When Disaster Strikes

Well friends I had a COMPLETELY different post planned for today, but as the Lord would have it, plans change. Let me start at the beginning.

This day has started rough. I will admit I was a bit of a grump and then you add two children who have bad attitudes as well and let's just say it's a recipe for disaster. Not only do I have to deal with myself, but I also have to teach and train my children as to what it means to be happy, thankful, and not complain about every-single-little-thing-that-isn't-perfect. Oh, my what a hard job parenting can be! It's difficult to try to make myself get a better attitude let alone a 5 and a 3 year old.

Breakfast time was a task and we made it through. We all ate, were satisfied, and even smiled a little. I talked to my hubby during that time and he told me that I should just take the kids outside and go for a walk to get some fresh air. Little did he know...

When baby went down for her first nap I thought it would be a good time to go let the chickens out into their run and let Jude and Ella burn off some steam (literally). My mood was definitely perking up as I was putting on my tennis and feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin. The kids were thrilled to get to see the chickens and maybe, just maybe get to catch one. It's so nice to see how little things make them so happy. They catch chickens everyday and yet it never gets old for them.

As we were walking towards the coop together talking about how beautiful of a day it was, I looked up and about died. Yes died. Our whole garden was under water! The beautiful garden we just finished planting, the one I just finished weed eating, the one that we've been waiting for was under 5-6 inches of water. My heart dropped and I promptly turned around to go get my irrigation boots on. Damage control was in need and I had to get prepared. My first thought was about my beloved seedlings that I just planted, but alas I can't do much for them but wait and hope the the water will drain quickly. I hope everything doesn't die, but there's a good chance that it will. I'm thankful that we can flood irrigate our property, but we need to prevent it's passage into our garden and chicken coop.

Oh, yes I said it, the chicken coop. It definitely didn't escape unscathed. The poor girls were probably wondering what the heck happened. I just bought two sacks of organic feed for the chickens. You and I both know that it ain't CHEAP and I knew it was sittin' in the water. I got a empty garbage can and a bucket, two garbage bags, and pruning shears. Since the feed bags were upside down I couldn't open them properly and had to cut the tops off. I scooped out all of the dry feed and put them into the bags that lined the garbage can and bucket. Thankfully we only lost about a fifth of each bag so it definitely could have been worse. I decided to let the wild birds have some goodies and instead of throwing the damp food away I spread it out in our front yard and figured the sun would dry it and the birds could have an easy meal.

I seriously could cry over my seedlings. I know it sounds silly and pathetic, but I've been doting on those darn things for weeks now and only one week after planting them I might lose them. I so desperately want a garden and to be able to feed my family from the place. I want to spend time with my kids teaching them about the rewards of hard work and get our hands dirty together. All-in-all I want everything to be perfect.

That is the problem. Perfection is unattainable this side of heaven. Life happens and lessons are to be learned.

On a spiritual note, I was humbled today. I myself woke up a bit grumpy and then was irritated when my kids did the same. I wanted them to just change their attitude and be nice, respectful, and happy. Just like that. I wanted to quickly go let the chickens out so I could come back to the house and clean, clean, get ready for company, and clean. I have laundry that needs to be folded, a house that looks like kids live here (cause they do), dishes to do, and the list goes on and on and on. While scooping food into the dry bags I was thinking about how the day already is a bad one and then no sooner did I think that then did I realize it was a great day. What do I have to complain about? I have a house, food, children, a husband, I have animals to care for that will provide food one day (Lord willing), and I have a garden. Even though it's under water, I still have one. I'm one of the Lord's and He's blessed me. I should NOT complain, my life could be infinitely worse.

The Lord was changing my heart and helping me to see my blessings and not the  events that I was dwelling on as the makings of a terrible day. I got perspective in a hurry. While I was grumbling in the coop about the over-abundance of water, my children were outside playing and having a joyous time. Imaginations were running wild and I could hear them defeating the crocodiles and saving the lady bugs from imminent death. Such grand tales from such little souls.

Again, humbled.

Farm life has unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes it seems like everything is going right and that life couldn't get better. Seeds are growing, sprouting, producing, and animals are thriving, healthy, and reproducing. There are the times when disaster strikes and flooding washes over your garden (or a drought), animals get sick and die (or eaten/attacked), and I could go on.

