Digging in the Dirt

Well, after a profitable Saturday getting the ground ready we filled our flower bed last night. Thanks mostly to MaMaw and Ernie for giving us most of the flowers from their beds we are off to a wonderful start. We also were given a Bleeding Heart as a housewarming gift from our friends, the Rowans, and for Mother's Day Karen and Winston gave me a Primrose. Drew and Evie also bought some Dianthus (pink flower in the front) on Saturday for us to have some color right off the bat. Thankfully, the rain held off until today and everything is now getting a good soaking the whole day.

As we were digging and planting last night, I told Drew how foreign this is for me. Growing up we never really did any of this. I understand why because it does take time weeding and pruning and that can be tough when you have young ones. However, I've always had an interest but have been intimidated as I'm not the most creative person and I just didn't know where in the world to start. I'm very thankful that I married a man (and a family) who has a working knowledge of gardening and can help me along. There was something so satisfying getting my hands in the dirt and planting all these beautiful plants and flowers. The girls were outside with us and while I was trying to explain best I could to them what I was doing, they really just wanted to pretend to dig and play on their bench. Hopefully, they will develop a love for planting whether in a garden or flower bed.
MaMaw and Ernie blessed us with a couple of Bleeding Hearts, daisies, chives, Rose Camphor, Johnny Jump-Ups, Astilbe, and many others that I can't remember the names of. We're going to plant some tulips and iris bulbs come the Fall and I'd like to put some Gerber daisies in. We also will probably see if there are any other family members who need to divide their plants and go from there. I personally would love to have some hydrangeas along our bank and some blueberry bushes and raspberry vines are a must in my mind. We so enjoyed them at our old house. It's a little at a time as we're learning.
Today we were socked in because of rain and so the girls and I decided to keep planting. Mom gave the girls some little "grow kits" she found at Target and we decided to do them today. They are these little pots that have "soil pellets" that you soak in water and then transfer to the individual pots. Then you plant 5 seeds and push them down. Once they grow to be 3 inches tall, you can transfer them outside. Also, the extra seeds you can plant outside. The girls had fun with this little project but didn't quite like to get their hands too dirty. :) We'll see how it all works and I'll keep you updated on the progress.
The finished product (at least for now)! We have (from left to right) strawberries, oregano, zinnia, sunflower, petunia, and marigold.
We have had a wonderful time these past couple of days digging in the dirt. Here's to many more "Dirty Days!"

Our Saturday

Our Saturday has been filled with lots of fun and activity. We decided today was the day we were going to really work on the yard. It has rained most Saturdays recently or we have had something going on so we were taking advantage of this one! Drew started by getting our mulch and we set to work building "mulch mounds" around our Bradford Pear trees on the bank. The girls helped by filling up the bucket and then helping me dump the mulch.

Here is a picture of Evie and Mary Fran on their "little bench" that they got from Lowe's. MeMe gave them a gift card to Lowe's so that they could buy it themselves. They absolutely love it!

Giving some sisterly love!
In the area we decided to make our flower garden, Drew put out some compost (thanks, MaMaw and Ernie!). Our dirt is just fill dirt so we definitely needed to "enrich" the soil. As Drew was spreading it and explaining to the girls what he was doing, he found lots of worms. Drew told the girls how it was really good to have worms in the compost because they will help make our dirt into soil. They loved watching him pick them up and Evie even touched one! Mary Fran loved watching it move and dig into the dirt.
Drew found a ladybug on the ground and Evie wanted to hold it. Again, fearless!
We have lots of wooded areas on and around our property. Drew suggested we cut down a tree and use it to define our flower garden. We went looking through the woods and Drew found a dead locust tree. This is a picture of him cutting it down. :) As we were walking down the path just in front of our house we found plenty of acorns and even some "baby" oak trees! Drew and Evie planted one of the acorns just next to the tree we cut down. We plan to look and see if the acorn is growing into an oak tree (Evie wanted to stay until it did). After Drew cut down the tree and fitted it to our flower bed, we spread the rest of the mulch out in the bed (the girls used their little shovels) and called it a day. It was exhausting work but we are so glad to have things started on our landscaping. We plan to plant our flowers courtesy of MaMaw and Ernie's need for splitting lots of theirs Monday. I'll post some of those pictures next week! We are so glad Spring is here in the High Country!

