WOW - it has been a while. So much has gone on here!!! Dad came for a while and we got a lot of honey-do's done outside. When Steve and I fenced in the back field, it was so wet and rainy and it was almost impossible to set our corner posts to where they would stay in place, even with them being telephone poles and set 2 feet in the ground....with the weather drying out a bit, Dad and I were able to use his tractor and pull the posts back straight and brace them into place with timbers - that fence is tight now! We also added two 10 foot gates so that we can access the lower pen with the tractor and access the back field, beyond the drainage ditch with the tractor. A lot of reorganization of farm implements and deciding where the garden will be and getting that tilled. I know that every day he was here there was always something and it seemed I never sat still. All the time this was going on, if I was not working with him, regular barn and house chores were needing done, then it was time to cook supper....never ending, but good!
Steve and I have been working on the inside of the house, new flooring in the living room, hall and bath. Now working on fixing the walls and trim in the hall. I love the work and soreness and LOVE the crisp new changes to the atmosphere of this old house. The flooring in the hallway was new to me, the floating floors. I attack it like someone said, there is no way Becky can do this. And my goal is to prove them wrong....and I did : )
Recently (like 2 days ago) we acquired another member to our farm family - she is about 4 weeks old (estimate) and abandoned puppy - to me she looks like a boxer, but there are so many possibilities...we shall see. She is being good, but the every 3 hour feeding and trips outside are tiring. She already know she does not want any "accidents" in her box and has a specific howl she does to let me know going out is needed and needed NOW! Our daughter Sammy, 7, is thoroughly enjoying the mothering she is getting to do with her and is wearing the poor thing out to where I have to give the pup some needed down time every once in a while. Matt (our oldest) and Sammy (our youngest) were naming off names, and since Logan (middle child) didn't seem to care one way or another, I gave him the names, and he chose Boots. His reasoning was that her front legs are white up mid way and therefore she looks like she has white mud boots on, and well, we all wear mud boots here! TOO CUTE! : )
Kids have been jamming at school, they have all taken their E.O.G.'s and now it is just finishing the books and doing the time! I know that I am looking forward to summer break, so I can only imagine how they feel!!!
We have really enjoyed the visits from the sun here of late, are in a bit of a drear today, but the prospect of sunshine and warmth later this week - is worth waiting for!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
My Cup Runneth Over
We are really being slammed with the winter rain, ice mix this year and I have never been so reluctant to leave the house for chores. Although, once I get to the barn, I love being there and hate to return to the house - so mainly my issue is with being in the outside between the two!
The barn is a mess and to try to muck stalls is an endless battle. We have however enjoyed the last three days of dry, sun and wind and I was able to make the inside of the barn 'better.' But as we are in the midst of yet another rain storm, I am not looking forward to the next mucking session, and feel sorry for the inhabitants of said barn.
The new boys of Black Girls are so much fun - since we were right there from second one of the beginning of their lives and have kept them confined and in there with them daily...I believe they think we are either one of them, or they are on of us. They wag their tails and jump around at us and even up onto our laps. It is hard to leave them to do chores.
Home schooling has had it's ups and downs, but all in all we are hanging in there and doing well. I have recently received each of the kids E.O.G.s and we will be doing that the last week of February. I am interested to see how each of the kids are doing this year, as I feel we all have learned and have a much better grasp of it.
I am overwhelmed with the greatness of God and all he has done in and for our family in the last few years. I feel a closeness like never before, not only in our family to each other, but in our family to God. We are experiencing much more family time and playfulness. Truly my cup runneth over!
The barn is a mess and to try to muck stalls is an endless battle. We have however enjoyed the last three days of dry, sun and wind and I was able to make the inside of the barn 'better.' But as we are in the midst of yet another rain storm, I am not looking forward to the next mucking session, and feel sorry for the inhabitants of said barn.
The new boys of Black Girls are so much fun - since we were right there from second one of the beginning of their lives and have kept them confined and in there with them daily...I believe they think we are either one of them, or they are on of us. They wag their tails and jump around at us and even up onto our laps. It is hard to leave them to do chores.
Home schooling has had it's ups and downs, but all in all we are hanging in there and doing well. I have recently received each of the kids E.O.G.s and we will be doing that the last week of February. I am interested to see how each of the kids are doing this year, as I feel we all have learned and have a much better grasp of it.
