Wednesday, April 27, 2016

a beautiful week





The past five days have been such a gift from God. Such a blessing. Also very bittersweet. 

It's hard to believe that the six weeks that were remaining when we found out our best friends (and pastor) were moving to South Carolina have come to an end. Geoff, Liz, and their girls pull out early Friday morning. I feel like we've been trying to squeeze as much together-time in as we can over these few days we have left as neighbors.

We just love them so much, and we are truly going to miss them. Last night we celebrated Brad's 36th birthday and Liz's birthday (hers is two weeks after they move) with Taco Tuesday (our traditional meal that we always seemed to eat when we got together) and apple pies (Brad and Liz's favorite pies.) My heart felt so blessed by the time we had together last night, their family and ours. 

Lily was baptized this past Sunday afternoon. Geoff and Brad baptized her together. That was definitely special and very sweet. Geoff has now baptized all three of our kids which is pretty cool. Cool in the aspect, that they have been involved in that spiritual part of our children's lives. 

After the baptism, my parents had dinner at their home, followed by a long hay ride. The weather was really perfect. Sunny and just a bit chilly. I just really love the photos that I snapped during the ride. Everyone was so alive and happy and laughing. Don't you love laughing? I love it so.

It's just been such a sweet week to my heart. We've been busy preparing the kids' projects for the project fair this Friday. We're almost finished. We've also been very busy with outside tasks. I spent five solid hours shoveling manure on Monday, and that's not even done yet. Definitely, my least favorite part of having animals. 

I've also been spending some time knitting and spinning. Of course I have. I'm not sure what it would feel like to go a day without doing one of those things for at least a few minutes. I'm almost finished with a pair of prayer/friendship socks that I'm making for Liz. They're not going to be finished by Friday, so I'll have fun putting together a little package to send her in the mail. Oh, and I finished my Harvest Cardigan (except for weaving in a few ends which you can see sneaking out in the photo above.)

Lily's newest craze is making mini skeins of yarn. They're just so darn cute too. I just really love them. So tiny. I gave her some of my leftovers to wind up into mini skeins. She's having a blast, and they will look so much nicer than just having loose balls of yarn getting all tangled up. That girl is so much like me. It amazes me.

Well, ladies, I pray that you have a wonderful evening. We are, again, spending the evening at our dear friends' home along with some other friends from church. Just soaking these last moments in. Because, you know, I am a sap. Sniff. Sniff. 

12 comments:

Billie Jo said...

Prayers for you as your friends begin a new journey...
I am certain the memories you shared will remain in your heart.
I love your sweater!!!!!
Love!
Have a cozy evening. : )

karen said...

I'm sorry your friends have moved away :( I loved seeing the baptizing photos, so happy and joyful and meaningful!!

harknessangels said...

Such wonderful memories have been made with your friends and I am sure there will be more to come!

Your sweater is beautiful. I love that sock yarn! I think I have the same colorway. And Lily's minis are too cute! Congratulations to her on her baptism!

Rachel E. said...

Praise the Lord for another child baptized into the family of God.

There are so many dandelions in the yard - you could make jelly!

The party looks like great fun.

susan said...

What beautiful photos of family, friends,happiness and creativity.
Your sweater is absolutely beautiful - the perfect color.
I know you're feeling sad that your dear friends are leaving, but look ahead to the wonderful times you'll have again when you visit one another.

Monica said...

Such a beautiful post Amber! Yes, I love laughing. It's so contagious! I know what you are feeling right now and I will keep you and your families in my prayers. ;) {{hugs}}

Mereknits said...

Amber, you have much to be thankful for. Your beautiful life and family. I mentioned you on my blog today I hope you don't mind. I want to make Harvest Sweater and mentioned yours.
Hugs,
Meredith

Zena said...

So much has been happening! Oh that is so sad your friends are moving. I know the feeling. Wonderful baptism and coming of age for your daughter. Happy Birthday to your dearest. The cardigan looks gorgeous on you. I really want to knit a long cardigan too. So cute that your daughter is following in your creative footsteps. xx

Zena said...

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Sandra said...

What a beautiful week you had. I'm sorry your friend moved away, when we were active duty we had so many move constantly, it's always sad. Hope you have a great weekend :)

Joyful said...

Here from Mereeknits. Lovely to see your blog and all the beautiful things you touch on in this post. It is so special when there is such joy in baptism. I remember mine well and also those of other loved ones. I'm not following you and I'll come back and see the other lovely things you are doing like spinning, knitting , etc. xx

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Hello, Amber! As always, I love the pictures. Look at all of those dandelions in the yard!!