Sisters

Every Sunday after church our Fellowship has a pot luck dinner together. It is a continuation of our service and we all enjoy talking and learning more about each other. Of course, the children finish before most of us adults and we let them play in the open area. We have children ages 10 weeks to middle school in our Fellowship and Evie and Mary Fran are just as big as everyone else as far as they are concerned. Having said that, I noticed something quite interesting to me. Evie was playing with some of the children around her age and then all of a sudden left them...in search of her sister. She found Mary Fran and the two of them proceeded to play together for the rest of the time oblivious to everyone else around. As I told Drew, it warmed my heart to know that of all the children around, they preferred to play with each other at that time.
Drew and I both desire for our children to be close to each other and enjoy each other's company. We try to provide an environment in our home that will foster such feelings and hadn't yet seen any "tangible fruit" until Sunday. This is not to say that we have it all figured out. It is also not to say that everything while at home is smooth sailing between the two of them. However, it was so encouraging to see our two little ones having fun together when there were plenty of other "options." Children are truly a delight and we are so thankful for ours!

Farmer girls

Today has been a big day for the Petrey girls. We have some friends, the Greers, who raise chickens. They sell the eggs from their laying hens and we have enjoyed this immensely. Well, about a month ago they received 35 chicks to add to their brood. We have been trying to get by to see them and finally were able to today. It was quite exciting!

As you can see, Evie took to the chick right away. Nancy (Mrs. Greer) was holding the chick while Evie petted away. She had no fear! Mary Fran took a while to warm up to them and never did pet one but did start calling to them.

The Greers have two different areas for their chickens. Here is the first. Nancy got some lettuce for Evie to feed them with. At first, she was feeding them through the fence. Then, Christy, who is the Greer's youngest daughter, went inside the fence. Well, wouldn't you know Evie wanted to go in right behind her! She looked at a rooster up close and personal with Christy for a little bit and then struck out on her own. Eves had quite a time feeding them!

Here are Evie and Christy feeding the chickens in the other area.

Here is Mary Fran feeding them but the picture is not so good as I was holding her.

We had such a great time and the girls are already saying they want to go back. We are greatly indebted to the Greers for letting us come over and teaching us all about the different habits of chickens (the hens have a characteristic sound they make while laying eggs and we got to hear that!). I am so thankful that we live in an area where we are readily able to expose our children to these great learning experiences. Home education at its best!

Little Helpers

Last week I told the girls that I needed to sweep the floors. Immediately they both said, "I want to help." Off they went to the laundry room to get their broom and mop. It was so cute to watch them helping and they did a great job. I was reminded again how precious these moments are. At this age anything they can do to "help" is what they want to do. I often hear, "I want to help you with supper (or lunch)" or "I want to help you with the laundry" or "I want to help you do whatever you're doing." You know, sometimes I find myself thinking, "It really isn't a good time because _____." That blank can be filled in with "I need to get supper on the table" or "I don't have time" or "I don't have the patience right now." Then, thankfully, the Lord reminds me that my job is not to necessarily make sure everything happens exactly on time nor is it my job to make sure I'm "comfortable." My job is to train our children and to train them well. It's not about me.

Ever since Evie was born, I have really desired to teach her and any other daughters we might have in the future (ie Mary Fran) that working at home is a blessing and a privilege and FUN! It is not "settling" or mediocre to stay home and be a homemaker but it is also a job that needs to be done with purpose. Eternity is involved in the everyday tasks of life. I find myself sometimes getting bored or tired of cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and all the other "repetitive" stuff. However, Colossians says that we are to "work as unto the Lord." That means in everything. Therefore, all the cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and "repetitive" things are a ministry to my family and I am serving the Lord when I am serving them. It is also important the attitude in which I am doing all of these things and I have two (soon to be three) sets of watchful eyes who are soaking it all in. "Help me, Lord, to demonstrate joyfulness to these impressionable hearts."

The Lord is continually showing me to take advantage of our children's willingness and desire to help with the everyday tasks of life in our home. Also, He is reminding me to make those opportunities appear and to involve them. It doesn't matter if things get super messy or they have just had a bath or it will take longer. These are eternal things and lessons and now is the time to teach them. It is good to be reminded to let go and see eternity in the small moments and mundane tasks. With that said, here are some pictures of our helpers!

Future grocery shopper extraordinaire!

