Beautiful: May 2016

Mother's Day

Lydia thought it apropos to make mention that I started Mother's Day at 2am stopping her gushing bloody nose. "How did you know I needed you? Don't you ever sleep?" Gabe gave an accusatory query from the end of my bed at 5:30am, "Why are all the windows open?! It is freezing in here and cooling down my incubator!" I got up to a beautiful sunny morning though, made myself pretty, and jointly laid out a breakfast table with Marshal cooking eggs and toast. I put on the cooked oats, and we had an old-fashioned breakfast with both our moms. It was a great start to a sweet day! It was so special to have both moms, their presence, the best sunshine to my day.
I was sleepy from mid-morning on. In the afternoon, Lydia gave me a neck rub, and then with Gabe and Dad, hid in the back room to plan the rest of my day. They came out with socks and shoes in tow. To the truck, we started on a surprise adventure.
They took me to Rattlesnake Falls for an easy hike, waterfalls, sunshine, wildflowers, and fresh air. We got home, where I was commanded to take a hot bath, which was a welcome idea to insure I didn't have any ticks let alone sheer luxurious warmth and therapy of it. I lay under a wool blanket on the couch and started a good book while they finished up heating dinner! We ate left over brisket and coleslaw to our appetites' content and finished with a sliver of cheesecake and berries to top it off. I'm a spoiled mommy.

The canyon of Rattlesnake Falls

The Falls

My kiddos posing upstream.

Here's where we have snacks.

Meadows and glens as we stroll to another high bluff.

Windswept Lydia

Taking in a belly view.

Love you!

Headed home, full.

RETIRED

We relate with the definition of retirement by a recently visiting missionary. Retired doesn't mean put to rest. It means you put on fresh new wheels, re-tired!
We celebrated Marshal's retirement from 28 years in the US Navy, so much loyalty, determination, perseverance, accomplishment, and devoted service. He retires to more work than he could ever imagine, a demand for greater faith, but surrounded by the love of God through our Lord Jesus and family.
I organized a gathering of local family over the past week, quite spontaneous. Marshal cooked an award-winning brisket as a first-timer. God gave us the most perfect 84 degree day, May 7th, without wind for a mid-day barbecue and celebration in the side yard.

Nieces look on as Aunt Shanea puts out the desserts!

Marshal's mom in the middle.

Kids set up the badminton for cousin competition.

Abijah and Jed - (Gabes bird feeders and chick brooder in the background.)

A rare day to sit back and relax, especially with bro.

Father-daughter looking at me.

Cowboy Gabe going for the birdie.

Reading Marshal's last Commendation Medal award.

"The Doctor"

Marshal says a few words.

Rheanne blows out 11 candles!

Thank you Meg for the photo taking. Thank you each one for participating, all the delicious burger, beans, helping hands, dish-washing, and everything! Thank for for supporting, loving, and rejoicing over and with us.

Cousin Tea

Lydia and Naphtali had a cousin tea party in April. They are a best friend foursome, Lydia with her cousin's cousins. They put out this tea all by themselves, invitations, place cards, washed the china, made the sandwiches and tea, and all.