Exploring the neighborhood

 Unfortunately we weren't able to get a wheelchair until Monday.. but today Mandy felt up to walking (supported) a little, first to the coffee shop then to a grocery store around the corner.. on our way back around the block we located the clinic and hospital where she will be receiving her surgery ❤️ 

Beautiful sunny day ☀️ 

Holiday in Europe!

 We arrived in Barcelona late last night.. and today is Epiphany, the day of the three kings. Everything is closed so we are enjoying a quiet day at the hotel. ❤️ 

Starting up the Blog Again!

I'll be posting pics from our trip to Barcelona here instead of FB ♡ testing to see if I can remember how to do this blogging thing...

A Celebration of Life

Our four oldest children had the honor of singing 'When Peace Like a River' for our precious Nonnie's memorial. It sounded so beautiful! It was a lovely day and an amazing tribute to an amazing woman. It was especially sweet to see the numerous crib quilts that she had made through the years for her grandchildren, displayed in the sanctuary. Some of them were over 25 years, tattered and worn. 'Well loved' just as Nonnie would have wanted. She left a legacy of love..and will be missed by so many. I pray that God would use me in the lives of my children and Lord willing my grandchildren like he used her in ours. 'Nonnie, don't forget how very much we love you'..

Grandpa Wittenberg, his children and families September 2018

Barb, her children and families

McDonald Family September 2018

School Year 2018-2019

I spent most of the summer of 2018 researching the Charlotte Mason Method of schooling.. hours of research and more research and preparations. We were very excited to get started! We had already implemented nature studies throughout the spring and summer but it was fun to be also adding in French lessons, Plutarch, and Shakespeare. So excited to begin learning how to spread a wide 'feast' before my students! Very blessed to find CM!

It took me like a month to get super, super organized! :-) It was worth it though! 

Precious Moments with the Littlest Two!

A fun stay at the beach with mom and dad! Grady had gotten a gift certificate from work which we finally were able to redeem! They put us up in a *very* nice hotel in Newport. We felt so spoiled!

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Even though he was working some pretty late hours after harvest, he always would read the girls a story before bedtime! What a good daddy!

Clear Lake Hike

Laura E, Ashley, Autumn Grace D, Amanda E, Mandy and Geanell B had a lovely time at Clear Lake! Such a beautiful hike with all of the fall colors presenting themselves brightly! There was a little bittersweet feeling about the hike because beloved Laura E would soon be getting married! and all these ladies would be very busy planning her wedding! Ashley and Mandy as the photographers, AG would sing a lovely song with sister Amanda E (who was also maid of honor!) and Geanell would be the amazing videographer. 

Ash, Autumn Grace & Mandy

The whole gang!

Ashley & Laura E

Mandy & Autumn Grace

Best Sisters