I was pulling a few weeds in my pumpkin patch this morning and spotted this beautiful green frog. I hope he was eating the bad bugs and leaving the good ones. The pumpkins are really taking off, I think they grow a foot everyday. It is amazing to watch. There are a few babies out there which is so exciting. I can't wait till they are ready to harvest, hopefully it will be before the end of October.

Taylor had her 15th birthday party last night. We had so much fun and enjoyed a great meal. Rodney made burgers and hot dogs and a peach cobbler in addition to the yummy birthday cake. Charlotte joined in the chorus for the happy birthday song which was hysterical, especially for those who had never heard her do this before. The girls spent the night in the living room, one of them even slept sitting up in the rocking chair...teenagers! Taylor got a "big" i pod from us which she loves...I may have to get me one of those things!! I can't believe that my baby is growing up. It is nice to see her having a fun time doing it.

Blessed Rain

The rain is falling outside. We were starting to become tense about the lack of rain, but now, here it is. We've already recieved nearly 2 inches in the past 48 hours and it looks like we will be getting rain for the remainder of today.
The cows moved to the south side of the road yesterday to graze on the green grass, they were so happy. I love to watch their reactions when they get moved to a new field of fresh green grass. It is like turning a kid loose in a candy store. You wouldn't think that a cow would be capable of rejoicing, but they can. There is almost a hint of a smile on their faces and it looks as if they might just be skipping a bit. And, if you listen very closely, you can hear little woohoo's as they skip off into the distance.

Polk County Fair

The Polk County Fair was this past week and we had a ball. The goats didn't place well because they were sick but I feel like the fair was a success over all. Kyle got 3rd place in junior showmanship which I was very proud of, especially since this was his first year. Taylor did well despite the fact that she had a sick goat, she placed 7th in the goat show but was up against some stiff competition in showmanship and didn't place. I was very proud of both of them. Charlotte won 2nd place in the dog show on Saturday for the cutest trick...she sang "happy birthday" and won the crowd over. I got one blue ribbon for my photography and one 3rd place.
Rodney and I worked in the concession stand Saturday evening which is always a hoot.

I always come away from community functions with a since of pride. It makes my heart happy to know that I live in a place where every person is like a family member. To be around others who share in this great occupation of agriculture is affirming to my own life. When we struggle daily with the trials of farming, something is set at ease to know that others have struggled and succeded.

Sheering

The kids got their goats clipped this past weekend in preparations for the fair. They will be showing them tomorrow at 5:00. It is always such an exciting event. County level is fun because they are competing with friends and others that they know from school. State level is when it gets a little more intense as far as competition goes. We have until the middle of October to get them ready for state. Taylor's goat has been sick, we think he got bitten by a snake. I hope that he is better soon. Usually judges take into consideration if an animal has been injured in some way.

Bounty

I decided that I would use today to "salvage" what I could out of my tomato patch. I knew that there would still be some, but I was shocked by how many were hiding there. I let my garden just grow naturally, I didn't stake the vines at all and by early July, the grass and weeds had filled in around them as well. It isn't pretty to look at but it seems to have worked out very well. The best tomatoes were the ones that I found hiding in the shade of Bermuda grass patches, nice and protected from the glaring sun, and cushioned from the hard dry soil. I could feel my heart growing with joy and thanksgiving as my baskets became fuller and fuller. It always thrills me the little ways that God finds to bring happiness into my life. Now I better get busy putting these tomatoes in the freezer. I can taste the deer chili now...mmmmm.

softer side

Look what Kyle caught today. It was nice to see a softer side of him. He has always been such a sweetheart but with teenage hormones kicking in, it has been tough lately for him to always be sweet.

I hope the poor butterfly is ok after being handled by those hands. I love the picture...dont you?