My littlest is napping and the two biggies are running around in their undies setting traps in their room for "the bad guys." I should be taking advantage of this uninterrupted happiness to do something a little more productive than this, but I just wanted to share one quick story of what happend while we were away....not a story of OUR adventures....but of something that happened with Kaden and Jesse while they were up at Mom & Dad's.
We're never been away from them for more than a handful of days, and all the time leading up this decision - really right up until the last minute - we waffled back and forth as to whether or not we should do this? How long is too long? How often should we play this game? and on and on we went. In the end, we talked to a lot of people older and wiser than us, we prayed a lot, we scrambled and FINALLY got our will together, and we handed them over to Mom & Dad. Mind you - the boys weren't worried about this plan AT ALL - in fact, right as we were getting ready to head home, Kaden asked Mom to ask ME if they could stay a few more days! THEY thought that the plan was pretty rockin.'
Anyway....
One night, Mom, Dad, Kaden, & Jesse were all having a camp out of sorts in Grampy's cabin. Dad had fallen asleep and Mom was just drifting off when she heard the boys talking to each other in their bed. She said that she could really feel a sense of urgency in Kaden's voice so she started to pay more attention to what he was saying. As she listened in, she said that Kaden was totally witnessing to Jesse! He was telling him that he was going to go to Heaven when he dies and that he's asked Jesus to forgive him from his sins etc. etc. and that Jesse needs to do it too! So Jesse said: "I want to do that too, Kaden! I want to do it right now!" So, anyway - long story short, Mom got up and talked with both of them and Jesse prayed with Mom and Kaden and asked Jesus into his life! How sweet is that? And how special that Kaden played a pretty pivotal role in leading his own brother to Christ.
And such an awesome gift from the Lord to me - proving, once again - that He is the one who ultimately takes care of my kids whether I am with them or away.
HOME
An awfully nice place to be.
We just got back from Pennsylvania after taking a grad class for ten days of training. Ransom came with us, but the older boys stayed with Grampy and Grammy Quint. That was the longest we've ever been away from them, and it is SO nice to be back together again.
The classes were amazing - too much to even wrap my brain around right now. I typed 100 pages by the end of the week - single spaced - if that tells you anything! Crazy good.
And now I'm home to a garden gone gangbusters; chickens, ducks, and a turkey that look like they've been on steroids - they've grown so much since we've been away; strawberry season in full swing, and I'm desperate to pick and make some jam......and there's just not enough days in the week to do all that I want to do! It's shaping up to be a nuts-o summer.
But, for now I am just savoring being home - chaos and all - and it is wonderful.
We just got back from Pennsylvania after taking a grad class for ten days of training. Ransom came with us, but the older boys stayed with Grampy and Grammy Quint. That was the longest we've ever been away from them, and it is SO nice to be back together again.
The classes were amazing - too much to even wrap my brain around right now. I typed 100 pages by the end of the week - single spaced - if that tells you anything! Crazy good.
And now I'm home to a garden gone gangbusters; chickens, ducks, and a turkey that look like they've been on steroids - they've grown so much since we've been away; strawberry season in full swing, and I'm desperate to pick and make some jam......and there's just not enough days in the week to do all that I want to do! It's shaping up to be a nuts-o summer.
But, for now I am just savoring being home - chaos and all - and it is wonderful.
Beautiful Messes
I'm supposed to be doing homework. Kev and I are taking a grad course for some training that is coming up, and we are supposed to complete a little over half of the work before we arrive. Not gonna' happen. Not for lack of trying, but there's just one me, a whole lot of others who need me, and not enough hours in the day to get 'er done. That's okay. I'm growing. My OCD anal self would be stressing to the max a few years ago. Now, I get done what I can in snippets of time throughout the day and one evening out a week. My goal is to have it done by Christmas.
In the meantime.....
Look at this room! Pretty trashed, eh? But, do you know what it symbolizes for me each morning? Every day after the boys and I wake up, snuggle in bed for a couple of seconds, and I feed Ransom....after this initial flurry.... all three of them camp out in the big boys' room while I shower and get ready for the day. For the most part, they are in here with the door closed for the better part of an hour while I get some sanity and perspective to start our day out on the right foot. I honestly don't care what they do in there as long as they are relatively quiet, happy, and no one is getting hurt. So, this chaos represents a whole lot of peace and harmony for this Mama. And some sweet brotherly love on good days.....
These feet are filthy - the big ones anyway. I can't keep them clean. And they are almost always scabby, bruised, and a wee bit stinky. But they belong to my "lover" boy. My wild child who nearly drives me to drink, yet who loves his baby brother with a somewhat reckless abandon.
The boys and I have a new little tradition since the chickies have arrived. A new little rhythm to our day, you could say. And I love it. Like I've said before, I'm usually a conquer the world type of person once I start my day - kind of like a whirling dervish. But, my chickies soothe me. They help me to slow down. We all put on our wellies - either before or after breakfast - and we tromp out to the coop to see how the girls fared the night. Each of us kind of has the thing that we "do." Kaden lets them all out, Jesse terrorizes them, Ransom watches from a swing, and I give them feed and fresh water. Then, we open the coop and let them free range for awhile while we stand around and talk about how cute they are, how much they've grown, how naughty they are, how HUGE Mr. Turk has gotten, etc. etc. It's slow. It's chill. And it's "our thing" that we all do together. I love it.
And lastly, my table is never without "fresh" flowers from my boys. Ahem. With pride I am sporatically handed these little messy gifts - often with roots still intact. And here they sit, proudly displayed until a new little bunch is offered.
Stinky, dirty messes galore. But it's my life right now. And I love it. A day will come when my house is spotless, when the beds stay made, when I have flowers from a shop on my table, when I actually get to see and visit some of my old girlfriends! (I just had to throw that in there. You all are still living, right?), and when my homework (or whatever work I have at the time) is done on time.
And, I bet I'll be a little bit sad when that day comes.
In the meantime.....
Look at this room! Pretty trashed, eh? But, do you know what it symbolizes for me each morning? Every day after the boys and I wake up, snuggle in bed for a couple of seconds, and I feed Ransom....after this initial flurry.... all three of them camp out in the big boys' room while I shower and get ready for the day. For the most part, they are in here with the door closed for the better part of an hour while I get some sanity and perspective to start our day out on the right foot. I honestly don't care what they do in there as long as they are relatively quiet, happy, and no one is getting hurt. So, this chaos represents a whole lot of peace and harmony for this Mama. And some sweet brotherly love on good days.....
These feet are filthy - the big ones anyway. I can't keep them clean. And they are almost always scabby, bruised, and a wee bit stinky. But they belong to my "lover" boy. My wild child who nearly drives me to drink, yet who loves his baby brother with a somewhat reckless abandon.
The boys and I have a new little tradition since the chickies have arrived. A new little rhythm to our day, you could say. And I love it. Like I've said before, I'm usually a conquer the world type of person once I start my day - kind of like a whirling dervish. But, my chickies soothe me. They help me to slow down. We all put on our wellies - either before or after breakfast - and we tromp out to the coop to see how the girls fared the night. Each of us kind of has the thing that we "do." Kaden lets them all out, Jesse terrorizes them, Ransom watches from a swing, and I give them feed and fresh water. Then, we open the coop and let them free range for awhile while we stand around and talk about how cute they are, how much they've grown, how naughty they are, how HUGE Mr. Turk has gotten, etc. etc. It's slow. It's chill. And it's "our thing" that we all do together. I love it.
