Checking off another summer activity...strawberry picking!

 Beautiful morning to take a drive in the country!  Spicer Orchards...strawberries, raspberries, apples, vineyards...

 The wagon took us out to the field...Wow!  Lots of people...yet loads of strawberries!  We covered a three row span...and with all the good pickers...our boxes were full...and we only went halfway down the rows!

 "Look, this is a good one!"  "Go down to the ground...that is where the big, juicy ones are hiding!"  "Here, let me show you my better side!"  Overheard from a little boy "Look, Mom! They grow their own thistles!"

 I have never seen so many strawberries on one plant...and the plants were huge!

 We picked for about 20 minutes...maybe!?

                                                                  Our strawberry girls!

 Reading the sign that talked about parents keeping your children off the strawberry plants because it costs them hundreds of dollars.  We would have been way more stressed a few years ago...keeping up with six active kids!  Now...they were such great pickers...we were done very quickly!

                                                            The keepers of the berries.

 We took time to wander around and see the animals.  "Hey, Aunt Kari, the turkey likes you!"

 I was gobbling to call the turkey back over...and the goats bounded over to say "Hi!"  "Hey, nice job, Kari!"

 "Um, Mom, Aunt Kari, wasn't that turkey's head and wattle just white/blue?" asked Allison.  "I think it looks like brains," said Bryn.  "Yes, wow!  I wonder what causes that!"  "Maybe it is all us beautiful women standing here talking to him...or not."

                                         A look up...and the cherries are starting to ripen!
It was a fun way to start our day.  Ashlynn helped me hull our pickings...some to freeze and some to eat!  We are having waffles with strawberries for supper tonight.

Impromptu kid switch!

 We had a pool day with cousins and friends.  It was a lovely day to be outside together.  Here is a new combination that was gone in a half hour...cream cheese, powdered sugar, Cool Whip mixed and layered in a dish with fresh strawberries cut up on top.  We used vanilla wafers to scoop up the yumminess!  9 swimming kiddos need lots of snacks!  Moms just got to taste!

The girls hung out at our house for the night.  We went grocery shopping for our camping adventure.  What a big help!  I only was needed to drive and pay...well...and manage the list because I wasn't super specific.  They made waffle iron brownies to go with the chocolate Moose Tracks ice cream, played their flutes, watched a movie, talked, sat outside, ate popcorn, giggled, played Wipeout...and didn't want to get up and get going this morning!  Chevy was in cuddle heaven.
We are going strawberry picking...just as soon as Mari and the boys get here!  I wonder how this adventure will turn out!  I hope the strawberries are ready for our gang!

Just got a call...

Dr. Hamm called and there has been no change in the scan from last year!  We are grateful for that news!  We will continue to check on a yearly basis, unless something would change.

This week promises to be interesting!

We still feel like we are vacationing here due to our living quarters...so much like the lakehouse in so many ways...yet not.  We are going to mix it up a bit and down-size to a little cabin!  For years, Mari has told me about the church camping activity.  This year...we get to experience it...and from the looks of the weather forecast...without threats of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.  We are grateful!  The weather looks to be beautiful.  So...the lists have begun and the plans made for our first little camping cabin adventure.  The kiddos are super excited!  We are considering this to be our trial run as we get ready for our first-ever week long family vacation in the same type of accommodations in a couple weeks.  We've looked at pictures of the campgrounds and it looks to be something that we will all enjoy.  I am thankful for the opportunities that have opened up to us since our move.  It was a year ago yesterday that God started working His plan in ways that were visible to us.  He has worked all things for our good and for His glory!  There are so many memories that we hold dear, but there are so many more anticipated memories to look forward to sharing with our children.  This week...time with friends at a campground with a lake, activities, food, and a campfire!  A plus...the cabin has electric...so we have coffee without too much effort!

Happy Father's Day to my other Dad

 I am thankful you taught your son the right paths.  He is following the road map you used!

