Another crazy-busy week: working all day, Missions Conference every evening, making and delivering food to the missionaries, looking for a home for my in-laws to buy, non-stop running here and there . . .
It was nice to have a couple hours Saturday afternoon to relax in the yard with family. The weather was perfect, the breeze was gentle, the company was sweet, and our sweet P had a blast playing in the grass.
These are the moments we live for.
Matthew 11:28 – “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
We have had unseasonably hot temps lately — heat index of 110°! Hubby and pals have been bustin’ their butts working in the heat to get the backyard in shape on our “flip house”. All the scrub trees and bushes have been cleared out, a privacy fence constructed, and large limbs have been removed from over the garage. However, I think the one accomplishment we are most excited about is getting the pool in shape! Neglected for 4 years, with about three feet of decaying leaves and garbage in the bottom, it had developed it’s own little eco-system. A literal “cement pond” complete with fish, turtles, and frogs! It took awhile, but I am SO happy to post this pic of hubby enjoying the fruits of his labor this week! (Posting a “before” pic for a reference, though it doesn’t come close to showing just how disgusting it actually was!)
Isaiah 49:10 – “They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.”
Lately all our free time has been spent working on the house reno; and, since our little “P” is out of town visiting her Ama, the majority of the pics I took this week were of ugly demolition, tree trimming, and a sludgy pool. However, I was picking up a friend one evening on the way to the house to work, and snapped this pic out the car window. Wow, huh? This picture is not re-touched and no filters are applied – it was actually this amazing! Even though I try to make a point to appreciate the beauty all around me – sometimes it still takes me by surprise!
1 Thessalonians 4:17 – “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Tropical storm Arthur skirted the east coast this past weekend . . . resulting in a gorgeous holiday weekend for us! The storm sucked all the humidity out of our area, giving us a (rare) opportunity to enjoy some time relaxing under a tree in the backyard. Of course, the dogs were very happy about that — nothing makes them happier than chasing a ball! Life is definitely a lot quieter and slower now that we are “empty nesters” . . . but I must admit, I like it!!
Philippians 4:11 – “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
Wow — it was a VERY slim week in the way of photos to share! Maybe it was the hot weather, dieting doldrums, or the absence of my biggest inspiration (our sweet little “P” was visiting her other grandma), but I only took 3 pics the whole week! Unheard of! I’m normally a picture-snappin’ fool! Whatever the cause, you’re stuck this week with my “work mirror selfie”, which I posted to my sister’s facebook wall in response to her complaint of “bathroom mirror selfies”. Hopefully, next week I will redeem myself with a fabulous photo! 😉
1 Corinthians 13:12 – “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
The first day of summer is here, and I can attest that it’s been a HOT one so far! And with those hot days, we’ve had some violent afternoon thunder storms . . . which is ok with me. I absolutely LOVE cuddling under a blanket, puppies snuggled up beside me (or on top of me), watching an old movie or reading a book, while the storm rages outside. Then, after the storm passes, you come outside to see a sight like this. Gorgeous!
Isaiah 25:4 – “For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.”
It has been a lovely week. I’m excited to say that summer is definitely HERE! Our days have been very hot and humid all week . . . perfect garden-growing weather! However, no one is more excited about the arrival of summer than my sister, Pam — a 5th grade teacher, who has been posting a countdown on facebook for the last week or so. I shared in her excitement on the last day with an encouraging SnapChat!
Luke 21:30 – “When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.”
Our attempt at a family garden this year was hit with a rain storm of Biblical proportions, just days after planting. (Check it out here.) We thought it was a “bust” for sure! However, after replanting some of the corn and carefully tending to the plants (most of the seeds were washed away), we are excited to see some growth! We won’t enjoy any peas, cabbage or Brussels sprouts this year, but most of the corn, tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, zucchini, sweet potatoes and watermelon appear to be doing well. Our next problem to deal with is those pesky, hungry bunnies!
Galatians 6:7 – “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
A trip home to Michigan for my sister’s funeral.
Grief beyond words . . . but blessed with hope, family, and beautiful, snowy weather.
Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
I'm just a real-life capturin’, silliness-snappin’, beauty-beholdin’, family fun-lovin’ SHUTTERBUG taking oodles and oodles of random pics with my smart phone . . . narrowed down to a weekly gem to share with the world!
![Matthew 11:28 - "Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."](https://isitjustmepics.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/20141004_140430a.jpg)
IS IT JUST ME? 