Dwelling in the Details

We have four kids now!

2010-04-07T18:05:00.000-07:00

Four young goats that is!

In early March, we bought these four baby goats that were just 7 days old. They are going to spend the summer happily browsing through the brambles and brush that we need to clear in a couple of overgrown fields. Goats like to eat that sort of thing. Even before they entered the barn, they had been named: Cinnamon Roll, Bubba, Fawn and Blackie.

Being so young, we had to teach each one how to drink from a bottle but they were quick learners. Twice a day, for 4 weeks, Abigail, Samuel, and Ethan have mixed formula and fed them. The warm spring weather has provided quite a bit of play time as well. Abigail has even trained them to race her:

What was impossible when we lived in town, in now such a simple decision on the farm. These animals have provided a great lesson in responsibility, have brought a few friends to visit at chore time, and are a fun addition to our days.

Happy Spring! From our family... and our new kids

Our chapter in a very long story

2010-04-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

This story began in the winter of 1776. Washington (yes, General George Washington) had captured Hessian soldiers at Trenton on December 26th. These mercenary soldiers who had been fighting for the British were marched to the Shenandoah Valley for internment. It is during this time that they built several homes from the local stone. (history provided by current owners)

Our family has been blessed to live in one of those houses for the past year.

In the 1800's a building that had been a town tavern was brought to the farm and added to the back of the house. Decades and decades of updates have resulted in this kitchen and a great dining room:

One of our favorite parts of the house was the library. Our homeschool books and family albums filled the shelves. The ladder was so much fun, until it wasn't. From the computer in this room, many blog post were written.

As you walk down the staircase in the house, the treads are all worn down. So many times, we've wondered who has lived here and what their lives were like.

Actually, as we were moving out last week, a family stopped by. The husband had lived in the house in the 1970's, proposed to his wife on the hilltop, and they wanted to show their children the place they had heard about for years. History is so interesting.

Our stay here was just a year, yet it was such a blessing. We completed our first year of farming, gardened for the first time, practiced reading, writing, arithmatic, and learned just how expensive it can be to heat an old house during a cold winter. It was a wonderful place to dwell.

Date Night

2010-03-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

"You, me go all alone?"

How could I say no to that sweet request, or actually several sweet requests over the past few weeks?

So, last week, Ethan and I went on a special date... all alone!

We took a few photos together since we were all dressed up (in the outfits that he had chosen). Then we went out to dinner together. I can't believe I neglected to take a photo of this sweet boy, all dressed up, eating peanut butter and jelly. I was just too busy enjoying the moment. And the conversation.

We walked over to the bookstore after dinner.

Books were read, stories were told, trains were played with, a couple gifts for friends were purchased and photos were taken. Ethan likes to be in front of the camera, but not as much as he likes to be behind it...

To finish our evening, I treated my date to a scoop of ice cream. While he ate his treat, I told him the story about how his daddy met me in an ice cream store. He thought for a long time and then smiled. Then he told me that when he was grown up, he would be in an ice cream store and meet me there too. I assured him that I would like that very much!

The highlight, the very highlight of my evening...

As we were leaving the bookstore, I told Ethan that we should hurry because I was very cold. Did he hurry? No. He stopped right in the middle of the sidewalk. Then, he took off his coat, gave it to me and told me that boys do that for girls. Now, my sweet husband always makes sure I have my coat when we leave, so I asked him how he knew this to be true.

"I saw a boy do that at a hotel." Big smile.

I have no idea where or when, but my four year old saw a man act with chivalry and wanted to do the same. Isn't it amazing that we can teach our children constantly from the moment they are born, and they are still observing and absorbing from people all around them. If we could only remember the power we all have through example... good and bad. If I could only thank that man, whoever he was, who briefly, unknowingly contributed to my son's character.

If I could only remember that carving out purposeful time with each of my children reveals so much about the condition of their heart and blesses mine so richly!

Our American Girl

2010-02-22T03:25:00.000-08:00

We recently celebrated a very special occasion... our sweet Abigail turned 10 years old! How quickly a decade slips by when your days are filled with baby talk, multiplication facts, bike riding and make believe. One day we were holding a tiny, blanket wrapped, baby girl and in the blink of an eye we are teaching her to drive, discussing politics, and hearing where she wants to go to college. Everyone warned us, but there was no way to fully understand until we experienced it... time flies by!

Although Abigail is growing up, we are so thankful that she is not trying to rush it. We discuss choices in clothes, friends, hobbies... often. One blessing is her love for her American Girl dolls. Kaya was a gift when she became a big sister the second time, Josephina was a surprise for her 8th birthday, and wonderful accessories have been collected over time. These dolls have been so cherished, and are so worth investing in. That's why we were happy when Abigail wanted to spend some of the money she had earned in their farming business to buy the Elizabeth doll.

We bundled her purchase with her birthday and celebrated at American Girl Place. The store's three stories are filled with dolls, clothes, furniture, books and every shade of pink! Our girl was so excited and her brothers were so supportive. We all had dinner, followed by cake and peppermint ice cream in their restaurant. There are even special chairs for the dolls.

Abigail was most excited to purchase her Elizabeth doll, who just happens to look exactly like her. As we were looking at her beautiful pink gown and talking about her story, we realized that Elizabeth moved from far away when she was about 10 years old to live in Virginia. These two blond hair, blue eye girls have a lot in common!

As a special gift, we signed her up to take a class in their "Doll Hair Salon". They learned the proper way to care for their doll's hair and even how to do a couple braided hairstyles.

It is a blessing to watch Abigail grow up and a privilege to spend these days with her. As her interests grow and mature, we pray that she will seek God's will for her life and build on the solid foundation of His Word!

It was appropriate that our American girl, chose the patriotic Yankee Doodle for her first piano recital this past weekend! After taking lessons for just three months, she was nervous to play in front a room full of people, but did a great job.

For our family and friends living far away, that we wished we could have invited, here is a short video of her performance. (look closely, she's right behind the harp!)

Cabin Fever

2010-02-18T16:05:00.000-08:00

Virginia has received a lot of snow this winter. A lot of snow.

Storm after storm, inches into feet, everything has been totally white for weeks.

Locals say this much snow is very unusual for this area. Thankfully.

Some facts from our winter: Weather.com is now a good friend. A tractor is a blessing when your lane is over a half mile long and snow packed. A warm house and library books keep everyone happier. Even if public schools are closed for weeks, homeschool kids don't get snow days off.

The hardest part of this weather is not being able to spend time outside. The snow is just too deep! Here is a comparison between last July and last week:

During the biggest snow, we hiked to the top of the pasture hill to go sledding...

but the snow was so deep that the sled just sunk in. We had to pull the sled back home!

We retreated to the kitchen. I made homemade chicken noodle soup for the first time and a batch of our favorite cinnamon rolls. Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning when you are snowed in and can use the meat that you produced last summer!

On the first day of sunshine, we tried sledding again with much better results!

We are trying to make the most of winter, and keep thinking that all this moisture is sure to bring a beautiful spring. Really, really soon.

Montana Made

2010-02-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

Being surrounded by a blanket of white snow that is two feet deep creates some challenges. Roads must be plowed, paths must be shoveled, equipment must be uncovered, chores must be done, and driving is dangerous.

Even before we were married, I admired the way Brent handled winter weather. He had warm layers of clothes, drove a four wheel drive truck with tools and chains in the back, and was always the first one into work on a snow day. When I once slid off an icy road, he dug me out and then loaded my trunk with cases of ammo for extra weight. It is not just his abilities, its his willingness.

Maybe his attitude was learned during his early childhood in Montana. Maybe it is a challenge that he personally enjoys. Either way, I am praising God today for the gift that I have in my husband.

And for the fact that we are warm inside, safe and secure, and getting closer to spring.

Brent, on the tractor, clearing roads during the snow storm. Feb 2010

While We Were Away

2010-02-04T16:21:00.000-08:00

Having driven 2,ooo+ miles, seven times (7X!) in the last 2 1/2 years, the thrill of a cross-country road trip is beginning to fade for our family. Even though we try to change up the route a little each time, in order to see a little different slice of America, it is still miles and miles of freeway. One fun highlight has been this hotel:

This was our 3rd stay at the Great Wolf Lodge and the kids just love it. They get to sleep in bunkbeds and swim in the enormous indoor water park. A nice treat on a long trip!

Once we got to Arizona, the kids received an early Christmas gift. Uncle Greg and Aunt Greta invited them to spend the night at their house. Then, they all took a private lesson with a golf pro on a pretty Phoenix golf course. Abigail, Samuel and Ethan all had a great time and were giggling with fun stories when they came back. What a great gift!

Staying a night in Phoenix has numerous benefits... visiting family, favorite restaurants, fun shopping, and being able to swim outside in December!

For Christmas, Grandma Grace gave Samuel and Ethan costumes to dress up like Davy Crockett. They were thrilled!

To make that even better... on the drive back to Va, their kind-hearted Dad pulled off the freeway in Tennessee, drove an extra 40 miles, to take them to:

Samuel and Ethan at the birthplace of Davy Crockett

Its a good reminder that sometimes there are wonderful surprises waiting for you... even on a road you have traveled many times before.

There's no place like home!

2010-01-26T07:18:00.000-08:00

Recently, we left our new home of Virginia to spend the holidays at home in Arizona. We were home for almost 6 weeks before we returned home to the farm. This adventure brought so many blessings, explains our blogging absence, but also has made us think alot about the idea of HOME.

Merriam-Webster defines home as: noun:

1. one's place of residence

2. a social unit formed by a family living together

3. a familiar or usual setting

4. a place or origin

5. an establishement providing residence and care for people with special care

6. the objective in various games ie: home plate

During the last weeks of transitions, actually during the last 3 years of transitions, God has been showing us an alternative definition of 'home'.

When we think of home, we feel safe, secure, at peace. Yet, there are times that we are in our residence, with our family members, at familiar places and still don't feel the calm peace that we associate with 'home'. Our house is safe, our family is loving, we have been familiar with these places for years... what is missing?

Perhaps, home is not found in our dwellings, or our place of birth, or even with our wonderful families. Perhaps we have put too much value in habits, memories, and emotions. God seems to be teaching us that we are only really at 'home' when we are safely, submissively in His will for our lives. He'll take care of the details that we dwell in.

When I was a little girl I heard a song by Anne Murray "You Can't Go Back Home" and I started to cry. As a child, the thought of growing up and never being able to return to my place of security was terrifying. Now, I see the wisdom.

Even though you can return to the house that you were sheltered in, or visit treasured people, or move back to the same zipcode, God never wants us to emotionally, spiritually regress. His perfect will is to grow, equip, and mature us in new seasons of life. During that process, he sometimes removes our safe, secure, peaceful feelings, even though our lives make sense 'on paper'. He stirs our hearts to seek and find the next chapter that He is leading us to. He removes the fulfillment that we once received from our current routines, even relationships and brings us clearly back into reliance on His leading.

After completing a life altering, heart testing, cross country move and now awaiting the transition to owning property of our own, I can honestly, thankfully say that we are finally safe, secure and at peace with our place in God's will. Even though Arizona no longer really feels like home and our new state of Virginia is not filled with familiar places or family, we are all confident that God will meet our needs, use our lives, and continue to be our refuge.

What a blessing that, while we are not yet at home in God's presence, we can enjoy His peace and his comfort while we labor through this life. Blessings to everyone who is accompaning us on this journey. Praying you feel more at home than ever in 2010!

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-29T08:37:00.000-08:00

Ethan with Uncle Greg, Colton with Aunt Greta

Christmas celebrations with family and friends in Arizona!

A beautiful, scripture filled, candlelight service with the church we miss so much, a Christmas Eve dinner that doubled as a mini-family reunion, and Christmas Day that was filled with family and friends. A wonderful time of the year!

