Ready for a Doll/Tea Party

Gabe dropped off the brownies.  He made himself a second batch though!  We made up the simple recipe:  1 cup Costco almond butter, 4 oz organic raw cacao paste, 1 egg, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/2 cup raw honey, 1/2 tsp organic almond flavoring.  Put all in Vitamix and blend with plunger on high until a dark chocolate, oily mass.  Spread into 8X8 pan and bake for 20 mins. in a convection 350ºF oven.  They are the real thing!

Ready for a party with her American Girl.  Lydia saved up $100 worth of job chart points this year for her new doll.  Now they are all dolled up for a party that she and girl friends planned, had hand written invitations for, and had designated dress up and food goodies to bring.  They had a great afternoon, playing American Girl games and brought home a craft.

Lydia and Rebecca in summer party dress.

August Sunrise

I managed to pad out of bed for the camera, on the morning of the 25th, for this sunrise.  Psalm 19:1-2, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.  Day unto day utters speech...."  I see a testament to His beauty and glory displayed here in the new day, and the fog like a cloak, reminds me of His mysteries until He unveils.

French Blue Pot

Here is my French Le Creuset pot with the delicious simple soup we have savored often this month with our garden grown heirloom zucchini and potted herbs.  I served a crustless Quiche Lorraine with leftover flaked salmon instead of crisped bacon as well.

Lassoing Lydia

Gabe came down the stairs yesterday in cowboy regalia, including his length of lasso rope over his shoulder.  He had watched a film Sunday afternoon, Horse Crazy, on Netflix live streaming.  The power of film is played out in his life.  Over the course of the day which included lots of lassoing anything in sight, Lydia got her hands on the rope.  Gabe is such a gracious brother that he taught her how to use it.  So Lydia discovered that she loves to lasso.  Her latest request is a lasso for her birthday.



Tirza and Socks narrow escape!

Got the old obsolete deck post!


Post Secure!

Camera in Hand

Socks holding his ground.

Healthy kitten out to prove that a cat has nine lives.

Playful with Tirza.

Pullets free-ranging in the orchard.

A curious sight.

A fruitful branch.

Ever watchful.

What's that?

I spy something to pounce for.

Chicken feather in paw.

Come on...I'm ready.

A lab always has something to eat on the mind...orchard pear.

You can't catch me; I'm a little quick man.

Dad wondered how he had the rope burn under his eye last night.

Marshal's dream garage/shop materializing;  he'll never want to leave.

My Son and a Haircut

Think it's time for a haircut?

Dad thought so.  Gabe too.  He started Fall Baseball last night.

New kid.

Just like Tirza.

My son's blue eyes affected by bright light and dandelion dust.

Gaby-Baby....  Don't call him that much, anymore.

Gabe and Socks

Critter Connection

August Birthday

Jesse telling of Shane's birth, nine years ago.
Gift opening after a treasure hunt.
Gift opening excitement.
Cousins reading together.
Ohhhh...awwww...Uncle Luke's lego collection.
Pretty cousins must be about the same age with pretty toothless smiles.

Stuffed bear...does he talk?

Pretty party posers.
Family
Jemma with Mommy has a birthday coming up!
Two Cakes - honey sweetened, raw jersey cream, wild blackberries.

Lighting the candles and protecting from the evening breeze under the pergola.

All hands off my cake.

Blue-eyed cousins.

Birthday boy gets the first slice!