And lastly, my table is never without "fresh" flowers from my boys. Ahem. With pride I am sporatically handed these little messy gifts - often with roots still intact. And here they sit, proudly displayed until a new little bunch is offered.
Stinky, dirty messes galore. But it's my life right now. And I love it. A day will come when my house is spotless, when the beds stay made, when I have flowers from a shop on my table, when I actually get to see and visit some of my old girlfriends! (I just had to throw that in there. You all are still living, right?), and when my homework (or whatever work I have at the time) is done on time.
And, I bet I'll be a little bit sad when that day comes.
In Process
I feel like right at this moment I have about a kajillion irons in the fire and a thousand projects started with nothing completed yet! I think that's the way summer often tends to go, but as we increase livestock (well, mini farm animals) and as gardens grow, I'm increasingly convinced that people who are "true" farmers and gardeners must stay home a lot more than we do! Or, at least, they maybe don't go away for huge chucks of time like we do. Just wondering. It feels like we are just barely treading water in trying to stay on top of these things! But, they're all fun, and they're ALL good. There are just so MANY! Whew.....
Anyway, here's a pictorial blog entry of all of the goings on here at the Booker household -In process projects galore!
This is my ginormous garden. I really have no idea how it got to be so big - I fully intended to take baby steps this first year as I don't have a clue what I'm doing. I blame my little old neighbor, Lou. He said: "You've got the space, you might as well stick some stuff in the ground!" So, that's what we did.....
These are my tomatoes alone - all 18 of them! Again - how did this happen??? I also have a row of green beans, and entire row of potatoes that Lou planted for me because, and I quote: "You have 4 boys. You need an entire row of potatoes." I have corn, carrots, swiss chard (which I've never eaten in my life, but Lou assures me I'll love it), radishes, yellow and green peppers (Lou says, "Horrors!" to the yellow peppers), two kinds of onions, cucumbers, yellow summer squash (Lou says that summer squash is: "Horrid!"...I don't think he likes yellow veggies....), two types of winter squash, pumpkins, and some melons....which I'm quite confident will bite the dust.
Right now, this is my main project that I am working on and racking my brain trying to figure out ideas of how to lay down cardboard, mulch, hay - you name it - WHATEVER to keep weeds at bay. Methinks it will probably be quite the jungle down there by summer's end. Ah well. It's a learning summer.
Here's project Number two:
Our chicken coop that was ORIGINALLY intended for three chickens, yet somehow it's needing to house 6 chickens, 1 turkey, and 2 ducks. Again......WHAT? I have a sickness, I think.
I can't stop.
It's functional, yet it still needs a ramp, a window, nesting boxes, and a run for my girls. It's divided into two compartments inside because the turkey and the chickens really shouldn't live together, but every single blessed night he jumps over and when I go out to them in the morning, all the chicks are nestled all around him. SO - he'll just stay over on the girl's side, and the other will be our duckies new digs. It's all good.
And another big, but really fun (I can say it's fun, because I did nothing to help put it together in the two ENTIRE days that it was worked on) project is this:
For the boys' birthdays this summer, rather than have all the uncles, grandparent's, and us buy gifts for the kids, we all pitched in to get this lovely swingset. It came with about a million pieces, but it's almost done, and the boys LOVE it! The fort on top still needs to be finished, and a little picnic table needs to be attached, but for all intents and purposes the kids can still play to their heart's content right now.
And SOMETIME in the near future, I hope to replace my fire-engine red shutters and doors with other more shall we say, "Amy-like" colors. But, that's for another day.
Right now, there's THIS little bit of deliciousness that is completely distracting me.....
Seriously.....that head....those ears....he has NOTHING to do with this post....but, oh my!
Anyway, here's a pictorial blog entry of all of the goings on here at the Booker household -In process projects galore!
This is my ginormous garden. I really have no idea how it got to be so big - I fully intended to take baby steps this first year as I don't have a clue what I'm doing. I blame my little old neighbor, Lou. He said: "You've got the space, you might as well stick some stuff in the ground!" So, that's what we did.....
These are my tomatoes alone - all 18 of them! Again - how did this happen??? I also have a row of green beans, and entire row of potatoes that Lou planted for me because, and I quote: "You have 4 boys. You need an entire row of potatoes." I have corn, carrots, swiss chard (which I've never eaten in my life, but Lou assures me I'll love it), radishes, yellow and green peppers (Lou says, "Horrors!" to the yellow peppers), two kinds of onions, cucumbers, yellow summer squash (Lou says that summer squash is: "Horrid!"...I don't think he likes yellow veggies....), two types of winter squash, pumpkins, and some melons....which I'm quite confident will bite the dust.
Right now, this is my main project that I am working on and racking my brain trying to figure out ideas of how to lay down cardboard, mulch, hay - you name it - WHATEVER to keep weeds at bay. Methinks it will probably be quite the jungle down there by summer's end. Ah well. It's a learning summer.
Here's project Number two:
Our chicken coop that was ORIGINALLY intended for three chickens, yet somehow it's needing to house 6 chickens, 1 turkey, and 2 ducks. Again......WHAT? I have a sickness, I think.
I can't stop.
It's functional, yet it still needs a ramp, a window, nesting boxes, and a run for my girls. It's divided into two compartments inside because the turkey and the chickens really shouldn't live together, but every single blessed night he jumps over and when I go out to them in the morning, all the chicks are nestled all around him. SO - he'll just stay over on the girl's side, and the other will be our duckies new digs. It's all good.
And another big, but really fun (I can say it's fun, because I did nothing to help put it together in the two ENTIRE days that it was worked on) project is this:
For the boys' birthdays this summer, rather than have all the uncles, grandparent's, and us buy gifts for the kids, we all pitched in to get this lovely swingset. It came with about a million pieces, but it's almost done, and the boys LOVE it! The fort on top still needs to be finished, and a little picnic table needs to be attached, but for all intents and purposes the kids can still play to their heart's content right now.
And SOMETIME in the near future, I hope to replace my fire-engine red shutters and doors with other more shall we say, "Amy-like" colors. But, that's for another day.
Right now, there's THIS little bit of deliciousness that is completely distracting me.....
Seriously.....that head....those ears....he has NOTHING to do with this post....but, oh my!
Ramblings
Did you know that Hitler once said: "Give me a child until he's seven, and he'll be mine forever?" Crazy.
Studies show that by the age of seven, our children have been molded into the people that they're - pretty much - going to be. Obviously there's some big time maturing and character development that will take place all throughout the years, but by this age - so say "the studies" - the major foundation of their entire lives has already been established.
Now, obviously these studies don't take into account the transformational power of Christ and the work that He does in individuals' lives to mold them into the people that HE wants them to become. But - all of that set aside - if these statistics have any merit or any weight AT ALL......MISTER MAN! That's absolutely nuts to think about.
A fellow teacher at my little school that I work at were talking about this stuff this morning. Her kids are about ready to graduate highschool, so she's viewing parenting and LIFE from the other end of the spectrum. I'm just barely starting out on this journey - Kaden is just NOW ready for school, and here she is wrapping up the school years. I'm finding that I'm constantly searching out mothers who are "on the other side" - trying to glean from them. Wanting to find out mistakes they've made, lessons they've learned, things they feel they've done well, things they wish they could do over, what they wish they could re-live, what they'll miss the most....