Christmas morning 2009

All the plotting and planning, shopping and secrets are totally worth it when our three jammie clad kids come downstairs to find their treasures. This year our sweet girl got her first sewing machine and we got a clear glance at how quickly she is growing up. Samuel received a giant pile of maple blocks that have been constantly transformed into towers, castles, battle sites.... All year long, Ethan has been asking for a tree house. Although his request was for life size, this petite version is getting lots of playtime already.

Our family friend Tom & Abigail, Robyn & Jesse, Diane, Les, Megan & Troy, Brad, Brent, Les & Troy playing cards

We were all so blessed to spend Christmas with family. After our move to Virginia this spring, this visit was especially special. We all talked, cooked, exchanged gifts, and either played or watched tournaments of pinochle!

Samuel, Conner, Colton, Abigail, Ethan

The cousins played all day: blocks, bean bag toss, puzzles!

Ethan with Grandma Grace

We were blessed on Christmas day, but also had 3 wonderful weeks filled with visits in Arizona. While we love living in Virginia, it was so nice to see friends and family in person. Watching a movie together, sharing stories over dinners, and just being able to greet them with a hug... this trip has been a wonderful time of fellowship, filled with great memories. We are packing those memories up, along with so many sweet gifts that were wrapped with love, and will treasure them all year.

Thankful in Chicago

2009-12-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

This year, we celebrated Thanksgiving in Chicago, Illinois.

We bundled up, walked festive streets and made so many special memories together.

Our first adventure was at the Field Museum:

We toured the Underground exhibit and experienced life in the soil. There were lots of opportunities to show the kids what impact farming has on the environment that is hiding right under their feet.

They also tried different instruments from around the world, saw how ancient cultures harvested corn from an arid field and ground it into flour (Abigail's favorite!), and tried to pull a life-size block from an Egyptian pyramid (no budging it).

Chicago held so many great experiences:

We visited a German Christmas market, peeked into the window displays at the old Marshall Fields, looked at amazing architecture, and spun around and around in lots of doorways!

After walking about 1,000,000 miles in two days, we thought about taking a taxi back to our hotel the last night. Then, we saw a better option:

The horse drawn carriage ride may have only lasted for about 20 minutes, but the memories are sure to last for a very long time!

Knowing that we would be traveling, we had made reservations at a restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner. The menu was set for the holiday, so it was pretty much a (pleasant) surprise as they brought each family style course to our table. Before each course, we each thanked God for a specific blessing.

Here is our family's list for 2009:

Bruchetta appetizers: we thanked God for Thanksgiving dinner with our family, moving to Virginia, living on a farm, traveling to Arizona for Christmas, our family

House salads: the opportunity to raise food for people, a year of health for our family, our family, that we are traveling together in only one car for this road trip, our family.

Turkey and Ham main course: our marriage, our marriage, spending our days learning and working together this year, being born in our family, dancing.

Apple crostini & cream puff desserts: farming in Virginia, that God made us a family, that we have friends, our family, a personal relationship with Christ Jesus!

this recipe LEAVES us smiling

2009-11-16T05:38:00.000-08:00

Here is a fun fall recipe:

One yard full of fallen leaves
One or more rakes
Three children

Mix together on a crisp Autumn day

Enjoy!

FOUR

2009-11-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Recently, Ethan turned FOUR!

That means that he was born four years ago. How is that possible when it seems like this:

just happened yesterday?

Even though so much time has past and so many things have changed, some moments just stay fresh in our hearts. Meeting Ethan is one of those priceless memories.

So to celebrate the anniversary of his arrival, we gave him the desire of his heart... a party at the park!

The park he requested is a giant wooden castle. There was sliding, swinging, climbing, and running, running, running.

Ethan opened presents at the party. Then, Ethan opened presents all week long, as packages arrived in the mail from family and friends. What a great reminder that he is dearly loved from near and far.

Happy Birthday sweet boy ... we love you so much!

Apple of My Eye

2009-11-02T05:18:00.000-08:00

On Saturday night, October 31, we stayed home.

What we really wanted to do was dress up in costumes and attend the super fun-cake walking-fishing booth-life long friend filled harvest party at HBC in Arizona... but that was not an option. So, to cure a little case of homesickness, we made caramel apples!

Caramel was carefully applied to our apples and our sticks were personalized so that each person was assured to get their own masterpiece.

Then, we coated the carmel in melted chocolate... not just because chocolate is wonderful, but because it helped the extra yummy toppings stick! :)

Toppings: M&Ms, almonds, peanuts, nerds, sprinkles, mini marshmellows, crushed Heath bar

You know the saying: an apple a day...

Well, these sure made us feel better!

i Spy

2009-10-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

Ever get the feeling someone is following you?

It could be one of these two fashionable secret agents.

Spy gear has been purchases, missions are accepted, disquises have been created... only I can't tell you about it, because it is TOP SECRET.

Much research is done on each case, because they realize clues can be around every corner.

Super secret information passes from one spy to another, almost without notice.

No where is safe anymore, there are people in restaurants that act 'fishy' and must be observed. Seemingly normal shoppers int he grocery store are noticed with suspicions. Each clue is documented and analyzed.

So, be aware of this happy couple. They may be watching. They may be listening.

No mission is impossible!

Brotherly Love

2009-10-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

This week we had a visit from Brent's brother Grant and his wife Silver. They traveled all the way from their ranch in Montana to spend a little time farming in Virginia. Well, they did a bit of sightseeing too.

When they weren't visiting battlefields and national monuments, Brent showed them around this new area of ours. They did chores together, visited feed shops, and brainstormed about how to improve costs and labor. We even managed to see a play downtown last night. They had a whirlwind trip!

This week was kinda like Christmas for our three kids. Uncle Grant and Aunt Silver arrived with some special presents. Their favorites were the bright colored ropes, and the roping lessons in the back yard. Samuel is practicing non-stop and is becoming quite a good catch... just ask his little brother!

Speaking of Ethan, he just loved having his Aunt and Uncle here. Grant patiently turned into a climbing gym and Silver learned to understand his unique dialect by the first night. Everything was wonderful... until this morning.

As they were preparing to leave for the airport, Grant started telling about his house, all the animals they have on their place, and how much he was going to miss us. Ethan disappeared. A few minutes later, Ethan was dressed, had packed a suitcase and was telling his mommy goodbye. Oh, the sadness in that little face when we told him he couldn't go with them to Montana!

We have been so blessed this week! Brent really enjoyed getting to show Grant and Silver all the things we are working on here. The kids got to know their super fun aunt and uncle a little better. And I loved hearing all the crazy stories about when Brent was a little kid!

We are all so thankful that Grant and Silver made the trip to see us. They are welcome anytime! And yes, we promised Ethan that we'll be planning a trip to their part of the country just as soon as possible!

Happy Fall, Y'all

2009-10-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

Fall has arrived in Virginia!

The weather is much cooler, the leaves are changing, and our days are much more full. Here's a peek into our autumn activities...

Harvest time is here and our kitchen has been busy. We canned peaches for the first time. Then, made some jam with local peaches and the blackberries that grow right on this farm. The last jalapenos and green peppers from our garden became jelly too. I baked bread for the first time EVER... and we are all addicted. Thanks to Jaime for the great recipe.

Fall means full time back to school in our home. We are busy studying History, Science, Literature, Grammar, Bible, Spelling, and Math.

This year Ethan is joining us. He is working on learning his letters and numbers, and loves having his very own school books!

Our house is now filled with music! Abigail and Samuel both started piano lessons and we are learning a new language. Quarter notes, middle c, and other terms are peppering conversations and stretching our minds a bit.

In order for them to practic, we bought a new piano. Well, its new to us... a family was moving and listed it on Craigslist for $50. We were thrilled to find a great deal and to get help with moving all 500 pounds of it into the house!

Work on this farm, and helping a neighbor for a few days, have been keeping us very busy lately. Like this pair of work boots that Brent finally retired this week, we are feeling a little spent. Completing one last push before winter has become everyone's goal.

It is amazing the amount of miles that we walk in this new life. Across pastures, to the barn, loading trailers... the work is good, but winter is calling like the new pair of boots. It brings comfort... a season of rest and reflection, cool evenings spent in the warm house, and time to slow down and visit.

There are so many reasons to love fall!

Priceless

2009-09-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

I remember when we first brought Abigail home from the hospital. We were amazed by her, totally smitten. We drove home, extra carefully, as a family. It was such a joy to have her with us all the time.

As the weeks and months passed, we realized something. . . we realized that she was with us all the time. While being a family is an amazing blessing, we knew that we would still need to invest in our marriage too. Occasionally, we wanted a little bit of time for just the two of us. Dinner and a movie, a walk in the park, or a long hike... we really needed to find a good babysitter!

Since that time, we have been blessed beyond measure. Instead of 'babysitters' we have had beautiful young women with gracious, loving hearts that have invested in our children. Each of them has acted as a caretaker, an example, an inspiration. Although our date nights are not all that often, every time our children have had a much anticipated 'date night' with one of these girls, they have been blessed.

Since they are each so dear to our hearts and have definately enriched the details of our story, let us introduce you...

Sarah. We first met sweet Sarah when she was a sixth grader in our children's church class. By the time we brought our first baby home, Sarah was a teenager. We were so thankful that she was willing to travel out to our home in the forest, to care for our beautiful, little, screaming child with colic! Colic was followed by separation anxiety and the screaming continued, but so did Sarah. Thankfully, Abigail matured into a content little girl with blonde pigtails, who adored her time spent with Sarah.

Over the past 8 years, we have watched as Sarah completed college and began working in a media ministry. Last summer, when she married her dear husband Owen, both Abigail and Samuel were so blessed to be in their wedding. Sarah has grown into a beautiful woman who reflects God's love with her sweet spirit. What started out as hiring a young girl to watch my baby, years ago, has grown into a treasured fellowship with a very dear friend.

Josie and Holly. When we were expecting Samuel, and with Sarah off at college, we starting looking for a new babysitter. A dear friend said that that she knew the sweetest sisters you would ever meet. Oh, do we owe her a great debt. Josie and Holly were just 16 and 15, barely driving, and they had to travel 1 hour to get from our house from their ranch. They were such treasures that we paid travel time!

In a word, these girls are genuine. Their faith is lived out everyday and it is graceful, kind, and patient. I am not sure I knew what a good hug was until I met Josie and Holly. They greet you an embrace that melts your heart and reaffirms every ounce of fellowship you share. During the years that Josie and Holly cared for our children, business trips took us to several fun locations and thankfully, the girls joined us. What fun memories.

Holly is an amazing artist, who is just finishing up her degree. She is one of the most creative, caring, beautiful women that I know and I am so thankful to now call her my friend. Four years ago, we watched as Josie married an amazing Christian man. They live on a ranch and are now expecting their first child. Let me say, if they are ever looking for a babysitter... I am volunteering!

Hannah. Oh, our story goes way back. Way back to when I was in college and was babysitting Hannah! I loved taking her and her sister to the park, library or swimming. We would curl their hair and pick out fun outfits and when we went out, people would ask me (at 18) if they were mine. "No", I would reply with a smile, "they are borrowed."

Just about the time Ethan was born, Hannah and her sister Kiersten, started watching our children. (And yes, they told them stories about all the things that I used to do with them. Craft projects, McDonald's, swimming... evidence that suggests I was lots more fun before entering motherhood.) Hannah is super fun. She has a laid back style with an always energetic spirit. Between high school leadership activities, athletics, church groups, she would always schedule time to babysit for us. Gymnastics on the grass, hide and seek, coloring for hours meant that each of children adored her visits and anxiously waited at the window whenever she was to arrive.

We are very far apart now, and Hannah is finishing high school this year. The next years hold so much promise for this sweet heart. Whatever the future brings, I know that God is the one directing her steps and I hope she knows that she is always a welcome sight in our home!

Heidi. Last summer, we arrived in Virginia and knew very few people. Thankfully, Heidi and her family were some of them. Heidi, or 'Myheidi' as Ethan lovingly calls her, has been affording us date nights for the past year. While we are away, our children are busy playing in the creek, kicking the soccer ball, building popsicle stick art, or playing amazing games that Heidi brings in her 'bag of tricks'.

