Boys 'n Dirt

So I'm relatively new to this idea of a very mobile and independent little boy, but am constantly amazed at the irrestible attraction he has to DIRT. And mud. And sand. Even dogfood. All of the previously mentioned items are good for (in his mind, anyway) his nutrition, wardrobe, and overall happiness. Today, my hard-working husband took the time to build a sand box for the Little Farmer and Little Miss. He told me that after he'd filled it with sand, our son lowered his lips directly down onto the sand just to give it a taste/texture test.

See? Red licorice mixed with all of the dirt that was on his hands makes for a tasty sweet/savory kind of treat. And if he sees me coming after him when he's into something he shouldn't be, he digs faster and more furiously, stuffing as much as he can into his mouth. (This is referring to the dogfood in particular...YUCK!)

"You talkin' about me, Momma?"

I was always kind of proud of Little Miss for being a girl who could still get down and get dirty outside. Our sweet little boy has taken filthy to a whole new level. He doesn't think that he's lovin' and livin' the great outdoors until he's plastered in it. Literally, sporting it from head to toe! I just love this little man!:)

Haney Meadows!

Last week, we made the trek to our very favorite place to go camping... Haney Meadows! I have been going there with my family since I was about 7 years old, and with my hubby for the past 8 or 9 years. It is so refreshing to get away from it all! Everything is so perfectly landscaped. Purple lupines spring up around huge, gray boulders. Bright yellow daisies and Indian Paintbrushes brush the sides of the hills. We ride our horses to what feels like the top of the world and gaze at the mountain ranges across this beautiful state. I couldn't help but think of the words of "How Great Thou Art".

O Lord my God

When I in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made

I see the stars
I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed

Then sings my soul
My Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, How great Thou art
Then sings my soul

My Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art

How GREAT Thou art!

Every time we're up there, my hubby and I say, "How could there NOT be a God who designed this all so perfectly?"

We are fortunate enough to have parents who will still go camping with us, and we had such a wonderful time with them! I'm so thankful that they love being a part of our kids' lives... and that our little ones are so close to them. They were so kind as to even watch Little Miss and the Little Farmer so that all of us could ride a bunch!

Little Miss celebrated her 5th

birthday, learned how to ride her bike (on a hill full of ruts)

without training wheels, and even rode her little horse, Boo, all by herself! And as always, she did a wonderful job helping us take care of her little brother.




The Little Farmer has NEVER been dirtier, or happier, for that matter! He was covered in dust from head to toe each and every day. He got up at 5 every morning, not wanting to miss a thing. That's male bonding time, ya know. Dad and Papa would light the fire, head down to the meadow looking for elk, cut up firewood, etc...

I'm blown away at how quickly a week can pass by... and am already looking forward to revisiting this beautiful place next summer, Lord willing. I savor memories we have made there over the years and am always thankful for the new ones!

The Best Thing About Where We Live...

The very best thing about living where we do is that we live about a block away from my dear friend, my SISTER! Teesee (Little Miss gave her that name when learning how to talk) is always within walking distance of a morning cup of coffee, a walk with the kids, or just a quick chat. I cannot imagine life without her in it, especially as we have our own families. She is a wonderful wife and mom, and I'm so thankful that she is such a special part of our kids' lives. Her Li'l M is just two weeks older than the Little Farmer. I love watching them interact and cannot believe how much her sweet girl resembles her... especially in personality!

Not only is Teesee one of the most generous people I have ever met, she is loyal. No, I mean she is LOYAL! She knows what I'm thinking, how to encourage and cheer me up, and when to tell me to just get over something. I never have to pretend or hold back around her... those kinds of friends are few and far between. She is a beautiful Christian, strong in her convictions, and always so caring. There is such a special bond between sisters, and I could not have hand-picked a better one. I am truly thankful to God for the blessing she is to us!