Because this season is FLEETING. It'll be gone in the blink of an eye. I always talk about savoring, because I know I need to do a better job at it. I'm so task oriented. I like to conquer my days. But, I so want to just SAVOR my kids. Heavens - Kaden is already six years old. When I look at Ransom, I can hardly even remember Kaden being that tiny!
Just thoughts rolling around in my noggin. One of MANY reasons why I'm so seriously contemplating homeschooling, I guess. In some ways, it cracks me up, because I never in a MILLION years would ever have dreamed about even CONSIDERING the idea. Yet, here I am. God knows what's best for my kids and for my family, so I rest and I trust.
Meanwhile, I process and I gather info, and I glean wisdom, and I stress a little, and I give it back to Him, and then I'll some days take it back FROM Him, and we continue to walk this journey of life together, He and I.
Studies show that by the age of seven, our children have been molded into the people that they're - pretty much - going to be. Obviously there's some big time maturing and character development that will take place all throughout the years, but by this age - so say "the studies" - the major foundation of their entire lives has already been established.
Now, obviously these studies don't take into account the transformational power of Christ and the work that He does in individuals' lives to mold them into the people that HE wants them to become. But - all of that set aside - if these statistics have any merit or any weight AT ALL......MISTER MAN! That's absolutely nuts to think about.
A fellow teacher at my little school that I work at were talking about this stuff this morning. Her kids are about ready to graduate highschool, so she's viewing parenting and LIFE from the other end of the spectrum. I'm just barely starting out on this journey - Kaden is just NOW ready for school, and here she is wrapping up the school years. I'm finding that I'm constantly searching out mothers who are "on the other side" - trying to glean from them. Wanting to find out mistakes they've made, lessons they've learned, things they feel they've done well, things they wish they could do over, what they wish they could re-live, what they'll miss the most....
Because this season is FLEETING. It'll be gone in the blink of an eye. I always talk about savoring, because I know I need to do a better job at it. I'm so task oriented. I like to conquer my days. But, I so want to just SAVOR my kids. Heavens - Kaden is already six years old. When I look at Ransom, I can hardly even remember Kaden being that tiny!
Just thoughts rolling around in my noggin. One of MANY reasons why I'm so seriously contemplating homeschooling, I guess. In some ways, it cracks me up, because I never in a MILLION years would ever have dreamed about even CONSIDERING the idea. Yet, here I am. God knows what's best for my kids and for my family, so I rest and I trust.
Meanwhile, I process and I gather info, and I glean wisdom, and I stress a little, and I give it back to Him, and then I'll some days take it back FROM Him, and we continue to walk this journey of life together, He and I.
Tenting!
Sooo, the motto of this past weekend was: "It's no big deal!" And we repeated it over and over again! Like, on the day before we were to leave, my ducklings were ready to be brought home. Hmmm. Not the most ideal of times to introduce 2 babies to 6 larger chickies while I'm gone for four days. Well.... no big deal. We'll just bring them with us!
So, we scrounged up a couple of hot water bottles, some fuzzy blankets, and just brought them right along with the rest of the crew! No big deal.
It also forcasted rain for almost all of the weekend. With no opportunity to plan a rain date, it was kind of like "now or never," so we all decided a little (or, as it turned out a LOT) of rain was really not a big deal - we've done it before last year. So, we packed up. In the pouring rain. And set up in the drizzle. And camped all weekend (except for 1 day) in the rain. And unpacked again in torrents. No big deal.
The other "no big deal" we decided on was - who really needs to be able to see your kids on the drive? They can fend for themselves, right? I actually found it quite nice when Jesse sang at the top of his lungs for the entire drive and I could juuuuuust barely hear him past all of our junk-ola! Not a bad set up, me thinks! Ha!
Here's where we sat most of the weekend. More pics to come in later posts. Over all, it was nice being with grandparents and aunties and uncles for a long stretch of time. A highlight for all of us, too, was reconnecting with a kindred spirit from Bible school days who has three little girls of her own. The kids had a blast running wild - swimming, catching things, and playing with their "slug club," and she and I were able to sit around the fire drinking camp coffee. It doesn't get much better.
A good time was had by all!
So, we scrounged up a couple of hot water bottles, some fuzzy blankets, and just brought them right along with the rest of the crew! No big deal.
It also forcasted rain for almost all of the weekend. With no opportunity to plan a rain date, it was kind of like "now or never," so we all decided a little (or, as it turned out a LOT) of rain was really not a big deal - we've done it before last year. So, we packed up. In the pouring rain. And set up in the drizzle. And camped all weekend (except for 1 day) in the rain. And unpacked again in torrents. No big deal.
The other "no big deal" we decided on was - who really needs to be able to see your kids on the drive? They can fend for themselves, right? I actually found it quite nice when Jesse sang at the top of his lungs for the entire drive and I could juuuuuust barely hear him past all of our junk-ola! Not a bad set up, me thinks! Ha!
Here's where we sat most of the weekend. More pics to come in later posts. Over all, it was nice being with grandparents and aunties and uncles for a long stretch of time. A highlight for all of us, too, was reconnecting with a kindred spirit from Bible school days who has three little girls of her own. The kids had a blast running wild - swimming, catching things, and playing with their "slug club," and she and I were able to sit around the fire drinking camp coffee. It doesn't get much better.
A good time was had by all!
Busy Bees
Holy Heavens!
It's been a busy Memorial Week-end....one normally spent canoeing the rapids with my family up in the County....but not this year. So much to do in so little time. Six years ago, on this very week-end - one of my most fave holidays, by the way - I was told that I would indeed NOT be canoeing with my oh so prego belly. I would, rather, be getting induced because my body was starting to freak out. I believe my words were: "Can't you do it on Monday? I am supposed to go on a canoe trip with my family today!" My doctor informed me that she had never heard anyone respond in such a way as this - especially with their first baby! I was not impressed with the whole induction idea, let me tell you.
But... my boy - was he ever worth it - induction and all. By far, my most horrid labor experience, but I would do it over a million times again for him. He rocks.
Anyway, I digress....
Busyness is what I'm supposed to be typing about! Two birthdays to organize, a 4 day camping trip to celebrate, a day of work thrown in there, a ginormous garden to plant, a SWINGSET/JUNGLE GYM birthday gift to set up, and a chicken coop to finish have been the doings here as of late.
With the help of my little old man neighbor, Lou, we spent 8 hours in the garden yesterday, putting the ENTIRE thing in! Amidst lots of mocking of my plant choices, lots of giggling -on his part - at the sad state of affairs of most of my seedlings, a broken back from wearing Ransom in the backpack, and lots of "help" from the boys - not to mention MANY a deep, cleansing breath on my part while they worked alongside me, we got 'er done! I may have gone a little crazy with my tomato plants - somehow there are 18 of them down there. But, I'm excited.
The chickies love their coop.
I have done nothing to prepare for camping.
The swingset is going on two days of assembling, but she's almost done.
Pictures will be coming forthwith.
Kaden is SIX! Jesse will be three on FRIDAY! HOLY HEAVENS!
It's a good life. We are blessed.
It's been a busy Memorial Week-end....one normally spent canoeing the rapids with my family up in the County....but not this year. So much to do in so little time. Six years ago, on this very week-end - one of my most fave holidays, by the way - I was told that I would indeed NOT be canoeing with my oh so prego belly. I would, rather, be getting induced because my body was starting to freak out. I believe my words were: "Can't you do it on Monday? I am supposed to go on a canoe trip with my family today!" My doctor informed me that she had never heard anyone respond in such a way as this - especially with their first baby! I was not impressed with the whole induction idea, let me tell you.