I am overwhelmed with the greatness of God and all he has done in and for our family in the last few years. I feel a closeness like never before, not only in our family to each other, but in our family to God. We are experiencing much more family time and playfulness. Truly my cup runneth over!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
New Life
We have had a great week around here. We have really focused on family and working together as a team....actually been holding team meetings and talking about how this family does not win the 'game' unless all team members finish the course. We all put our hands and and say 'go team' and head off into our day. The kids seem to like it and it has really made them think.
A team work moment: I ran errands alone today and Dad stayed home with the kids and farm work....while I was gone, Matt and Sammy ventured off into the woods to investigate. During this investigation Sammy, while trying to jump over a puddle, landed wrong and twisted her foot. She cried and pleaded for Matt to come and help her. Matt went back when he heard her cry and proceeded to remove his socks and use them to wrap his little sister's foot. Then proceeded to carry her out of the woods to the house. When I returned home, I was told from Sammy how "Matt saved my life!' I looked over and he was brimming from ear to ear! I told them "Now that's the team work I've been talking about!" I am one proud Mama!!!
Also, when I arrived home I was greeted by happily screaming youngins that Black Girl had given birth to two babies....they are SO CUTE!!! Flop eared lil' fellas - they are mainly white with some black markings. I took a bunch of pictures with them and my kids, but the camera wouldn't hold them and they were lost. Hoping to redo this tomorrow and post them here. Matt was able to see the birth of the last one and was so excited to have been a part of that! I think it is awesome to see the full life process, gives them such a respect for it!
Have enjoyed a lot of fun times with the kiddos and husband this week and even been blessed with sharing that fun with some good neighbors! God has truly blessed our home!
A team work moment: I ran errands alone today and Dad stayed home with the kids and farm work....while I was gone, Matt and Sammy ventured off into the woods to investigate. During this investigation Sammy, while trying to jump over a puddle, landed wrong and twisted her foot. She cried and pleaded for Matt to come and help her. Matt went back when he heard her cry and proceeded to remove his socks and use them to wrap his little sister's foot. Then proceeded to carry her out of the woods to the house. When I returned home, I was told from Sammy how "Matt saved my life!' I looked over and he was brimming from ear to ear! I told them "Now that's the team work I've been talking about!" I am one proud Mama!!!
Also, when I arrived home I was greeted by happily screaming youngins that Black Girl had given birth to two babies....they are SO CUTE!!! Flop eared lil' fellas - they are mainly white with some black markings. I took a bunch of pictures with them and my kids, but the camera wouldn't hold them and they were lost. Hoping to redo this tomorrow and post them here. Matt was able to see the birth of the last one and was so excited to have been a part of that! I think it is awesome to see the full life process, gives them such a respect for it!
Have enjoyed a lot of fun times with the kiddos and husband this week and even been blessed with sharing that fun with some good neighbors! God has truly blessed our home!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Good days
This week, with the break from some rain, I decided that our front yard needed some help. We have three large oak trees there and leaves are everywhere. It took me one entire day to get all the leaves gathered into either piles or wind rows. Even with these sectioned off, the yard already looked much better. And I knew that having the leaves up will allow the yard to dry faster and hopefully rid us of the impending mosquitoes I am sure have been laid in the midst of the wetness.
Yesterday we all got outside and began to burn all these piles, it was an all day event, but that yard looks GREAT! Also got froggy and ended up raking more inside the goat pen and burnt two of those piles as well, there is still A LOT of burning and raking yet to do in there, but I will take whatever progress I can get, when I can get it there. Just the portion I have raked is looking so nice and there is such a rage of green showing - I am excited for the spring growth, but am already loving the little green we are seeing. While I was working on this Steve and the kids all joined me and worked on bringing up some wood from some trees Steve fell a week or so back. It was nice to have the whole family there with me and then we were joined by the cows and goats and every so often and group of chickens, it is funny how they join us on our adventures there.
In looking back it seems there has been endless work, and always brush piles to burn and more area to clear...looking forward to having that complete and all that area being useful, graze worthy area. Although, I also know that when this area is 'done' we will only move on to the next! I do love the work and being outdoors though....good thing, or I would be miserable here!
Today I am making some more home made spaghetti sauce. Have sauted the garlic, added the onions and green peppers to cook down a bit and then have slid them into the boiling tomato juice that I put up back in summer. Looking forward to hearing the jar lids pop while they seal this afternoon.
This year has been another learning one for us, we have found the amount of each veggie that we need to can to sustain through the winter and what we need to put up for future use and not make it into the final product until it is needed - the freshness quality that way is unbeatable! I also enjoy the added warmth that canning brings to the house when the fireplace seems to not be ale to catch up.
