Ethan is all about anything to do with survival, hunting, trapping, etc.   He read a book about making shelters and spent all Sunday afternoon making this shelter out of a tarp.   All the kids wanted to sleep in it.  Since I knew they wouldn't stay out all night, I said that was fine.  Well...Christy and Moses were inside before too long.  Ethan and Luke, however, proved me wrong.   It got down in the 40's but they just bundled up and went right to sleep after reading and chatting.   I, on the hand, didn't sleep a wink because I was so worried about them.   I went out 5 or 6 times throughout the night to make sure they were still there (Luke has a tendency to sleep walk).  I kept telling myself they were fine and nothing would get them, but, I couldn't help but worry.   I really was so proud of them, though and I think they were proud of themselves.  

We got our two new packages of small cell bees installed.  I'm really praying they will do well.  It's frustrating starting from scratch, but, we've learned some valuable lessons.   Our chicks are all getting so big!  We're ready for one of our hens to go broody so we can hatch some of our own again.

I think the Gold-Laced Wyandottes are so pretty!  Luke's pretty cute too. :)

We've been brewing lots and lots of Kombucha.   The kids and Chad just love it!  This time we tried peach and strawberry.  They all thought it was delicious.

We've been listening to the Wrens singing in our yard.  They are SO loud and have so many different sounds.   They had us fooled for a few weeks.  We couldn't figure out what we were hearing but it turned out to be one of them.   We were excited and thought it might be something new for us!  Oh well.

The baby wrens are gone and the Chickadee eggs hatched yesterday.  They are adorable!  We love watching the mom and dad take such good care of them.   We're now watching a Robin on her nest.  We can't wait to see her babies!

Patience

I think Spring and Fall are my favorite seasons.  Just when I'm getting sick of the heat, Fall brings the needed change.  Just when we're tired of being cooped up and we've eaten the last of the veggies from last year's garden, here comes Spring!  My problem is I'm so impatient.   I can't wait to plant my garden, so I plant things WAY too early.  Then, everyday I go out to check on everything and see if there's anything new.   I keep envisioning how things will look in a month. I can't wait for the chicks to grow up so they'll start laying eggs.   We lost all of our bees this winter, so we're starting from scratch.  It's going to be REALLY hard to wait for honey again!   Those baby wrens in my row cover in the shed are SO cute.  But...when are they going to hurry up and leave the nest so I can clean out the shed and use my row covers on the garden???   I'm trying to stop and live in the moment.  To enjoy things as they are.  I'm realizing that time is going by so fast.   So, I am working on cherishing each moment with my family and seeing the beauty in what's around me...just the way things are.   

Perspective

Lord, help our family to see everything through the filter that we are deeply loved by you.  That everything we go through is an opportunity to grow in you.  That no matter how far away you may seem, the TRUTH is that you are so close.  That you are going to help us through the dark times.   That you are the healer.  You are the savior.  That you can bring peace.  Increase our faith in you.  Let our roots go down deep.  We fail so miserably most days.  Please let your grace be real to us. Help us to see that you can take the ugly, sinful, hurt, and broken and make them whole and beautiful.

Going Higher

A couple of weeks ago, we (meaning the kids) were able to go rock climbing for the 2nd time.  Again, it was amazing!  This time was much better, though, because we weren't walking on a sheet of ice and the kids fingers weren't frost bitten.   All month, leading up to it, the kids had been discussing how high they would go this time.  They wanted to try out the harder climbs and be able to repel down.   I was so proud of them.   The all accomplished their goals.   They had to work really hard, even when they were worn out.  A couple of them had to overcome a little fear of heights, but, once they did, the didn't want to stop.   I think this is such a great activity that teaches so many great character qualities.  We can't wait to go back!