But... my boy - was he ever worth it - induction and all. By far, my most horrid labor experience, but I would do it over a million times again for him. He rocks.
Anyway, I digress....
Busyness is what I'm supposed to be typing about! Two birthdays to organize, a 4 day camping trip to celebrate, a day of work thrown in there, a ginormous garden to plant, a SWINGSET/JUNGLE GYM birthday gift to set up, and a chicken coop to finish have been the doings here as of late.
With the help of my little old man neighbor, Lou, we spent 8 hours in the garden yesterday, putting the ENTIRE thing in! Amidst lots of mocking of my plant choices, lots of giggling -on his part - at the sad state of affairs of most of my seedlings, a broken back from wearing Ransom in the backpack, and lots of "help" from the boys - not to mention MANY a deep, cleansing breath on my part while they worked alongside me, we got 'er done! I may have gone a little crazy with my tomato plants - somehow there are 18 of them down there. But, I'm excited.
The chickies love their coop.
I have done nothing to prepare for camping.
The swingset is going on two days of assembling, but she's almost done.
Pictures will be coming forthwith.
Kaden is SIX! Jesse will be three on FRIDAY! HOLY HEAVENS!
It's a good life. We are blessed.
Ponderings.....
This family is seriously thinking and praying about starting a crazy new adventure come Fall. Here's a clue.....
Behold:
Behold:
Happenings of Late
Oh my - the weather is glorious these days. We have practically been living outside. I love those kinds of days. Nothing major in the happenings going on as of late. Our chickies and Mr. Turk are growing like crazy - we're talking like every morning when we come out to say "hello," they are looking different! Crazy! Still very precious and sweet. I clean them out twice a day, so they're not stinky yet. But, they are getting too big for their box. Many attempts at escape have been made with our kitty, Risso, looking on licking her lips in anticipation. That would not be good.....
We had a ginormous yardsale yesterday. Boxes upon boxes of stuff gotten rid of - sold, given away, or taken to the dump. We came home with only six wee little boxes for a sale in the fall perhaps. We made a bunch of cash, the kids made some as well, and we even came home with a bed to boot for our guest room/nursery. Good times good times.
Daddy took the two big boys on an overnight tenting/fishing trip with a friend and his little boy this week. They has a blast, and Kaden even caught a huge trout all by himself. Ransom and I also enjoyed a blessed quiet couple of days with some uninterrupted Mommy time, as well. Very cozy and nice. And while they were away, a friend came over and we rearranged a room together - per our usual! Very fun.
My Marmie is coming over this afternoon to spend a few days with us. Looking forward to some nice walks, tea on the porch, quality time spent with her and the boys, and maybe even a free babysitter so Kevy and I can go on a date. Can't beat that with a stick!
This Saturday is my eldest's 6th birthday! Oh my word - how the time has flown. I can hardly wrap my brain around it. And Jesse's 3rd birthday is four days later. Nuts. We're going to go on a camping trip again to celebrate. But this year, instead of everyone getting them gifts, we are all chipping in together and are going with one big present - a super fun swingset for the backyard. Shhh. Don't tell.......
Enjoy the rest of your week-end friends!
We had a ginormous yardsale yesterday. Boxes upon boxes of stuff gotten rid of - sold, given away, or taken to the dump. We came home with only six wee little boxes for a sale in the fall perhaps. We made a bunch of cash, the kids made some as well, and we even came home with a bed to boot for our guest room/nursery. Good times good times.
Daddy took the two big boys on an overnight tenting/fishing trip with a friend and his little boy this week. They has a blast, and Kaden even caught a huge trout all by himself. Ransom and I also enjoyed a blessed quiet couple of days with some uninterrupted Mommy time, as well. Very cozy and nice. And while they were away, a friend came over and we rearranged a room together - per our usual! Very fun.
My Marmie is coming over this afternoon to spend a few days with us. Looking forward to some nice walks, tea on the porch, quality time spent with her and the boys, and maybe even a free babysitter so Kevy and I can go on a date. Can't beat that with a stick!
This Saturday is my eldest's 6th birthday! Oh my word - how the time has flown. I can hardly wrap my brain around it. And Jesse's 3rd birthday is four days later. Nuts. We're going to go on a camping trip again to celebrate. But this year, instead of everyone getting them gifts, we are all chipping in together and are going with one big present - a super fun swingset for the backyard. Shhh. Don't tell.......
Enjoy the rest of your week-end friends!
Our New Additions....
Okay. Here are just a couple of pictures of our newest littles. This is their new pad that they'll have for a few weeks. Our turkey has to be separated because he eats different feed, and the chickens can carry a type of "disease" (for lack of a better word) that doesn't affect them but can be fatal for Mr. Turk.
Until they get super stinky, they'll hang out with us in the corner of the our kitchen. I want them to get used to our voices and the kids' handling them, because I want them to be super people friendly once they move outside.
This is Mr. Turk. He's the friendliest of all of them, and I must say that I am quite in love with him. He loves people and will cry to be held. As soon as he is picked up, he'll tuck himself right into our hands or arms and fall immediately asleep. I don't know how anyone could not love that.
I did a little research on keeping this particular brand of turkey for pets...ahem....but all that I've read says that he'll get to be so big that he could potentially have heart and leg problems - carrying around all of that excess weight. This breed is not intended to be for pets. So, we'll give him a rockin' life and then he won't know what hit him come Turkey Day.
That's the plan anyway....hmn.
And these are our baby chicks. The three black ones with white spots on their heads are Barred Rock. They'll be really big and hearty. They're gentle birds and get along well with other breeds. And the chipmunky striped ones are Americaunas, and they'll lay greenish blue eggs for us. Kinda' fun.
I love my new babies.......
Until they get super stinky, they'll hang out with us in the corner of the our kitchen. I want them to get used to our voices and the kids' handling them, because I want them to be super people friendly once they move outside.
This is Mr. Turk. He's the friendliest of all of them, and I must say that I am quite in love with him. He loves people and will cry to be held. As soon as he is picked up, he'll tuck himself right into our hands or arms and fall immediately asleep. I don't know how anyone could not love that.
I did a little research on keeping this particular brand of turkey for pets...ahem....but all that I've read says that he'll get to be so big that he could potentially have heart and leg problems - carrying around all of that excess weight. This breed is not intended to be for pets. So, we'll give him a rockin' life and then he won't know what hit him come Turkey Day.
That's the plan anyway....hmn.
And these are our baby chicks. The three black ones with white spots on their heads are Barred Rock. They'll be really big and hearty. They're gentle birds and get along well with other breeds. And the chipmunky striped ones are Americaunas, and they'll lay greenish blue eggs for us. Kinda' fun.
I love my new babies.......
Our Babies Have Arrived!
We have 7 absolutely adorable little bundles of fluff residing in our kitchen right now. Three baby Barred Rock chicks, three baby Americaunas (that will lay green eggs, by the way), and one little Baby Turkey that Blue Seal just gave to us because he was the only one left and they were anxious to get rid of him; and we were suckers for a little ball of fluff......that I know full well will soon become a stinky, ginorous gobbler.
Ah well, I couldn't help myself.
