Grillin'

For a month or so we have had the propane cut off to the house. Darren needs to trench another line as the last line was accidentally kinked. I have been cooking with the crock pot, electric skillet and microwave like normal...but also adding the grill for the meat. I have managed to make frozen pizza and biscuit pull-aparts on the grill. Its amazing what you can do on a grill! I'm hoping we will have the propane hooked up by this weekend. First thing I'm going to do - can some of those veggies that are taking over the garden!!! I was going to start yesterday until I realized - DUH KAREN how are you going to boil the water?? Grill?? NO WAY! I am more grateful for a stove/oven than ever before. Remember me when you fire up your stove or oven tonight for supper. :-)

Black Bear, Black Bear what do you see?

I see a trail cam looking at me.

One of Darren's trail cam caught a bear walking by. Oh my - I'm torn. On one hand I'm excited we have picture proof of a bear on our land, but on the other hand THERE IS A BEAR ON OUR LAND!!!

RIP little brother

Mark's grave next to my other brother, Blase who died in 1984.

Today is the one year anniversary of the day we buried my brother Mark. It is has to believe it has been a year already. I have had a good week in regards to Mark. I expected I would cry and miss him more than usual, but I didn't.

The boys and I returned this week from a trip to South Dakota. I have lots of pictures to post when I finally find a moment. While we were there I took the boys to visit the graves of my brothers. It was hard and I cried. Stephen reminded me that at the end of the world Mark's body would be "put back" with his soul and everything would be ok. Its wonderful to have such comfort at a time like that.

I think it hurts the most when I think of my parents and I think of myself as a parent. My parents are two of the strongest people I know, period! I pray to God to give me their strength, their gentleness, their patience, their love for their children and most of all their faith in God. So next time I miss Mark - I'm going to hug each of my children a little tighter and thank God for every moment I have with them.

Garden update

My two garden helper buddies. Blase is good help...Brech on the other hand.

Oh I can taste the stuffed peppers already! Anyone want to come for supper??

Squash and Pumpkin Mountains

Tomato Forest
Now on to Bean-n-Pea Alley...

Baby pumpkin
Blase high by the 7th of August. (doesn't quite rhyme)

This bug was on the corn. Stephen caught one like it and called it Buster. He kept walking around and telling it to stop trying to get away. "Now just stop that Buster."

Front porch sittin'

Look what I found sitting on our front porch this afternoon. He's still there now. He was hiding under the little swimming pool and scared the beegeebees out me. While I was watching him, he eat a bug that walked by. Talk about some serious tongue action!!

Heard said

Yesterday we received some of the math games and manipulatives I ordered for school. The boys were super excited and had to do "school" right away. Last night when Cormac climbed into bed him and I have a sweet talk.

Cormac "Mom can I do school the next day?"
Me "Yes of course you can do school."
Cormac "I will leave some for Blase and Stephen too."

Oh how sweet he is! I'm sure Blase and Stephen could care less about Cormac leaving them some of his school work, but the thought is nice nonetheless.

Whatta Mommy!

Darren bought a new trail camera not too long ago. He set it up out in the woods by the deer/bear blind (I think). This is what the camera captured. We haven't seen her close to the house yet. I'm sure as soon as Darren starts baiting closer to the house we will see them.
And I thought I was busy?! I can't imagine keeping track of three babies!!! They are so adorable with their spots. I do love the woods for this reason.