Happy Thoughts...

I snapped this image Sunday at the end of church. The sunlight coming through the windows was so very beautiful I didn't even try to resist my urge.

Today my summer camp kids and I went to Marmon Valley Horse Farm and had an absolutely wonderful time.

Tonight my Dad brought treats over (Chocolate cake!) and we took our puppy to the dog park.

And... to top it all off... My teaching license has been renewed!

Three cheers for a lovely day!

Holidays...

Stopping for soda and shorts on the way back from church, we headed to the parade with enthusiasm. Though it was hot, I simply love cheering and catching candy. True, I can and do buy sugary confections aplenty, there is something special about munching on yummies you've "caught".

After the parade, we headed over to my parents house. It was then that I realized... sigh... yup I had totally forgotten to bring the grill. Suffice it to say I was aggravated. In the end, it didn't matter... it all worked out alright.

Later as I sat on the lawn of my parents' church and watched the fireworks with my entire family, I smiled. Though the day had its share of ups and downs, in the end it simply didn't matter. My parents, my brothers, my husband, my children, my aunt, my uncle, my niece... they didn't wack me with a rock for my mistake... the day wasn't ruined.

What a blessing... forgiveness... family...

Happy together...

This afternoon, our family went to Slate Run Living Historical Farm near Canal Winchester, Ohio. Together we meandered up the dusty path, admiring chickens and the large healthy garden.

As we approached the farm house, we were greeted by a sign inviting our family to come around back and sample vintage drinks from the past. A kind woman in 1800's garb, explained each beverage to us and offered us each a taste of whatever we would like to try. We all sampled the strawberry water and decreed it to be very tasty.

Our son spied the large hammock tied nearby and we inquired if he could swing. An affirmative answer and a nod from dear old mom, was all it took to make him climb aboard. After a satisfying break from walking, our son and younger daughter helped me water the crops in the garden!

Yes, you too can help out at this working historical farm! Using a hand pump, we raised the water and moseyed out into the field to water some beans. Nearby, in the shade our oldest and my husband chatted. (My husband tore a muscle at work and our older daughter was keeping him company while he rested his leg.)

After playing at farming, we went up the trail to pet the animals at the barn. I think we were most delighted by the small calf born just a few weeks ago. He was sweet and happily let us pet him! Of course there were the normal barnyard menagerie to admire as well. A worker even brought a horse out of its stall for visitors to meet.

If you are looking for a delightful, and free, experience for your family head on over to:

http://www.metroparks.net/ParksSlateRunFarm.aspx and discover for yourself why a trip should be in your immediate future.

This day and always,
I wish you well...
I pray you are given what you need...
I ask that you are blessed!

Wandering on a lazy afternoon...

With eight children in tow, I walked the paths at Blendon Woods Metro Park today. We enjoyed the comfortable weather as we walked through forest and field. Butterflies, daddy long legs and even squirrels scurrying in the underbrush caught our fancy.

The kids, students at my school's summer camp, delighted in a scavenger hunt.
(Don't worry my students had to show me what they found, we did not collect anything.)

Along the way we took a break to play "Guess the animal" with a communal piece of chalk on a bit of paved trail and my charges drenched each other with the contents of their water bottles. I laughed and looked the other way. Water, after all, is just water.

I returned to the bus with a smile and a very satisfied feeling. I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy this wonderful season.

Now and always, I pray you are blessed with the peace that comes from the One who made the forest in which we played today.