Strawberries, Fettuccine, and Fish

Yes, it is an interesting title. I have been wanting to blog this past week but the girls got sick and Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights were somewhat long. Therefore, I tried to rest when they were resting, therefore, some other things took a back seat. It was a busy week, nonetheless! We were planning on going strawberry picking with MaMaw, Paw Paw, and Grandmama but were not able as the girls were running fevers. Thankfully, they were able to pick 3 gallons of beautiful strawberries for us. Here is a sampling of one of the 3 gallons.

Ever since marrying Drew and moving up here, I have learned a lot about canning and making jam. I have really enjoying making freezer jam as it is not hard at all and is such a treat to have all through the year and makes great gifts! I would have to say that this is a lost art and with the soaring prices of food and everything else I have found it prudent to learn others ways to provide food healthfully and more cost efficiently for our family. We're so glad that the cold nights we had in April didn't kill the apples, berries, etc like the late freezes did last year. Late this summer, we'll be making applesauce and apple cider, canning green beans, freezing corn, and picking blueberries for jam, freezing, and just plain eating now! Crushing up strawberries to make into freezer jam.
The first run yielded just shy of six jars and the second run yielded about the same. They taste sooo good!
Last week, Drew, Dustin, and Winston went fishing and caught a good mess of crappies. Drew brought two home for us and decided to cook them Friday night. Drew is quite the cook and we just had to take a picture of the beautiful fish whilst cooking. :) I had a new recipe for Fettuccine Alfredo that I wanted to try so we paired the pasta with the fish and fresh strawberries for quite a Friday night feast. The fish were quite tasty (Evie very much enjoyed it) but we both said that we just think warm water fish are best fried. Nonetheless, the girls sure enjoyed "helping" Drew clean the fish and getting them ready for cooking. They were quite fascinated by the scales! :)

Thankfully, the girls are doing much better. I started feeling bad Saturday night but think I'm on the mend today. There's too much to be done day-to-day to be sick! :) Hope y'all enjoy the pictures and look for more consistent posts and we settle back down here.

Little Monets and Mother's Day

"Going to sleep" on the porch with MeMe
Mary Fran "chalking"
Evie painting a masterpiece
All the "moms:" Karen, mom, Daphne, MaMaw, and me
Mary Fran "drinking" the last of her ice cream

We had a great weekend. Mom and Grayson came up and we had a wonderful time. Friday night mom took us all out to eat for Grayson's birthday which was Thursday. Saturday morning Grayson and I ran and when we came back we found mom and the girls on the deck painting and "chalking" (as Evie called it) on the deck with the easel mom gave Evie for her birthday. It was beautiful weather and they had such a good time!

Saturday night we went to Dustin and Daphne's house and celebrated Karen (mother-in-law) and MaMaw (grandmother-in-law). It was a lot of fun, as usual, and we all enjoyed each other. Sunday was church but not before the girls gave me some Mother's Day gifts. Evie gave me some pink gardening gloves, a trowel, and a cultivator (little rake). Mary Fran gave me some potted miniature carnations that are just lovely. They went out with daddy Thursday night and picked out the gifts all by themselves. :) Drew, bless his heart, also gave me a gift...a Dolly Parton 16 Greatest Hits CD!!! I know it sounds crazy but I have always liked Dolly Parton and mentioned to him I wouldn't mind having one of her CD's after seeing her on "American Idol." I put it in the computer right away and we finished getting ready for church singing and dancing to Dolly herself. Although I know she's famous for other things, she really is an incredible singer and songwriter. After church, we took mom and Grayson out to eat and then came home. We had thunderstorms and wind all day as well as falling temperatures. Currently it's 45 degrees but should be back in the 60's tomorrow, thank goodness! All in all, it was a great weekend and restful Mother's Day. Enjoy the pictures!

