Flowers on the Farm 2020: Episode 2

Alaska does NOT disappoint when it comes to flowers in the summer.

I was noticing that new things were blooming so I took a flower walk. 

Enjoy episode 2! 

I also have sunflowers and lilacs in the house to brighten up the inside.

 

More Hiking

Since discovering the beauty of Gold Mint trail with the family a few weeks ago, I decided that I needed to do it again and get to the beaver dams this time.

I convinced my friend, Susan to come with me.

It was perfect weather.

Slightly over cast but no rain.

We talked and talked as we hiked.

It took us only an hour to go to the dams and back.

I love hiking and I love good friends!

 

Sunday Dinner

Sunday dinner this week included a HUGE owl!

Bri and Sam got it for me for my birthday.

I just need to paint it.

It's crazy big.

I actually love it a lot!

I've said this before and I will say it again- I love our Sunday's together.

Jessie and Dallin will have baby three any time now.

I can't wait to meet Andi and give her so much love.

This is such a great time in our lives!

Also, here is a picture of the Emry squish for fun!

 

I'm 46 now!

It occurred to me that I am only 4 years away from 50. 

What?

How in the world did that happen?

I had a great birthday though.

We were going to attempt Arctic circle again but then plans changed (again).

First the kids and I headed to Palmer to enjoy a little Friday Fling.

We bought two packages of spinach bread- YAY! 

And then enjoyed Sweetie pies, corn dog, rhubarb lemonade and blueberry limeade.

Corban also had a shave ice!

 

Instead we rented bikes from Pablo downtown and rode the coastal trail for 8 miles.

Then we went to eat at Moose's tooth.

I can't really say how fun it was because words just don't do, but I loved being out riding bikes with Corban, Kenna and Matt and enjoying a perfect evening.

I love my people.

And I love this year that I have been allowed to remain here on earth to enjoy them.

Just good things.

All the good things!

 

Baldy and baby Grace

I needed to get out and move.

But Corban refuses to hike.

Then I remembered that I have other children that might like to hike.

So I called Bri and she came with me to hike Baldy in Eagle River.

We didn't go to the top.

Just to the cabin and lake area.

It was perfect and beautiful!

Then we went and visited baby Grace at Rissa's.

Grace is Reahna's 4th baby but Rissa is taking care of her.

She is so adorable.

I hope happy things for this baby. 

She's deserves better then her life started out with.

 

Garden Update

I wish words could describe how I have felt with this years gardening ventures.

There has been no stress with any of it since we are not farming to sell anything.

We decided that since the farm is on the market, it would be best to not sell commercially.  

I did stuff in the greenhouse and stuff outside and have loved gardening.

I'm like that old lady who piddles around in her garden during the day.

We've eaten kale, lettuce and cilantro so far.

Next week I will have beets ready and I think some basil. 

I am just enjoying everything about it.

I love the smell of it, the look of it and am just SO grateful to have been able to grow food this year.

It feels like such a tender mercy.

 

Happy Father's Day

The group text to the kids read:

"Father's Day is Sunday. What are you doing for your dad? Don't be losers like some of you were for Mother's Day!"

The following replies included ideas for a BBQ and cake making contest.

Then Dallin decided that a TON of silly string would be amazing.

And it couldn't have worked out better.

Matt started getting sleepy during home church.

Seriously, who falls asleep during home church?

So I told him to go take a nap before the kids showed up.

We waited for everyone and then they showered him with so much silly string that I think we will be finding it for months!

 I think Afton enjoyed it the best.

Then we had burgers, potato salad and corn, played a card game, did some arm wrestling and enjoyed a rhubarb cheesecake dessert.

I love spending time with these people!

And I am so grateful that I got to make five of them with Matt Hale.

It's been such an adventure.

 And this is the only picture that almost everyone was behaving in.

Most of them Matt was on his phone or going cross eyed!

 And this one is just fun.
All three of our grandkids!

Spencer Bench Day Four

Today was the day that God answered our many prayers.

I don't think I will lever forget this day. 

It started the night before with heartfelt prayers for intervention with the weather, protection and wisdom in our decisions. 

We needed the rain to stop.

The river was swelling with all the water and the plan was to float out.

As we left the cabin the elements cooperated and the hike down was beautiful. 

Once we got to the river decisions were being made and some tears were cried. 

There was some anxiety and then a solid decision.

Amy and I decided to walk back out on the railroad tracks.

She was very concerned about safety.

The others decided to float out. 

And that was God's hand.

The answers to prayer were so clear and obvious.

I am so grateful for the experience. 

It was hard on my body walking on the train tracks for nine miles back out, but it was the right move. 

I can't say enough how grateful I am for answers to prayer.

He is aware of each of us and our needs.

I'm really grateful for time spent in the Alaskan wilderness.

 

Spencer Bench Day Three

Today we basically spent the entire day in the cabin.

It rained and rained and rained.

I don't really remember it raining so much as it did today.

On the metal roof it sounded so cool but it was a lot of rain.

At one point some of the ladies went out to explore and came back soaked!

I was glad I had stayed inside.

We talked for hour after hour.

We talked about the state of the world, repentance, and so much more. 

It was nice to just visit and talk.

I really enjoyed just visiting with those women.

Heavenly Father sure has blessed me with some amazing people in my life.