If your dreaming of a farm, please know that there are highs and lows much like life. If you have farmed or are living on one, I'm probably preaching to the choir.

I have come up with a short list that I will leave you with. One that I think is a compilation of what you need to have on hand when you have to deal with a flooding garden and chicken coop.

• Empty and clean garbage cans


• Garbage bags (preferably the LARGE ones)


• Scissors (or garden shears when your desperate)


• Irrigation boots


• A good attitude


• Sanity

It's Plantin' Season

I love the smell of dirt.

The earthy, wet, and sweet smell of organic material in it's humblest form.

Soil.

God surely knew what He was doing when He created this world with all it's many cycles of life that are contained on this globe.

My Sis and I got busy today doin' what we do. We planned our strategy or more like I was whipping out seed packets and getting ready to plant while my sister being the studious one that she is, read the directions on the packets and separated the seeds into categories. After looking over my shoulder and realizing that she wasn't on board, I hopped to it and joined in the proper planning and categorizing. There are a pile of seeds we didn't end up planting because they need to be sown directly into the soil after the last frost. Seeds such as:

• onions
• carrots
• kale
• spinach
• lettuce
• garlic chives

We did however get to plant quite a few things and it was quite the nice time. I love spending time with my sissy and I love the prospect of food as well. It is such a cool thing to get to plant a few seeds in some dirt and with the addition of water, wait for the little sprouts to pop up. As a child, I never knew that watching plants grow would be such a thrill. Well it is. Here is what we DID plant:

• cayenne peppers
• jalapeno peppers
• pumpkins
• cucumbers (regular, lemon, & pickling)
• broccoli
• watermelon
• cantaloupe
• I'm sure I've forgotten a few. It's late...

As you can see in the above picture, we still have a lot to plant. I will be getting more seeds this weekend and finishing what we started. I'll just say the obvious, we are lacking a huge staple in everyone's garden. Ummm....TOMATOES!

I sure hope this black thumb of mine can turn green, heck brown would even be an improvement. I am so very excited for a garden this year and I'm sure there's a future post that's going to be filled with pictures containing dirt and little green sprouts.  Ooh, yes!

Please forgive me, it was such a beautiful day that I couldn't resist taking a few pictures of Spring's arrival.

Isn't it just beautiful this time of year?

Happy planting.

How Does Your Garden Grow

Mary, Mary quite contrary
How does your garden grow?
All the flowers, all the colors
All in a perfect row
First the seeds
And then the water
Keeping a little space
Tomatoes here, broccoli there
Each one has their place

(Okay, okay, so the tomatoes and broccoli aren't really in this poem, but they so much more fitting for my garden)

It's been a glorious day here at the farm. It is a warm 84 degrees outside and promises to be about 90 tomorrow. Grass (and weeds) are growing like crazy right now and it is the season for flood irrigation around these parts. This year is the first year that my husband is going to be changing the water and making sure all the horticultural wildlife thrive. For years upon years the 40 acres behind our house has been used as a summer grazing spot for 30 pair of cows. They've done a splendid job of fertilizing the fields the natural way and so we've decided that this year the back 40 can have a rest and we'll be haying it instead. The grass is so beautiful and I am excited with this new venture. My dad used to hay our fields growing up so it's not necessarily 'new' to me, but this is the first time that I've been involved as an adult. And so it will remain a new venture.

The chickens are thriving and growing like weeds (pun intended). They've really grown into their feathers and are such a joy to watch. To be honest I am enjoying the chickens far beyond my expectations. They are such weird crazy silly creatures. I must admit, a lot of my enjoyment is from watching my little munchkins play with and hold them. These fowl are truly a livestock animal that is suited for children. There's almost nothing (barring cleaning the poop...that can wait) they can't help with and they are usually more than willing to help with the chores. I really like our Buff Orpingtons, Ameraucanas, and even the skiddish Welsummers but I am really not a fan yet of our Rhode Island Reds. I have heard from everyone how great they are and that they are amazing layers. They better be because they are rather ornery and have the personality of a well, chicken.

