My Big Helpers

Pin It If I have never said it before... I love where we live. I get overwhelmed by my garden and canning and freezing and picking, BUT, somehow, it energizes me as well. The corn is ready, the tomatoes are thinking about it, the zucchini is never ending and now there is an apple tree with millions of apples on it. So the boys and I tested out our apple tree today to see if they were even edible. I am very excited because I think it may be my ticket to a unlimited supply of applesauce and frozen apple slices (and a little sad thinking about the lack of sleep). So we picked, carried, and peeled just a few apples off our tree and the boys were so helpful.
Here is the photo journal for your viewing pleasure.

Gathering apples

Spencer was handing apples to Jackson because he couldn't get in the wagon

Making his way to mom

Yeah! He made it... with Spence hot on his trail

My apple pealing station

Observing my work

Snack Time!

A few other garden goodies

Tot Packs

Pin It I have a new passion that has developed in the last few weeks. School starting has given me the homeschooling fever (eventhough Spencer is only 2). I knew that there was some more productive things we could be doing with our precious time at home together. Something that was a little more structured and teach character skills and developmental skills at the same time. However, I didn't know what those things would be... everyone I knew that homeschooled had older kids. So I came across some great blogs of moms who are willing to share what they are doing. My sister Sarah, our friend Holly, and I are all making 5 bags (3 of each) and then swaping with eachother. I just got my first one done today and the rest of them are partially finished and spread haphazardly around the office. I can't wait to do these with Spence. I already tried this bag out on him and I got a good 1/2 hour of intense play out of him. I will post more pics as the other ones come along.

Each paper has 4 matching paperclips that can be slide on, piled on or just pushed around... whatever is fun for them

Forts and Summer

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I was looking through pictures on my camera today and I realized I better update any blog readers that I may have left on what we have been up too. The summer has been a blessing. Lots of family time, beach time, and smiles.
Justin and I have been married three years this summer and it is just starting to feel like we are falling into a bit of a summer routine. Fourth of July with the Bartlett's, days on the beach at my parents pond, weeding the garden, grilling out on the deck, having friends over, concession stand at the rodeo, and so much more. It has been a busy summer, but filled with so many great things. My heart can't help but be filled with gratefulness. Here are a few shots of the family.

Spencer always wants to build a "FORK"



One of our favorite places Mom and Dad Bartlett's


Working on a smile!

Haircuts and summer

Pin It Much like my blog, I have left the boys hair unattended for way to long. Here are some before and after pics.

Jackson's Long locks


He looked so much older with it cut


I must have missed Spencer's "after" picture. I think I was just glad the trama was over. That is why I wait so long, because he hates getting it cut so badly.
Here are a few more pic of the boys and I enjoying our wonderful backyard more than we could ever imagined. Thank to my wonderful husband for doing all the work!

Spencer wishing for a sandbox, but content with the flower bed



Jackson getting so big


A mask some cousins so kindly left behind

Expecting Number Three

Pin It My two little ones are down for a nap and I am enjoying this moment that I have to reflect on our new addition. Little Bartlett #3 will be joining us the first part of the new year...January 27th, or thereabout. My greatest praise during this time is how much I am looking forward to this little one. I feel like the anticipation has grown with each child. I know it will be busy, I know it will be tiring, but I am not in that season yet and I am using the one I am in to prepare my heart with joy and thanksgiving.
Motherhood has been one of the Lord's greatest gifts in my life. It continues to pull me away from myself and closer to Christ. I struggle with new situations and thoughts everyday, but am continually being refined. I know this little one is just going to be another way Christ can reveal himself to our family.
Can wait to meet you baby Bartlett. We are all waiting.

Thankful

Pin It I am so thankful today. The Lord has blessed our family so much. Little Jackson had a 104 fever last night, but we have so many resources at our fingers tips to help him get better. I can hardly think about the moms around the word that have to watch their babies suffer and can do nothing about it. It has to be hell on earth for a mom.
I am thankful I have a supportive husband who is concerned for our kids. I am thankful to have a warm house and another sibling to take his mind of being sick. I am thankful for a snugly little bed to lay him in. I am thankful to the Lord for saving me from a life of sin, so that I can live a life of gratitude.
Here or some pics from this week.

OUR SICK LITTLE MAN COOLING DOWN

THE BEST SMILE EVER

WEARING DADDY"S SOCKS

The Fence

Pin It My dear, dear (one "dear" if defintely not enough under the circumstances) husband is building me a fence for my backyard. This is #1 on my honey-do list. I have been wanting a fence since Spence started to practice his 400m dash. So we got a great deal on PVC fencing (one of my other dreams) and last Saturday was the day.
Our brother-in-law David kindly offered his fence expertise and the two of them worked at it from 7 a.m to 9:30 p.m.
Only the posts are in.
They seemed to experience a comedy of errors for the first half of the day. Thank the Lord I had a baby shower to go to. All I could do was pray for them from afar.
From their stories it seems like...
- the wrong fence was dropped off
- there was no more of the right fence
- they needed hinges for the gates ( I ran to Home Depot at 7 am)
- David forgot tools at his house and turned around twice to run back for things
- They had to call the electrtian to find the power line
- They tractor broke
- They went to four stores to find the part
- The store with the part was closed
- And...it was raining
This is the great this about God... they both had such positive attitudes and we were all laughing about it and thankful for what did get done by the end of the day. It is truely only with the Lord's help that they were able to be so patient.
They are hopefully going to finish it up tonight, Lord willing. Then tomorrow I will be able to release the boys into their new outdoor home!