July 2019 Memories Post

July 2019 is coming to an end at warp speed.

I'm really not sure anyone reads or even has the time to read my posts anymore

but I'm determined to do a "made in July memories" post for my own reference.

I admit, these summer days are so full and delightfully busy that I simply can't get

around to reading all the other blogs out there. 

Please accept my sincere apologies. Perhaps when the winds change and the air cools,

there will be time to look back.

Here is my picture (with a few words) post to remember this wonderful month ...

Fun days spent with this little man - oh, my heart!

First haircut without colour - what have I done?

Time to clean up and reseal the back patio! Done ...

Garlic scape pesto making time - so delicious!

First Vacation Bible School

for our 3 year old.

She LOVED it!

Sunday morning VBS interview/review

with her mommy teacher.

Nammie found some unpainted carvings up in the barn!

Ta-da - we painted a loon. She did a great job!

Another thing that came out of the barn for a spin out the lane and a wash. 1981 (I think) Land Cruiser/"Crusher".
No windshield, straw and critters in the back - needs a bit of work some day ...
Still purrs.

A precious gift from my sister. A piece of mom's begonia. Not sure what it's called

but I think she used to call it a turkey foot begonia. Does anyone know this vintage variety?

We were invited to a very special 60th birthday celebration

for our Hmong friend Bao.

She came to us with her husband and two very young children through the MCC "boat people" sponsorship program in 1979.

We have been so fortunate to have stayed in touch with her through her daughter Ka. Ka was 2 years old when they came to Canada from a Laotian refugee camp.

What a wonderful success story for this family!

Part of the celebration included a "Hmong hand tying" ceremony where

everyone was given a small piece of yarn to tie onto Bao's wrists.

It was a warm way for everyone to greet her and I just loved the symbolism

of not being able to tie this onto your own wrists but that it had to be done for you.

Just one of the many beautiful Hmong traditions we have learned from this family friendship.

Here she is with her children. Ka on the far left. Cher who was 1 at the time they arrived is hidden behind his sister in the green dress (sorry Cher). 4 children were born in Canada.

Bao's husband Chong, passed away 10 years ago at the age of 52, just days after 

Ka's wedding day.

What a privilege it's been all these years to still be referred to as their sponsors

and to be invited to their special family gatherings.

Leis Family Tradition - July Picnic at the Freeman's Pond

Every July we have a family picnic at the Freeman Family's Farm Pond!

It's something we all look forward to and can't even remember how many 

years we have been doing this (probably since about 1984 or 85).

This girl LOVES dessert. After the huge pot-luck meal feast and patiently waiting

for dessert to come out, she came to me and offered to help me put it out.

She is sweet through and through!!!

Nom-nom!

Just wait till next year for this little sweetie to dig in!

Best part was that we got to meet this precious newest leaf on the family tree!

The Leis Brothers playing the annual Bocci Ball Game.

Camp fire to end the day...

And then, just like that - she turned 4 years old!!!!!

Put your hair in the air and celebrate this adorable 4 year old - Princess Poppy Troll Cake

A quick birthday picnic in the park after spending the day with her mommy at the spa.

I can't even ... my heart is full ...

And he decided he was going to start walking on his sister's birthday!!!
Pure joy ...

The 35th annual visit from our Kentucky friends Debi and Larry!
What a great week we had with y'all. So glad you always include us in your plans!

Extreme hot weather brought some storms too.

Sultry July evenings on the back deck.

Sunsets on Lake Huron to end the month.

Thankful for each day that God has given me. I am truly blessed!

If you are still reading - thanks for bearing with me.

 Till next time - wishing you a fabulous August 2019. Let this Summer continue.