Summer is just around the corner and we are waiting for the weather to catch up.  I am not one who enjoys the blistering heat that comes with summer, but I would love to see us actually get into the 70's.  My garden would really love for it to heat up.  It might actually start to grow.  We had to plant new cucumbers yesterday.  The gentle stems of the original plants were broken due to hail and severe down pours.  Our new cucumbers look so lively, but I can hear them joining the chorus of the other plants in their cries for sunshine and warmer weather.  I also bought two strawberry plants.  They are strong and healthy and so pretty.  I have never had any luck with growing strawberries, so I am hoping this year will be different.

All of our chickens survived the dog attack.  I believe egg production is back to normal as well.  I'm hoping they are smart enough to realize what a close call they had and how fortunate they are.  They are well kept ladies and I want to see their appreciation in eggs.

I have started planning for the next school year.  My oldest is now officially entering into junior high and the curriculum is much more challenging.  I am looking forward to seeing her brain smoke a bit.  She will be reading many great books and I am trying to familiarize myself with this new curriculum.  The grammar is freaking me out a bit.  I have never been a fan of  grammar and the Teacher's Manual is over 600 pages.  Yikes.  We will be learning this together.  I've enlisted the help of DH because he seems to be a natural when it comes to the minute intricacies of the English language.

I'm enjoying the chatter of the birds as they search for food and socialize outside my windows.  I had forgotten how early some of them start singing their songs.  Long before the sun rises, some of them are chatting away, almost as if they are overcome with the anticipation of the sun coming up and God's glory being revealed as the rays fall upon the dew laden tapestry of His creation.  The other morning I found myself contemplating their eagerness to start the day...as I was trying desperately to get another hour or two of sleep.  I was convicted of my own heart's condition at the beginning of each new day.  I want for my heart to sing and soar as I begin my days, even if there is toiling ahead for me.  I want to be eager to take on the new day, even if it proves to be a blustery one.  I want to sing God's praises purely for knowing that He is there and that the sun would not rise without Him.  I want to start each day with a joyful  heart knowing I am loved by the Creator of the Universe.  I want to infect my children with this joy and praise.  The early birds are God's gentle way of reminding me to keep my heart open and focused on Him.  I love birds.  The Lord knows I love birds and I am so tickled that He knows me well enough to get my attention this way.

May your days start with singing and anticipation as you ponder the Lord's presence in your life.

Be blessed.