The Wilkes Team

There is a ‘Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Farm’ about ten minutes from the barn, which offers a great assortment of fir trees to pick from.

When we heard about it we thought it would be a great memory if we all went and cut down our Christmas tree this year. We all cheered at the idea and anticipated the evening together.

We made some fun family memories that night! O, the joys of doing things together!

As we go through these last 9 days before Christmas may we take the time to make family memories. Enjoy one another!

• As our dear friends the Neely’s would say, “Sit long – Talk much -Laugh often.”
• Make cookies and Christmas goodies together for your neighbors.
• Invite a couple families over and go Christmas caroling! Hand out cookies and a Christmas track. The candy cane story is a great track to give out!
• Send a ‘Box of Blessings’ to a missionary, or a family that is in need.
• Look for people that you can bless through your words, time,  a note, or gift.
• Be available! Sometimes we miss those opportunities to bless others because we are so wrapped up in what we are doing! Evaluate what is truly important? How does the Lord want me to be spending my time, energy, and gifting’s?
• But most of all, don’t let the days slip by without taking the time to truly bask in the greatest gift that we have been given- Eternal life through Jesus Christ!

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The Lord blessed Daniel with a stunning 6 point buck on opening day of bow season!!

We are rejoicing in the way the Lord provides!

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Psalm 19:1 says,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”

Last minute outings can be so fun!!

While Benjamin was visiting us last week, we decided to take a day trip to Virginia Beach! Benjamin had never been to the beach and it had been over three years since we had gone.

Our time there truly exceeded our expectations!The Lord blessed us with absolutely perfect weather, a beach completely to ourselves, and an entire day to just enjoy one another!

It is so important that we take time out of our busy schedules and go spend time with one another. It could be going to the beach, playing a game of croquet in the back yard, or sitting down and having a family read aloud. The most important thing is that you do it all together!

O, the memories we have made together as a family! All because our dear parents have seen the importance of taking the time to be with one another!

The great Seagull Catcher – Adam!!

Have you ever had a desire to catch a seagull? Here’s an easy way to do so.

Instructions: Lie down with a towel over your chest.

Place some type of tempting piece of food on your chest.

Then watch and see what happens………

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Adam decide to try it!

It took no longer than 10 minutes before one couldn’t resist the tempting food! He swooped down to pick up the cheese and to be off again but he was not quick enough for Adam! Adam wrapped the towel around him and quickly secured him in his hands before the seagull knew what happened!

You should have heard the ring of laughter and the looks of amazement from the rest of us as Adam stood there with this seagull in hand!

After getting a picture or two we released him to join his other seagull friends.:-)

Riding the waves was a blast!!

3 Comments » | posted in Family News, Outdoor Adventures, Photography

With great desire we traveled all day in hopes we would make it to Lake Itasca in time for a potentially stunning sunset across the lakes. Our hopes were dwindling as we looked at the estimated arrival time on our GPS and the ever darkening sky above.

We entered the park. Tall pine trees cascaded over the road as we followed the signs to our cabin. Thinking that the sun had already set (due to the darkness caused by the pine trees) we drove without expectations.  A small clearing appeared  and Dad caught a glimpse of one of the magnificent lakes. Annndddd…to our great surprise the sun had just set leaving beautiful shades of pink, orange, purple, and blue behind.

With great excitement we looked for the next pull off. I grabbed my camera, Kenan grabbed the video camera and prepared for landing. As soon as the car rumbled to a stop we jumped out and began running down the 50 steps to the view of the lake.

Ah….. it was stunning. What a wonderful close to a wonderful day. We all gathered in our cabins that night rejoicing in the goodness of God and overflowing with joy in His great love for us His children. 

The next morning we walked to where the Mississippi River begins! It was there that we parted ways with the Wilkes Clan. What an incredible trip we had with them!

On the road again.

Next stop Chicago Illinois! The newly weds, Robert and Kendalyn Staddon opened their home for us to come and spend the night. Daniel Staddon came over and joined us too! What a blast we had! Thank you for all the great food and delightful fellowship!

Not home yet!!!

One more anticipated stop before rolling into Culpeper, Va ~ The Staddon’s home!!

We stopped in West Virginia for an evening and morning of good wholesome fellowship! Thank you Staddon family for your last minute hospitality. What a great completion to an incredible 10 day trip!!

Many memories were made and relationships strengthened. We came back refreshed and in awe over what God did!

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After much team work and fulfilling of responsibilities, our Green Van left Brandy Station, VA for a westerly trip across the US. This has been a trip we have talked about for a couple years now that the Lord has wondrously worked in bringing to fruition. But maybe you are like our family in that often in the days, hours, and moments leading up to departure there seems to be a plethora of opportunities to rejoice, abide content, and yield rights .

Before pulling out of the farm house driveway, Dad turned and exhorted us with the peace that comes from resting in God’ Sovereignty. John 16: 24 reads, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” When the Lord is our Shepherd, there is nothing we will want – our plans, our needs, our desires become secondary to His Sovereign will. It is then in such a case that we can ask and receive unto fullness of joy for there are no expectations. We are resting in His perfect way.

Our van pulled up to the Badland National Park of South Dakota just as the sun was rising across the diversified prairie landscape. Evidence for a recent world wide flood (within the last 5000 years) abound throughout this 244,000 acre preserve. Dad declared the glories of our Creator on a number of occasion while driving through the park. We left in awe of our Creator God – then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee – How great Thou art – How great Thou art!

When your family sees the beauties of our world, may they be opportunities to sing the praises of God, declare His wonders to your children, and build an appreciation for the goodness of our Lord unto the declaration of His glory so that the world may know – our God reigns!

7 Comments » | posted in Family News, Outdoor Adventures, Photography

Yes, it is true! The Wilkes team has not one, not two, but three chickens!! It has been a couple of exciting days over here as we have begun to take farming to another level.

Our Aunt had some chickens that she needed to find a home for so she brought them over to the great joy of many!

Mark and Hannah could not be any happier. They are thoroughly enjoying this. Kenan and Adam have spear- headed the building of a chicken coop and yard for them and the rest of us are truly enjoying the farm fresh eggs!

3 Comments » | posted in Family News, Farming 101, Outdoor Adventures, Photography