Kids are doing well with their schooling so far this week - Monday is always a struggle with late night weekends and them wanting to be outside whenever the sun does show up...
Has been a wonderful few days on the home stead....looking forward to more.
Yesterday we all got outside and began to burn all these piles, it was an all day event, but that yard looks GREAT! Also got froggy and ended up raking more inside the goat pen and burnt two of those piles as well, there is still A LOT of burning and raking yet to do in there, but I will take whatever progress I can get, when I can get it there. Just the portion I have raked is looking so nice and there is such a rage of green showing - I am excited for the spring growth, but am already loving the little green we are seeing. While I was working on this Steve and the kids all joined me and worked on bringing up some wood from some trees Steve fell a week or so back. It was nice to have the whole family there with me and then we were joined by the cows and goats and every so often and group of chickens, it is funny how they join us on our adventures there.
In looking back it seems there has been endless work, and always brush piles to burn and more area to clear...looking forward to having that complete and all that area being useful, graze worthy area. Although, I also know that when this area is 'done' we will only move on to the next! I do love the work and being outdoors though....good thing, or I would be miserable here!
Today I am making some more home made spaghetti sauce. Have sauted the garlic, added the onions and green peppers to cook down a bit and then have slid them into the boiling tomato juice that I put up back in summer. Looking forward to hearing the jar lids pop while they seal this afternoon.
This year has been another learning one for us, we have found the amount of each veggie that we need to can to sustain through the winter and what we need to put up for future use and not make it into the final product until it is needed - the freshness quality that way is unbeatable! I also enjoy the added warmth that canning brings to the house when the fireplace seems to not be ale to catch up.
Kids are doing well with their schooling so far this week - Monday is always a struggle with late night weekends and them wanting to be outside whenever the sun does show up...
Has been a wonderful few days on the home stead....looking forward to more.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Time flies by
It has been another week, really? It seems to be passing so quickly....
Last week we donated our littlest member of our farm to a low income 4H program for inner city children. He (Lil' Butt) was on their farm one week and passed away. There were no signs of anything wrong while he was here, I am shocked and saddened at this event! It is farm life, but it never gets easier!
We have been clearing more land and making for pasture area and it is looking wonderful and the exercise is amazing! I love this work! It is however an interesting task as there is so much mud and so many puddles to wade through as we have had a record year of rainfall. I am not complaining, as we have had a few years of drought and look forward to see what our garden, and new pasture areas look like this coming year. I look forward to spring - my favorite time - I love to see the new growth, the fresh bright green color on everything, and the smells....
Had an enjoyable weekend this past weekend, Aunt Cora, from S. Carolina came to visit and then we all went to Pinehurst to see more relatives (my second cousin Bill, his wife Joyce and his Mom, Aunt Ruth, who is 97 years old). I loved hearing about my Paternal Grandfather, as he died young. I find I am more and more like him and his side of the family every time I hear new stories and tales. Aunt Cora brought some amazing pictures with her. I got to see more of who my Grandfather was and to see my dad as a boy - SO CUTE! I know I could have been home working and clearing, but I think I needed the time away and learning from whence I came.
Last week we donated our littlest member of our farm to a low income 4H program for inner city children. He (Lil' Butt) was on their farm one week and passed away. There were no signs of anything wrong while he was here, I am shocked and saddened at this event! It is farm life, but it never gets easier!
We have been clearing more land and making for pasture area and it is looking wonderful and the exercise is amazing! I love this work! It is however an interesting task as there is so much mud and so many puddles to wade through as we have had a record year of rainfall. I am not complaining, as we have had a few years of drought and look forward to see what our garden, and new pasture areas look like this coming year. I look forward to spring - my favorite time - I love to see the new growth, the fresh bright green color on everything, and the smells....
Had an enjoyable weekend this past weekend, Aunt Cora, from S. Carolina came to visit and then we all went to Pinehurst to see more relatives (my second cousin Bill, his wife Joyce and his Mom, Aunt Ruth, who is 97 years old). I loved hearing about my Paternal Grandfather, as he died young. I find I am more and more like him and his side of the family every time I hear new stories and tales. Aunt Cora brought some amazing pictures with her. I got to see more of who my Grandfather was and to see my dad as a boy - SO CUTE! I know I could have been home working and clearing, but I think I needed the time away and learning from whence I came.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
My Cup Runneth Over
It's been a few days and there has been so much going on here. Every day brings new adventures and mild entertainment for anyone who happens to take note.