Highland Christian Fellowship

A little over 2 1/2 years ago, a group of us here in Boone started a "new church" called Highland Christian Fellowship. We were comprised of about 10 families who simply felt led by the Lord to start a new fellowship with the intention of truly seeking Scripture and establishing a church modeled very much after the first church in the book of Acts. Let me tell you, as excited as we all were at the beginning, it has been quite a ride!
We have found that as we have looked at many of the "traditions" from our own church backgrounds (from all different denominations) and really held them up to Scripture we have found that some fit what God's Word has set forth, some have not, and some are up for debate. It has not been easy and it has forced us to look at ourselves, let our pride go, and be very real with each other. This is something you do not see everyday and I am eternally grateful for it.
I remember remarking to one of the families in our fellowship that after I had given my life to Christ in college I was a part of some really great churches and organizations where I grew spiritually and am thankful for that. However, I could never get past the feeling at each one that there was something missing, there was something more. As we have grown at Highland Christian Fellowship, I have felt myself give an inner sigh of relief and say, "This is it."
Now, please don't misunderstand me. I do not intend to or believe that we have it all figured out because we certainly do not. There are things that still do need to be addressed and some may need to change, be added, or even be deleted. However, there is a depth of relationship and a "realness" with all of us that I have not seen or experienced many places in my short life. I believe it comes from a true surrender to each other to hold one another accountable and to respectfully talk about issues, experiences, and the like even when we may not agree. And to most of all love each other exactly where we are which is what the Lord does and calls us to do.
I write this post not to give ourselves some pat on the back or "Good job" type of encouragement. If you ask anyone of us in our fellowship this is certainly not accomplished on our own strength. We are human and can get our feathers ruffled and feelings hurt just as quick as the next guy. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit at work within each one of us that we are able to "bear with one another in love" as well as know that we are "safe" in sharing with one another. What I have described to you above I am so thankful for but not to those in our fellowship. I am thankful to the Lord who has allowed us to be real with each other and have the freedom and responsibility to hold one another accountable. This verse sums up what I feel we experience at Highland Christian Fellowship:

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."

Galatians 6: 2, 10

We have movement!

As I was laying in bed reading Sunday night, listening to Drew snore, I felt something. It was what I had been anxiously awaiting for a few weeks now...our baby. It is so wonderful and awe-inspiring to feel a baby move for the first time. With Evie, we were 21 weeks along, with Mary Fran, 17 weeks on the nose, and with this precious one, one day shy of 17 weeks. This little baby must be pretty active (as the other 2 have been) because I couldn't hardly concentrate on my quiet time today for all the movement. It may have something to do with the fact that I was laying on my stomach. :) Nonetheless, it makes me very grateful for a continued healthy and "normal" pregnancy. What a miracle new life truly is!

Daniel

Last night as I was lying in bed I found it taking me a while to go to sleep. This, fortunately, is unusual for me but as I laid there I found myself thinking about Daniel. Daniel is our nephew, Drew's twin brother, Dustin, and his wife, Daphne's, second child. Daniel was born on January 26, 2007 and passed away 2 days later. He was the first Petrey grandson and was 5 months younger than Mary Fran keeping with the "twin thing" we have going on here (We got married 4 months apart and Evie and Ruthie are 3 months apart). I can only imagine what it has been and is like for Dustin and Daphne as they walk this road in life. It has been so encouraging and humbling to see them put one foot in front of the other and choose to continue to believe that God is God and no matter what He is still on the throne.
When I married a twin, I knew we'd all be close but I never imagined just how close. I say this with a smile because it has been and continues to be a wonderful experience. Dustin is like my other brother and it is not simply words or a nice thought to say Daphne is my sister and not so much sister-in-law. I remember driving back from Brenner's Hospital in Winston-Salem (where Daniel had been transferred after birth) and saying, "God, please take this from them. Please just give it to us and spare them this pain and agony." Although I didn't want to lose a child I didn't want them to have to experience it. Alas, God knows what He's doing and we trust in that.
Last night, I laid there and cried. I cried for my nephew who I'll never know here on earth. I long to know what his personality would be and to see how he would be with all the girls around. I ached to give him a big hug and help him think of ways to play tricks on his older, female cousins and sister. My heart broke again for Dustin and Daphne for all they have been through and how excruciatingly hard it is to lose a child. And in the middle of the tears I again felt God's grace, solitude, and most of all peace. I was reminded again by the power of the Holy Spirit that Daniel will never know sin. He will only ever know Heaven and the glory of God. I can only imagine Heaven's lullabies. The Lord gently spoke to my heart and told me once again, "I have promised to use all things for the good of those who love me and I will. My word is never broken. I know how it feels to lose a child. When all of this was happening I was there at the same place I was when my Son hung on the cross. You are not alone and neither are they. I will never leave you or forsake you because you are my child and so are they." The next thing I knew, the sun was peeking in our window.
As hard as this past 15 months plus has been on our entire family, I was reminded that He still reigns and that because Jesus hung on that cross, sin has no hold. Death is not the end for those of us who know Him. We have hope because He took it all. We will see Daniel again and spend eternity together. What an awesome God we have.

Daphne has a blog which I highly encourage anyone to read: http://www.carrythemforever.com/