is soft earth. The boys and Zoe are really enjoying this. They love to throw the clods in the air and watch them break apart on the way down and of course collide with the earth. 🙂 Oh, what to look forward to! Here are some videos and pictures. I know all the boys (and girls) will love the video and pictures! Most of them are from our deck because the boys could not be in the yard due to the machines. I have to say I love that the boys are having these experiences and seeing tractors, getting on them and watching them work. What an amazing learning adventure for them. I hope you enjoy the pics!

Spud Day Parade Float

The Spud Festival in Shelley, Idaho.

The boys’ selection, fresh Idaho potatoes

What with the late rains this year, farmers have not been able to harvest their grain.  A small percentage have cut it, but much of the crop has lost value because the kernels have begun to sprout with the dampness.  Last night they began to harvest a large field behind our house, and they finished it this afternoon

A gran cart cruising alongside a combine to take the grain to waiting trucks

A grain combine with its 30 foot swath of harvesting capabilities

Joshua dwarfed by the tractor disking the border of the spud field behind the house.

The boys’ selection, fresh Idaho potatoes

. Today they also came to disk around the spud field in preparation for harvest here as well.  The boys spent about an hour walking through the soft, freshly plowed dirt barefoot and selected the best spuds for the dinner table. 

Ok so I am a little behind on my blogging..so here’s to catching up!

As of July, Joshua is now 7! I know parents say how the time flies all the time, but goodness does it ever. I remember him being born and meeting the world for his first time. Now he’s entering the 2nd grade!

For his birthday, we went to Heise Hot Springs. It’s a water park near here that has a waterslide, pool, and hot pools. We had a great time. He then wanted to go to pizza. My niece and nephew were here to celebrate with us and both sets of his grandparents and my aunt and uncle from Texas. It was a fun family time. He enjoyed his time with family and of course his presents.

I just thank the Lord for his sweet life and for blessing us as his parents! I look forward to many more birthday’s and watching him grow in all ways! Happy Birthday Joshua!

Joshua’s 7th Birthday!

We gathered all the kids and the grandparents and went to spend a fun day at WYNP in Wyoming. We visited the town of West Yellowstone, Fire Hole Waterfall and the impressive canyon of West Yellowstone in which we ended up in a thunderstorm with lightening, rain and hail! It was such a beautiful visit especially with the waterfalls in the canyon. We had a great day enjoying the sites with Grandpa and Grandma Rose. Unfortunately, we did not see any wildlife of significance. Here are some pics from the day and click on my video tab to see the geyser of Old Faithful.

Country life is quieter than our “normal” I must say. I have been a way too long. (We are now living in Idaho Falls, Idaho.) We like it but it is hard being away from family and friends who we love and miss. Life is slower paced, we actually see the stars and Chris and I were blessed to watch a lightening storm over the mountains in the far distance as we sat by a fire. It really has been great!.

We’ve been here a two weeks now. It has really gone by fast. We’ve been busy driving, unpacking, visiting with family and seeing the sights. The boys (Chris included) and the dog love it! Who wouldn’t love playing and running in open space and getting dirty every moment possible! I do like it here but am just getting used to not being so close to everything and everyone. Zoe just cannot keep herself out of the canal. My parents basement is beautiful and almost done. My dad and mom have done a beautiful job. We have the bathroom and the kitchenette to finish. Now Chris and I are here to help with the finishing touches so slowly but surely we hopefully will get to it before school starts in the fall.

As I end this post I leave this vision. Green beautiful fields of potatoes with their flowers and golden barley and wheat fields with the endless sounds of sprinklers running, giving life, and birds chirping all throughout the day. This is what we wake up to and end our day with. It is just one small part of the mighty creation God has made.

(Pics and more details of the move to come)

Wishing my sis a wonderful Happy Birthday! Here’s a sweet birthday song for you from the nephews! Hope you enjoy your day! Have a blessed and joyful day celebrating your life! To many more years to come…we love you!

Something to ponder…

Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
 She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.

Such an amazing challenge to strive for as a wife. There are so many things I may do selfishly thinking that I am not harming anything or anyone, but I could be if I don’t think about how I could be affecting my marriage. My prayer is that this verse would be a vibrant part of my marriage always and that I would be always genuine and Christ like in all that I do so that my sinful nature does not cause harm and that I would be a blessing to my wonderful husband. Thoughts in life!