For home school - this has been our best week so far and I am very proud of my kids and what they are learning, even though I am their teacher.
For the farm - there have been little adventures...we got a 100 gal water container for the field to be sure everyone has enough water. Well, with the cold, all the water sources at the back of the house are frozen. And since I have already been transporting, 10 gal at a time, in two 5 gal buckets, from the front of our house to the back field, at least two trips a day. (roughly 200 - 250 feet one way) When this 100 gal tank arrived, I looked at it like anything else and grab buckets and proceed to just do it....not a good choice. After the second trip and I was already beginning to feel it....I was thinking 'there is no way'. After trip three, I could barely lift the buckets over the fence to dump them into the tank. After rounding the corner of the house on the return of trip four, I notice my husband's pickup in the front yard - here is the moment where I am like 'DUH!' I then round up every 5 gal bucket on the property, mind you, it takes everything I have to lift these 5 gal buckets into the truck now after my four trips....It still takes me two trips with the truck to complete the fill up. Took me two days to recover from those sore muscles!!!
This has also been a very wet season for us, but after two years of drought, we are thankful for the rain, but are also happy for any break from it. Today, after an overnight rain, I noticed some good sized puddles in front of the barn and along the inside of the back field that would fill up along the tractor barn side and decided that I needed to dig some drainage ditches....another, not so good idea....we have been scraping and leveling here and there and filling this low and that, so the back yard and pasture area are a mess. Anyhow, I am me, and continue even though it begins to rain - which I am thankful for because my family, who had just been on the back porch, went inside. There are a few areas that are holding some pretty good water and I decide need to be ditched immediately, so I head into the pasture and begin. I am doing pretty well, until I notice a scrap of wood holding up drainage in the middle of a freshly disturbed area of clay...I walk over and remove the piece of wood and decide that the ditch could use some widening and stand still and shovel for a minute or two. I then notice another area and start to back up to it, however, my feet are "glued" in this clay and the only part of me that moves, well, it was the top part...yup, down I go, right into this thick nasty red clay - laying my legs out straight, so that this goo runs right inside. Of course my first instinct was to look toward the porch and thank God, my family had not come back out!!! I get myself to my feet and then proceeds to try to get my feet out with boots still attached, took some figuring, but I got them! Headed to the house, knowing that there was no way to get in and not be found out! I walk into the house and EVERYONE is in the front room, and of course I have to do the full model view to show how completely covered I was! Well, at least I got everyone to laugh! Thankfully there were no charged and ready cameras available!
Needless to say I am ready for this week and settling back into housework and hoping that things can begin to dry out...
On Saturday we donated Lil' Butt to an under privileged 4-H program and the guy in charge, Andrew, came to get him. He (Andrew) was afraid when I got him here that I was gonna take him out back and shoot him - guess he didn't believe me when I told him 'middle of nowhere'. Anyhow, really enjoyed meeting him and Matt, and look forward to being virtually involved with the program that Lil' Butt will be involved in. And hope to someday soon be able to go visit their farm.
I love my life and all that goes on around here, life is truly amazing and I honestly feel that my cup runneth over and I hope that more people would strive for that feeling and find it. It is not in the new cars and fancy clothes, but in the simpleness of life and loving God and what He created for us to use (not abuse) and enjoy.
For home school - this has been our best week so far and I am very proud of my kids and what they are learning, even though I am their teacher.
For the farm - there have been little adventures...we got a 100 gal water container for the field to be sure everyone has enough water. Well, with the cold, all the water sources at the back of the house are frozen. And since I have already been transporting, 10 gal at a time, in two 5 gal buckets, from the front of our house to the back field, at least two trips a day. (roughly 200 - 250 feet one way) When this 100 gal tank arrived, I looked at it like anything else and grab buckets and proceed to just do it....not a good choice. After the second trip and I was already beginning to feel it....I was thinking 'there is no way'. After trip three, I could barely lift the buckets over the fence to dump them into the tank. After rounding the corner of the house on the return of trip four, I notice my husband's pickup in the front yard - here is the moment where I am like 'DUH!' I then round up every 5 gal bucket on the property, mind you, it takes everything I have to lift these 5 gal buckets into the truck now after my four trips....It still takes me two trips with the truck to complete the fill up. Took me two days to recover from those sore muscles!!!
