Happy 4th Of July!

So the 4th has rolled around again. This year we did the same thing to celebrate as we always do, with some twists.

Our celebration started in the morning, when I got up early (everyone else slept in) and made a 4th of July cake. Making a cake wasn't really neccesary, but everyone around here insists that I'll use any excuse to make a cake. (That's not my fault! With only seven birthdays a year, what am I supposed to do if I want to make a cake?) When the cake was done we all went on with our work as usual, until around 3:00 in the afternoon. At that point, Timmy was assigned to make a fire-pit, since we recently seeded our old huge one to grass.

Timmy wandered around the yard, asking everyone where the new fire-pit should be, and then finally decided to put it near the rhubarb patch. He lugged some old bricks and stones over, and built a small ring. Then Caleb, always eager for action of any sort, helped light a fire, and carry a big log over.

My 4th of July cake. Photo by Rachel.

By suppertime the fire was just perfect for hot-dogs and marshmallows. All those who wanted to add the heat of the fire to the heat of the evening (it was a scorching day), found roasting sticks or made their own. Timmy and Caleb burnt their hot dogs to smithereens, and then ate them, charcol and all. Caleb said they had a 'nice flavor'.

When supper was over and cleaned up, the family gathered outside to roast marshmallows and watch for any early fireworks. Matthew wasn't there, though. He had gone to pick up a catfish from a friend ("I'll just be a minute, Mom.").

Of course, Timmy and Caleb can't roast marhsmallows normally. They need excitement.

Caleb: "Now watch, Tim. I'm gonna make a perfectly brown marshmallow. I'll just put it here over these coals and let it cook to a brown crisp." Timmy (ten seconds later): "Uh, Caleb, what's smoking over there? Is that your marshmallow?" Caleb: "What? Oh no! It's on fire! Timmy, help me!" Timmy reaches over and gives the roasting stick with the flaming marshmallow on it a good shake. He accidently shakes sticky, hot marshmallow all over the ground, those watching, and, horrors, Caleb.

The fireworks started. There was a beautifully brilliant display this year. Matthew wasn't home yet. (Just a minute, right?) When he finally did get home, the family climbed up onto the low-pitched roof of our house to watch the fireworks. Mom and I, both edgy around high places like roofs, couldn't enjoy the fireworks quite as much as usual, but we all had fun. Caleb and Timmy bounced around, slid down towards the edge, and generally drove Mom insane with their break-neck antics!

We went to bed late, when the fireworks were finally done. We were all exhausted, full ("Anybody mind if I eat this last piece of cake?"), and care-free. Except for me. I managed to burn my fingers pretty badly on the 'sparklers' we do every year. I used my new toothpaste remedy, and went to bed with toothpaste all over my hand. I don't even have a scar now, but my quilt has toothpaste all over it, thanks to this year's 4th of July celebration!

The Weekly Bible Verse

Galations 6:9: So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up.

Bits and Pieces

Work, work, and work some more! That's all we've done this week. The house construction is moving right along. Beka has become Dad's helper-in-chief, and the two hustle-hustle-hustle from dawn till dusk every day! With Beka working for Dad, I have to take on her normal responsibilities. Some things are easy. Some are unpleasant, like feeding her two demanding calves. Others are down-right stressful. Take making a full meal for seven, for instance. How in the world do you do that every single day, Beka? I'm mystified as to how she manages to make lunch every day and stay sane!

Serious construction in progress! The laundry room wall was so rotted, Dad and Beka took the whole thing out!
Photo by Mom.

Another birthday this week: this time Mom's. She turned fifty-three on Saturday. We had our usual celebration at lunch. We didn't have a cake, since Mom said two cakes in one week was too much! Mom received several presents, including garage-sale money, and a hand-made 'Welcome' sign from Timmy.

A Word About The Weather

Dry and hot! Perfect temperatures for construction work! We are very glad that rain and cooler days are in the forecast. Our garden can use the rain too, so it will be appreciated all around.

A Word Of Wisdom

When feeding calves in the process of weaning, be careful. They might start eating you when you don't give them their bottle.