Heidi's personality sparkles because of her kind heart, her gracious spirit, and her faith. She is humble and yet very talented. In fact, we are excited that starting this month, she is now teaching Abigail and Samuel's piano lessons. They are so excited to learn how to play music, and also for more time with Heidi.

We recently realized that our children are all getting older. Soon, they will be independent enough to stay home for a few hours by themselves. Not now, not next year, but pretty soon. In the craziness of multiple toddlerhoods, diapers, sippy cups and car seats, I honestly forgot that it was just a season. A season that will end and with it, our need to hire a babysitter. Oh, but what a bittersweet thing that will be. While I am sure we'll enjoy having a few hours together without having to pay $/hour, we will be losing something. We will not have a lovely young girl coming into our home to minister to our family and in turn allowing us to invest in her and in all honesty, that has been PRICELESS!

Sarah, Josie, Holly, Hannah, Heidi... Thank you all so much. We praise God for bringing each of you into our lives. We love you!

What are little boys made of?

2009-09-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

What are little boys made of?

Frogs and snails and puppy-dog's tails,

And that's what little boys are made of.

Since moving to the farm, our boys are happier...busier...tanner...and DIRTIER!

Samuel and Ethan go under fences, through bushes, up trees, in creeks and over every inch available. Even though their sister is with them most of the time, Abigail always manages to stay pretty tidy. Must be the sugar and spice she's made of :)

We've realized the best way to take care of this dirty problem, is to just let our boys enjoy their freedom. And then use lots of...

Got Milk?

2009-09-05T15:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend, we learned about milk! Our friends are bottle feeding a few calves and were so kind to invite us to help. Amy filled large bottles with fresh milk and gave a quick lesson on the basics.

They were so cute... the calves and our kids! Being so young, the calves are still small and soft, but they are very determined to get dinner. If the flow was interupted or the bottle tipped just a bit, they butt and jerk with enough force to pull the bottle out of little hands. That is why Ethan fed them for 45 seconds and went back to climbing fences. Abigail and Samuel, on the other hand, were sad when the job was done.

After the calves finished their bottles, we all went to see Nathan in the barn.

We met Nathan our first summer in VA (2007) while we were both working at Polyface Farm. Since then, he has pursued his interest in farming and started a small grass based dairy. Twice a day, he walks his cows in from the pasture and milks them. He is producing really great milk.

Since it is not legal to buy raw milk (not pasteurized), we recently bought a share of his herd. Like other families in the area, we pay a small amount for Nathan's labor and get one gallon of fresh milk each week.

Our kids have been drinking Nathan's milk for a few weeks, so they loved getting to see the entire process.

Ethan was pretty excited when he watched the milk fill the container. He'll never think about that white liquid he pours on his cheerios in quite the same way. Education is amazing!

Nathan and Amy are newly weds. One month ago, I watched as they worshiped God, honored their parents and exchanged vows. Their reception was filled with family and friends who all enjoyed local fruits and artisanal cheeses. They both believe in producing healthy local food and being faithful stewards of the land and their animals.

What a blessing that our milk no longer arrives with a barcode, but is produced and packaged by friends. Got milk? We do!

Moments in a Jar

2009-08-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

I really value thoughtfulness. Alot.

I'm not sure what love language that fits into, but when someone cares enough to purposely plan ways, even simple ways, to make me smile... it totally blesses my heart.

Knowing this, while my kids are out playing or hiking or exploring, they often find special gifts for me: sometimes wildflowers and sometimes pretty rocks. Of course "pretty" has lots of definitions, but it often include sparkling quartz, colorful sedimentary layers, chipped concrete...

Each time they bring me pretty rocks, I have to close my eyes and hold out my hands. Then, I am presented with my surprise. I love talking to them about the details that make it beautiful.

I used to keep my special gifts in a bowl, but my collection grew large. I transferred most to a bag under the kitchen sink but it was mostly forgotten until the next contribution. Recently, I found the perfect display...

This quart jar now sits on our kitchen table. It is full of very pretty rocks. Pink rocks, sparkle rocks, black/white rocks, super smooth rocks, rainbow rocks...

It is such a joy to me. It reminds me that even though I fail so often in parenting, there have been lots of wonderful moments. Moments when Abigail, Samuel and Ethan have seen beauty around them that reminded them of me. Moments when they stopped what they were doing and thought of a way to bless someone else. Moments when their tiny hands gave of what they had available.

Could I be raising future geologists? Maybe, but whatever profession they pursue, I pray they will always be thoughtful people. Thoughtful people have the power to turn a jar of rocks into a priceless family heirloom!

One Dozen

2009-08-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

During our wedding, our pastor told us what would be required of us in our marriage. Sharing, serving, selflessness, encouragement, forgiveness... the list was long. Whatever the season, good or bad, he explained that we could never quit. Then, in all honesty and love, he told us that we would never be able to succeed.

I remember looking up at him, a little shocked by his candid pessimism. Then, thankfully, he continued. We would never be able to keep our vows on our own. He challenged us to continuously look to God for the strength that we needed. To rely on our personal relationships with Christ first, and as those grew and matured, so would our relationships with each other.

That was exactly 12 years ago. What a blessing that someone took the time to speak truth to us. He did not sugar coat or romanticize the days, the years that we had ahead, but called us to depth and humility and a God centered love. We are so thankful for that council because we have walked through days of sickness and days of health, some days we've been richer and some days we've been poorer, some days have been better and some have been so much worse than we could have imagined.

We could have never lasted, let alone thrived, on our own. So, as we celebrate a dozen years of marriage, we praise God for His faithfulness.

Twelve years of blessings really seemed worth celebrating. So, we hired someone to do our chores, bought a dozen doughnuts, and drove down to the coast. The East coast, where the sun does not set over the ocean. Changes, this year continues to bring changes.

The kids had so much fun playing in the sand. I had so much fun photographing them playing in the sand. And in the water...

Memories were definitely made!

Everyone swam in the ocean. Brent taught Abigail and Samuel how to body surf. We picnicked on the beach and watched two beautiful sunsets. It was really nice to get away together.

To ponder what this weekend would have been like if we had not stayed married, makes us all the more thankful. Thankful that God brought us together and has kept us together. He has used pastors, counselors, family and friends in the process and to each of them... we say thank you! What a joy to look back with victory and to look forward with hope.

Jesus looked at them and said, "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." —Matthew 19:26

Sauced!

2009-08-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

A friend gave me two buckets of apples from her tree yesterday. Two really big buckets.

This year is a real lesson in Food 101. I used to feel quite accomplished if we made dinner from grocery store supplies. Now we are learning lessons beyond that... producing food, harvesting, processing local produce. Even if these are age-old skills, they are all new to us.

Here is our first adventure in applesauce.

First we sorted, washed, and cut the apples. Then they simmered until very tender. Repeat, repeat, repeat...

Everyone took a turn at pureeing. Then we sprinkled in just a smidge of turbinado sugar to help the tartness.

Really, the process was so simple and just required time. The results were delicious.

Now we have 24 cups of homemade applesauce in the freezer and another 3 cups in the refridgerator. Care to join us for dinner? :)

Peaceful Pastures LLC

2009-08-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneurship runs in this family! The desire to work for yourself and start your own business can be traced back many generations. Brent's grandfather immigrated from France in 1908 and homesteaded his own farm. His son, Joe, created a successful mail order/retail business. We all know that Brent inherited the business gene and is busy starting our family farm.

Abigail and Samuel are now continuing the family tradition... meet Virginia's newest farmers!

They took left over building supplies and made a miniature sized pin (with some help from their dad)
Both took money from their savings to pay for 10 chicks and a daily feed bill
Every morning they pull their pin to fresh grass
Twice each day they feed and water
At the end of each batch, they help us process

This is what the pasture looks like after the first batch. The grass that the pins were pulled over is growing back in a much deeper, richer green. Their business helped accomplish that and they love pointing it out!

Being the children of an accounting major, they are also learning how to keep records. A column for expenses + a column for income = a really great math lesson. With their profits, they are learning to tithe, save, then spend from what they earn, which is a really great life lesson.

Our family is currently selling our packaged broilers to a farm that markets them for us, so Abigail and Samuel's chickens were sold there too. We are paid per pound. Abigail recently asked me if we would allow her and Samuel to find their own customers so they could make a higher return. See what I mean? At 9 and 7 years old, they are all about business!

Many days were spent discussing what to name their new venture. I suggested Chicken Chores, but that was turned down because it won't be okay when they add cattle (good point, big thinkers). Brent thought of a couple names that were declined as well. After much discussion, we told them to think of a name that would help their customers understand where their food is coming from.

They thought for a minute and then Abigail smiled and said, "Peaceful Pastures!" Absolutely perfect.

So if you are in the market for any pastured poulty products, be sure to call the friendly (and adorable) farmers at Peaceful Pastures. I'm sure they would love to do business with you!

Very Special Guests

2009-08-06T05:09:00.000-07:00

The most difficult thing about moving so far from home has been missing our friends and family. We've quickly learned that 2,000 miles is a very long distance. While phone calls and letters are cherished, seeing people in person is the best remedy for bouts of homesickness.

This is where we get to tell you about a very special blessing :) While God was preparing us to move to VA, He was leading some dear friends to make a big move as well. They decided to leave AZ and move closer to extended family on the east coast. Our friends, Jube and Peri Dawn, moved last April and now our families live only 2 hours apart! What a blessing to have old friends close by.

Last weekend, my friend Peri Dawn came to visit. It was such a great time of fellowship and we even got to celebrate her birthday. Chocolate cake and homemade ice cream were on the menu. This visit just adds to a list of times that we have enjoyed together:

Last summer, our friends came to stay on the farm and help with chores. The kids had a wonderful time playing together. We shared memories from home and stories about our new adventures.

We have made a couple of visits to their home as well. On one trip, we took our kids to a local children's museum. They had so much fun with the costumes, crafts, and climbing wall. It is nice to be close enough to explore this area together.

Since we are both homeschooling families, we planned a special field trip this spring to Washington DC. We explored the memorials, monuments, and the museums for two days. Its only a short drive, so we have plans for more visits.

I am so thankful that Peri Dawn and her family live close by. Who could have imagined that God would move us both, and still allow us to remain so close? Just another example of receiving exceedingly abundantly more that we asked!

Growth

2009-08-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

What a difference two months can make! We planted our garden at the end of May (you can see photos here ) and at the end of July, it is producing food!

Tomatoes, cucumbers, corn and watermelons

The spicy jalapenos and green peppers

A few zucchini and squash, our only 3 carrots, and the first pumpkin

and from the looks of it, onions and potatoes are growing underground

Though it is hard to photograph, our family is growing too. In the last two months, we have started to settle in and put down some roots in this new area. We met some new people who worked with us to process our first batch of chickens. Our application is in for the local homeschool group. Abigail and Samuel attended a children's art camp. And we've visited lots of churches.

It is such a blessing to see peace and joy in each member of our family. Even though we have been transplanted to a new place, God has been so faithful to tend to our hearts. He has opened our eyes to local treasures that we can explore. When our hearts feel heavy with homesickness, He has provided calls and letters from loved ones. Each of us has really grown in our appreciation for His creation and provision.

We are at the will of the Creator, the One who designed the first garden and still holds all things together. As the days pass, we see His hand in our move, in our new business, in our hearts and we are so excited to see the fruit that our living here will produce.

Remember those peaches?

2009-07-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

Would you like to see what 28 pounds of fresh peaches can become?

We sliced 3 large trays full, gave them a quick flash freeze, and put them in freezer bags for future smoothies.