So for now, the plan will be for Mr. Turk to be our main course come Thanksgiving....but in my heart of hearts, I will be shocked if this plan actually comes to fruition with all of the tenderhearts that reside in this house. But maybe it will - if he gets really gross and poopy...or if he's mean to the girls.
We shall see.....
Pics will be coming forthwith. They're hanging out in our kitchen for the first week or so - until they start to stink up the place. Which won't be too long from now. But, I actually really want them to be handled a lot while they're young so that they become really kid friendly.
I don't think I could ever become a true farmer. We gave three babies to a friend yesterday, per a previous agreement. When she put them in with her ten layers, and the layers immediately began ganging up on them, I almost scooped them back up and brought them home. I know that there really is a true pecking order with chickens, but did it ever hurt my heart! I'm going to try to teach my girls some manners.
And the poor little turkey so wants to be with the others, but he has to have different feed. So, we put up a screen separater so that he can at least see them. And it's so sweet - they all lay against the screen together, so that he still is touching them. (And also, because the heat lamp is directly above them, right there. But, I still love that they are able to snuggle together).
Oh, I love it.
There were also baby goats at Blue Seal selling for the low low price of $100.00. Had they been $40 or less, I would have brought one of those home too and told Kev that's what I want for my birthday.
Best to start small, though, methinks. I'm still trying to fanagle a couple of ducks out of him, too. Anybody got cute chicken name ideas? So far we have a: Blacky - (Kaden's choice), a Spotty (Jesse's choice), and a Chloe (Mine). We need three more!
Ah well, I couldn't help myself.
So for now, the plan will be for Mr. Turk to be our main course come Thanksgiving....but in my heart of hearts, I will be shocked if this plan actually comes to fruition with all of the tenderhearts that reside in this house. But maybe it will - if he gets really gross and poopy...or if he's mean to the girls.
We shall see.....
Pics will be coming forthwith. They're hanging out in our kitchen for the first week or so - until they start to stink up the place. Which won't be too long from now. But, I actually really want them to be handled a lot while they're young so that they become really kid friendly.
I don't think I could ever become a true farmer. We gave three babies to a friend yesterday, per a previous agreement. When she put them in with her ten layers, and the layers immediately began ganging up on them, I almost scooped them back up and brought them home. I know that there really is a true pecking order with chickens, but did it ever hurt my heart! I'm going to try to teach my girls some manners.
And the poor little turkey so wants to be with the others, but he has to have different feed. So, we put up a screen separater so that he can at least see them. And it's so sweet - they all lay against the screen together, so that he still is touching them. (And also, because the heat lamp is directly above them, right there. But, I still love that they are able to snuggle together).
Oh, I love it.
There were also baby goats at Blue Seal selling for the low low price of $100.00. Had they been $40 or less, I would have brought one of those home too and told Kev that's what I want for my birthday.
Best to start small, though, methinks. I'm still trying to fanagle a couple of ducks out of him, too. Anybody got cute chicken name ideas? So far we have a: Blacky - (Kaden's choice), a Spotty (Jesse's choice), and a Chloe (Mine). We need three more!
Why I Savor
"Empty Nest"
by My Mother - Lynda Quint
My house is growing emptier
As children leave the "nest"
The days are getting quieter
The nights seem long, to rest.
I lie awake in bed at night,
and wonder how they are --
Not long ago, they slept here too -
But now they're scattered far.
No "late night chats" - "no goodnight kiss"
Just quiet empty rooms
Bear witness to the changes here,
And add to "Mother's gloom."
How fast the years have hurried by
Since childhood days of play -
How is it that they've grown and gone
And brought me to this day?
Sometimes I'd like to turn the clock
Of time back just a bit -
To see their little faces smile
And hear their childish wit!
But I cannot - and life goes on
Though one day I shall see
Their image, in their children's eyes
Looking back at me.
The days may be long, but the years are fleeting............
by My Mother - Lynda Quint
My house is growing emptier
As children leave the "nest"
The days are getting quieter
The nights seem long, to rest.
I lie awake in bed at night,
and wonder how they are --
Not long ago, they slept here too -
But now they're scattered far.
No "late night chats" - "no goodnight kiss"
Just quiet empty rooms
Bear witness to the changes here,
And add to "Mother's gloom."
How fast the years have hurried by
Since childhood days of play -
How is it that they've grown and gone
And brought me to this day?
Sometimes I'd like to turn the clock
Of time back just a bit -
To see their little faces smile
And hear their childish wit!
But I cannot - and life goes on
Though one day I shall see
Their image, in their children's eyes
Looking back at me.
The days may be long, but the years are fleeting............
The Difference Between Us
Well, since this post is about Kev and I, I shouldn't pretend there is only one difference between us....we're night and day in many ways....but today was about a biggy.
Of the two of us, I am much more the task oriented person. When people look at the two of us without really knowing us - because I am more publicly outgoing and crazy (he is just as much so behind closed doors, but few people get the rare glimpse) - I am often thought of as the more, oh shall we say, "spontaneous" and "fun" one.
So not true.
If it were not for Kev, I would be in perpetual "go" mode. I would be constantly working on some project or other, and my constant companian of an excuse would be, "It's only a season." To which Kev always replies: "There will ALWAYS be a season. We need to be intentional NOW."
If I had been the one in the grad program out at PBU - no lie - our marriage would have suffered. I'm a nerd. I want straight A's. And I will not take a break until all of my work is accomplished. It is VERY hard for me to sit still and just "be" when there are things to be done. There was many an afternoon that Kev came home early from doing homework - leaving some of it undone and willing to take a lower grade - so that he could take us to the park or out to icecream for a few hours before heading back to an evening class. He worked two jobs - leading worship and being a barista at Starbucks - and most semesters he took more than an average course load.
But we never once felt neglected. He always put us first. And they were three pretty amazing years. I'm sorry to say that I wonder if that would have been the case had I been in his shoes.
Today was kind of like that.
Aaron was here helping with the chicken coop. Huge progress was being made. And everything within me wanted to say - let's can our plans for Bar Harbor today and just stay home and get this thing done! Aaron is willing to stay longer, we have all of the supplies and his expertise, LET'S JUST DO IT!
But Kev said no.
And I'm so glad he did. There is something so very different and special about taking your whole family and just kicking it for the day. Getting away from life, the house's chores, phone calls and emails, and just "BEING." With each other. With no distractions. A family day FORCES us to relax with our kids and truly enjoy each other.
I highly recommend it.
It's good. So good. And necessary for us. It's a big part of the glue of this family. So thankful for this huge difference between us.
Of the two of us, I am much more the task oriented person. When people look at the two of us without really knowing us - because I am more publicly outgoing and crazy (he is just as much so behind closed doors, but few people get the rare glimpse) - I am often thought of as the more, oh shall we say, "spontaneous" and "fun" one.
So not true.
If it were not for Kev, I would be in perpetual "go" mode. I would be constantly working on some project or other, and my constant companian of an excuse would be, "It's only a season." To which Kev always replies: "There will ALWAYS be a season. We need to be intentional NOW."
If I had been the one in the grad program out at PBU - no lie - our marriage would have suffered. I'm a nerd. I want straight A's. And I will not take a break until all of my work is accomplished. It is VERY hard for me to sit still and just "be" when there are things to be done. There was many an afternoon that Kev came home early from doing homework - leaving some of it undone and willing to take a lower grade - so that he could take us to the park or out to icecream for a few hours before heading back to an evening class. He worked two jobs - leading worship and being a barista at Starbucks - and most semesters he took more than an average course load.
