Joys- View from my Lens

I haven't been able to blog much about the farm or life in general lately.  This weekend I decided to take some photos of a few things that brought me joy. I used to do this quite regularly when I began the blog.  

I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

:)

Mailbox surprises on a rough day!

Look at that little gal's smile!

The words say it all! Thanks to my daughter for a new apron! LOVE IT!

Having all my loves around our dining room table!

Friends from Childhood are oh so precious!

Birthday girls! She was way more excited about the bubble gum than the Lego watch! :)

Not sure what this expression was about, but it made me laugh so I'm including it!

That's better!

Three buddies!


I am grateful for the time God has given to enjoy my family and friends.

Julie

Day 1 and Day 2,186

Celebrating PV's birthday this week.

The photo on the left is  1 day old 
and the one on the right, 

it's 2,186 days old.

To read about our first day with our daughter, 
you can check out this blogpost.

Today she is 2,186 days old.  
We have had 2,186 days with this child.  
We have spent some of those days rocking her, bouncing on an exercise ball, teaching her to walk, watching her play tball, teaching her to cook, watching movies and cuddling.  Some of the days have been spent away from her but mostly with her.  Some of the days were spent teaching her the Word of God and some were planting a garden or two.  
A few were spent in farm equipment or dropping off at school, appreciating the sunrises, and answering hard questions. 
Some on vacations and 
some were holding hands for no reason.

Many things have occurred in 2,186 days.

 Every ordinary day is precious.
Sometimes we forget that.
But today I want to celebrate her.
She turns 6 on 2,191 days old. 

I just want to celebrate what she has been, 
what is she becoming, 
and where she is headed.

Time for me to not waste any more precious time.
Hugging my (soon to be) 6 year old is in order!

Thanks for stopping by and spending a moment with me!
Julie

Spring Break- Taking a Break!

Spring break was this past week for PV and we decided to take alittle time away from the farm to spend time with her.  

We spent 3 days in Kansas City. 

 It was much needed and quite enjoyable for all of us!

We went to Sea Life and Lego Land in Kansas City, we would recommend both although Sea Life was all three of our favorite.  PV also loved swimming and staying in the motel. Gotta love a kid that is content with a motel bed and pool! :)

We love to eat at The Cheesecake Factory as well.  

I would recommend the cheesecake with macadamia nuts! 

YUM! 

Tomorrow is back to school and regular work schedules and all those things we call life!  I hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie

Introducing Charlie

Here's where we introduce the newest member of our family!  His name is Charlie. 

Actually it's Charlie Martin Vogts.  Yep that is his official name via our 5 year old daughter!  (Martin is after her most recent favorite cartoon, WILD KRATTS. It's actually a very good show and she has learned alot about animals! GO PBS!)

He is half Blue heeler, quarter Australian shepard, and quarter Catahoula.  So far he is quite sweet and all puppy.  PV did take some time to warm up to him, but she is gradually becoming pals.  She had been bitten a few weeks ago by a dog, so we knew it might take awhile.  

Although he will be an outdoor dog, he does come in currently in the evenings for play time until the weather is nicer.  We found them last night like this..........

Even though the dog was originally for PV, I think Milton has come to be quite happy about him.  I foresee Charlie riding in the pickup and following him around in no time around the farm.

So on occasion you will see posts and pictures of our new pal!

An update on the farm:

                                                  Chickens are not laying as many eggs.  

Milton and I are browsing the area for a newer 

combine as the time has come to seriously start looking!

Cattle will be leaving the farm in a couple weeks.

Before we know it, Milton will be planting corn, April is almost here!

We will be celebrating PV's 6th birthday this week, so very hard to believe!

I hope to be able to blog more with spring around the corner!

May your days be filled with joy!

Thanks for stopping by and meeting Charlie!

Julie

Signs of A Young Child

Signs of a young child being present in my home!

The Sorry game is sitting out in our main living room

just waiting to finish the hot & heavy game we started this morning!

This was left open when she went to the car

to go to school this morning!

No this isn't a barn, it's my jewelry box!

(AKA tractor storage)

The main bathroom has a nicely decorated

soap dispenser... designer PV herself!

A new reading corner in our family room.

Things like this would have drove me crazy back in the day!
Some things have really changed since my older daughters were PV's age!

But today, I'm alittle more relaxed,

 because these signs in my home, 

mean I was fortunate enough to become a 

Mother one more time.  

God knew the plans he had for me.

He knows the plans he has for me.

I am grateful for all my children. 

I am grateful for every lesson that  has come my way via my children.  

Feel free to share a memory of how one would know there was/is 
a youngster  in your home.

Or snap a quick picture and feel free to share on our Facebook page!

Come along with me and celebrate the little things of little ones!
Toys all over, tractors in odd places, laundry piled up, and 
piles of school papers on the countertop!

Let's celebrate children!

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie