Enjoying Spring blessings

This past Sunday, we drove up to where it all began.  The day that we promised to love one another for the rest of our days.  Mark and I were married in this little chapel in Door County 15 years ago this month.  I saw the chapel while studying at Lawrence University.  It was hand built in the 1920’s by a husband and wife.  They hewed each board with hand tools, also carving designs in all the wood structures.  The wife painted frescos of bible verses on the walls as well as did intricate needlepoint on all the seats.  When I saw it I thought it was so special.  The perfect place to get married.  I told Mark that it was big enough, but when he arrived on our wedding day he was worried that our guests could all fit in.  They did not fit in and Mark still gives me a hard time over this in fun.

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When we showed the children the chapel, they all thought it was a tree house.  Mark looks over at me and says, “See, even the kids can tell that it is small.” It is tiny, but what a neat way to embark on life together.  A life we filled so far with many things we made together as a family with our own hands.  It is an ambition, the couple who made this beautiful chapel, to start from scratch.  With nothing but their own bare hands, love, creativity, so as to make something exquisite and special for others to be encouraged like we were.  We started with nothing but a dream of a big family who worked together to create the homestead.  Starting with a firm foundation in Jesus Christ, for there is nothing more secure. Sure, there were times that were hard, times that we thought we could barely stand, but those times made us stronger.  God proved us and changed us every step of the way.  Changing us into people who will always be thankful in all things, come what may.

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What a gift to have an abundant family life comprising of 14 hands that work together to build on that dream.  15 years later, we have the Homestead Community Post.  A group of people who have the same ambitions.  Teaching our kids as we work the land, building on that Solid Rock.  With faith and family, we can do anything.

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We spent the rest of the day in Door County basking in the sunshine on a beautiful beach.  The white sand held the warmth of the sun, and the gentle breeze blew through our hair.  Listening to the waves lapping over the sand and the water with shades of blue and green.  Seemed like a dream.  The children digging and splashing, giggling and running.  We all had such a great time together.

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Our kids are our best friends.  We just love laughing, praying, and working together.  Even burying Mikey in the sand can be lots of fun for the kids.

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Now that spring is here, it is time to get busy on the homestead.  There is grass to mow, a garden to till, and of course laundry to be done.

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Mikey is big enough now to help is daddy mow down the grass.

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Miles bought some garden tools and seeds.  He is so excited to work in the beds around the house.  We have a white picket fence out front and he is planting pole beans, peas, and cucumbers in between the flowers.  Miles already started working up the garden but because of it’s small size, he managed to make good use out of the flower beds, anyhow.  I think he will do well this year with his gardening and as a family we will all enjoy the fruits of his labor.  I think having food growing up the fence will be fun!

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Last but not least, this is my favorite view of all.  The wash line. There is just something about watching your laundry twist and snap in the breeze.  It makes me feel cozy inside.  After the sun came out, the clothes dried in a matter of minutes.  We live on the top of a big hill so we get a good breeze.  It makes for great non electric air conditioning when you open the windows on both sides of the house.  Today, we had highs in the 80s which was a pleasant change for us Wisconsin Homesteaders.  I can’t say it enough, I am so blessed.  I feel on top of the world when I stand outside peering over the hills at the majestic views with all our animals happily grazing, children joyfully working, and the laundry out on the line.  What could be more serene?

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5 thoughts on “Enjoying Spring blessings”

  1. Nice post and nice information too. I read your post. It’s really nice and I like your post. It’s very simple to understand……..Thank you for sharing………..

  2. Cameron Taylor

    Hey Erin,
    Love the pics! You family has grown so much! I saw Molly and saw a beautiful young lady; hard to believe she’s so old and grown up now! 🙂 We miss y’all so much at church and in the community! Hope to see you again soon!
    Cameron

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