Vim and Vigor

Spring is here--Day 4!

 {We are celebrating spring with counting 30 days and 30 ways we as a family are embracing the new spring season--come along with us, if you'd like!}

They're here!!!  I am so thrilled.  I have been asking my hubby for chickens for 4 years now, for my birthday.  Finally--not only did he say yes, but he said it in a big way.  I asked for 6 chicks, but he ordered 35!  He has caught the vision for our hobby farm, and it is so fun to see him get excited about the animals, their housing, and all that starting a hobby farm entails.  

I never thought the post office delivered chicks right to your door-but they do.  The post lady said they kept her company all morning.

 

What personalities they already have.  One seems to act more like a rooster already, and seems to "bully" the others, so he's been quarantined on his own till he behaves better.  The children are thoroughly enjoying the chicks and they are a lot of fun to watch.  Some of them skuttle all around at 90 miles an hour, we've seen some hop over each other, some stand on the food bowl and eat from it upside down even. 

Part of the fun of having new animals here is all the learning that's happening.  We had to figure out what type of chicken we wanted.  Do we want egg layers or meat birds or both?  How many chickens do we want?  What kind of housing do they need?  What do they eat?  How long do they need to be under a heat lamp?  All these questions--and many more-- we have many a conversation about, read books, searched the internet, asked of friends and farmers that we know.  And the best part of it is, we are learning and discovering together.  Young and old, it draws us together as we discover interesting things--"Hey mom, did you know this about chickens?" or a sibling might bellow out in laughter at something the chicks did and all come running to look and we all have a laugh together. 

 

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I have to say, that the above book has been our go to source for this new chicken adventure we are taking on.  The children love the  pictures as well.  It was so handy yesterday when I said, "Now, the ones with the furry feet, what are they called?"

 

Also, it does make you smile at the creativity of our God.  What He was thinking when He created the chicken.....makes me smile to wonder about that. 

That's what works for us!

~Joy~

Spring is here!--Day 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

:: Planting wildflowers :: This is something I'm enjoying doing with the little ones, in a tall grassy area that borders the edge of our property.  The little ones enjoy the digging in the dirt, getting involved in the planting, and the excitedness of their very own flowers growing.  Mama likes it because the seeds can be sown all over, no particular orderliness to it.  A little more low key compared to helping little ones plant things in a certain place like in the garden.  With the spring comes the sun, which we are out in more and more these days.

:: Building the chicken coop :: All hands on deck are needed to get the coop up.  The chicks are arriving 2 days after Easter, and we will go and get them from the post office.  15 Buff Orpingtons, 10 Brahamas, and 10 Auracanas.....so the rush is on!  I envision me  and Miss K in our aprons, and everyone in their wellies, (mud boots), out gathering eggs from our clucking hens.  Then all of us tromping into house with are hands and aprons full, ready to make the freshest and healthiest breakfast ever.  The book Chickens by Ashley English (in my sidebar), has been such a help to us as we decide how to build the coop and how to care for our new little flock......

Now I'm off to help paint their new dwelling....and of course, to think of names.  Hmmmm...how about Maude, Claire, and of course, Henrietta to name a few.  35 names....this may take some input from us all.  Can't wait to see what the kids come up with for names.

 

Have a glorious spring day all,

 

~Joy~

P.S.  I just overheard as Cowboy S was getting out of the shower being asked by big sis....is that clean underwear your putting on?  Yes, he said, in a huffy tone.  I just put them on last Friday!  (I see we have some teaching on cleanliness to do!)

This moment

 {Please indulge me for a few words this morning.}

 When I saw my littlest girl, now 3 years old napping the other day with her door open, I just had to sneak in for a couple of pictures. 

So often our days can be filled with struggles.  She's gettin' the award for most strong-willed child in my family this year.  It was almost a tie with her oldest sister, but I believe she will win in the end.  She's persistent that way. 

Notice the ensemble.  Not one layer, not even two layers....but four (4!) layers of clothing on! Let's see....I recognize the pink love sleeved shirt for the bottom layer, next comes her yellow nightgown, then her purple nightgown,and please don't forget her much loved cotton jumper dress!  Layers are in. Remember that tomorrow morning when you're wonderin' what to wear. 