But we never once felt neglected. He always put us first. And they were three pretty amazing years. I'm sorry to say that I wonder if that would have been the case had I been in his shoes.
Today was kind of like that.
Aaron was here helping with the chicken coop. Huge progress was being made. And everything within me wanted to say - let's can our plans for Bar Harbor today and just stay home and get this thing done! Aaron is willing to stay longer, we have all of the supplies and his expertise, LET'S JUST DO IT!
But Kev said no.
And I'm so glad he did. There is something so very different and special about taking your whole family and just kicking it for the day. Getting away from life, the house's chores, phone calls and emails, and just "BEING." With each other. With no distractions. A family day FORCES us to relax with our kids and truly enjoy each other.
I highly recommend it.
It's good. So good. And necessary for us. It's a big part of the glue of this family. So thankful for this huge difference between us.
The State of Things.....
Uncle Aaron is here helping Daddy with our chicken coop. Kaden very seriously marches in stating: "I need my hammer. A real one. I'm going to do big boy things with the guys. Jesse can come too."
Well then. Have at it, my Loves!
Well then. Have at it, my Loves!
Weekends!
Oh praise be! A weekend is upon us again! I so very dearly love these things called weekends. And even though all of my little hoodlums woke up for the day at 5:30 and ran around the house all morning in just their undies, it's turning out to be quite a lovely, lazy day.
My little bro Aaron has breezed through for a few hours. He is one of Kev's and my bestest friends, so it's just cozy having him here. We had lunch together, the kids showed him all of their bugs and tadpoles, and now he and Kevy are brainstorming together about how to make me a rockin' fine chicken coop for the girls who shall be arriving in a week or so.
Today will be a project, errand, laundry, get bills paid, and get on top of life kind of a day, and then tomorrow will be a "kick it to who knows where" kind of a day. I think the ocean is calling all of our names. I'm not sure. We'll see what tomorrow brings. I'm starting to get the yard sale itch - both the itch to have one of my own AND to go and conquer everyone else's. Oh man - I totally and completely hate shopping, but yard saling is another story. It's like Christmas - you never know what sorts of treasures you'll find!
In other news, Jesse had yet another cold - what is the story? Ransom is beginning to show signs of "strength," shall we say. And loudness. I was so hoping for a quiet and truly mellow one. I'm still holding my breath, though. And Kade-man is filling the kiddie pool with tadpoles and dragonfly larvae so that he can swim with them.
I am off! Have a glorious weekend, dear ones!
My little bro Aaron has breezed through for a few hours. He is one of Kev's and my bestest friends, so it's just cozy having him here. We had lunch together, the kids showed him all of their bugs and tadpoles, and now he and Kevy are brainstorming together about how to make me a rockin' fine chicken coop for the girls who shall be arriving in a week or so.
Today will be a project, errand, laundry, get bills paid, and get on top of life kind of a day, and then tomorrow will be a "kick it to who knows where" kind of a day. I think the ocean is calling all of our names. I'm not sure. We'll see what tomorrow brings. I'm starting to get the yard sale itch - both the itch to have one of my own AND to go and conquer everyone else's. Oh man - I totally and completely hate shopping, but yard saling is another story. It's like Christmas - you never know what sorts of treasures you'll find!
In other news, Jesse had yet another cold - what is the story? Ransom is beginning to show signs of "strength," shall we say. And loudness. I was so hoping for a quiet and truly mellow one. I'm still holding my breath, though. And Kade-man is filling the kiddie pool with tadpoles and dragonfly larvae so that he can swim with them.
I am off! Have a glorious weekend, dear ones!
Isn't It Ironic?
I had a very interesting little conversation this week with one of my dear relatives concerning God, faith, weddings, and raising our kids to love Jesus! The entire discussion centered around what took place at our wedding eleven years ago. Before I walked down the aisle, I had pre-recorded a message to Kev that I played over the auditorium's loudspeaker. The basic jist of the whole message was that I was walking down the aisle toward the man I had prayed for and saved myself for ever since I was a little girl.
Apparantly, that little pre-recorded message was the topic of much discussion for many of my extended family members for many months to come! Who knew? I guess they all found it to be completely "inappropriate" because didn't I realize that there were young teenagers in my audience who heard this? Why yes, I was WELL aware of those teens....I believe I invited them to that blessed event seeing that it was my wedding and all.....
I guess the irony in the whole thing was that a comment from a twenty year old woman on her wedding day stating that she had "saved herself" for her husband who she planned to stay married to for life was completely inappropriate for a teen to hear; yet it was completely acceptable for those same teens to be taught in their schools that it's okay to have sex with whoever they want - whenever they want - just as long as they are responsible and keep it "safe."
Does anyone else not see the irony here????!!!!
Yes - I was WELL aware of the teenagers in my audience. Yes - I WANTED them to hear that waiting for sex is STILL taking place in today's culture by some. Yes - I wanted them to see that there IS another option out there. Yes - by God's grace, I am not ashamed to say out loud that I was a virgin on my wedding day. (Although, I was much more discreet than that, even. I stated, and I quote: "Ever since I was a little girl I have worn a special purity ring on my finger reminding me and those around me that I would wait for the man whose name I would one day share." I said the word "wait." I wasn't crass, and I wasn't being cocky).
And YES - a thousand times, yes - I will teach my boys that waiting for marriage is good and right. It's appropriate. It's because I love them. IT's because I want what's best for them. It's because I want to save them heartache and baggage. It's because that's God's perfect option. Might this not happen? Sure, and I will love them no less. But I want them to see what a great gift it is that they can give to their bride one day. I want them to be aware of the pitfalls they can avoid and the things that they can hold strong and fast to. I want them to view it as something to be guarded - something to be treasured. I want them to be men of integrity and purity that any young woman would be honored to marry.
And if it ruffles a few feathers along the way, that saddens me, but so be it.
Apparantly, that little pre-recorded message was the topic of much discussion for many of my extended family members for many months to come! Who knew? I guess they all found it to be completely "inappropriate" because didn't I realize that there were young teenagers in my audience who heard this? Why yes, I was WELL aware of those teens....I believe I invited them to that blessed event seeing that it was my wedding and all.....
I guess the irony in the whole thing was that a comment from a twenty year old woman on her wedding day stating that she had "saved herself" for her husband who she planned to stay married to for life was completely inappropriate for a teen to hear; yet it was completely acceptable for those same teens to be taught in their schools that it's okay to have sex with whoever they want - whenever they want - just as long as they are responsible and keep it "safe."
Does anyone else not see the irony here????!!!!
Yes - I was WELL aware of the teenagers in my audience. Yes - I WANTED them to hear that waiting for sex is STILL taking place in today's culture by some. Yes - I wanted them to see that there IS another option out there. Yes - by God's grace, I am not ashamed to say out loud that I was a virgin on my wedding day. (Although, I was much more discreet than that, even. I stated, and I quote: "Ever since I was a little girl I have worn a special purity ring on my finger reminding me and those around me that I would wait for the man whose name I would one day share." I said the word "wait." I wasn't crass, and I wasn't being cocky).