This has also been a very wet season for us, but after two years of drought, we are thankful for the rain, but are also happy for any break from it. Today, after an overnight rain, I noticed some good sized puddles in front of the barn and along the inside of the back field that would fill up along the tractor barn side and decided that I needed to dig some drainage ditches....another, not so good idea....we have been scraping and leveling here and there and filling this low and that, so the back yard and pasture area are a mess. Anyhow, I am me, and continue even though it begins to rain - which I am thankful for because my family, who had just been on the back porch, went inside. There are a few areas that are holding some pretty good water and I decide need to be ditched immediately, so I head into the pasture and begin. I am doing pretty well, until I notice a scrap of wood holding up drainage in the middle of a freshly disturbed area of clay...I walk over and remove the piece of wood and decide that the ditch could use some widening and stand still and shovel for a minute or two. I then notice another area and start to back up to it, however, my feet are "glued" in this clay and the only part of me that moves, well, it was the top part...yup, down I go, right into this thick nasty red clay - laying my legs out straight, so that this goo runs right inside. Of course my first instinct was to look toward the porch and thank God, my family had not come back out!!! I get myself to my feet and then proceeds to try to get my feet out with boots still attached, took some figuring, but I got them! Headed to the house, knowing that there was no way to get in and not be found out! I walk into the house and EVERYONE is in the front room, and of course I have to do the full model view to show how completely covered I was! Well, at least I got everyone to laugh! Thankfully there were no charged and ready cameras available!
Needless to say I am ready for this week and settling back into housework and hoping that things can begin to dry out...
On Saturday we donated Lil' Butt to an under privileged 4-H program and the guy in charge, Andrew, came to get him. He (Andrew) was afraid when I got him here that I was gonna take him out back and shoot him - guess he didn't believe me when I told him 'middle of nowhere'. Anyhow, really enjoyed meeting him and Matt, and look forward to being virtually involved with the program that Lil' Butt will be involved in. And hope to someday soon be able to go visit their farm.
I love my life and all that goes on around here, life is truly amazing and I honestly feel that my cup runneth over and I hope that more people would strive for that feeling and find it. It is not in the new cars and fancy clothes, but in the simpleness of life and loving God and what He created for us to use (not abuse) and enjoy.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Progress is Being Seen
WHEW-HOOOO - we got the back fence finished today. I say we, but actually lot of Steve and then our neighbor, Ed showed up and helped out - Thank you Ed! It looks so amazing out there and I am loving that I had the 4 big animals (About, Time, Blackgirl & Snowball) out there and was not worried about anyone getting out - a great feeling! This is going to make my life less worrisome - not having to go to the windows to be sure no one has wondered out front and near the road and then chasing them back in if they had - which I am sure has been pure entertainment for the neighbors. Thankfully I only have one close enough to see all this. Also, a big 'ol THANK YOU to my Daddy for letting us use his Deere to get everything done today - lifesaver for Steve especially!
Began our morning with devotions and prayer - I am trying so hard to have that be first, well, after breakfast, but first before we crack the books. Even so, it was a rough time getting everyone back into the swing of school. Logan was exhausted and had a hard time keeping his eyes open, too much running with Mommy this weekend. I am hoping that to bed early again tonight will help and he can be on track again tomorrow! Matt just suffers from following all directions on each lesson, and being sure he does what is written in his agenda. Everyone deserves a Monday, though, and I am hopeful for a productive learning day tomorrow.
Enjoyed the company of our very dear friends Ed, Sheila & Eddie for dinner and no-bakes! Steve and Sheila could not even let them cool before swiping them off the paper to eat! Caught them on camera and will post it soon! Love you guys!
All in all it was a good day, even with the little set backs in school.
Ultimately, thankful to God for safety and health in all that we have been doing and continue to do.
Began our morning with devotions and prayer - I am trying so hard to have that be first, well, after breakfast, but first before we crack the books. Even so, it was a rough time getting everyone back into the swing of school. Logan was exhausted and had a hard time keeping his eyes open, too much running with Mommy this weekend. I am hoping that to bed early again tonight will help and he can be on track again tomorrow! Matt just suffers from following all directions on each lesson, and being sure he does what is written in his agenda. Everyone deserves a Monday, though, and I am hopeful for a productive learning day tomorrow.
Enjoyed the company of our very dear friends Ed, Sheila & Eddie for dinner and no-bakes! Steve and Sheila could not even let them cool before swiping them off the paper to eat! Caught them on camera and will post it soon! Love you guys!
All in all it was a good day, even with the little set backs in school.
Ultimately, thankful to God for safety and health in all that we have been doing and continue to do.
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