One oatmeal, pecan, peach crisp

Peach, yogurt, granola parfaits for breakfast... two mornings

18 peach pocket pies

1 peach pie... that just barely made it to the freezer

1 quart of homemade peach icecream

and 4- 8oz jars of peach freezer jam

Of course, that doesn't include the few pounds that were enjoyed fresh with all that sweet juicy ripeness. We are trying to resist the temptation to go pick more!

Apple season will be here soon, but I just don't think it can top this.

One Year of Details

2009-07-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today we are celebrating the one year anniversary of Dwelling in the Details!

On July 27, 2008... we posted about the who, what, when, where, and why. We wanted to share updates with family and friends. We wanted to record the details of our daily life. After one year, this blog has accomplished that and much more.

We have kept family and friends updated, made wonderful new friends, and even joyfully reconnected with old friends! All of this, while getting to play with photos and record our memories.

Kinda makes us want to wear party hats and throw a party! :)

Since no party is complete without treats, and because we LOVE reading comments... if you help us celebrate by leaving a comment on this post (within the next 3 days) we will send you a prize via snail mail.

Thank you to everyone who reads this collection of photos and updates. We are so thankful for all the people that God has placed in our lives. You all enrich the details that we dwell in!

Today Was Just Peachy

2009-07-22T18:59:00.000-07:00

After a very busy week, we wanted to do something special today. So, we took the kids to a local peach orchard that lets you pick your own fruit.

That is exactly what we did. We picked and picked and pickety picked!

The girls at the farm stand directed us down a road with the instructions to start picking at the row marked with a large arrow, to leave any green fruit and to have fun. There are rows and rows and rows of trees. Alot of the low branches were empty, but remember... we are a tall family. Jackpot!

After we picked alot of peaches from two rows, we started back with our overflowing bags. On our walk back, we passed a young woman, empty bag in hand, headed toward to the trees. Ethan shook his head and said, "Oh no!" He thought we had picked ALL the good peaches and was panicked that she would only find empty branches :) We assured him that there were a few left.

Oh, and they let you use a wagon. They gave no instructions for that, but maybe should have. I really did tell Samuel to stop running down the road with his sister in tow.... right after I took the photo :)

Isn't the background just beautiful? The mountains, the rows of trees, I wish I could have captured the sweet smell in the air.

28 pounds of peaches @ 1.19/lbs ......... $33.32

1/2 dozen irresistable peach glazed donuts ........ $4.79

One great family day together ........... Priceless

the many faces of E

2009-07-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about parenting is really getting to know my children.

When I was pregnant, I would imagine what each child looked like and I could picture their hair color, eyes, facial features. Each time... I was surprised. Pleasantly surprised.

Then, just when I thought I really knew each sweet baby, they learned to speak and I was surprised again. It is amazing how unique their perspectives and personalities are. It is like finding treasures that God has hidden within each one.

Ethan is our youngest blessing and is just starting to really blossom. Gone are the baby days, as we fly into bike riding, tall tale telling and lots of independence. Oh, the treasures God hid in this boy!

When I was pregnant, I had no idea that he would be born with red hair that would change to blonde. I still smile when I see his physical build that reminds me of my favorite grandpa. He shocked everyone by weighing just one ounce under 10 pounds. (well, I had my suspicions about that)

Ethan is our most active and fearless child. I am constantly surprised by the stunts he tries, but also by his willingness to help with work everyday. He is also our most affectionate child. Ethan's cuddles so bless my heart.

We were surprised when he still wasn't really talking by this summer. Verbally, that is... because we are champs at charades. Speech therapy is another adventure we didn't expect, but is going surprisingly well. And as these photos show, our boy has no problem expressing himself!

I am sure that we have many more surprises in store. Faith, academics, athletics, relationships, career... Yet, as the days go by, I see both passion and strength developing in Ethan's character. While I don't know exactly what God will call him to do, I am pretty confident that both of these traits will influence his life.

What fun to walk through these days together and wait with excitement for all of the details to be revealed!

Have I mentioned how much we love this boy?

Happy Independence Day

2009-07-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July . . . 2009

Red, White, and Blue

Friends, Family, and Fireworks

We were so blessed to celebrate with friends, here in Virginia. The kids played games with friends, the adults had time to visit, everyone enjoyed the bar-b-que, and there were fireworks on the hill at dusk.

We praise God for the freedoms that we enjoy in this country! What a great reason to celebrate and sparkle!

Tales from the Auction Block

2009-06-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

When you are starting a farm, you need alot of stuff. To complicate the process, most of this stuff is not available in stores. So, most Saturday mornings Brent has been going to local auctions. Here are some of the treasures he has purchased...

Large metal tanks for chilling, old oil tanks that hold feed, and a tire because "you just always need an extra tire"... mostly $5 items.

A few weeks ago, we found an auction that listed a hay wagon for sale. This was an important item for us, so that we can transport the chicks and all of the supplies to the field. Brent and Abigail arrived as the auction started and were happy to find that the haywagon was in great condition. He had decided that his limit would be $500.

The bidding for the haywagon started at $450. Brent bid $475. The first bidder offered $500. Since it was in really good condition, Brent upped his offer and bid $525. First bidder quickly bids $550. Whew... too high for us. Although the auctioneer kept trying to get another bid for $575 or even $565, Brent declined and it sold to the first bidder. A bit disappointed, Brent and Abigail started to walk to the pickup.

Before they got to the parking lot, an auction employee stopped them. Apparently, the owner of the haywagon was the man bidding against Brent. In trying to run the price up, he had regrettable bought it back. He was hoping to get $700, but would now sell it to Brent for $550. Sort of ruins your faith in people! Brent offered $500 ($25 less than his last bid) and the man took it!

Here are Brent and Abigail with the new-to-us haywagon that they bought for the exact amount they wanted to pay!

I love it when things work out like that.

Discovering local treasures

2009-06-23T22:42:00.000-07:00

As we are settling into our new life, here in Virginia, we are discovering lots of local treasures. There are fun shops, great restaurants, and some really unique places. Here is one of our new favorites.

This is a local, family owned garden center. It is alot like I imagine the Garden of Eden was like. The colors, the variety, the scent...amazing. Oh, and resonable prices too. In our past two summers in Virginia, we had never even heard of this place. Maybe you have to really commit, before they let you in on the best secrets.

Here is just a small section of their vegetable plants. This row is 95% tomatoes and cucumbers! Given that many choices, I had to ask for advice (a couple times).

We all agreed that Grandpa Beau (Brent's dad) would have loved the outdoor rose varieties. He just had a wonderful way with roses!

They even sell Venus Fly Traps! Can I explain how excited we were? We took turns getting it to bite our umbrella string. I felt a bit guilty for teasing it, but decided that a plant probably can't feel frustrated. Then, I counted it as a science lesson.

Yes, this is a very happy place. With a garden center like this, I think my thumb is starting to turn green!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalms 127: 3-5

Through her eyes

2009-06-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

I have found the best new photographer!

These photos are my favorites from a recent photo shoot... I think they are amazing.

We were able to shoot the photos at our new house, and she was very willing to work around my schedule. She brought props (love the umbrella), and even some fun jewelry and glitter for me to wear. Any guesses?

For Mother's Day, my sweet Abigail asked to take photos of me! What an amazing gift. After watching, posing, and smiling through my love of photography, she knew that this is a language that speaks to my heart. She knows what I enjoy doing and she took an interest in it! Despite my shyness and insecurities, she pulled me from behind the lens and captured me in a beautiful light.

I love her thoughtful heart. I love how our relationship shows through. I love that, in spite of all the moments that I have failed, she still seeks the beauty in me. I love that she caught me laughing.

Abigail's name means: my father rejoices. I pray that she knows her mother rejoices over her too!

They flew the coop...

2009-06-11T18:05:00.001-07:00

After spending the first three weeks of their lives in the brooder, which is a substitution for a warm nest that provides shelter, warmth and plenty of food, the chicks are now ready for greener pastures.

They are able to leave the wood chip bedding, that they once needed, and live on lush green grass. It is a good graduation, but it requires a little bit of travel.

In preparation for their short journey, they board these plastic crates. There is only economy class available, so the seating is a little snug. I understand because it feels the same way when we fly anywhere with our 3 small children!

Fortunately, some kind attendants came by with some snacks. Not peanuts, but still satisfying and it helped to pass the time.

Brent skipped the safety instructions and just fastened their seat belts for them. Then they were on their way.

As we made our final approach, they could see their destination in the distance. See the thick grass, the safe shelters and the rows of honeysuckle nearby? It looked even better than the brochure.

Bye, Bye...thank you for traveling with us today. Bye, Bye!
After finding their lodgings, they were so excited to see an all-you-can-eat-buffet!

Don't they look so much happier? Makes me want to take a summer vacation.

When we were trying to decide what niche of agriculture that we wanted to work in, this is what appealed to our hearts. It is family friendly, so we can all work together. The animals are raised with a respect for the way that God made them. It produces healthy food and rich soil.

As we progress in this business, we plan to stack enterprises. Cows will be able to graze next to the pins, free range layers will follow the cow rotations and pigs may be rooting in nearby woods. For now though, this is a good start and we are thankful.

Summer Afternoon

2009-06-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

Then followed that beautiful season... Summer....Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language. ~Henry James

Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world. ~Ada Louise Huxtable

Love is to the heart what the summer is to the farmer's year. It brings to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul." ~Billy Graham

English Style

2009-06-02T18:10:00.000-07:00

Before we left Arizona, we had a visit from our very kind friend who lived across the street. She wished us the best, hugged us good bye, and gave our kids a generous going away gift. She wanted us to get them something they really wanted. We thought about it for the past weeks and then realized the perfect answer was really, really close.

The house we are leasing this year is very close to an equestrian riding center and all three kids have been admiring the horses since we arrived. Perfect! All three kids took their first riding lesson. What a fun gift, and the memories will last forever...

They walked up to the top pasture of the farm and returned with a quarter horse named Hostess. Abigail and Samuel brushed her down and learned how to put her blanket, bit, reigns, and saddle on. Then they led her to the arena for their lessons.

Abigail rode first. She was great at steering around the jumps. She sat straight and had great control... all without a lead rope. Then they worked at a trot, and learned posting. She was beaming.

Samuel was up next. He worked a bit on steering and starting, and then it was his turn to trot. Around and around they went, with Samuel posting right along. The faster they went...the more he giggled. He has loved horses since the first time our dear friends Danny and Kacie let him sit in a saddle at the age of 9 months, so this was pure joy. For him, and to watch.

Uncle Grant, look out! You have a nephew who is dreaming of horses.

After a very long wait, that was spent climbing fences and playing in a dusty gravel pile, it was finally Ethan's turn. He put on his helmet and raced into the arena...no fear. I was a little afraid when I saw him up there alone. Saddles should have seatbelts :) Thankfully he was led by his instructor, our kind neighbor Nicole. You would know Nicole by her famous lasagna.

He sat very tall and rode all the way around the arena, while Hostess cooled down a bit. Then he got to ride all the way back to the barn. Big stuff, very big stuff.

After another brush down, Abigail and Samuel led Hostess back to her grassy field. They are in love... with Hostess, with Nicole, with riding. Hopelessly in love and plotting all the jobs they could do to continue this new hobby. Anyone hiring?

Down and UP

2009-05-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

Brent had a very bad day at work yesterday.

Our little corner of Virginia has been receiving alot of rain this spring. It rains in the mornings, or it rains in the afternoons, or sometimes both. Sometimes it follows up with rains at night. This was the case on Thursday night...it rained, again. Brent had closed up the brooder when evening fell, so we were sure everything was all right.

Everything was not alright. What sounded like normal raining, was really flooding. During the night, more water flowed over our bridge than under it, entire fields flowed like rivers, driveways washed out. Everyone is talking about the amount of water, and the damage it did.

When Brent went out to open the brooder and feed our chicks yesterday morning, he found that one of the four stalls had flooded with 5 inches of water. A quarter of our chicks had drowned.

We have lost investments before. Shipping mistakes at the retail store would cost us hundreds of dollars, theft cost thousands, and our retirement stocks have lost alot too. But this is different than just finances. This is life.

