Update from Slater Creek Farm

Well, as you can see, the chickens are doing their thing. Delicious brown eggs. Their yolks are dark gold. So much fun.

The garden is doing well. Big, red tomatoes. You can't beat them.

What....how did this get in here? I am kidding. This is a good friend of mine. Lynn went to grade school and high school with me. We ran into her when we went out for Debs 25th class reunion.

Deb looking fine for her class reunion. You don't look like you have been out of school 25 years babe.

The chicks are definitely chickens now. After getting rid of the three roosters, we have these 9 hens left. We also have one guinea which is one weird bird, but her main food is ticks so we like her.

Last but not least. A lot of hard work is being done, and some of it by Brandon. He pounded in about 25 fence posts for the goat pasture. It was tough work but he did it all by himself.

We went to Quincy last night for church and then met up with Joe and Cindy at Sprouts. The meal was good and the company was excellent. Thanks for listening guys.

Happy Birthday Deb!

I know it's not until tomorrow.

Last year, I forgot her birthday. This year, no chance.

Doing the John Bozarth napkin trick at a wedding. I love her.
Snuggling with Lou. I think she looks so beautiful.

Man, she does something to me. Blue eyes and blond hair with a twinkle of mischief behind those glasses.

Deb with Danny and Jessi's niece on their wedding day. Deb enjoys holding babies.

Farm girl loves her baby chicks.
Deb so enjoys the same things her Grandma Lora did.

Deb and Riley love to go out to the coop. She has taught Riley so much about absolutely everything. I love her teaching heart.

I appreciate that we work so well together. We both are happy to be right next to each other for the next project.

I love you so much Deb! Sorry, when I screw things up. Sorry, when I don't tell you enough how much you mean to me. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE!

Fishing fun

After Brandon and I went fishing and spent the night at Johns cabin a few weeks ago, he has really got into fishing. He goes every chance he can. He bought a rod and reel with a birthday gift card that Josh and Jenna gave him for Cabela's. Now it seems Riley has caught the fishing bug as well. She casted and reeled these bluegill in all by herself.

Brandon asked how I know so much about fishing. I told him when I was in my teens, I use to take my brothers fishing all the time. I use to get off work and by the time I got home, Joe and John were waiting, just hoping I would take them.

Later on we even took Jay and Jimmy. I taught my brothers all I knew and they now are almost as good of fisherman that I am.

Just remember.....When you go outdoors, take a kid fishing.

This post has been brought to you by Fish Tales Inc.

Fish Tales Inc. makes no representation of truth in the preceding blog. This blog is a Quinn Martin production.

Clothing provided by Hager and Hager of Beverly Hills.

Delaware residents please add 7% sales tax. We now return you to All in the Family, already in progress.

My kind of weekend

Everyone was here Saturday except Hailey. She was at a wedding with her mommy. When a gang is here, I WANT PICTURES!!!!!!!!!! Sorry for so many.
The guys doing the sexy look. It's kind of frightening.

Daddy's girls. I make em cute.

The whole gang in one chair. Ouch!

Just the kids.

I love this picture.

I think they could be sisters.

Have to have a goofy pic.

Everybody got their shades on.

The guys thanking Deb for an excellent lunch. Josh's request was baked breakfast and coffee cake. She also cut up some fresh pineapple and watermelon and it was delicious.

Deb and I love a table full of our family.

Cub fans.

Brandon is getting taller....

Crikies. Two wild farm kittens not even given these chickens a second look. But things on the Hancock County plain can turn deadly at the blink of an eye.

Snooze fest. Riley and Lou cuddlin.

We had so much fun this weekend. Josh and Danny and I went golfing in the morning. We had a wonderful lunch, followed by games and Rock band on the Wii. God has blessed us with great kids and can't wait to see them all together again. Thanks for letting me share our family with you!

I'm a travelin man, I made a lot of stops.....

First, our travels led us to Kansas City for Shawn and Suzies wedding. Grandma/Mom looks pretty good.
The happy couple

Who knew my daughter could break dance?

Riley and Hailey on the Slip and Slide taken from the back deck of Jessi and Dannys new home.

Deb promised not to blog the picture of Jessi in her PJ pants. I made no such promise. I love the house guys.

Buddies!

Next our trip took us to Waterloo Iowa for business. The worlds largest frying pan is in Brandon, IA.

Back home for.....

Happy Birthday dear Brandon......

and back home for a ball game. This is Riley and one of her bestest friends, Madison.

Then off to St. Louis to visit Jenna and Josh. First stop,,,,,,,Chuck E. Cheese!

Riley and mommy at Grants Farm.

The happy couple

Victims of a tragic snow cone accident.

Last but not least, this is Josh's sexy look. I mean it. It really is. Honest. I'm not kidding.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH!

Today is Josh's birthday...Have an awesome day Josh!

We are looking forward to spending the 4th with you guys. ...and seeing your new place.

Happy Day!

HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY BRANDON (a day late)

Yesterday was a busy day with it being Father's Day (Brandon was with his dad) and we had the Gustison family reunion too...not much birthday celebrating went on. Until we got home around 5:30...Riley and I made a birthday cake for Brandon. He arrived home about 6:30...and we had Grandma Bonnie over for some cake and ice cream.

We love you Brandon and are so proud of you too. You are a wonderful, caring, and devoted son! We are so glad that God gave you to us...have an awesome week!

Praise the Lord.....

I am okay. While laying in the emergency room in Keokuk, the ambulance ride to Quincy, and then all the tests at Blessing, two things kept constant in my mind. Jesus is a wonderful Saviour, and my wife is my bestest friend.

First off, my heart is 100 percent okay. My triglycerides are too high and my good cholesterol is too low. That was not causing my chest pain. Still not sure was but it was not my heart. The cardiologist said that while I need to do something about my diet and lack of exercise, my heart is great....for now.

I can't believe how calm I was. I know it is because I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, telling me that everything will be okay. Secondly, I have the most wonderful family. I love how people just respond and ask questions later. Thank you Janet for taking Riley for the night and Kelly for watching her this morning. Thank you for all who visited or called. Jay and Joe, I am glad that we have come to a place where we can say we love each other. Thanks go to Grandma Judy for picking up Brandon at church camp so Deb could be with me. I also was totally impressed with the wonderful staff at Keokuk Area Hospital, Blessing Hospital, and Lee County EMS. They were very caring.

I love the fact that when I told my three older girls not to worry, they still did. I love you Jessi, Jenna, Emma, Brandon, and Riley so MUCH. You guys are the reason why I need to stick around a little while longer.

Last but not least.

Deb, You are the love of my life. I can't imagine going through this with anyone else and feel the love from you like I did. You took care of me, you reassured me, you loved me, and you hurt for me. When the doctor told you this morning that everything was going to be okay, I can't describe the absolute joy on your face. It was like you just received the best CHRISTmas present ever. That made me feel so loved. Thank you for your love. I am sorry to have scared you and the kids like that. I want to spend the next 50 years together. You are my life and I am glad God has given me another chance to share that with you.