the Recent Happenings

We've kinda discovered that after blogging for five years, eventually you begin to just blog about the same things as they happen every year :). You know, the posts' like our first planting, Leman Vacation, applesauce day, and the like. And yet, every year, we make volumes of more memories! So bear with us as we post about the same happenings annually - we post for a family journal if nothing else! :)

That being said, my apologies as to the lack of excitement on the blog. It's not that our life is lacking in excitement - no, that's not the problem :). We've been occupied with finishing up the last of school; we hope to finish up tomorrow, with just a few loose ends to tie up! And of course there is always so, so much to do outside with making the grounds look nice as well as the gardens ... plus a batch of thirty broiler chicks this week. This evening we all trooped out as a family and cheerfully planted several loooong rows of tomatoes and peppers. Bring on the rain! :) 

We are getting closer to the end of the planting season, which is timely as the weeds are beginning to pop up... joy. Asparagus has been our steady diet in recent weeks - a bumper crop! Now is also the time for recipes with rhubarb and we've also enjoyed some garden lettuce. Gardening is so rewarding, right, Mom?!

But anyways, I really sat down to write about how we filled our time last week! Dad had his annual convention in Chicago (yes... you've heard about this too- numerous times) and Mom went along with him. The rest of us moved to Princeville for the week and spent time with grandparents, cousins, and old friends! Many thanks to Herrmann's, and Grandpa and Grandma - we look forward to this week every year :). We're also much obliged to the weather man (aka God) for the lovely week!

We helped out with Herrmann's plant sale - there's another annual event, although this year may be their last one on the particular weekend that we are there. So we may have to break that tradition next year :). We stayed up late playing games, enjoying bedtime snacks (graham crackers, anyone?!), and just chatting. The younger kiddos slept with the tent on the trampoline one night. The highlight of their week, was singing together! They have all become the best of buds and enjoyed creating a little CD while in the tent - it sounds awesome, except for the train whistle in a couple songs:). A busy week and so much fun, left no room for pictures (actually I did get a few, but too dense to figure out how to get them off my phone...). Here are a few snapshots of the 'choir' :).

Ever heard of the Bontrager Family Singers?  Well, if not, youtube their video 'Sibling Cooperation':). I've wanted to see if it was possible for awhile, but my siblings and I aren't quite coordinated enough (or maybe that would be cooperative enough?! ahem...). But with Laura in the mix, and Todd to video, things worked out really well, and now I know it's possible! Enjoy:)

 And that pretty much sums up the big things going on lately! As spring turns into summer, and school changes to garden work, we'll try to find joy in little moments, too - the bike rides with my brothers, the breeze across my face (yes Mom, the wind!), the straight rows of spring green, the evenings at home with the family, and the time with each other. "This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it!" -Faith :)