Auntie Joyce Had a Farm, E-I-E-I-O!

Auntie Joyce Had a Farm, E-I-E-I-O!

Aunt Joyce is one of our favorites.  And her home is amazing.  Not amazing in the sense that it is a "mansion overlooking the city with an amazing view", but amazing in the sense that it is the place of family.  And while its not really a "farm", there is a garden and a beautiful old barn with a lovely clematis growing on the side that just speaks of a photo opportunity.

This last labor day weekend, it was a weekend of parties.  A wedding and a family reunion.   But in the center of all that activity, it was about family.  The wedding deserves a blog all on its own...that will come.  So today its about family.

At the farm, Cora and Jarrett busied themselves with picking berries.  They were so proud of their harvest sharing berries with anyone who would have a bite.

And on that farm, she had some boys....... 

Family doesn't get together without some sort of sport going on.  Today, it was soccer.   The Reidt boys led the pack with some full-contact soccer.  This is really how things should be done.

And on that farm she had some men...

While the boys played, the men talked...

 ...and talked...

 ...and talked...

...and talked.

After all, this is what family is about too.  Sharing our lives with one another... The wisdom from founding fathers (Uncle Dennis, Dad, Tom, Chuck, Rick) sharing with the up and coming amazing leaders God has given our family (Jeff, Vincent, Mark, Alan, Todd, Jared, Mike, etc)

oh ya, and food!  

And on that farm she had some food...

The Stones can definitely cook a good meal.  Today, it was thanks to all of the aunts, cousins, wives, and anyone willing to cook...and Mike (Thanks Templemans!)

I loved Jen's Rosemary Limeade (I want that recipe).

Food was definitely a topic of discussion this time.  It seems like everyone is on some type of "lifestyle change" (its not a diet!).  Vegan, plant-based, non-dairy, vegetarian, whatever is convenient at the moment, type of eating plan.  Made for an interesting selection of foods.  

But no matter what you wanted to eat - you could find it.  And, it tasted amazing.  Especially, the Rosemary Limeade (have I told you Jen I want the recipe?!?).

And on this farm she has some LOVE!

Our family loves each other.  And it definitely shows.  We really shouldn't wait until the next wedding to all get together, but we should love each other and talk to each other and break bread with each other continually.   After all, that is what God's example is to us.  Life is busy and daily commitments and distance can easily keep us apart.  But no matter what, we are family.  We can rely on each other, encourage each other, love each other.  We are united by blood and by the love we have of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Having the security of our eternal purposes in Jesus give us peace that surpasses all, that keeps us focused on the important things and not the insignificant things.

 Every time I think of you, I thank my God. And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy. This is because you have taken part with me in spreading the good news from the first day you heard about it. God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won't stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.

Phil 1:3-6 

Thank you Aunt Joyce for opening up your home again and again for our family to love each other again and again!

With love,
-t.