July 2026

July 2026
Over the years, we've always compared our family life to a wagon train heading west. Just as everyone had to do his part to get to Oregon years ago, so everyone in our family must do his/her part to make our journey through life successful. If somebody climbs in the wagon and lets the others do the work, we just don't make any progress. We all have to pull our weight and work together. Along the trail we find lots of pebbles that make for a smooth ride and some bigger rocks that jar us a little; we hit the occasional pothole that can slow us down. But if we purpose to search diligently, there are countless gold nuggets and precious gemstones along the way as well. This journal is an attempt to preserve some of those precious moments for our children, and our children's children, as together we travel this trail called life.

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11


Monday, August 31, 2020

HOT

Last weekend we hosted a tyg singing and a few others including these two sweethearts. They do like these puppies.


Beautiful evening of worship and fellowship.



Piper slept right through the singing. 


Nice evening for patio fire afterwards. If you look closely you can maybe count eight puppies in laps.


Monday heated up lots. Puppies were not settled until we brought them inside.


I really don't need to say how cute this is. This is just really obviously very very cute.


These four musketeers took off to the creek awhile.


Tuesday was another hot day. Ava's recess was of course spent with the puppies.


Wednesday was another hot one. Also a Clay Day. He tried to carry Kate's backpack. It didn't go so well😅


This went better!


Josh through my screen. He's done a great job watering the new trees he and dad planted.


Still too hot for puppies outside.


And that Brandi. So the garage/laundry room door didn't get latched tightly when we left for church; and since it had cooled down and we were leaving, puppies were fine in the garage. Brandi obviously didn't agree and somehow pushed the laundry room door open; she had all her puppies moved inside when we got home from church. Smart dog! Quite impressive that she only brought them to the laundry room, even though no one was home and she could've taken them downstairs to Tori's room (which is where she occasionally tries to sneak when she's feeling a little rebellious).



So - yeah. She's a really good mama dog.
And smart.
Another Brandi story happened Thursday. I had sent Ava outside to pet puppies for her recess (they weren't inside yet as it was still relatively cool in the garage), and Ava was back in within a minute or two. I asked her why she was done already; she told me that Brandi wouldn't let her off the garage steps. I said, "What do you mean she wouldn't let you off the steps?" She said, "Every time I tried to step onto the floor, Brandi would move in front of me and get in my way." She added that she did get one foot on the floor, but Brandi wouldn't let her go any farther.
I was so glad Ava read Brandi's actions and came right back in! Ava said Brandi didn't growl at her; she just wouldn't let her get past her. A minute later when Ava and I both went out, Brandi was perfectly fine. Was her normal friendly slobbery self when Ava petted pups.
Lesson for me: don't let kids alone with Brandi because she obviously doesn't trust kids. Seems like she's much more protective with this litter than her last one. 

More and more tomatoes, which thankfully I didn't have to do because friends have been glad to take them! My jars are all full and I have what I need. 

I am blessed, and God is oh so good.


O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. 
Isaiah 25:1


KIDS Night

A few weeks ago, the young group hosted KIDS night which was a whole lot of fun for kids big and small. I rather forgot about this evening until recently when someone showed me a few px on their phone. Enjoy a few peeks at this night - - - in no certain order bc I have no idea what the order was and they came to me from several kids' phones - - -








Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Still More Busy Days

Monday night super fun pizza and jam with U. Mike & A. Joyce.



Was also a green bean day.


Tuesday. Fat and healthy. Finally getting a little bit cute.


Also a tomato juice day.


Wednesday morning beauty.



Clay meets puppies 💗


Cason approves also.


'Twas a beautiful week with little humidity and lower temps. We'll take that.



I've been tutoring Ava some. Puppy snuggles make a nice recess.


Horses are never neglected on nice days.



Wednesday night accomplishment!


After church - ice cream, fellowship, and singing.



Thursday 💕💕💕




Saturday we had a visit from Piper. Very very cute little pup.


Lennox spent Saturday with us as well 💗💗



Brandi really wanted to taste the bullhead that Ben caught with Josh in the creek...


And that's it.

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Senior Breakfast 2020

The annual Senior Breakfast was actually a Senior Lunch hosted by the Plattners this year. Was a delicious meal on a beautiful day.


Back: Matthew Stuber (ICC - nursing), Nathan Sauder (ICC- ag business), Aaron Wagenbach (ICC - ag business), Ben (ICC then Bradley - mechanical engineering), Aden Moser (ICC - business), Ryan Wagenbach (HVAC), Isaac Lennington (ICC), Christopher Koch (mechanic at Mangold Ford).
Front: Abigail Koch (ICC - social work), Grace Kaiser (ICC), Promise Koch (work at Eli's Coffee Shop and ICC - graphic design), Grace Rassi (teach sewing classes and make headcoverings).

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Garden Report and More

Best onion crop ever.


Colored peppers. 
😊



Many pumpkins.


Tomatoes and zucchini.


One of two watermelons. Small but sweet.


Thursday was a Baer day.


Just a whole lot of pretty around these days.


Friday found a few friends at the lake.



A visit from sweet Rosie, Aberles' new puppy.



Five of my six pears! Ben ate the other one.



Photo creds to Lucy. This little man is adorable.


Down to eight pups. Sadly, one didn't make it. These though are fat and doing great.


Sunday afternoon, I think.


Flint got to help cut the pork roast💖


Beautiful evening...






but we ended up inside for snack and a little singing.


And that's it for last week.