And YES - a thousand times, yes - I will teach my boys that waiting for marriage is good and right. It's appropriate. It's because I love them. IT's because I want what's best for them. It's because I want to save them heartache and baggage. It's because that's God's perfect option. Might this not happen? Sure, and I will love them no less. But I want them to see what a great gift it is that they can give to their bride one day. I want them to be aware of the pitfalls they can avoid and the things that they can hold strong and fast to. I want them to view it as something to be guarded - something to be treasured. I want them to be men of integrity and purity that any young woman would be honored to marry.
And if it ruffles a few feathers along the way, that saddens me, but so be it.
The OTHER Men in My Life!
I'm from "The County."
Kev always mocks me when I say that, but it's true. Everyone from "up there" says it, and everyone from "around here" knows exactly where I mean when I say it. I'm not just being cocky - it's where I'm from. That's just the way it is.
But, I digress....
Anyway, it's a whole different world up there - a completely different culture. The pace of life is slower. The whole art of "dropping by for coffee" like people used to do in the olden days still takes place. And often, at my parent's house! Everybody knows each other. Granted, everybody knows each other's business, too, but people know when their neighbors are sick. They know when there's been a death in the family. And they know when a good old fashioned casserole would bless someone!
One of the things that I was most excited about in being a homeowner again, was the prospect of having neighbors and getting to know the people who live around us. So, in the past six months since we've been living here, the boys and I have sporatically taken cookies and soups or any little extras of anything that we've made to our neighbors on either side of us. We have sweet little widowed men on either side of us, so I often have them in mind whenever I'm baking and cooking.
At first, Kev was a little skeptical. I think in the beginning, he might have even said, "We don't really do that around here." But, I assured him, a little buttering up of the neighbors may come in handy some day if and when our children ever ran streaking through their yards, or something like that. With three boys, I can't even begin to dream what our lives may continue to look like through the years. So, getting on our neighbors good sides, first thing, is always a handy idea.
Anyway, I know for a fact that the previous owners who lived here were most assuredly not allowed to hunt on my neighbor's 75 acres of land behind us, because there were posted signs about five feet into our woods facing our house directly. Well, one fine day, Kev went over to introduce himself, and within five minutes, he not only had permission to hunt the land, he is also allowed to leave a deer stand up, AND we are allowed to play on his land AND in his pond! Nice.
That's what homemade cookies and cream of brocolli soup will do for ya!
Just this past week-end, I was once again reaffirmed in my strong belief that being neighborly always pays off. My good pal, little old man #1 named Lou popped over on Saturday wondering if we'd like our garden plot tilled. I joked that I was just getting ready to walk over there this week to see what it would take to butter him up for a few hours of borrowing his machine. He promptly walked back home, walked his tiller over, and tilled almost our entire garden all by himself!!! I'm making that man one fine meal next week. He was so sweet.
Well, he didn't quite do the whole garden because part of it was still a little wet, he thought. No big deal to us; this garden is ginormous, and we want to start out small anyway. So, I thanked him profusely, I think he called me "Doll," and he'll be getting a visit from me and the kids soon.
Not ten minutes passed before my other good pal, little old man #2 named Arlo knocked on my door saying that he noticed Lou had beat him to the job of getting our garden ready for us! I said, "Yeah, he just finished up a little bit ago," and Arlo decided he needed to go down and have a look-see. "Why didn't he do the whole thing?" he asked me. "Lou thinks it's a little wet along the edges," I responded. To which his prompt reply was, "I'm going home to get my tractor." Not two minutes later, Arlo is down there finishing the garden for us!
I think that man needs a loaf of my homemade bread and strawberry jam!
Seconds later, Lou is back checking out Arlo's work while I get a large kick out of the whole thing. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Kev is up on our roof fixing our gutters and looks down at me with a grin. "I think those men are trying to please you, Honey!"
I'm golden.
Kev always mocks me when I say that, but it's true. Everyone from "up there" says it, and everyone from "around here" knows exactly where I mean when I say it. I'm not just being cocky - it's where I'm from. That's just the way it is.
But, I digress....
Anyway, it's a whole different world up there - a completely different culture. The pace of life is slower. The whole art of "dropping by for coffee" like people used to do in the olden days still takes place. And often, at my parent's house! Everybody knows each other. Granted, everybody knows each other's business, too, but people know when their neighbors are sick. They know when there's been a death in the family. And they know when a good old fashioned casserole would bless someone!
One of the things that I was most excited about in being a homeowner again, was the prospect of having neighbors and getting to know the people who live around us. So, in the past six months since we've been living here, the boys and I have sporatically taken cookies and soups or any little extras of anything that we've made to our neighbors on either side of us. We have sweet little widowed men on either side of us, so I often have them in mind whenever I'm baking and cooking.
At first, Kev was a little skeptical. I think in the beginning, he might have even said, "We don't really do that around here." But, I assured him, a little buttering up of the neighbors may come in handy some day if and when our children ever ran streaking through their yards, or something like that. With three boys, I can't even begin to dream what our lives may continue to look like through the years. So, getting on our neighbors good sides, first thing, is always a handy idea.
Anyway, I know for a fact that the previous owners who lived here were most assuredly not allowed to hunt on my neighbor's 75 acres of land behind us, because there were posted signs about five feet into our woods facing our house directly. Well, one fine day, Kev went over to introduce himself, and within five minutes, he not only had permission to hunt the land, he is also allowed to leave a deer stand up, AND we are allowed to play on his land AND in his pond! Nice.
That's what homemade cookies and cream of brocolli soup will do for ya!
Just this past week-end, I was once again reaffirmed in my strong belief that being neighborly always pays off. My good pal, little old man #1 named Lou popped over on Saturday wondering if we'd like our garden plot tilled. I joked that I was just getting ready to walk over there this week to see what it would take to butter him up for a few hours of borrowing his machine. He promptly walked back home, walked his tiller over, and tilled almost our entire garden all by himself!!! I'm making that man one fine meal next week. He was so sweet.
Well, he didn't quite do the whole garden because part of it was still a little wet, he thought. No big deal to us; this garden is ginormous, and we want to start out small anyway. So, I thanked him profusely, I think he called me "Doll," and he'll be getting a visit from me and the kids soon.
Not ten minutes passed before my other good pal, little old man #2 named Arlo knocked on my door saying that he noticed Lou had beat him to the job of getting our garden ready for us! I said, "Yeah, he just finished up a little bit ago," and Arlo decided he needed to go down and have a look-see. "Why didn't he do the whole thing?" he asked me. "Lou thinks it's a little wet along the edges," I responded. To which his prompt reply was, "I'm going home to get my tractor." Not two minutes later, Arlo is down there finishing the garden for us!
I think that man needs a loaf of my homemade bread and strawberry jam!
Seconds later, Lou is back checking out Arlo's work while I get a large kick out of the whole thing. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Kev is up on our roof fixing our gutters and looks down at me with a grin. "I think those men are trying to please you, Honey!"
I'm golden.
Weekending
OH, how I LOVE beautiful weekends.
The kiddie pool is set up, projects are being started, and the boys are in their element catching salamanders, tadpoles, leeches, bumble bees, butterflies, and bugs of all shapes and sizes.
Kevy and I are having fun too. It's been awhile since we've owned our own place, so projects that I'm quite sure will quickly become a pain, haven't lost their novelty with us yet. :0) Kev is putting up rain gutters to hopefully prevent another ocean in our basement when the next storm hits, I'm mulching and building rock walls and planting seedlings (even though I don't have a sweet clue what I'm doing), and as a family we are trying our hand at tackling a chicken coop for our new babies that are soon to arrive.
I love these kinds of days.