Little ones always look so angelic as they're caught in peaceful dreams.  It's easy to forget that they could ever be naughty or disobedient.  No,they are just your sweet little one,with those cute little features you could gaze at for hours. 

 As I was pondering all of these things, and photographing my girlie, I noticed something.  Her hair looked almost greasy.  Almost wet-like, and I had given her a bath only that morning!  Also, her pillow had something white smeared all over it.  As I gazed at her sweet, dimpled hands I noticed white lotion all over them.

She had gotten into the lotion....and gotten it everywhere!

All I could do was shake my head and smile.....how could I be mad at that moment?  I think that's what the good Lord does with me on a daily basis, I'm sure.  I get myself into trouble very quickly, and I'm sure there are times that he just shakes His head and smiles.  He forgives me as easily as I forgave my girl.  He loves me us even more than I love her, as hard as that is to believe. Thank you Lord for this lesson today, I needed a reminder of your love. 

May you bask in His love today,

Joy

{I have an awesome giveaway going on from Bulk Herb Store  right now....there will be 5 (five!) winners, and all you have to do to enter is leave a comment on the giveaway post, located here.  The winners will all receive a DVD copy of Making Herbs Simple Vol 1...a valuable resource I have had in my home for a couple of years! Giveaway ends Monday, March 14th, 8:00 a.m. EST}

(This moment was inspired by Soulemama)

How we do breakfast

 

A lovely new addition to the breakfast line-up in our home, is this homemade granola.  I did change the recipe up just a bit, by sproutingdehydrating all of the seeds and nuts.  It has just a hint of sweetness, and a wonderful crunch. 

I have been stepping up my workout routines as well, now that our newest babe is 2 months old already!  I call this one--Get up and go smoothie--It is soooo creamy and tasty--I think this really is my all time favorite. 

Here is the way I enjoyed my smoothie.  A little bee pollen added on top for energy before (or after!) my workout. 

Get up and go Smoothie

3 cups kefir, yogurt or any type milk

1 frozen banana in chunks

3/4-1 cup of frozen mixed berries

3-4 Tablespoons of protein powder

(Mine was Jay Robb's chocolate flavor)

Dash of vanilla

Honey to taste for sweetness

Bee Pollen for extra energy!

Miss Lady K enjoyed her smoothie in a bowl with a bit of the granola on top. Yummmm!

Isn't her wee wooden spoon gorgeous?  Made by a close friend of our family's who does beautiful handiwork with wood.  Miss Lady K just loves her special spoon...and he even carved her name in it.

Using wooden utensils in my kitchen goes with the flow of my home.  We try to purchase items for our home that will last, are made by hand if possible, and that are as natural and close to the earth as we can find.  These items beautify our home, and I think of our dear friend every time I use them.





Miss K's wee little bunny is something I made for her when she was little.  His name is John the Rabbit, and has a special place in both our heart's.  He came from a pattern in this book, which I am diving into a bit more this week, to do some crafting for our littlest man.

Blessings,

Joy

{For those interested (cuz I know you'll be asking!)...the wooden utensils can be purchased at cooperwares.com}

{This post is a part of Monday Mania, Real Food Wednesday, Fight Back Friday and Frugal Friday}

In my kitchen this week

 

 :: A lot of learning going on as usual--(We are a homeschooling family, after all.) We are loving some new puzzles around here; What's in the jar? (I drink out of mason jars a lot.) Miss Lady K helped me make a lovely juice in the juicer we are renting--I can't make a few hundred dollar purchase without trying it out first!  I believe it was carrot, apple, romaine juice.  Quite lovely, infact.  And, check out that outfit...have I mentioned her keen fashion sense?

::Found a couple of new turned favorite soup recipes.  Tortilla soup, and vegetable beef.  I've made many a vegetable beef soup recipes, and none compared to the taste of this.  My family was still raving about it at bedtime!

::When looking for a good postnatal vitamin, I was excited to find a new raw multi-vitamin from a company I love...Garden of Life.  Who new vitamins could be raw?

