Theme

I've noticed that recent blog posts have centered around outdoor activities. While that doesn't mean that I am spending all of my time outside, it does reflect my appreciation for the warmer weather and plethora of flowering plants, bushes and trees.

Splash

Charlie and I like the huge puddle in the middle of the sandhill on my parents' farm. Charlie races in and out of the water. Of course, he shares his joy by shaking water all over me. 

Lilacs

Relax

Book, hammock, dog.

Buggy

It may not be the coolest set of wheels, but it's hard to beat the Beachy Buggy for practicality. 

Abundantly

When God entrusted the Cookie House to Julie and me, He blessed me abundantly beyond my expectations. Not only does the house meet my needs by providing shelter, but it also appeals to my longing for beauty.

God gave me a cute house, surrounded by trees, flowers, rocks and even water. I have apple, crab apple, red maple, catalpa and pine trees. My flowerbed are lined with rocks and overflowing with lilies, violets, daffodils, tulips, daisies, and flowers I don't even know the names of. My driveway is lined with lilacs, hibiscus, flowering cherry and roses. Every couple of days a new plant or tree or bush bursts into bloom. The air this week has been fragrant with lilacs and lily of the valley and I've watched cardinals and robins as they sing in the tree branches.

God, my good Father, has blessed me with good gifts. 

Work and play

 My family helped spruce up the Cookie House yard last Saturday. They cut down a dead tree, mowed the lawn, weed-whacked under trees and around bushes, hung a hammock and burned some of the twigs and brush that has been accumulating in a pile at the edge of the property. 

Then Mom and Naomi brought over homemade pizza, and we sat around in lawn chairs watching the fire, roasting marshmallows and visiting with our friends Lydia, Tim and Caleb. 

It was a good end to a good day.

Green

Yard work

Logan is my lawn care man. Libby is the garden expert. We had a long list of outdoor chores last Monday when they came over. We didn't get everything done, or even started, but the yard looked a lot better at the end of the day. 

Charlie likes yard work, too. Especially, when he finds a lost bone.

Biking

Betsy and I took Charlie on a three mile bike ride/jog. When we got back Charlie sprawled on the porch and took a nap.

Mother's Day

We celebrated Mother's Day at the Cookie House this year. I prepared the ham that Betsy received from her work at Christmastime. Libby brought scalloped potatoes and rolls; Betsy contributed salads and Naomi baked lemon meringue pies. Julie even joined us by Skype. 

Marblehead

Though Libby and I stopped in Sandusky, Ohio on our trip home from Pennsylvania, we had no desire to visit the Cedar Point Amusement Park. Instead we followed a finger along the bay to the Marblehead Lighthouse on Lake Erie.

To know him

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17 NIV

Charlie

Family of five

Sandusky, Ohio

Libby and I sojourned overnight in Sandusky, Ohio on our trek from Pennslvania to Michigan last week. The light was perfect as we stretched our legs in downtown Sandusky. 

Forgotten

Lilacs

I confirmed the other day that I am still allergic to lilacs. Happily, I discovered a way to enjoy the fragrant blossoms without having to blow my way through a box of tissues.

Picture time

After I snapped a picture of Kaelyn, she took pictures of Libby and me. 

Promise

I have called you by your name;

You are Mine.

Isaiah 43.1 NKJV

Red

Big load

Underdog

Blue

I was informed that no one gets tired of baby pictures and I should post some more. 

Siblings

Leveling ground

Rain barrel

I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. 

I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.

Ezekiel 34:26 NIV

Pink

The princesses

Austin

Austin was considerate enough to time his arrival with the break between semesters. Libby and I took advantage of the opportunity to meet our first nephew.

Haraam

forbidden

(one of the few Arabic words I've picked up)