We live outside and come in only long enough to track up the floors, grab a bite to eat, and change a diaper or two.
Good times.
Yesterday, we all got in the car and kicked it south for the day. No real plans of where we were going or what we were going to do. We ended up at Old Orchard Beach - walked around, collected shells, and got thoroughly sandy and wet; and then we slowly made our way back home - hitting Cabelas and a coffee shop along the way. A family "play today."
Today we work. But, I can hardly call it that. It's been too long since we've had this. And it feels SO GOOD to get dirty! We are thankful, and we are blessed.
The kiddie pool is set up, projects are being started, and the boys are in their element catching salamanders, tadpoles, leeches, bumble bees, butterflies, and bugs of all shapes and sizes.
Kevy and I are having fun too. It's been awhile since we've owned our own place, so projects that I'm quite sure will quickly become a pain, haven't lost their novelty with us yet. :0) Kev is putting up rain gutters to hopefully prevent another ocean in our basement when the next storm hits, I'm mulching and building rock walls and planting seedlings (even though I don't have a sweet clue what I'm doing), and as a family we are trying our hand at tackling a chicken coop for our new babies that are soon to arrive.
I love these kinds of days.
We live outside and come in only long enough to track up the floors, grab a bite to eat, and change a diaper or two.
Good times.
Yesterday, we all got in the car and kicked it south for the day. No real plans of where we were going or what we were going to do. We ended up at Old Orchard Beach - walked around, collected shells, and got thoroughly sandy and wet; and then we slowly made our way back home - hitting Cabelas and a coffee shop along the way. A family "play today."
Today we work. But, I can hardly call it that. It's been too long since we've had this. And it feels SO GOOD to get dirty! We are thankful, and we are blessed.
Taking Stock
Kevy & I are once again at the place of assessing and re-assessing where we are at in life. I don't know about everyone else, but it seems as though we are always doing this. On the other hand, it also seems as though we are the only ones I know who are somewhat nomadic and who do things that noone else fully understands. But that's okay. I'm at peace with my life.....
Anyway, my apologies to my peeps who have left me phone messages as of late asking if I am dead and "why am I not returning any calls?" I go in phases of being really great at communication and then being quite wretched. These past few days, I'll admit my horrid-ness at it all. Biggest "sorry" goes to Esther for not getting back to you about Moxie. Sorry, girl. Hope your doggy found a nice babysitter this past week-end....
So, here we are.
Last Sunday, Kev announced to the church that as of May, he will be stepping down from his position as worship leader. Kind of a bittersweet decision - bitter in that we really love it and will miss it tremendously; sweet in that our ministry is growing like crazy, and he was finding it increasingly difficult to juggle both - not to mention the fact that we need the freedom to be able to be in other churches on Sundays, if need be.
So, as of next month, thus will end an 11 year run of working in a church for pay. Kind of crazy. All three of my boys have literally been raised in church where we practically live there on Sundays! They've all learned to nap wherever Mama lays them, and to get quite comfortable with the fact that we are often one of the first to arrive and just about always the last to leave.
It'll be strange. But it's good and it's right.
So, that's kind of the biggy. And now we're trying to figure out what this NEXT chapter of our lives is going to look like. Always chapters, always seasons. We've got training in May that's pretty big, we've got the whole school decision to make for Kaden, and we are in our final stretch of support raising. All exciting stuff, and all a little scary.
Change is good. Change is our friend. Change is good. Change is our friend.
Anyway, my apologies to my peeps who have left me phone messages as of late asking if I am dead and "why am I not returning any calls?" I go in phases of being really great at communication and then being quite wretched. These past few days, I'll admit my horrid-ness at it all. Biggest "sorry" goes to Esther for not getting back to you about Moxie. Sorry, girl. Hope your doggy found a nice babysitter this past week-end....
So, here we are.
Last Sunday, Kev announced to the church that as of May, he will be stepping down from his position as worship leader. Kind of a bittersweet decision - bitter in that we really love it and will miss it tremendously; sweet in that our ministry is growing like crazy, and he was finding it increasingly difficult to juggle both - not to mention the fact that we need the freedom to be able to be in other churches on Sundays, if need be.
So, as of next month, thus will end an 11 year run of working in a church for pay. Kind of crazy. All three of my boys have literally been raised in church where we practically live there on Sundays! They've all learned to nap wherever Mama lays them, and to get quite comfortable with the fact that we are often one of the first to arrive and just about always the last to leave.
It'll be strange. But it's good and it's right.
So, that's kind of the biggy. And now we're trying to figure out what this NEXT chapter of our lives is going to look like. Always chapters, always seasons. We've got training in May that's pretty big, we've got the whole school decision to make for Kaden, and we are in our final stretch of support raising. All exciting stuff, and all a little scary.
Change is good. Change is our friend. Change is good. Change is our friend.
Barred Rock Beauties!
Meet the soon-to-be newest members of our family.
You're lookin' good, girls!
Well, actually, they'll come to us looking more like soft little black and grey preciousness.
I really have no idea what I'm doing, just so you know. I had chickens all growing up, but the only thing that I can remember is watching them fly around like a bunch of crazies after Dad chopped their heads off and then plucking them while discussing with my bros which one was "Fluffy," and which one was "Red."
Scarred for life.
To be honest, part of the draw in choosing this breed is that they are both egg layers and meat birds. Soooooo, should I discover that I have "bitten off more than I can chew" so to speak......we will have ourselves a couple of fat hens to chew on for our suppers this winter.
That might be too mean to the boys, though.
In all seriousness, I did a lot of research on all of the different chicken varieties, and although I do somewhat agree with the experts that "chickens are chickens" and "they'll be as friendly as the amount of time you spend with them," I also wanted a shall we say, "hearty" bird who could handle some serious "loving" from three crazies. Also, I have been told that they are, and I quote: "not discouraged by the cold." That's good, since Kev probably won't let them in the house this winter.
Sooo, sometime around the second week of May, we are going to have ourselves a few new little babies in the family. And possibly a wee little duckling or two, if I can convince Kevy. Still working on the baby lambs and goats that are at Blue Seal right now. Kev says he has to draw the line somewhere.......
You're lookin' good, girls!
Well, actually, they'll come to us looking more like soft little black and grey preciousness.
I really have no idea what I'm doing, just so you know. I had chickens all growing up, but the only thing that I can remember is watching them fly around like a bunch of crazies after Dad chopped their heads off and then plucking them while discussing with my bros which one was "Fluffy," and which one was "Red."
Scarred for life.
To be honest, part of the draw in choosing this breed is that they are both egg layers and meat birds. Soooooo, should I discover that I have "bitten off more than I can chew" so to speak......we will have ourselves a couple of fat hens to chew on for our suppers this winter.
That might be too mean to the boys, though.
In all seriousness, I did a lot of research on all of the different chicken varieties, and although I do somewhat agree with the experts that "chickens are chickens" and "they'll be as friendly as the amount of time you spend with them," I also wanted a shall we say, "hearty" bird who could handle some serious "loving" from three crazies. Also, I have been told that they are, and I quote: "not discouraged by the cold." That's good, since Kev probably won't let them in the house this winter.
Sooo, sometime around the second week of May, we are going to have ourselves a few new little babies in the family. And possibly a wee little duckling or two, if I can convince Kevy. Still working on the baby lambs and goats that are at Blue Seal right now. Kev says he has to draw the line somewhere.......
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