End of the summer BARN DANCE

I'll admit.  I'm a little tired today.  I'm tuckered out from being up until PAST midnight last night partying like it was 1865! Partying "G" style that is... as

I was a responsible Mama to our little boys who stayed up as late as Farmer J and I... all fueled by fun, sugar, a pre-party nap and excitement! 

Our lovely landlords, "Mr. Jim" and "Miss Mary" (as the boys refer to them... so its really the only way I think of them as well), along with their equally lovely grown children, family and friends, put together an amazing outdoor farm dinner and dance last night!  Who knew that being rental tenants would come with such perks?  Actually, I had a sneaking suspicion, after first setting foot on this property, that amazing memories would come to our family here!

I'll have more details about the party to come as soon as Farmer J uploads our pictures to the computer (these iphone pictures are to "tempt your tastebuds")!  

Let's just say:

pig roast 

homemade pies

plenty of beer (we are in the Midwest- we have a reputation)

square dancing with a "caller" and all

Farmer J singing Mumford & Sons

JJ thought the goats needed to get "ready" for the party as well!  Ciaran loved the attention, as usual!

They are really hoping JJ will give them some "goat chow" that is stored just behind this door! But they enjoyed the grooming and attention regardless.

The barn.  Cleaned out.  Lights hung.  Probably the cleanest this barn has been for 165 years! Definitely the cleanest its been since we moved in over three summers ago! 

The farm looked beautiful.  I imagine oil lamps, just like this one, were used to light up many an outdoor party at this farm, years and years ago.  

The tractor was placed in front of the barn which a digital camara set in front of it for guest photo shoots! I snapped a few of the boys before the party!  

Pretty skirt.  Cowboy boots.  Ready for barn dance!  More pictures and stories to come... JJ starts school tomorrow so I'm off to bed... and to dream of promenades, circles left and right, & do sa dos!  

Vacation

Beetle...Juice???

Farmer J knew that using a little rubber alcohol could catch some of the beetles that are attacking his garden!  The boys were looking at the beetles under their microscope.  

Nasty, beautiful and interesting, all at once.  

That's country life!

July (in pictures)

Squeeky cheese

Saturday morning farmer's market

Sunset grazing time with the sheep and goats

 Building sand castles at the nearby lake

Swimming at the nearby lake

Kissing shadows at the fair

Fun at the fair

I love ALL the color of the carnival! 

Yum! 

Alone in a sunset drenched pew in our rural chapel... the best reward after cleaning the boys school before vacation bible study

Blogs I love...

1.) The Pioneer Woman by Ree Drummond:  http://thepioneerwoman.com/

This is the first blog I ever read.   And this blog gave me the idea of writing, "The Wary Farmwife." I wonder how many other woman Ms. Drummond inspired to write blogs about country living.  I love that Ree's writing is real.  I love that she admits to watching too much reality TV and movies.  I love it that she is still so in love with her husband and always comments on how cute his behind looks!  When I read her writing, I think to myself, "Yeah, we could totally be friends."  I also appreciate her "Keepin' It Real" section where she illustrates the behind the scenes imperfection that exists in all of our lives, even a famous Food Network star.

2.) A Holy Experience by Ann Voskamp: http://www.aholyexperience.com/

My friend (and Norwex mentor) Katie introduced me to Ms. Voskamp's writing.  Now Katie has introduced me not only to Norwex but an amazing author/blogger/women's advocate.  I owe this gal a thank you card!  I absolutely love Ann Voskamp's blog and am currently in the midst of reading her book (see picture below.)  My synopsis of her book wouldn't do it justice.  I think you should just read it.  I got my copy from the public library...but I foresee buying my own copy.  And please note, this is NOT a quick read- this is a "linger over her amazingly, poetic words/thoughts/ideas read"!. Highly recommend both the book and the blog.

3.) The Nesting Place by Myquillyn Smith: http://www.thenester.com/

More so than the blog... I love her book (see picture below).  Again, from my local library but I foresee putting it on my Amazon wishlist as soon as I'm done reading it.  This book is so much more than a "decorating/DIY/home improvement" book.  This book is about changing the way you think about everything: your home, your body, your views on other woman.  The theme throughout the book: It doesn't have to be PERFECT to be BEAUTIFUL.  Highly recommend it.  

I hope you enjoy one or all of these blogs/authors as much as I do!  These wonderfully brilliant authors (who are also wifes, mothers, homemakers) are lovely role models for me and I'm glad I have their voices in my head when I drift off to sleep.  The main theme of all of these women's writings is to not seek perfection, but to see the beauty in the everyday chaos of our imperfect lives.  Of course there is so much more... 

Garden tour

Purple string beans

They turn green when cooked! The best green beans I've ever had! A little salt and pepper with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar! Yum! 

Pickle eats tomatoes right off the vine- just like his dada!

Purple kale

Ripen! Grape tomatoes!

Sweet corn- some ruby red!

Why you should change into your farm shoes before you go on a garden tour with farmer J!

Juice from the garden (and store)

Purple kale- garden

Basil- garden

Canteloupe 

Strawberries

Peach