When Brent came in to tell me, he was choked up. He was so concerned for what they must have gone through. He said that he kept thinking about Job as he painstakingly removed hundreds of drowned chicks. The part of the story when a man losses all his livestock suddenly made sense to his heart. Brent prayed that he would see this loss through spiritual eyes and learn what lessons God has for him.

Is this why we were supposed to make this complete life change? So that we would learn to deeply feel, through undeniable, tangible lessons. Our days are no longer just about buying, selling, doing, but about feeding, protecting, growing. There is no way to walk through these days asleep.

One thing we feel is thankful. Thankful that, unlike Job, our precious children were safe. Thankful that the rain stopped. Thankful that in the other three stalls, all was just fine...

Dry bedding, warm heaters, clean water, plenty to eat... happy chickens!

After his very difficult day, the kids and I thought Brent could use some encouraging. This seemed like the perfect thing:

What a wonderful movie! While it has enough moments with animated dogs and birds to keep small children happy, it is so much more than that. It is about life. Commitment is encouraged, age is honored, relationships are valued. I wept...twice, it was so beautiful.

A major theme in the movie is to stay positive and to keep living. That was a very good reminder last night.

How does a garden grow?

2009-05-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, someone built a super cute garden spot in this backyard. But we suspect that was a very long time ago.

This was the state of the garden in April... but we had high hopes for vegetables and flowers in this fun little spot. We dove right in, pretty sure that anything would be better than last year.

We bought a handy 'garden claw' as a thrift shop and tilled away. Only it wasn't nearly strong enough for this overgrowth, so we rented a small roto-tiller and finished the job.

We also mowed, edged, raked, pruned, shoveled, fertilized and watered. Whew... and that was before planting.

My friend Sheri loaned me her book, Square Foot Gardening. It seems like a great system, so we plotted out our garden squares with seeds and plants.

We planted: tomatoes, peppers, watermelon, pumpkin, dill, oregano, cilantro, onions, potatoes, carrots, lettuce, corn, beans, and lots of fun flowers!

Now, we are holding our breath for the next couple of weeks. Hopefully we'll be able to report about a great harvest. Either way, the garden is now a much lovelier spot and we are all learning. Alot.

On this farm, we have some chicks

2009-05-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

With a chick, chick here and a chick, chick there, here a chick, there a chick, EVERYWHERE a chick, chick!

On Thursday, our 1600 tiny, yellow, fluffy chicks arrived. At one day old, 100 chicks fit in a cardboard crate.

Everyone was excited for their arrival, especially these three...

Each chick was lifted from the box and then we gave them a little drink from the water. Brent has been spent the last few weeks preparing their brooder. In some old horse stalls, he hung waters, hooked up propane heaters, and laid lots of wood chips for bedding. In three weeks, they will be ready for the pasture.

What a blessing to start this new business together!

Awana Grand Prix

2009-05-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks, Abigail and Samuel have been preparing for their big Awana Grand Prix. After learning lots and lots of verses over the year, the kids get to make a pinewood derby car and race. They each sketched what they wanted to make, called our friend John to help with the tools, and then sanded and painted the cars...

Samuel made a tank. Not just any tank though... the turret spun, the 'barrel' was counter-sunk to look real, and a vintage GI Joe was the driver.

For the past year, Abigail has said that she wants a blue truck when she can drive. So, she made one for the race. She chose the exact shade of blue that she likes and put a dog on some hay in the back. It was also her cute idea to put the Farm Use license plate on the tail gate.

Abigail and Samuel both won participation ribbons and super fun door prizes. What a fun project. Plans for next year's cars are already underway!

Love Thy Neighbor

2009-05-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

When we arrived last spring, John was the first person we met. He owns the land that we were working on and was such a gracious host.

He and his wife Pam completely welcomed us into their lives. They loaned us furniture for the house. They hosted a cook-out where we met other local families. John took our Christmas card photos. And over the summer, he even learned to speak Ethan's language.

Our children adore them.

Over the last few weeks, Abigail and Samuel have been working on a big project for their Awana clubs. When they realized that they were going to need to use tools, they knew just who to call for help.

John invited them into his shop and helped them fine tune their designs.

As he helped with the more difficult tools, he explained how each one operated and let them watch each step.

Abigail and Samuel worked alot too. They used sand paper, chisels, hammers and the vice. Then, he let them both use the jigsaw... by themselves!

What a blessing to have friends in this new life.

In this case, the commandment to love thy neighbor is an easy one to follow!

Happy Birthday Brent!

2009-05-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

May 14, 2009 . . . Brent has been blessed with:

21,024,000 minutes

or 350,400 hours

or 2,080 weeks

or 40 years!

We celebrated with chocolate/chocolate cake, presents and three, yes three, flavors of ice cream.

His favorite present was an album full of birthday wishes and photos from family and friends. Some made him laugh out loud and some brought tears to his eyes.

Here is part of my birthday greeting for my husband:

Brent, thank you for...

1. Making ice cream

2. Wanting popcorn with your movie

3. Bunking at the BSU

4. Dr. Pepper in the microwave

5. Flying to Silver

6. Loving Jesus

7. Buying butterflies

8. Saying...I Do

9. Croissants in Paris

10. Payments to principle

11. Honoring our parents

12. Frequent flyer miles

13. No NBC

14. Teaching Sparks

15. A little red convertible

16. Attending OB appts

17. Cucumbers in Caesarea

18. Choosing me over bagels

19. A...S...E...

20. Holding my hand

21. Park Avenue

22. 24hr playground

23. Thursday nighs

24. Discovering the mind of a woman

25. Staying to sweep

26. Being giddy

27. singing and praying

28. royal palms and sanctuaries

29. the Pointes

30. Faithfulness

31. Sonlight and support

32. Communication

33. Outpost for 30

34. cleansing and clearing

35. Two Rebels

36. Netflix nights

37. the Wicked, windy city

38. Wildflower B.C.

39. Farming It

40. Loving me!

B- I am mad, passionate, crazy in love with you!

Happy Birthday! Love, Melissa

Adventures in Babysitting

2009-05-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

A friend called the other day. She had an appointment in the morning and needed someone to watch her sweet daughter. This is fairly normal in the days of stay-at-home mom, only this time was different. She wasn't asking me. She was asking...

MY BABY GIRL!

When Sheri asked if she could hire Abigail to babysit for the morning, the question stopped me for a moment. Wasn't it just yesterday that I was fastening her car seat, changing her diapers, helping her get dressed? Was she really old enough to do something like this?

I slowly realized, yes. Abigail really is capable of holding, supervising, feeding, changing. She is kind and responsible. And she is sharing my socks now, so she must be big enough. :)

I agreed, Abigail excitedly agreed, and sweet Lauryn arrived.

I was so proud of Abigail. She set up a blanket in the yard with books and puzzles to play with. When Lauryn lost interest, Abigail took her to the fence to see some horses. She fed her lunch and changed one diaper (with a little help). Then, when naptime came, Abigail walked her in the stroller until she fell asleep.

What a blessing!

Thank you Sheri for reaching out and knowing my daughter. Thank you for giving her this experience and building her confidence.

Thank you Abigail for not just growing, but also maturing. Thank you for all of the good choices you are making that are defining your character. You did a great job, my sweet girl!

Tree + Rope + Kids = FUN

2009-05-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

Our kids love the new backyard, and the new front yard, and the new side yard too! Any free moment is spent outside exploring and one of their first discoveries was an old rope hanging from a very large tree. While it was once a traditional wood seated swing, this remnant now has a wildly new purpose...

Childhood: isn't it wonderful

All you need is a running start with a firm grip on the rope, and you can fly!

Even Ethan takes a fast run at it

...and almost leaves the ground.

It makes my heart smile to see them so happy here. As Abigail prayed last night, she thanked God for "letting us live on a farm and all of the freedom we have here". Her parents thank God for the confirmations that we made the right choice for our family.

Shop Til They Drop

2009-04-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

After unpacking lots and lots of stuff, we realized something totally crazy... we needed more.

You see, some things are different in this new house. Ethan made the jump to a twin sized bed, so he needed bedding. Our kitchen trash can was built-in, so it stayed in AZ. Neither of the kids' rooms have closets. Our laundry basket and lamp shades were broken in the move. We just need some fill-in stuff.

Since we had a store credit from over a year ago, we decided to go to:

Ikea: the ultimate 'stuff mart'

We arrived at 9:30 to have breakfast in their restaurant. Really, who can beat .99 cents for bacon, eggs and potatoes?
Then, we started shopping when the store opened at 10:00.
After visiting the children's dept (just for entertainment value), shelving, kitchen, storage, office, and bedrooms, we moved on to the ground level where you pick up your boxes and check out.
By the time we reached the car it was 3:00. We had shopped for 5 hours!!

While this photo may have been a little staged, they really were exhausted. Okay, we were all exhausted. After a couple more stops, we headed home for some rest . . . and more unpacking :)

Kindness Bandit

2009-04-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

Tales from a cardboard jungle!

All of our possessions had been packed in cardboard and loaded on a truck... a very large truck. They were then driven 2100 miles. At this point the truck driver discovered that his very large truck could not drive up to our lovely farmhouse. Oops.

All of our cardboard packaged possessions were then shuttled from the large truck, onto moving vans, and into our driveway. The super excited moving guys then relifted our boxes, all 410 of them, and placed them in the house. All over the house actually, and every room looked like this:

Want to realize that you have too much stuff? Let a non-biased person count & weigh it for you. Every box and piece of furniture had a tag like this:

In the chaos of deciding what room should serve what purpose and directing each box to its new home and supervising 3 excited, exploring children...we were just surviving the day.

Then I walked into the kitchen and saw this:

Our new neighbor had dropped by and left homemade lasagna, french bread and fresh flowers. She included a card that welcomed us and offered to help if we needed anything as we settled in. Isn't that amazing!

This stealthy act of kindess reminded me of a blog that I read. Maria at little things are big sets out to do 1 random act of kindess each week and chronicles her adventures as "The Kindess Bandit" on her blog. Its a great reminder to be purposeful in seeing and blessing others.

Hey, maybe my neighbor reads Maria's blog... or maybe she is just naturally kind. Either way, dinner was amazing and we were totally blessed!

Easter 2009

2009-04-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter

What a blessing that God reminds us each spring that we have hope. There are the traditions and stories that verbally remind us of Christ death and resurrection but then He adds the tulips, budding trees, newborn animals. It all reinforces His amazing story of new life. In a new place, with a new direction, it was a blessing to remember that He is still the same!

The weather was beautiful on Sunday. After several days of cold temperatures and clouds, blue skies and warm sunshine was a pleasant surprise. The kids loved being outside to open their baskets and find eggs in the grassy yard. After they hid the eggs for the adults, Ethan took my hand and showed me all the hiding spots... gotta love 3 year olds :)

Praying that all our friends and family, near and far, had a blessed celebration!

Hope full blessings!

TeXas!

2009-04-14T12:30:00.001-07:00

Howdy from Texas!

In order to celebrate my birthday, we planned a little detour to Roundtop, Texas. This little tiny town plays host to a GIGANTIC antique show twice each year. They are kind enough to plan their spring fling right around my special day... so we celebrated together :)

There are no hotels in town, but we were able to rent a little blue cottage. As we pulled up to the fence about 20 cows greeted us and walked us up to the door. Bovine bellmen. . . that is Texas hospitality!

We enjoyed a super special birthday dinner at Royers Cafe, one of my favorites restaurants in the world. Brent had a great steak and I had grilled quail :) Then we ordered the world's best pie with a gift certificate from my sweet bible study girls! Pecan, Chocolate Chip, and Peach-and they top each slice with vanilla icecream. Did I mention they mail order? ;)

Let the antiquing begin! We spent 2 days searching grassy fields that were lined with booths full of salvaged treasures. All of us enjoyed one booth that had boxes of old game and puzzle pieces, old metal numbers and letters, costume jewelry. During the show, I bought 3 metal state trays from Montana, Arizona, and Virginia (yes, I'm feeling sentimental). We found a really great old factory cart that will become our coffee table. And Abigail got the spinniest red skirt that the Junk Gypsies had to offer.

