Moments Like These

The Best Week Ever!

Aaron is home, happily tucked in, attempting to catch up on much-needed sleep.  He spent his first week away at Boy Scout Camp and eagerly deemed it “the best week ever!”

 Six days in the woods, with his buddy Alec, filled with archery, riflery, swimming, campfires, whittling, snake chasing, and C.O.P.E. climbing...does life get any better?

I was able to snap a few photos on Wednesday evening when we were invited to visit the camp for dinner and skits. 

There is no doubt...little boys were made for the outdoors!

 

Turtle Mornings

June is a busy month for turtles along the Pine Creek Rail Trail.  Last week, I happened upon three wood turtles digging holes in the gravel to lay their eggs.  It was fascinating to watch them use their powerful legs to move the rocky soil.  I was amazed at their choice of location for depositing their eggs as they seemed completely unintimidated by the world around them. 

Hopping on my bike again yesterday morning, I had hoped to see these same shelled wonders along the banks of the Creek.

Instead...SNAPPERS!  What an incredible sight!

Snappers up close and personal...very cool!

Helping Ninna

"Rie's!"

A Name Spoken

I sat with a dear friend yesterday, in the early morning hours, cup of coffee in hand, thinking I was going to offer her some words of encouragement.  Quite the opposite took place; she was the one offering the encouragement to me.  

I shared with her how hard it is for me to keep up with all the prayers that need to be spoken; there are so many petitions on my heart.  I related how my knees will never hold up while trying to fulfill my desired "I'll pray for you"  response to those longing for intercession.

As Our Lord always does, He promptly unveiled the solution to my concerns through a beautiful article written by Leona Choy at Phases of Womanhood. 

I often wonder how He can be so attentive to my small needs with all the swelling worriment facing the world.  I’m sure I’ll never understand…but, I will always be truly grateful for the love and concern He pours over me.

Today I’ll offer names, and He’ll take care of the rest!

Fiddler on the Roof

Our homeschool group put on a grand performance of the musical Fiddler on the Roof under the guidance of our fearless director, Stephanie Williams. 

 

The hand-sewn costumes were fantastic…the scenery was splendid…and the performers were outstanding!  Everyone displayed a true noble effort in pulling this play together without a flaw.

 

Kudos to the Home Grown Players!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Waltzing into Summer

Violets Are Blue

This pretty little heart-shaped flower is very abundant in the spring, splashing color across many lawns and meadows.  It has numerous medicinal qualities when consumed; some include easing pain as well as relieving respiratory disorders such as bronchitis, colds and coughs.  We chose to use the blossoms found in our yard not for these purposes, but to make sweet tasting syrup. 

Waffles for breakfast! 

An array of recipes can be found online.  I even found one that calls for honey rather than sugar for those who'd like to make a healthier syrup.

Ingredients:

• 4 c Violets; freshly picked -unsprayed
• 2 c Boiling water
• 6 c Sugar
• 1 Lemon (juice of)
• 2 c Water

Select only the freshest and most unblemished violets in your garden. Place violet petals in a deep bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Weigh down with a heavy dish to keep them submerged. Place the bowl in a draft-free place at room temperature for 24 hours. Pour violets and liquid into strainer, squeezing out juice from the violets; discard the violets. Place sugar, lemon juice and water in a saucepan and boil into very thick syrup near the candy stage. Add violet water and bring to a rolling boil. Boil 10 minutes or until thickened. Pour into sterile bottles. Allow to cool then seal and refrigerate.

VARIATION: Substitute 4 cups fragrant rose petals and add 1 cinnamon stick per bottle of syrup. MAKES: 2 QUARTS

 

So happy to see my mailman today :-)

I knew this was on its way…but didn’t know that the timing would be so perfect! May13th! (The very date that Our Lady appeared to three young children while they were shepherding their sheep in Portugal, in 1917, and asked for many rosaries to be prayed.)

Isn't Heaven's timing always perfect!!!

 

I can’t wait to curl up tonight with this treasure.  Thank you, Karen!

Wordless Wednesday (In the life of a 10-year-old)