Our seedlings have taken off like you wouldn't believe. Our green house is doin' it's job and I couldn't be happier. It does get quite hot in there considering how warm our days have been getting and so to remedy this I just open up both of the doors and let the air flow through to cool it down. I learned the hard way a few weeks ago and scalded all my broccoli and my calendula. Such a disappointment, but thankfully I learned from my mistake and moved on.

Last week we thought our beloved walnut tree was dead. I was so sad and Seth was thinking about cutting it down and using it for firewood. I know that this is the best thing to do with a dead tree, but it was so hard for me to really think it was dead. The walnut tree right next to it is fully clothed in leaves and it just left me puzzled. Why would one tree live and the next one die? We couldn't see anything that looked like a fungus on it and we really have no explanation. Today however, I have a glimmer of hope! The supposedly 'dead' tree is starting to get some leaves and so we are going to wait and see what happens. I really hope that we don't lose this gem on our farm.

Tonight my hubby and I plan on mapping out our garden area and deciding where we want to put what. I am so excited for this and have been trying to wait patiently on this part of our gardening venture. We watched this video last summer and it has totally revolutionized our thinking when it comes to gardening, watering, AND weed control. The gentleman in the video talks about his journey to figuring out how nature works and replicated it himself. His garden is just amazing and he is truly a wise soul. I highly encourage you to take the time to watch it. If I was your mama I'd make you watch it. And if the video weren't just amazing in and of itself, Paul is a believer and his whole outlook and approach to gardening is biblically based. How much cooler could it get?!

We haven't had any rain in over a month and have been having very warm days. We've implemented some of Paul's techniques, mainly the tree chips and I'm amazed at the results thus far. I dug down to the soil and lo and behold, the soil was wet! If I squeezed it I bet I could have gotten a drop or two of water from it. I'm thrilled and I'm thinkin' this might work. Using Paul's technique you won't need to water, weed, or have to worry about soil quality. It takes sometime for the full effect of his technique to really work, but WATCH the video and you'll see that it is VERY worth the wait.

Watch the video, please.

Now with all this warm weather, growing seedlings, and just basic life on a farm, would you believe that I've been sicker than a dog? Oh yes, unfortunately it's true. It started coming on two nights ago and yesterday I couldn't stand without feeling like my head was going to throb off and I was so dizzy. My back, neck, and shoulders ached like nothing I've ever felt and I was freezing, but was warm to the touch. The never ending headache was terrible and my appetite...gone. If I wasn't a nursing mama right now I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have eaten a darn thing over these past two days, but my baby comes first and so I've choked down...everything. I love to eat and so I know I'm sick when food just doesn't sound good. My appetite still isn't great, but it's coming back. Today a feel a bit better, but I could do without all these symptoms. I still have them all, just not as bad as yesterday.

It was so great getting to get my hiney outside and enjoy the sunshine. Leah and I got some MUCH needed vitamin D and I got to look a a naked baby.

I hope you are enjoying Spring where you live. I'd love to hear about your garden ventures and what your going to be planting this year.

I just know that the first taste of produce from our garden is going to taste so good. Can't wait!

It's Plantin' Season

I love the smell of dirt.

The earthy, wet, and sweet smell of organic material in it's humblest form.

Soil.

God surely knew what He was doing when He created this world with all it's many cycles of life that are contained on this globe.



My Sis and I got busy today doin' what we do. We planned our strategy or more like I was whipping out seed packets and getting ready to plant while my sister being the studious one that she is, read the directions on the packets and separated the seeds into categories. After looking over my shoulder and realizing that she wasn't on board, I hopped to it and joined in the proper planning and categorizing. There are a pile of seeds we didn't end up planting because they need to be sown directly into the soil after the last frost. Seeds such as:

• onions


• carrots


• kale


• spinach


• lettuce


• garlic chives

We did however get to plant quite a few things and it was quite the nice time. I love spending time with my sissy and I love the prospect of food as well. It is such a cool thing to get to plant a few seeds in some dirt and with the addition of water, wait for the little sprouts to pop up. As a child, I never knew that watching plants grow would be such a thrill. Well it is. Here is what we DID plant:

• cayenne peppers


• jalapeno peppers


• pumpkins


• cucumbers (regular, lemon, & pickling)


• broccoli


• watermelon


• cantaloupe


• I'm sure I've forgotten a few. It's late...