Have a restful day!  I love you!

Happy Father's Day to my Dad

Oh, how I appreciate my Daddy!  

What a wonderful example of faithfulness and consistency to our families!

I love you, Dad!

Happy Father's Day, Ted!

Life with you has been quite a ride!  I am so thankful God led you to find my path and cross it...and cross it again...and then again!

 We have learned that when we follow your lead...God takes care of us!

 God brought two girls into our life to teach us many things...one being...patience and another...long-suffering.

 And then along came our son...a little you!  He has a wonderful example to follow.

 You have always taken time to sit with your family and cuddle.

 You take time to share and teach God's Word with our family and others.

 You work hard...and you play hard!

 I am blessed!  We are blessed!

 I've learned to share so many things with you over the years...

 and you have shared so many things with me!  To think of the blessings that God had in store...when medical doctors said there probably wasn't a chance.  How many times has He proved Himself faithful and true...on the mountains and in the valleys!

 "The olden days..."

 "The learning times..."

 "The counsel times..."

 "The meal times..."

 "The fix it times..."

 "The silly times..."

 "The just guys times..."

 "The special times..."

 You like back rubs!

 You love your girls!

You don't mind being picked on!

You like to play!  You have been a wonderful husband...and our children see that played out in many ways!  I love you and I love being loved by you!

 And so...on Father's Day...we say thank you...for all that you are and all that you do for us!  God has been so good over these years.  And like you reminded me today...our children are growing up so quickly...and our time with them is limited!  Thank you for being the Godly leader that I need and the example that they need.

This is me...on my first day...to my new job!

 I asked the Lord for a part time job.  Something close to our home and school.  Something with flexible hours Monday through Friday.  A job that would be a help to our family, not a hurt.  A job where I could use my talents and abilities.  I had a hard time with the fact that I was starting something in the summer with our children home...I have been there for them each and every hour of every day since they came to live at our house!  That is my job!  God knows that and has all those details worked out for me...so I will trust His plan and His way.

 God provided a job...that is exactly each and every one of those things!  My first day was Thursday...and I found out that I can't wear outside shoes in the rooms...good thing my toes were pretty!  I had to remember socks or slippers!  I also now where a smock they provide...I was spit up on several times...Mmmm, formula and cereal!  I forgot how...good...that smelled!

 I got to hang out with these little dollies on Thursday and Friday.  One of my new friends told me to apply at the daycare where she worked.  "Kari, you will like it there.  The owner has a big heart." 

I have to admit...I struggled off and on all day with tears.  I was in the baby room...drooling, gummy grins, chubby legs and arms, formula, poopie diapers, no naps, cuddly little ones whose Mommies and Daddies drop them off each day to go to work.  I never had to be gone from our children during those formative years...and I was overwhelmed with those thoughts!  I don't know if I will always be in this area (there are two other age groups), but I do know that God has put me here for a reason...and I am grateful!
...An added blessing...my friend from church asked for the kiddos to come spend the day with her kiddos.  "I want them!  You know six kids are easier than three!"  She picked them up Thursday morning...and told them to bring sleep-over stuff "just in case we decide..."  God gave me a friend a year ago who has children in the same age range and enjoy time together.  He provided two days of fun for our children and I was able to focus on learning my new responsibilities.  I'm thankful.

I think this is the year of faces!

 We had our family celebration after church.  More cupcakes and a candle.  Another rousing verse of Happy Birthday.

 More smiles.  More gifts...and another chance to celebrate...

 a date with Dad and Mom to do some birthday shopping!  Just her! 

 "Berry Flirt!? What?" It was our favorite fragrance after all our testing.  Alisa and I had fun at Bath and Body Works...on the first day of their semi-annual sale!

I can't remember what he said exactly...about Ashlynn's Berry Flirt beauty products...but he cracked himself up!

 **We went last night and enjoyed Chinese food at her request.  I'll take a picture of her outfit.**