::Was visited by Heidi, Superman and the Mrs.....Superwoman, as well as Daniel Boone and Davey Crockett.  Can you find them in the pictures above?  Along with this cast of characters, we welcomed around 30 people in on Sunday.  There is nothing like having others over, to help your whole family serve together.  Planning, cleaning, serving others while they are here.  Loving others by opening our home.  The joy is twofold as I watch my children serve and enjoy others, and receiving the joy of the fellowship.

:: Enjoyed many a family meal together around the table...some a little rowdier than others.  We try to do this every night, always beginning with a prayer, and ending with all helping to clear the table.  One child and mama usually put away the food and clean dishes.  It's a wonderful rhythm, that keeps us grounded and bonds us as a family.

::Loving those avocados...especially on salads!  Healthy fats..so needed by our bodies!

::Snuggled, enjoyed, and got to know this new little person in our lives.  Welcome to our family our wee little man!

 

 

The handmades.....so far.....

 

 

 A little bit of a start on my handmade linen napkins.  I thought a set of 6 for one of the sweet ladies in my life (not sure who yet!), might be nice.  The original link  for a tutorial is found here. I decided against the bold colors, being I wanted to use what I had on hand, although those are very nice, too.   Also, instead of the 18" and 16 ", I went with 12" and 10", to save on fabric, and save money as well. 

 

We have had so much fun recycling wool sweaters around here.  So many creative, easy ways to do so.  We go to goodwill on half off day, which is a great place to find these.  100% wool is best.  To felt the sweaters for using in crafts, just throw them in the wash on your hot water cycle, and then dry in he dryer. 

 

 

The how-to for this garland, which we will be hanging in our living room windows, with homemade cut-out snowflakes hanging above, can be found in this book.  I have done many of the projects in this book, and mentioned it more than a time or two on the blog, I believe.  This was a simple project that my 6 yr. old son especially loved, and that even my 3 yr. old gal could do with me.  Gotta love that.  Are you finding some time for Christmas crafting in your home?  I fear that most of my handmade list will not be accomplished, for our little guy is coming in a couple weeks!  I will be doing the more important business of staring at baby toes, and nursing to fill up babies' tummy. 

Have a lovely day,

Joy

a simple note....

A simple hand-written note this a.m. Hopefully to be followed by many more...as I have some new beautiful note cards just dying to be filled with words.  Yes, e-mail is quicker.  It would take less time out of my day.  But, the message I want to send along with these letters, is that you were important enough to me to take time for.  To stop and pause to think what they may want to hear about or be asked about.  

 

It is much more enjoyable to write when you have stationary that is beautiful, such as these I purchased here.   Letter writing, along with listening, as I wrote of last week, seems to be a lost art these days.  I feel it's one worth resurrecting!  Don't know who to write to?  Here is a sample from my list:

• Mother-in-law: A thank you for all the ways she gives
• Mom:  Just because she's one of my best friends and always listening
• Grandma:  To let her know I am thinking of her
• Aunt:  Birthday greetings
• Friends:  To let them know how grateful I am for them in their individual, unique ways...I'd be lost without them!

Thinking about the smile that may be on that person's face when they open their mailbox brings me abundant joy.  Joy seems to be a byproduct of giving of ourselves or our time in some way....funny how that is.

Here's to more hand-written notes and to slowing down to write them,

Joy

{P.S.  Wondering what's in the mug?  Only the best hot cocoa recipe I've ever made!  Here it is for you, if you'd like. {Just scroll down the page to Real Food Wednesday.} And yes, you can drink hot cocoa now, it's almost September!}

Lessons to learn.....

I have much to learn in the realm of parenting...14 years at this gig, and yet, I have much to figure out.  There are days when I feel as if I am blowing along with the wind, every which way and that with my parenting.  Other days, I feel I am on a straight and steady path, reaching my goals for my children slowly, but surely. 

If there is one thing I think I have learned, yet still am working VERY hard on putting into practice with my children, it is the art of listening.  I call it an art, because I feel it is something that is rarely put into practice these days it seems, and it takes skill to acquire this if you do not naturally do so.  

Am I listening when...

