Iowa Farms

We drove to Iowa, arriving July 7th to visit with David's brother, Jack and our sister-in-law, Marion.  They live in Reinbeck, a small rural community with lovely farms and a quaint little down-town area.

Marion and Jack 

I was so amazed at the many rolling hills of lush, green corn and soybeans 
growing everywhere. The farm homes are so very beautiful with the crops surrounding them.  I took several moving shots right out of the pickup window.  Some shots were taken from grain bins where I climbed up to the top via a very nice metal ladder, I might add.  

 

 

Every inch of ground was utilized here -

the crops were planted right up to the house.

We left 100+ degree temperatures in Oklahoma and drove into 

this beautiful country with blue skies and green covered ground,

with 85 degrees the top temperature while we were there.  We 

came home to brown, crunchy grass and way over 100 temperatures.   

Okay, it was good, but we would NOT change winters with them.

This shot was as I was coming down the ladder

from the grain bins.  Love those evergreen trees!

The picture above is the home place where Marion was raised.

Marion's dad was born in this home and his dad built the house.

The farm is listed as a "Century Farm".  The homes in Iowa are

fascinating, but this one is special.  Jack and Marion bought the

home and they are remodeling by adding on and updating the

interior.  It is a full two story home with a full attic and basement.

Marion's parents built on a new section some years ago, and now 

Jack and Marion have added another section.  It is one huge historical

house.  I think it is so neat that the farm and home will continue the

tradition of family dwelling and working there.

David is checking out the new addition on the back of the house. 

This area added a new living room and bedroom - I think.  

Below will be Marion's painting room - a really nice area for her.

 

 Awesome landscape!

 I love the quilt painting on the barn.

Several barns in the area have quilt paintings on

them.  It was a community project a few years

ago.

We had a great visit and enjoyed our short stay in Iowa.  Thank you

Jack and Marion for your gracious hospitality.  We love you both.  It

was so nice to get to spend time with you and time with your daughter 

and grandchildren. The beauty of the many farming homesteads will

remain a pleasant memory for me. 

Family and Friends 4th of July Celebration!

Celebrating the 4th of July at the Price home never ceases to amaze me.  They do know how to have a party.  Great food, fun, fellowship, and fireworks.  Children of all ages can find something extraordinary to have fun.  My grand- kids soaked it all in.  Thank you Mona and David for always being so sharing and gracious with so many.  You all are a blessing!

What a colorful scene for celebrating the 4th!

 

Nathan loves this little race car.

Our Gracie girl ---- having a blast!

Miss Kendley Mae - my sister's great granddaughter

 

Now this thing must really be fun.  

My grandkids did not want to get out of it.

Andrew and Gillan were in it this round.

Josh and Gracie are in it here.

 

There is Josh.

I think Gillan is trying to get another turn.

Look at the slides and other commercial playground equipment.

Awesome!!!!

What cuties....Audrey and a friend.

Did I mention the paddle boats?

When the playing was all done...Andrew is still grinning!
The grand finale was the fireworks.

Little Monkey

I had not seen Nathan in about a week.  He had been gone on a trip with his family and before they returned we left town.  He was anxious to get to the sandbox and immediately yelled to me....."Grandma, Grandma - take my picture."

 

 Then I tried to capture the dimples, but he didn't really smile for me here.

Since this was an unplanned sleep-over, I had to search for sleepwear.  There was none to be found....not even a T-shirt his size.  I pulled this knit shirt from the drawer and he was so excited...he jumped for joy....yes, yes he wanted to wear it.  He loved the monkey on the front.  He loved it so much he cried the next morning when his mom came to pick him up and she wanted him to put on his shorts and shirt for VBS.  He melted and cried to keep it on.  Katie is such a patient, and laid-back mom.  I wish I could learn from her.  Lest you think he is spoiled and should not be given his way all the time( well, maybe he is) but, ....he was willing to change when they got to the church.  Momma knows the little guy pretty well.

Unspoken Sermons

"I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own."

John 10:14

A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending
services regularly, stopped going after a few weeks, the preacher
decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the
man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the
reason for his preacher's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace...and waited.

The preacher made himself at home but said nothing. In the  grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around  the burning logs.  After some minutes, the preacher took the  fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone, then he sat back in his chair, still silent.The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there  was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon  it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The  preacher glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow,  once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the preacher reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, 'Thank you so much for your visit  and especially for the fiery sermon. I will be back in church next Sunday.'

We live in a world today, which tries to say too much with too little. Consequently, few listen. Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left unspoken.

The Lord is my Shepherd ----- that's a Relationship!

I shall not want ----- that's Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ----that's Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters -----that's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul -- that's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness -- that's Guidance!

For His name's sake ----- that's Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death --that's Testing!

I will fear no evil ----- that's Protection!

For Thou art with me ----- that's Faithfulness!

Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me -----that's Discipline!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies ---that's Hope!

Thou annointest my head with oil -----that's Consecration!

My cup runneth over ----- that's Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life ---that's Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord ----- that's Security!

Forever ----- that's Eternity!

Face it, God is crazy about you!

Blooms and Blossoms

I just can't get enough of these.

 

Classic Cars

We did see some fun things while in Springfield last week, even though the shock of the storm in Joplin hovered over us.  Big car show going on over the Memorial Day weekend.  I really wish we could have gone to it, but we did get to see several cars in the parking lot of the Comfort Inn.  Of course, I was out lurking around taking pictures in the dark.  The next morning I took a few pictures out of the window from the room.  I had not changed from my nightgown nor had a combed my hair.  Of course, I was so involved in the picture taking that I did not notice the couple in the parking lot stopped and staring straight up at me.  Ugh!  I quickly pulled the curtain....I felt like a Dufus.  

Okay, I want that one, that one, that one, and that one!!

There were more, especially out on the street early the next morning, but I was afraid if I took any more pictures they might send the law after me.