As you can see in the above picture, we still have a lot to plant. I will be getting more seeds this weekend and finishing what we started. I'll just say the obvious, we are lacking a huge staple in everyone's garden. Ummm....TOMATOES!





I sure hope this black thumb of mine can turn green, heck brown would even be an improvement. I am so very excited for a garden this year and I'm sure there's a future post that's going to be filled with pictures containing dirt and little green sprouts.  Ooh, yes!

Please forgive me, it was such a beautiful day that I couldn't resist taking a few pictures of Spring's arrival.













Isn't it just beautiful this time of year?

Happy planting.

Oh, I mean...happy Spring.

You Know Your Country When...

...you use twine, an old rope, an old gate, and some country girl ingenuity to make it possible to keep a cat out and the chicks in - in a temporary chicken coop - err green house. It got up to 80 degrees (outside) today and that makes it quite hot in the greenhouse.



 

Are You Ready For Spring?

I am...getting there.

As you can see I am getting ready for the growing season by starting some avocado seeds. I've done this before, but not with much luck. I always could get the seed to start, but couldn't really get  a legit tree to grow. I figure I'll try again. What's the harm? I also have some lemon seeds I'm wanting to get going. Wouldn't it be awesome to have a few avocado and lemon trees planted around the farm that I grew from seeds that I saved?

Yep, thought so.

Last year I started a garden, but it was a major flop. By flop I mean, it didn't grow. The only thing my garden produced were beautiful produce-less plants and  miniature carrots, mainly due to the fact that my kids were so thrilled to see something actually edible, that they gobbled them up early. Sorry carrots, maybe this year you'll actually have a chance to grow big and strong. Maybe. I make no promises.

In all seriousness, I was 8 months preggo when I planted my garden last year and I did it late. I figured better late than never, but with how difficult it was to plant all those seeds, and have it be hot, AND be 8 months pregnant, I probably should have just said, "next year would be a better time to start gardening and I should just relax and enjoy this last month of pregnancy." Uh huh, riiiight.

Well, this year, NO excuses. I mean I have a full on green house. Oh yeah. What could stop me? Come on, I'm only trying to be a good
great fantastic wife, raise 3 kids, begin homeschooling, cook, clean, raise 6 sheep who hopefully will lamb in the Spring, raise 25 chicks and hope they make it to chickenhood (Yep, you heard me, 25 chickens and I said chickenhood. You know what they say, "go big or go home"), fatten up 2 cows, entertain 1 dog, and amuse 1 cat. I have time for planting seeds, caring for seedlings, transplanting the seedling to the garden, water, weed, water, weed, water, weed, pick produce, and weed. Right?

Anyone want to come and be a 'farm intern'? The pay is terrible, but I promise the food will be good, no...fantastic.

Any takers? Anyone?

No need to get down now, there's way to much to do. I'm off to go get my fingernails dirty.

Have I mentioned I hate dirt under my fingernails?

Never mind.

Goals and Achievements

Hi everyone! I hope you have had a great start to this new year. I will apologize now for my lack of posting. My family and I started GAPS last week and let's just say, I haven't left the kitchen except to nurse my babe and sleep. If you don't believe me, as my man.

***If your new here and want to read about my decision to go on GAPS, click HERE.

And while we're on the subject of GAPS let me just say...IT'S WORKING! I am so excited. We started last week and are now working our way into the full GAPS diet. It's has been a bit draining due to the amount of cooking I've had to do. It is a whole new way to me and therefore, there is a learning curve.

Now I know the world doesn't want to know this but, my son, has never really had a normal #2. And two days into the GAPS intro diet...bada bing bada boom...he's normal. And he's had normal #2's ever since. My girlie's is better too. Now for those of you who's children's #2 have always been normal, I applaud you. However, when I can literally 'see' that my kids' digestion is improving and things are normal for the first time, I pretty much start dancing and fist pumping the air. Not kidding. This is cause for celebration I tell you!

In case you were wondering, Seth and I are normalizing too. Enough about this conversation, I'm sure your verging on the side of too much info right now. And my hubby told me that I'm not allowed to say the 'P' word to him anymore. Soo...moving on!