After enjoyed the blue bonnets and rolling green hills, we drove up to the big city of Dallas. We were able to spend an evening with our sweet friends Sarah & Owen. They took us to a fun restaurant named Babe's Chicken House because it has amazing food, chicken coop decor and our friends have a total sense of humor :) The stories, laughs, hugs and fellowship were huge... but like they say, everything is bigger in Texas!

Virus drama

2009-04-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

Our sweet laptop has been attacked by a virus, actually lots of them. : (
Just wanted to post a quick update to say that we are safe, we have one more day of driving, but we can not post any photos until we get to VA.

Thanks for all of your prayers, well wishes and phone calls.
We'll post as soon as possible.

From the hotel's business room,
Brent, Melissa and three tired travelers

On the Road Again...

2009-04-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Our family is headed East...

here are some of the details from our first 2 days on the road.

Our last AZ sunset in the rear view mirror

What a vivid reminder that we are leaving home. This show was glowing in mirrors, our last fleeting moments in Arizona... it was a beautiful good bye!

My lovely co-pilots

Mom's car is jamming out with music from the I-Pod and a new cd (thanks T).

Dad's truck has movies playing on the dvd, but you have to wear headphones because he is listening to the Message on his XM Radio.

Road trips are so VERY different from when Brent and I were kids!!

More electronics, and a lot less dramamine :)

This sign makes us smile! It's like a half off sale.

When we drove to VA last May, diesel was $4.50/gallon.

Great news: Full Service gas stations still exist!

You just have to bring your own attendants :)

A word to the wives out there:

When your husband is buying a trailer, he will compare length, colors, aluminum vs steel, capacity.... I have some advice. Sneak around and check out the back.

Make sure you like the view. It may become your scenery for days and days and days... :)

Our Spot

2009-03-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

Twelve years ago, on March 30, 1997, Brent took me to this spot in the National Forest. He said that we were going on a picnic to celebrate my birthday that was going to be the next day. He made tortellini with sauce and a salad. He packed sparkling cider and crystal glasses.

After dinner, at this beautiful spot overlooking Thumb Butte and Granite Mountain, I opened a couple small gifts that he had wrapped for me. Then, he told me that he still had one more surprise. Brent ran to the truck and returned with a small black velvet box.

An engagement ring, a proposal ... life changed, at this spot.

In April of 1999, we had been married for a year and a half. Brent was running our business and I was busy with college classes. We returned to our special forest location for a picnic, but that time I packed dinner and a surprise.

A positive pregnancy test ... life changed, at this spot!

This week, we had a family date. We packed a yummy picnic lunch and took some time out from errands and packing. As the car twisted up the rocky dirt road, we told them our engagement story. We pointed out our first house and shared lots of great memories.

Life is changing again, we had to visit our spot one last time!

Details of a Dream House

2009-03-26T17:49:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time (2003)... we built a new home.

Our craftsman bungalow, made with handmade bricks and amazing details, is on a historic, tree-lined street in our hometown. It has hosted days of celebration, learning, mourning, even the wonderful arrival of our youngest child! What a blessing to call this house our home.

Care to step inside?

Entryway

Kitchen and Dining Room

Living Room

Bathroom

Brent' Office and Homeschool Room

To mudroom and laundry

Our bedroom

Abigail's room

Samuel and Ethan's room

Craft room

Brent built this amazing table in the craft room. It is perfect for sewing, scrapbooking, wrapping, invitation making, photo editing... so many fun projects!

Although we had planned to live in this house for 40 years, God knew that it was only a chapter in our story. In order to raise our family in green pastures, we have to seek shelter elsewhere. So, we say good bye to our dream house, to pursue another dream. And we trust that God will use this house to bless others in the future. He is so amazing that way.

Thanks for visiting.

The Grand Canyon State

2009-03-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

We are always on the lookout for a new adventure, because we want to experience as many places as possible with our children. This has led us on trips to beaches, cities, islands, capitals, theme parks, battlefields, antique shows, museums... But we realized that we have been overlooking our big backyard.

Our three children, all Northern Arizona natives, had never been to the Grand Canyon! Oops. So, before we make a cross-country move at the end of the month, we planned a field trip/birthday celebration/sightseeing trip.

Grand Canyon? Check. Check. Check.

Our dear friends (who traveled all the way to see us in VA last summer) took their kids for the first time too. Makes me feel better :)

We have had so many fun adventures with their family. It was fun to explore the canyon together with them. The kids all enjoyed watching the Imax movie, a picnic lunch, and hearing "don't lean over the edge" over and over again.

The weather was beautiful! At the rim, it was about 50 degrees with little wind.

The Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful things in the world to Brent. He has traveled to so many places in the world, but I think he would have just stood and absorbed it all day.

But he didn't... he was too busy trying to make sure our sweet Ethan didn't try to fly!

Part of the reason for our trip was to celebrate Samuel's 7th birthday.

He is growing into such a big boy. He has a very big year ahead of him filled with lots of big changes. And now he has seen the very BIG natural wonder that is only found in Arizona.

Jan. and Feb. at a glance

2009-03-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

Things have been pretty busy around here for the past 2 months! Here is a quick look at some details...

* Disneyland: great family trip

*The 'suite' life: between California, our hot water heater breaking, working a show in Phoenix, a farm-shopping trip to Virginia, we spent 20 nights in hotels in 22 days! Yikes!

Yummy ice cream at Kline's in Virginia

*We made an offer on a wonderful farm in Virginia. Went into escrow, then came out of escrow. Real estate is a crazy game to play!

*Our AZ home received 12 inches of snow which meant playing, shoveling, and making snow ice cream!

*Valentine's Day: a festive HEART filled breakfast

and then a HEART pizza dinner with friends

*By the end of Feb, we decided to lease a house and land in Virginia! Amazing home and location... We move the end of March!

Disneyland Jan. 2009

2009-02-11T16:30:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful family trip to Southern California.

We spent 3 days playing in Disneyland and California Adventure and even got to visit with our dear friend Kady... twice! It was a great time and the kids' say they 'loved their Christmas trip'.

One difficult detail, from past trips, was not being able to ride the 'big rides' together since one member of our family is rather young. Disney does offers a switch pass for parents of little ones that makes it better. One parent rides with the older kids while the other parent waits at the exit. Then you switch and the 2nd parent can go up the exit lane to ride right away.

Our first 'big ride' was Big Thunder Mountain. We asked the attendant for a switch pass. He looked around for a baby/toddler...with a puzzled look. We pointed to our sweet youngest child and then he asked Ethan to stand by the height sign. What? My baby? How did I not notice that he is now FORTY INCHES!

One very happy BIG BOY

After the ride, which is bouncy and jerky and droppy, he was all grins. Next, we take our 3 happy campers to Splash Mountain. After dropping off a giant waterfall, I look back and see this:

I wish I could bottle that moment!

Disney Details

2009-02-11T16:09:00.001-08:00

There were so many great memories from our trip. Here are a few favorites:

Matching backpacks with snacks and autograph books! Oh, the characters we saw: Mary Poppins, Chip n Dale, Minnie Mouse, Brier Fox, Brier Bear, Brother Bear, Jasmine and Aladdin, and Ethan's very favorite... Pooh and Tigger and Eeyore.

Fun face paint: Abigail wanted a swirly purple butterfly and Samuel became a total tiger. This was Ethan's first experience and all he wanted was something "blue" and a dot on his nose :)

Their 'grumpy' parents who did not desire face paint, but who both really enjoyed the Mickey shaped rice-krispie treats that have the 'ears' dipped in chocolate. :)

The super fun new ride in California Adventure! Can you tell that these guys enjoy shooting at stuff :) And they are so cute in the 3D glasses.

Abigail and Samuel started pin collections. They started with 2 free pins/necklace each. By the time we left, Abigail had 'traded' her way up to 4 free pins thanks to some kind cast members. We had one excited girl.

Front row seats for a night time parade that featured Woody himself! One of our favorite things was staying at the Disney hotel so that we could walk right out for rides or a parade or dinner.

Look it is ALL FIVE of us! You know the saying: the family that log-rides together...stays together :)

We have had alot of adventures this passed year. We have driven cross-country, and back. We have packed alot. We have felt great loss. We have made new friends and learned new things. We have worked hard and the kids were right there with us! It was nice to spend some quality family time just playing together.

Praying they each know how important they are to us and how much we truly enjoy them!

An Empty Box

2009-01-16T17:16:00.000-08:00

On Christmas morning, our 3 sweet children found a large, wrapped present under the tree. After they had opened all of their gifts from friends and family, they excitedly opened their gift from their mommy and daddy. Can you guess what their loving parents gave them?

Well, you know how kids love to play with boxes? :)

The paper came off, the lid was opened, and the box was.... empty. But when they looked to the bottom of the box, this note was there:

With the prospect of a cross-country move in our near future, we just didn't want to buy more 'things'. So, we decided to give them an 'experience' instead.

We just returned from their Disneyland trip! What a fun family adventure.

Photos to follow soon :)

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T09:53:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to Everyone!

We celebrated the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009 at home with our very favorite people! All five of us wore festive party hats and three of us really enjoyed the noise makers. We made yummy oreo shakes and watched the first episode of the Road to Avonlea series. Both were wonderful.

We all said our favorite memory from the last year and said one prayer request for the new year. It was good to share our praises and petitions together.

The cast of characters:

Praying you all enjoy a year of big bountiful blessings!

Christmas Favorites 2008

2008-12-30T15:30:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of our favorite photos from Christmas 2008

Decorating the Christmas tree! We always take photos with the 'sparkle lights' and I love this one of Abigail and Ethan. The kids take turns hanging ornaments and testing their mom's memories about the origins of each one :)

Fun matching jammies were made even better when they opened one gift on Christmas Eve. Uncle Grant and Aunt Silver had sent them all fun socks that matched!

Brent always reads the Christmas story in Luke 2 on Christmas morning.

Grandma Grace DeSaye was the guest of honor at Christmas dinner this year.

Off to see a movie on Christmas night. We saw The Tale of Despereux, which is a fun movie about a very brave mouse. The kids loved it and seeing Christmas lights on the drive home.

What we didn't get for Christmas

2008-12-29T13:39:00.000-08:00

While we have very thankful hearts for so many blessings this Christmas, something was just missing.

It started weeks ago when we did not receive any Christmas cards that had been totally sealed with shipping tape and none of the backs were covered with colorful stickers.

No one called to asked us how we were doing... in French.

We received many hugs, but none came with "eeks, eeks, and double eeks".

I didn't worry about any wheat allergies at dinner.

There were no gifts under the tree that said TO: Grandpa

This was our first Christmas without Brent's dad, and it reminded us of all the great things that we have enjoyed for so long. He invested so much into our lives. What a blessing to know that someone really cares about you, keeps updated on your plans, and supports you. While we know that last Christmas was our last together and we are all still grieving, we do have so many memories to cherish.

December 25, 2007

Good memories... they make it a little easier to deal with everything we did not get this Christmas and remind us to cherish the time we have with people we love!

Half Full

2008-12-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

How do years fly by so fast?
It seems like just yesterday that we were expecting our first baby. We were so excited and nervous and determined to do our very best. My hospital bag was packed 3weeks before my due date...she was 2weeks late :)

Finally, our sweet girl arrived. We named her Abigail, clothed her in pink, and prayed for our new daughter.
That was exactly 9 years ago... December 9, 1999!

It dawned on me Monday night that our childhood adventures with Abigail are half way complete. While I know that parenting never really ends, childhood is such a special time. We have days to learn and travel through, evenings to discuss and play in, night-times to rest and pray together. Quality and quantity times are abundant while our children are living in our homes. What a gift!