• my children are speaking to me about something very important to them, and I fail to even look in there eyes for I am busy with a task?
• when my little one is stammering and stuttering to get a word out of her wee mouth, and I am too impatient to wait and finish the sentence for her?
• when it is 10 p.m. and this 7 month pregnant mama can't wait to crash into bed, yet I know my oldest wants to talk into the night?
• A friend is telling me excitedly about something that happened to them, and in my mind I am thinking about what I am going to say next to them instead of what they are really saying?
• When talking with my husband, are we allowing the children to constantly interrupt him as he's speaking to me, for they want my attention?

I think it comes back to a change on my view of things.  I want to assume the children know I am listening even if I have not made eye contact.  Not true.  This I have been told.  Yes, they know I am busy.   Am I showing them I am too busy for them?  Is my homemaking getting in the way of my parenting?

Does my two year old benefit from my finishing her sentence for her?  No....it just shows my impatience!  I would like to think my older girls know how tired I am, and that talking has to wait until morning.  Well, guess what?  They don't feel like talking in the morning.  When they want to open up to me as teenagers, I long to see it as an opportunity to see into their mind and soul.  An opportunity that is not always there, so I must seize this special time.  They may shut themselves off from someone they don't feel really wants to listen, and I would never want that. 

Knowing my husband understand the many demands of parenting...he is so very patient when the children interrupt our talking...and no, it cannot always be a nice quiet time where we can go on without interruption.  However, when he is first home from work, or if there is something important on his mind, I make every endeavor to ask the children to kindly wait until daddy is done talking, as long as noone is bleeding!  This not only shows them my devotion to their father and the security of our marriage, but also that sometimes they need to wait and that's okay!  How will they ever learn patience if they never have to wait?

As a busy mama, these are some of the areas of listening that challenge me on a daily basis.  I am determined to show the ones I love so deeply, the love and respect they all deserve by not just hearing their words, but listening with love and intent. 

At home

 

Has your house every spoken to you? 

Mine does.  Really.

They are very loud...these walls. 

They say things like, "Can't ya decorate us already?  I mean, come on, we've been sitting here a few years now!"  (They speak in a New York accent, too.)

The one that yelled the loudest, or at least got my attention as of late is a main wall in the living room.  It was big and blank.  And not only did this wall yell at me..it kinda stared at me as I would walk by.

Not good.

So, I finally mustered up some mental energy....I tell you when you have 2 teens in the house....plus little ones...and your pregnant!....mental energy is hard to come by!  I needed to think of an inexpensive way to decorate said wall. Okay then.  I decided to wrangle some of the kids and see if they would pause for a photo.  I told them to choose something nice to wear, but I didn't care about the color.  I had the idea in mind that using greytone or a version of black and white would keep me from coordinating their colors in clothing, and would make the photographs come together nicely when hung on a wall near each other. 

 

This was ALOT easier than getting the kids in fancy clothes, driving to a photo place, waiting in line, and of course the payout usually isn't too cheap either.  Of course, I've gone that route, but I choose to now stay away.  Plus, the mall is a 45 minute drive from my house......that is, when it's sunny, we somehow miss all the red lights, we don't get behind any TRACTORS, and noone has to stop for a potty break. 

 

 

 

I bought the Kodak printer paper at Wal-mart, and I bought the frames there as well.  It was a quick and easy project.  I did take maybe 8 photos of each child, maybe more, hoping at least to have a few good photos to choose from.  The point was not to have a perfect picture, but to somehow get a glimpse of them through this photograph.  If I was going for "that perfect shot", I am sure I would never have been satisfied and I would have had some very cranky children as well!

 

 

Right now I do not have this photo in the frame, as you might notice in the last photo.  I decided to switch for this one instead, which has more of a crisp outline in the black and white, which is similar to the others.

{And, I tell ya, she looks almost a little too angelic in this photo......she's got horns holdin' up her halo, if ya know what I mean!  However, I must recall my post as of late, and remember the positive...yes, remember the positive side of two!}

 

I scanned this wedding photo and enlarged it to the same size as the other photos, and changed it from it's original colors to greytone as well. 

And guess what?  My wall is now quiet!  However, there are still a few talkin' to me....one at a time folks....one at a time!

 

Warmly,

Joy

{This post is a part of Frugal Fridays}