I have some goals that I'm wanting to write out for the new year. Not necessarily New Years Resolutions, but things that I'd like to see happen. Or should I say...should happen. I love writing down lists and goals because it gives me something to cross off. I don't know about you but I feel just as fulfilled crossing off a 'to do' than I do actually performing the task. Is that weird?

Here it goes.


Home

• I'd like to make a weekly and monthly cleaning schedule so my time can be used more efficiently.


• Continue with GAPS diet until we've had a few months of great digestion, then transition my cooking to be in line with traditional eating.


• Clean out pantry 


• Get a grain mill


• Learn how to soak, sprout, ferment, and preserve anything


• Learn about natural ways of healing ailments. 


• Learn about the uses of essential oils.


• Read, read, read, and oh wait, read.


• Finish all the touch up paint in the house. Have I told you I despise painting. Any volunteers? Anyone?

Garden

• Get my hands on a heirloom seed magazine and order some seeds. Soon!


• Learn how to harvest seeds from my garden for future gardens.


• Help hubby build the racks for the green house.


• Watch the gardening video that is going to change forever how I (and maybe you) garden. (I ordered this yesterday and as soon as I watch it I'll do a review. Stay tuned!)


• Learn how to control the little buggers naturally. No pesticides here, thank you.

Farm

• Get everything ready for lambing in a few months. Oh, I hope we get lambs!


• Order and prepare for chicks. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to get chickens. Thrilled really.


• Have a few fencing parties and get some new fences built. I'd like a few more places to rotate my ladies. I really want to rotational graze my animals instead of having to feed them hay. Such a better and cheaper option.


• Learn how to holistically and naturally treat animals for things such as worms, parasites, minor infections, and so on.

Family

• I'm going to start homeschooling Jude this fall, so I am needing to figure out what curriculum I want to use. Any ideas? Anyone?


• Be more intentional with my time with my kids. Read, laugh, and play more.


• Try to have devotions everyday with my kids. Such a wonderful time when it happens.


• Take the kids to visit the elderly. We've done this a few times and we love it. It blesses our souls to see our young ones loving on the ones that can't leave home anymore. And as we all know, the elderly love children.

Spiritual Life

• Be in the Word daily.


• Be the helper that I am intended to me for my man.


• Talk always to my kids about the reason we live on this lovely and yet wretched earth.


• Memorize, memorize, memorize. Scripture of course.


• Help the kids to start memorizing verses too.


• Put my faith in action by loving on others.


• Give the Proverbs 31 woman a run for her money!

I'm not sure this needs a category per se, but I also am really wanting to grow my blog. I am going to try to schedule my days so I can have more time for this. I'd really like to post about every other day.  I've seen it grow over the past week and its been amazing. For those of you who are new here, I give you a hearty WELCOME!

These lists aren't exhaustive, but a good starting point. I may add a few things later on.  I'd love to hear of your goals and heck, I'd love to hear your achievements as well.

And since this post runs the risk of lacking utter cuteness I leave you with these lovelies.






Such blessings.

Don't forget! Just like your getting to know me through my blog, I can't get to know you unless you talk back. I don't like it when my kids talk back, but you can be the exception.

Goals and Achievements

Hi everyone! I hope you have had a great start to this new year. I will apologize now for my lack of posting. My family and I started GAPS last week and let's just say, I haven't left the kitchen except to nurse my babe and sleep. If you don't believe me, as my man.

***If your new here and want to read about my decision to go on GAPS, click HERE.

And while we're on the subject of GAPS let me just say...IT'S WORKING! I am so excited. We started last week and are now working our way into the full GAPS diet. It's has been a bit draining due to the amount of cooking I've had to do. It is a whole new way to me and therefore, there is a learning curve.

Now I know the world doesn't want to know this but, my son, has never really had a normal #2. And two days into the GAPS intro diet...bada bing bada boom...he's normal. And he's had normal #2's ever since. My girlie's is better too. Now for those of you who's children's #2 have always been normal, I applaud you. However, when I can literally 'see' that my kids' digestion is improving and things are normal for the first time, I pretty much start dancing and fist pumping the air. Not kidding. This is cause for celebration I tell you!

In case you were wondering, Seth and I are normalizing too. Enough about this conversation, I'm sure your verging on the side of too much info right now. And my hubby told me that I'm not allowed to say the 'P' word to him anymore. Soo...moving on!

