I guess it was simple writers block to begin with, then the longer away from blogland, the harder it was to return.  That old perfectionism rearing its ugly head again.  I MUST not have flaws - or at least not let those flaws show!  I've been reminded again this week of just who I am in myself.  Yuck!  Over the years, God has been covering me over with Himself more and more.  I was beginning to think that old heart of perfectionism and even deceit were dead and buried.  Well, maybe buried - but still oh so much alive.  I am disgusted by the glimpse and sickened by the realization of how I have hurt people I love because of it.    How I wish I could cut that aspect of myself away.  But I realize the more I try - the more I work at it - the more I look at it - - the more I am pulled toward self-pity, despair, and depression.  I can't concentrate on fixing me.  I acknowledge it.  It is there.  Lord, forgive me and touch those I've hurt.  Now I must turn my eyes back to Him - concentrate on drawing closer to Him, and chose to believe that He IS changing me and He WILL cut that evil deceitful heart out of me in His perfect timing.

       In the meantime, life at the Kaether homestead has been more than a little busy...

In May, we got baby chicks!  Now I feel like a real homesteader. ;)  They are brown leghorns  (brown chickens who will lay white eggs and plenty of them or so I'm told).  We got just 6 as our first experiment and we are enjoying them very much.  They grow even faster than children - I'm just amazed!

The chicks When they First Arrived...

The Chickens Today!...

Late in May, my mom (Nana G.) came for a visit.  It was so wonderful to see her.  We had 2 1/2 days of fun activities - The Historic Surgeon's Quarters and seeing the animals at the McKenzie Center one day - then a wonderful teaparty picnic at Devils Lake State Park the second, and finally a quiet day at home baking. :)

Singing for Nana at Aunt Juli's house...

Teaparty Picnic with friends and cousins...

Making a Butterfly Cake with Nana

As summer blooms, we have had wonderful brushes with nature.  We are so so blessed to be in the country.  There truly is a peacefulness that touches the soul.

Camping Out in the Backyard...

Walking along Devils Lake...

A Mama Deer and her Baby right in the Front Yard...

A Nest Found and Photographed by Jeremi...     

And another great visit - albeit way too short - - this time from my "little" brother, Karl.   The children completely overwhelmed him with love and bunny ears. ;)

On the personal side, I've been busy working on my website Daddy's Little Princess, adding new pictures and new designs and a whole new ordering format that I hope will work more smoothly.

And finally getting around to decorating our bedroom.

  I love touching the past and seeing it around me every day.  My cousin gave me the pretty black capelet that belonged to Great Gramma Brandt.  I had an old frame and decided to put into it a pretty beaded feathered thingamabob that I'm assuming was worn over a bun or maybe a hat? that also was Gramma Brandt's - and surrounded it with old family photos - Grampa Gartman by his WWII plane, Gramma and Grampa's wedding photo, and more.  I ran out of room and had to put the last three special photos in the edges of my mirror. :)  Hanging on the other side of the corner are the christening gown I made 15 1/2 years ago that each of our eight children have worn covered by a long antique coat that I was blessed to find at a rummage sale.  The beautiful tatted booties were in the cedar chest that I inherited from Gramma Gartman.  Just a few of my favorite things...

Hope you have a lovely lovely day!  God bless you!

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Posted by Jewels

Dearest Heid, this is **so** beautiful! Not to sound totally selfish, but this was a feast for me (and for everyone else that comes by for a visit) I know it probably took a good while for you to load all those lovely photos--thanks for taking the time, that I know you won't always have to spare. You are one of my precious treasures, Heid, and I thank the Lord for the priceless gift of you. I love you dear sister and friend.
Tenderly, Jewels

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Posted by reflectionsofgrace

Don't be so hard on yourself. Our wonderful God is working on you every moment of the day. He knows our mistakes and weaknesses. The more we lean on Him the more He shines through us. When we fall down or make mistakes and ask for forgiveness or help he is our Father, picks us up and kisses our boo boos or He will help us. We are being refined everyday.
God bless you!!!!

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