My heart is so full as I stand at this midway. The last nine years hold so many priceless memories, the next nine years hold so much potential. So, if Abigail's childhood was a cup.... it is now half full. I am excited to watch as God continues to fill her with wisdom, compassion, experience, knowledge, direction, joy, love... until her cup runneth over!

Advent

2008-12-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day December. Twenty five days until we celebrate Christmas!
Last night our church hosted an Advent wreath making night, complete with supplies, music, and snacks. It was such a blessing for our family to work on this project together and to fellowship with so many friends.

Tonight, we lit the first candle. We each wrote down as many of God's promises that we could think of on slips of paper and placed them in a special box... It was heart warming to watch our kids. Abigail wrote long entries. Samuel drew pictures and added a few words. Ethan even 'wrote' a couple. Tomorrow, we read them and thank God for his faithfulness, then continue with special activities each evening.

Taking this time to reflect on God's promises has softened my heart from the hurry and shopping and scheduling. I am already feeling more excited about the upcoming holiday. Although this is only our first day, it is already added to our list of yearly traditions!

What a great chance to dwell in the details of the nativity story and to remember God's amazing love!

Seasons Change

2008-11-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

Seasons change and our family is learning this in so many ways right now.

We arrived in Virginia in the spring, worked through the summer and have seen a beautiful fall. The animals have completed their annual tour of the pastures and are now moved elsewhere to be protected from the upcoming winter. Our contract is complete.

We began this adventure as students. We were seeking information and experience in a new field... literally. Brent assumed this responsibility, included each member of our family and has personally learned the most. Since this summer session is complete, we can now record, with thanksgiving, the season's fruitfulness.

Beef: 150 days with up to 505 head of cattle

Daily rotational grazing is more labor intensive than some other methods, but it also provides a lot of opportunities for learning. By the end of the summer, Brent has gained much more experience and confidence. Through first hand experience, he has also witnessed the many benefits of these grazing techniques.

Eggs:

our family gathered, washed, and packaged over 117,000 eggs

Diligence is a by-product of egg production. Since the hens 'insist' on laying 7 days/week, the work is never ending. Yet, this is the chore that most reflects the seasons changing. The height of the season was yeilding 85 dozen eggs/day, while the cool days of fall were only yeilding 10 dozen eggs.

Broilers: 6,200 chickens raised

Raising pastured poultry is the most physically demanding of the daily chores. Each pen had to be manually pulled forward 12 feet each morning. Large buckets full of feed and water also had to be carried to each pen, often twice each day. Brent says that these chores were the most physically demanding and also the most physically rewarding on the farm.

This is one of Brent's favorite photos from this summer. This man spent the first season of his life on a farm, memorizing every model of tractor ever made. After his family moved to Arizona, he entered a season of education and business experience in a city setting. Now, he has returned to the seat of a tractor and has his young children who desire to work alongside him.

We are praying for God's direction as we enter this next season of life!

To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Incredible, edible egg: part 3

2008-11-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 'egg building'. When Brent arrived this spring, he and our friend Danny, set up the egg washing supplies inside this small shed. No doors, no windows, no heat or cooling... no problem.

We begin with baskets of freshly gathered eggs. First, we spray them off with water. Next, with rags dipped in warm water, we wash any dirty eggs by hand.

They eggs are then weighed and cartoned as Large or Medium. Thankfully, we have a cool cellar to store the finished eggs in and then we deliver them to the main farms coolers about twice/week. From there they are delivered straight to the customers.

Everyone helps wash eggs! Brent, Melissa, Abigail, Samuel, Ethan, visiting friends, neighbors... It is a very time consuming job, but we have gotten faster as the time goes by. So many memories have been made at this table: stories told, songs learned, books read aloud. A good example of quality and quantity time together!

Still, if we do any more eggs...we will be shopping for a machine washer!

Incredible, edible eggs: part 2

2008-11-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

Gathering Eggs

Every morning at dawn, we open the nest boxes and the chickens begin laying eggs. Then, every afternoon at about 4:00, we gather the eggs and close the nest boxes again. Routine... this summer we have learned alot about routine.

Brent and Samuel working together. Sometimes it is a friendly race with boys vs girls, sometimes adults vs kids.

Abigail and Ethan filling their baskets.

As the year has flown by, we have all gotten much faster at the gathering. One benefit of this summer: we will be an amazing team at gathering Easter eggs in the spring! :)

Next post: washing all those eggs

Incredible, edible eggs: part I

2008-11-04T10:17:00.000-08:00

This is an Egg-Mobile

It is a portable hen house that is pulled with a tractor. Four nights/week, we closed up the egg-mobile at dark. Early the next morning, Brent moved them to a fresh patch of grass. The result of all this extra labor? Super yummy eggs with bright yellow yolks. Oh, and lots of brilliant green grass, clean pastures, and happy chickens.

If you are a chicken (or Ethan), you enter through a small door at the top of a ramp. Otherwise, you enter through a door on the side. :)

The inside walls are filled with double decker nest boxes filled with straw.

Some boxes had no eggs while others had over a dozen. We're not sure why but we figured it was probably like all real estate...location and trends.

As omnivores, chickens eat a pretty wide variety of things daily. They dine on the fresh grass, the outdoor creepy crawlies (like grasshoppers), and a grain mixure from these indoor feeders.

Next post: gathering eggs...

Everyone helps

2008-11-03T21:00:00.000-08:00

So, all of those broilers we raised had a pretty big leap from pasture to dinner table, but even that is a family affair. While Brent helped butcher every Weds, either Abigail, Samuel or both of them would help too. They worked from about 8:30-1:30.

The butchering is done on an outdoor pad with multiple stations set up in an assembly line. With everyone helping and all equipment running well, they can process 200 chickens/hour. Remember: one of those team members is 6 years old! Family friendly farming indeed.

Samuel is helping with one of the final steps: a small cut and tucking the legs inside. During the summer he helped with killing, bagging, quality control, and his favorite: catching the chickens that manage to escape the holding crates.

This is Abigail's first try at the gutting station. During the summer she also helped with killing, bagging, transfering to iced cooling tanks, and quality control. She loved getting to visit with all the people she worked with.

Have you ever seen a happier worker?

They grow-up so fast

2008-10-29T14:11:00.000-07:00

This summer, we have learned that while kids sure do grow up fast... chickens grow faster!

3 days old: just arrived from the hatchery. They live indoors on wood chip bedding. The overhead heat lamps are important to keep the small chicks warm.

3 weeks old: out to fresh grass. Each 10x12 pen holds 75 chickens. After being pulled to a fresh patch of grass every morning, they are also given a grain mix and water.

6 weeks old: the chickens have grown a lot in size. They now need feed and water twice daily.

8 weeks old: ideal size and age...this was the last day with our last batch. Between April 9-September 24, we raised 6,200 broilers that ended up in family freezers and restaurant kitchens!

Difficult Details

2008-10-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

Even though we choose to see the unique blessing in every day moments, most days are rather normal. The routines that help to get things accomplished keep the daily details in a fairly moderate range of intensity. We have 'hard' mornings, 'fun' lunches, 'great' afternoons, 'restful' nights, 'sad' days. There are slight ups and downs, but life goes on.

Then, there are extremes. The moments that seem to stop time and change everything. Its these extreme details, whether good or bad, that always seem to take us by surprise.

We just lived through one of those extremely difficult details.

Last week, on October 18, there was an accident on the farm.

Some friends were visiting for the weekend, so Brent and our friend took all of the kids out to do chores. They hitched a trailer to the ranger and loaded it full of hay (20 bales).

Naturally, a hay ride is big fun and all 5 of the kids wanted to ride. When they stopped at the gate, everyone jumped off and helped open the electric fence. Everyone was told to get back in and they pull into the cow pasture. Abigail screams. Brent stops, runs to the back...

Ethan was trapped under the trailer's tire!

The tire was actually stopped right on his stomach. Praise God that those 2 men could lift the trailer, hay and all, and pull Ethan out. Praise God that his mother wasn't standing there to see him or hear his screaming. Praise God that he was alive!

We called 911 and almost immediately had volunteers from the local fire department respond. Details! Those were moments when details mattered so much: how old is he, what did the trailer weigh, who is his doctor, when did this happen, who will ride in the ambulance? Two years old until tomorrow, about 800 pounds, um...he is in AZ, about 12 noon, his mother!

Then, Ethan and I shared our first ride in an ambulance, a green ambulance. They said that his pulse was strong, his heart rate sounded good...no lights, no siren! As he laid on the gurney, I sat next to him and Brent followed in our truck. Ethan's color wasn't good, he was swollen, he cried off and on. My heart hurt.

The local hospital started his IV, but decided that he should be taken to a pediatric trauma center about 45 minutes away. Then, Ethan and I shared our second ride in an ambulance, a white ambulance. This time he had to be fastened to a papoose board, but he was calmer and even joked with the kind girl who made elephant toys out of rubber gloves.

We finally arrived at the pediatric ER at about 4:00. He was examined by several nurses and doctors and we explained over and over what had happened. His right leg was very tender to touch and it caused him to limp, his tummy hurt when he tried to bend over, and then there was his skin. His face, scalp, neck and upper chest were covered with broken blood vessels. They explained that this was caused by the intense pressure.

They ordered X-Rays and a CAT SCAN. We waited...

(Meanwhile, back at the farm... our kind friends stayed with Abigail and Samuel. Can we ever thank them enough for being there and loving so much? Can we ever thank God enough for providing friends (from AZ) who were there at just the right moment? Amazing GRACE)

Between the hours of 4:00 and 12:00, Ethan got to wear a hospital gown, watch cartoons, drink 'special' juice, smile while the x-ray techs 'took his picture', play with Mommy's camera, have blood drawn, cry and ride through a CT, and have Mommy and Daddy all to himself!

Guess what they found? He is fine!

His leg was just bruised, his swelling would go down, the broken blood vessels would fade... They had no medical reasons, although a couple people did comment that God must have protected him. Yes, we agreed, God protected him alright... and us too!

So, at 12:30am, they told us that we could take him home. The only problem was that he had not been able to eat anything during this adventure. Breakfast had been 14 hours earlier and our boy was super hungry. Before driving the hour back to the farm, we walked down to the hospital's 24 hour cafe.

Can you guess what they had?

Cake...with rainbow sprinkles!

It was officially October 19th, Ethan's 3rd birthday!

We love a God that always provides for the details.

Even though, we were caught by surprise, He was not. Even though God allowed us to walk through a difficult day, He never left us. He chose to protect Ethan's internal organs, his bones, his head. He chose to provide friends and support. God knew that He was going to give Ethan another day, another birthday...and He even provided the birthday cake.

Washington DC

2008-10-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

After having such a wonderful visit to Washington DC last May, we decided to visit again.

We had seen so much: the monuments, the memorials, the National Archives, the White House, Ford Theatre, the Smithsonian Museums of American Indians, Air/Space, and Natural History, but there were a few places that we still wanted to explore. Here is what we saw this trip:

The US Navy Memorial

We learned that they hold a ceremony every year where they 'charge' the fountains with water from the 7 seas. Navy men actually pour water from each of the seas into the fountain at the memorial. Here are Brent and Samuel feeling the water.

The Library of Congress

This was our main goal for this trip. Last year we studied the Gutenberg Bible and the impact that the invention of printing had on world history. When we learned that the Library of Congress has one on display, Abigail and I were so excited to see one in person.

We all really enjoyed looking in on the main reading room. From a viewing window on the second story, we looked in and picked out so many interesting things. Samuel loved the flower shaped ceiling tins. It was fun to identify the statues around the edge of the room. The kids were surprised to see Moses up there. "Moses? From the bible?" they asked. Yep, that's the one :)

A fun surprise was a display from the Early Americas. There are artifacts from the Incas, Mayans and Aztecs, as well as some of the books and maps from the Spanish explorers. This is the exact period of history that we are currently studying. Their teacher was pretty excited!