I have some goals that I'm wanting to write out for the new year. Not necessarily New Years Resolutions, but things that I'd like to see happen. Or should I say...should happen. I love writing down lists and goals because it gives me something to cross off. I don't know about you but I feel just as fulfilled crossing off a 'to do' than I do actually performing the task. Is that weird?

Here it goes.


Home

• I'd like to make a weekly and monthly cleaning schedule so my time can be used more efficiently.
• Continue with GAPS diet until we've had a few months of great digestion, then transition my cooking to be in line with traditional eating.
• Clean out pantry 
• Get a grain mill
• Learn how to soak, sprout, ferment, and preserve anything
• Learn about natural ways of healing ailments. 
• Learn about the uses of essential oils.
• Read, read, read, and oh wait, read.
• Finish all the touch up paint in the house. Have I told you I despise painting. Any volunteers? Anyone?

Garden

• Get my hands on a heirloom seed magazine and order some seeds. Soon!
• Learn how to harvest seeds from my garden for future gardens.
• Help hubby build the racks for the green house.
• Watch the gardening video that is going to change forever how I (and maybe you) garden. (I ordered this yesterday and as soon as I watch it I'll do a review. Stay tuned!)
• Learn how to control the little buggers naturally. No pesticides here, thank you.

Farm

• Get everything ready for lambing in a few months. Oh, I hope we get lambs!
• Order and prepare for chicks. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to get chickens. Thrilled really.
• Have a few fencing parties and get some new fences built. I'd like a few more places to rotate my ladies. I really want to rotational graze my animals instead of having to feed them hay. Such a better and cheaper option.
• Learn how to holistically and naturally treat animals for things such as worms, parasites, minor infections, and so on.

Family

• I'm going to start homeschooling Jude this fall, so I am needing to figure out what curriculum I want to use. Any ideas? Anyone?
• Be more intentional with my time with my kids. Read, laugh, and play more.
• Try to have devotions everyday with my kids. Such a wonderful time when it happens.
• Take the kids to visit the elderly. We've done this a few times and we love it. It blesses our souls to see our young ones loving on the ones that can't leave home anymore. And as we all know, the elderly love children.

Spiritual Life

• Be in the Word daily.
• Be the helper that I am intended to me for my man.
• Talk always to my kids about the reason we live on this lovely and yet wretched earth.
• Memorize, memorize, memorize. Scripture of course.
• Help the kids to start memorizing verses too.
• Put my faith in action by loving on others.
• Give the Proverbs 31 woman a run for her money!

I'm not sure this needs a category per se, but I also am really wanting to grow my blog. I am going to try to schedule my days so I can have more time for this. I'd really like to post about every other day.  I've seen it grow over the past week and its been amazing. For those of you who are new here, I give you a hearty WELCOME!

These lists aren't exhaustive, but a good starting point. I may add a few things later on.  I'd love to hear of your goals and heck, I'd love to hear your achievements as well.

And since this post runs the risk of lacking utter cuteness I leave you with these lovelies.

Such blessings.

Don't forget! Just like your getting to know me through my blog, I can't get to know you unless you talk back. I don't like it when my kids talk back, but you can be the exception.

Green House Update

I made a promise a while ago that when the green house was done, I'd show it off.

Well, guess what? It's done.  And I am ready to unveil our newest addition to the farm.

I hope your excited, because it's beautiful.  My talented hubby doesn't disappoint when his creativity starts to flow. The wooden beams are as aesthetic as they are solid. This green house isn't going anywhere. We've already had a couple of terrible storms with wind that could rival the open plains. And it still stands.

I am greatly anticipating our garden this Spring. I hope this new addition will enable us to start our garden in an efficient manner and give us an abundance of crops. May the Lord bless our efforts.

Are you ready to see it yet? Okay, here it is.

View from the back of our house.

The lovely inside.

View from the front of the house.

Isn't it beautiful?

The doors are made out of old red wood that Seth bought from a lumber yard. The beams are made from old wood that used to be part of our back porch.

I just love it and I am so thankful my loving hubby made this for us. It's such a great addition to the farm.

Do you have a green house? What do you plan on growing in your gardens this Spring?