Thankful

 Know what I'm thankful for?  Friends.  When we first moved to Maine, my husband had several family members here.  They have all moved away.  We have no relatives unless we travel over many states.  I've been dealt some heavy blows as of late and BOTH of our family cars have been temperamental at best, or having an extended stay at the local auto shop, awaiting a turn to drain our bank account.  I've had friends who have whisked me away for grown up fun and friends who have supported our family with fun activities, transportation and offers to help.  So thankful for people who are so very kind to us.  Thank you <3.

Photo above of a lovely hike with friends and below of my crew clearly surviving at home without me. I love them so, but also enjoy a little time on my own too. 

Farm Life Hard

A foggy start was the foreshadow of what was to come of our day.  It ended up being a hard day on the farm.  Anyone who grew up on a farm can probably list a few of the very hard days that will forever be stuck in our mental archives. I sure can from my childhood. There are hard days in the city, hard days in the suburbs, hard days on a cruise ship, hard days here, there and everywhere. I wish we could escape the hard, but since we cannot, the hard I will choose will be the farm life.  The good still outweighs the hard. 

A bright spot was certainly her in her mama made dress. I love this pic of her and Copper.  He's such a goof.  He doesn't really enjoy other people, but he loves his family. 

County Fair 2024

 Late to the update, but the kids had another successful year at the fair.  As 4Hers, our time is so very packed with all our responsibilities.  They rise to the challenges and work so hard at the fair.  Highlight is Audra got best in show for her dress.

Their entries and ribbons, a job well done.

Beachcombing

 I'm back to leading groups for ocean education.  These are a few of our beachcombing friends.  To think, we get to do science midday at the ocean.  Definitely a homeschooling perk.

RIP Maple Tree

This tree was teeny when we first moved. I weeded, fed and tended this tree until it grew into a beautiful shade tree.  It got struck by lightning and since was not stable and growing towards our garage.  I'm very proud of my husband and son for taking it down. At least it's fire wood and not wasted. 

Seasons change

 

Most of the cows are gone for the winter now.  They'll be back come spring. 

We still have the horses, donkeys and two calves. It has been such a joy to have all this livestock here, for all of us. 

We still have tons of summer flowers.  I think I counted 9 bouquets in my house at this moment. So much still happening in the garden. I suppose I should do another post about the garden.

Girls are starting to do some fall crafts. I've been line drying our regular laundry and trying to do the curtains too.

(The yelling one is my dad, lol)

Now we're inside so much earlier.  It's almost time wood fire, board games and sewing machine seasons.  I just love living where there are seasons. The changing of each season is my favorite. 

September Maine Waters

 Does this girl think the Maine ocean waters are too cold in September? No. Not at all. 

In fact she loved it so, she proposed to the ocean.  "Will you marry me, ocean?"  

Road Closed

 We had the joy of having our road closed for a few glorious days. Surprisingly, there  were many people who ignored the sign and tried anyway, so Audra added to the signage. 

She enjoyed walking on the yellow line. 

Anna-Kate took full advantage and became a bike rider over the few days! She never was interested in biking before, but she's doing great now! 

I wouldn't mind it being closed longer. Adrian, on the other hand, is glad it's open again.  He's been spending weekday mornings since 2020 waving to the cars.  He's back at it now that the road is open again. 

Nice Parking, Jack

 As a part of his birthday, he gifted me this surprise. Background, I grew up being called 'Jack' as a nickname and I'm not a stellar driver or parker. I'm overly cautious and have terrible visual spatial.  Anyway, he lives in the land of sarcasm, so he thought he was quite funny.

ReCap of 14th Birthday

Modeling his new Carhart shirt. Wearing the hat he made (cheaper to buy patch and cheap had and combine, saved himself over $20 compared to the original)

Menu: Big Mac Smash Burgers, Sour Cream and Onion Chips, Orange Soda, Fruit Salad

Not a small personality...

Table Top Pool was the best game for a 14 year old, apparently.  (The Happy Birthday Banner I made comes out still. And AK is wearing a dress I made.) 



 And a shopping date with Nam. Happy Birthday Adrian! 

Happy 14th Birthday Adrian!

 

13.5, follow the links to the other birthdays. 

Adrian, you are 14!  

The word that describes you best is you're dependable.  You do the same things every morning and evenings with no help from your parents. You're the town's beloved waving man! 

You are an amazing artist..drawing and painting in particular.   You're really becoming creative with fixing things and creating things.  Your dioramas are so intricate. 

You love working.  mowing lawns, cutting, hauling and stacking wood, fixing things.  You're a mover.  And you're trying hard to be a saver (particularly depositing into your own account). 

You know soooo much about vehicles.  Future plans for a mechanic, so you say. 

You love to eat and you eat sooooooooo much of EVERYTHING.  You're growing rapidly.  

You're friendly, talkative and optimistic. You make friends wherever you go. 

Your fave smells are diesel, fresh cut hay, fresh manure and cow's breath. 

You're excited for fires and home cooked food on the woodstove come winter.

You live in the land of humor, sarcasm and dad jokes and I'm so lucky to be your mama. 

The Story of the Parade

 Anna-Kate had her heart set on being IN a parade, being toted along, waving at all her fans. Like a true queen. My Uncle Randy MADE THIS HAPPEN FOR HER.  She was so happy! (Thank you Uncle Randy and Aunt Di! xoxo). 

Waiting for the queen...

LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! 

Adrian and his dream ride. :) 

Nature

 One of the enjoyable things about parenting my children is how much they love nature.  I know, I know, the apples didn't fall far from the tree.  But this noticing, pointing out, identifying, sharing is just a part of who they are. It's not a quick glance with them either, they like to really observe. Whenever they find something great, their first instinct is to come and tell me and to gather the others to see. I tend to have more pics of the girls sharing their findings because they are the 'take my picture' type of kids.  But it's all three of them finding things to learn about. I'm hoping this is a lifelong enjoyment that we will share.