I've been busy trying to absorb all the daylight I could while we had it. Well, really just absorbing rain drops, but at least it was light out while it rained:-) We had one of the coldest summers in history up here...only 2 days above 70 degrees. That is really rediculous and scary for me because of the lack of light. I'm bringing in as many of my plants and things as I can to help things look more like sunshine inside.

I'm not going to try to catch up all in one post because that would be more like a book. I'll just start from today. Isn't God awesome? I have a new bible study book called Balancing the Sword that is so fabulous. I love it because it doesn't tell me what to think, it directs me to compare scripture to scripture and gather what God thinks. I was a little apprehensive because I lacked confidence to be able to think my way thorough all this without commentaries, but God is so very faithful. I'm learning so much about His Word. I'm going to start going through it during our bible time in the mornings with the kiddos today. I'm so excited to see what we learn and discuss.

We have 2 new foster kids. They are both boys and have found a mighty special place in our hearts. Today is fs2's birthday. Should be a fun celebration. He turns 3. It's been a very long time since I planned a bday party for a 3yo. It is so fun!

Meg's 15th birthday is in a couple of weeks. Yep, I'm old enough to have a 15 year old. I dont' feel that old...when did that happen anyway? Her party is this weekend and it is going to be so fun for her. I dearly adore my daughter and am so thankful to have her around. We are having a sleepover with several of her friends and lots of games, food, and movies. Should be a great time! I even really like Meg's friends. What a blessing to have a daughter who wants to serve the Lord, and who has friends who want to do the same.

Dusty and Cam are also doing awesome. Dusty has been working this summer and has saved to buy himself a truck. We are getting it today. It was cheap and is a fixer, but he's got 2 years to get it all fixed up before he'll be driving on his own. Boy, does he have big plans! Cam is a little bummed because fishing is about done for awhile. Things will start freezing up soon and we'll have to stay off the water until December sometime. He and Gene are hoping to take the boat out this weekend for the last time before we put it up for the winter. He still talks about the ocean trip we took. I'm so glad that worked out.

On the homesteading front, lots of new news. The addition is coming along. My bedroom is mudded and we'll  hopefully texture tomorrow, primer on Wednesday and paint Thursday and Friday. Lay the carpet this weekend and move in??? That would be so awesome! The other bedroom will need to follow that schedule as we will only rent a carpet stretcher once. Guess we'll be busy! It will be so nice to have more space. 2 bedrooms for 7 people is just crazy! I'm tired of the couch.
Guess it froze last night, so the garden is officially finished. I'll pick the rest of the peas to give to the horse and chickens. The pigs and chickens will be butchered in a couple of weeks. Oh, I almost forgot, Gene is getting a goat! He's always wanted one...we will pick it up this week.

Guess I did try to catch up some. That's what 's new around here. Enjoy the pix of the garden! I didn't do much for lack of sunshine but we do have green beans and carrots coming out our ears, more lettuce that we could possibly eat, and peas to beat the band. Can't complain...

God Bless you, my online friends!

Tan