Yes, I have been quiet over the past months. We have had lots going on in our family and I needed to focus on my kids and grandkids. The first order of business is that Josh, Lauren, Peyton and Tate moved to Germany for the next 3 years. That is them in the above picture at a castle with their swords and shields. They are loving exploring castles and forest trails near their new home. Before they left, we met them in Montana at my parents' place in May. We had a wonderful visit with them, my parents, and my brother Fritz. We also celebrated my father's 88th birthday complete with an applesauce cake made with homemade applesauce from our apple tree here at home. We made wonderful family memories and brought home Peaches, their cat, to live with us, and Nala, their Golden retriever, to live with Chris, Heather, Bradley and Isaiah.
We flew down to see them near the end of June to help them with the last push for their big move and to bring home Josh's truck, lawn mower, trimmer and a few other bulky things to stay with us for their 3 years overseas. It was so hard to say goodbye to all of them. I know that they will have great adventures, but still, it is difficult to know that we cannot just get in the car to drive down to them. We are planning on going to visit them in Germany and do some traveling in Europe within the next 3 years.
Bradley celebrated his 14th birthday in March. He will be able to get his driver's permit here soon so he and Jeff have been working on getting his car ready (Jeff's car that he is giving to him). Only a few more things for them to do together, a few more driving lessons (it's a stick shift) and it will go home to live with Bradley. Bradley is very excited about having his own car and is so appreciative of us gifting him with his first car. It's funny to think that I started this blog before he was born to celebrate my joy in becoming a grandmother for the first time. Now here he is, a teenager (and a very nice one at that) and soon to be legal driver!
Bradley, Isaiah, Chris and Jeff finally got the long-promised treehouse built at Chris and Heather's home. Chris had told the boys they would build one, but other things got in the way (like Chris' very hectic life). One Spring day it was decided that they were going to get it done. Jeff was there to help with the framing and part of the flooring, and then Chris and the boys took over from there. They have really been enjoying their treehouse and I know that Isaiah and one of his cousins had camped up there on at least one occasion.
Our Steven turned 9 years old! He is getting so tall and is a pure delight to have around. He loves exploring and snakes, yes snakes! As far as this grammie is concerned, that is his only flaw (just kidding, I really do not like snakes, but this kiddo adores them and even cuddles them. As long as he keeps them far away from me, it is all good). Steven spent the night with us 2 nights ago and we really enjoyed our special time with him.
Our Isaiah is now officially a teenager at age 13. He loves to hunt, fish, camp, garden and spend time exploring. He also has his own Youtube channel and has added a weekly bible verse to it. He finds the verses and shares them, along with some music. This boy just amazes me with his heart for the Lord. He also gives great hugs!
For those of you wondering, we do live south of Spokane Washington that was hit so hard with the fires wiping out neighborhoods. Please pray for the people up there, as well as all the fire fighters from all over the world that have come to help us. We had 2 fires closer to us within the past few days and had our emergency plan in place just in case. Luckily they were able to get those under control and are now doing to mop up and putting out hot spots on one while still working on back burning and things on the other. Only a few structures have been lost down our way, but I do know at least one was someone's home. This has been a horrific fire season so far and everyone is on edge. The smoke has been bad and there have been times that alone has sent me into a huge fibro flare. Jeff and I have been relying on fans to keep us cool since we cannot run the swamp cooler when the air quality is really bad outside. Our poor gardens have suffered as well from the heat and the air quality, along with a flea beetle infestation.
Other than spending time with our family, Jeff and I have been busy cleaning things out and either selling or donating things we no longer need. I have already sold a vintage hanging lamp and table within the past hour. We took out our dining room table and replaced it with a large credenza which gives us more storage and opens up our small dining area. We were not using the dining table and chairs, so they, along with a dresser, were put up on Facebook and currently awaiting new owners. Jeff and I have become one of those old couples who eat dinner in their recliners, or, in good weather, we eat out on the back porch on our table out there.
Be blessed all and I will try to update more frequently.