We had lunch at the National Museum of American Indians.

Their restaurant is set up like a cafeteria, with each station representing a different region of the United States. You can try salmon from the Northwest, tamales from the Southwest, etc. We had a buffalo sandwich from the Great Plains and smoked turkey from the Northeast. Oh, and prickly pear ice cream...just because it sounded fun. This photo of Ethan and me is right outside the museum...I so needed a papoose board.

The National Postal Museum

This is a small museum, but has some fun displays. You start out walking through a dark wooded trail (1st US mail route), go through an area with letters from homesteaders and a stagecoach, and end in modern day. The photo of Abigail and Samuel is the main entry.

They have postage stamp collections that Brent really enjoyed seeing. The stamps reminded us of Grandpa Joe... his mail was some of the most unique and most anticipated.

The Supreme Court

The steps of the Supreme Court gave us a chance to discuss the 3 branches of government. We will study it more in depth this year, but the kids were so interested to hear how the power is divided. We climbed up the steps and looked at the beautiful brass doors and the huge marble columns. It really is a beautiful place and amazing to stand where so many important decisions are made for our nation.

Even if you don't do all the walking, seeing Washington DC is an exciting and exhausting adventure.

Write caption...win coffee

2008-10-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

This photo makes us giggle! There are just too many funny things we thought about writing under this shot. So, Brent thought it would be fun to hold a contest.

Write Caption...Win Coffee (fun idea, huh?)
Here what to do...

Leave a great caption in the comments section

Wait while we try to choose the best entry

Watch this blog to see if you are the winner that will get a Starbucks gift card
Take that gift card and your laptop to Starbucks so you can sip a yummy drink and read more about your crazy friends way out on the farm.

Hope you're not too chicken to play! ha ha ha :)

Homeschool Soccer

2008-10-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

Abigail and Samuel are playing on the homeschool soccer team in this area. Their team is for ages 6-8 (perfect for us!) and has about 25 kids. They play against teams from local, private and public elementary schools.

Soccer is the first sport Abigail has played and she is really enjoying this season. Her favorite part so far has been playing goalie. Oh, and getting to see her new friend, Olivia, once a week :)

After playing T-Ball this spring, Samuel was so excited to try soccer this fall. He runs and plays with so much energy. He is pretty excited to use his cleats again too.

Here is a photo from their first game. Score: 2-2

The season runs until a tournament on Nov. 1
Go Green!

Long awaited, highly anticipated

2008-10-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

All summer long, we have been planning for a visit from some dear friends from Arizona. For these past months, our kids have followed any discovery or new game with: we want to show our friends when they get here. After seeing a local tourist site or yummy restaurant, Brent and I would agree that: we should definately take our friends there. Yep, we were all excited and in September... it was finally time!

With 5 children and 2100 miles stretching out before them, our friends headed east in their 15 passenger van with an enormous RV pulled from their bumper. After they had traveled across the continent of North America (in 4 days!), they arrived at the farm.

Peter, Emma, Ethan, Ana, Daniel, James, Abigail, Samuel:

Our kids were all so excited to see each other. They had days filled with giggling, playing and making memories. Some highlights were: riding bikes, American Girl, going to Luray Caverns, Awana night, playing at the park, a cookout with fireworks, and doing farm chores.

Working on the farm is what filled Brent and Robert's days. They butchered broiler chickens, moved cows, fed and moved layers, gathered and washed alot of eggs, and fixed some fence. Oh, they also got some cows out of a neighbor's pond...but that's a long story :) Most of the time, they took all or some of the willing little farm hands...

While all the activity swirled outside, the house was filled with friendship too. Over simmering pots, sinks of dishes and baskets of laundry, Melissa and Tiffany were able to catch up. While some long distance phone calls had kept us in touch, it was just so nice to spend time together. Peach iced tea and conversation were welcome gifts from home.

What a blessing that our friends would travel to share this time with us! We were so encouraged to have their perspective on the farm and to be able to show them where we have been dwelling this summer. It is such a gift to have friends that know you, love your kids and share your faith!

Sweet fellowship. Friends, you are missed already... now, we have no one to share dominoes and double stuffs! ;)

True to His word...

2008-09-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

This is where our family is living for the summer of 2008!

It goes by a bunch of local names, like 'the blue house' or 'the upper place', but we are calling it "home" for right now. It has a kitchen, living room, laundry room, 1 bathroom, 1 bedroom and 1 'substantial loft' that our three little blessings are bunking in.

The house was built in the early 1800s (sort-of new, around these parts) and has a ton of character. Hiding under it's chippy blue siding are thick chestnut logs. Because the laundry and kitchen are additions, these logs are still visible inside, as well as along the ceiling... just beautiful.

It is serving us as a shelter from the elements, rooms to eat and rest in, a homeschool classroom, and as the backdrop for a ton of wonderful memories!

Psalm 23 (The Message)

God is my shephard!

I don't need a thing.

You have bedded me down in lush meadows,

you find me quiet pools to drink from.

TRUE TO YOUR WORD,

YOU LET ME CATCH MY BREATH

AND SEND ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

Several weeks ago, the bolded section above, stopped me. I have read and reread it this summer. It was like it was written directly to our family, on this farm. After a very difficult year, full of decisions and changes, this summer has been a time of rest for us. Oh so very full of physical labor, but a time to emotionally catch our breath. What an amazingly merciful God that we know. He has provided beautiful rolling green hills, fog blanketed mornings, wildflowers and so many pleasant breezes.

Honestly, these are beautiful details to dwell in!

p.s. Does the background of this farm look familiar?

Well, the hills just over the house are rather famous. No, not for the fact that our family of five has been moving livestock all over them, but because they were in a major motion picture. Quick, run to the video store and rent Gods and Generals.

It was filmed right here! Fun trivia, huh?

Hip to be SQUARE

2008-09-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

Our Virginia neighbors hold a reunion for extended family and friends each summer. This year our family was blessed to included in the fun. On a grassy hilltop, everyone gathered with covered dishes full of their gardens' harvest. The tables were covered with stew, chicken, fresh vegetables, herbs, flowers and beautiful desserts. An entire table was dedicated to sweet, buttered ears of corn! Yes, we were so very happy to be invited.

Then, after dinner was over and the sun was setting, people mingled to the upstairs of the old barn. Everything had been cleared out but a ring of chairs around the walls. A four person band took their place and the music was ready. As family member called out the instructions, the Square Dancing began. Guess who was right in the middle of the action?

Our sweet Abigail was twirling and spinning from arm to arm and having a fantastic time. What a wonderful memory!

Here is a photo of some of our kind hosts: Bill and Elizabeth Ross

They have been so generous this summer as we set up our home away from home and so hospitable to invite us to dinners around their table.

An added blessing was this photo that Elizabeth, an amazing photographer, took up in the barn. Isn't it just beautiful? The sun glowing on Abigail's face and her brother admiring her from across the room. A treasure for me!

Modern Day Manna

2008-09-03T19:25:00.001-07:00

Remember when God provided food for his people. They were in a new land, with new conditions and were pretty much unable to care for themselves? Well, our family has a new appreciation for this story.

When we arrived in Virginia this past May, we were definately in a similar situation. New land, new conditions, and yes...pretty much unskilled in the local lifestyle. An immediate example of our short-comings was in the garden. Although I'm still not sure a plot of land that is large enough to park 2 semi-trailers on is still considered simply 'a garden'.

Anyway, between downpouring rain, roaming cows, unpacking, and inexperience...the planting never got done. In fact, we had really given up on our unplanted 'garden' that quickly became a 3 ft high backyard jungle. Novice farmers indeed!

But then we found it...Modern Day Manna

Okay, I know that most grocery stores call this "squash" but it was truly a gift to us. What fun to discover these golden treasures in our 'garden', and then weeks later we found some potatoes too. The blessings continued this past week as we made meals with garden fresh corn, cucumbers, onions, green beans, and tomatoes that 3 kind families have shared with us.

While I still wish I had the skills to grow, harvest, and store the food from a huge garden, I am encouraged. My heart is reminded that God is faithful. Even though we are in a time of 'wandering', we are not wandering aimlessly. I know that He is leading us to a good place.

Just hoping that it does not take us 40 years to get there!

Mother/Daughter Adventure

2008-08-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

Melissa and Abigail had a great trip to Tennessee this week!

Our hotel was right on the edge of the Great Smoky Mtn National Park, so we were able to enjoy the amazing natural beauty of the forest, the fun of a theme park, and all the fun shops/restaurants of Pigeon Forge.

The highlights:

*Abigail's 1st road trip sitting up front *hotel on the river

*yummy dinners *riding roller coasters

*picnic/hikes in the Nat. Park *reading books/great talks

*sunroof open/radio loud *jacuzzi tub/bubbles

*shopping *driving home in the rain

This trip, for just the girls, was one of the privileges of motherhood. With no duties or deadlines, we had the chance to just have fun and make memories! We had some great talks. As Abigail grows older it is fun to see how our relationship changes and deepens. My role is slowly changing from caretaker to mentor. She is maturing from dependent to companion.

All of this and she is only eight!

I pray that God will show me how to wisely fill the role of mother through each of the seasons of her life. To cling enough that she feels secure, to release enough that she doesn't have to rebel, to prepare and equip her for the future...this is big stuff. But this week was a reminder that it is a very big blessing!

The Memory Game

2008-08-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

I saw this on a friends's blog and thought it was a fun idea.

I'd love to hear the memories we share together!

The Memory Game

Here is what you do:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, it can be recent or 'ancient' history! Anything that makes you smile or laugh or shed tears of happiness...you know, the good stuff!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog so that people can leave a memory about you. Remember, if you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll feel free to your visit your blog to tell secrets...I mean memories about you too. :)

p.s. if you (still) don't have a blog (like we didn't a month ago :) you can leave a comment as anonymous and sign your name. then I'll send your memory back via email.

Let the games begin...

Pirate Story

2008-08-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

I know that when our children are grown, they will try to remember the details of their childhoods. So many details will escape their memories... like the color of the curtains, the names of some playmates, the location of certain events. But, some details will be etched so permanently on their hearts that they will be able to replay them at ease.

I am certain these memories will include the hours that they spend playing dress-up. Our sweet children are constantly in costume! One day they are exploring the west as a pioneer family, the next they are kings and queens with loyal (stuffed animal) subjects. We have been sports teams, scientists, superheros, bible characters, doctors/nurses, cowboys/indians...

One of their favorite roles to play is pirates! They speak with "argh", carry swords and someone usually finds treasure. We have even all taken 'pirate names', all 5 of us, to help the charade!

Brent: PegLeg --- Melissa: Alcatraz

Abigail: Carribean --- Samuel: HookSword --- Ethan: TheSquawker

While we were reading poetry for school this week, we came upon Pirate Story by Robert Louis Stevenson. It perfectly describes a day when our little pirates were loose in Virginia this past May.

Pirate Story
Three of us afloat in the meadow by the swing,
Three of us aboard in the basket on the lea.
Winds are in the air, they are blowing in the spring,
And waves are on the meadow like the waves there are at sea.

Where shall we adventure, to-day that we're afloat,
Wary of the weather and streering by a star?
Shall it be to Africa, a-steering of the boat,
To Providence, or Babylon, or off to Malabar?

Hi! but here's a squadron a-rowing on the sea-
Cattle on the meadow a-charging with a roar!
Quick, and we'll escape them, they're as mad as they can be,
The wicket is the harbor and the garden is the shore.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Whatever details they remember, I pray they are all viewed against the backdrop of our unmeasurable love for them! You see, we also have searched for treasure and these three dear hearts are among our most valuable finds! Praise God for each of them.

Brown Sugar and Oatmeal

2008-08-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

Since we have been cooking so much more this summer, we have discovered alot of new recipes. Two of our new favorites involve these fun ingredients: brown sugar and oatmeal. So yummy that I thought I'd share the recipes...

Brown Sugar & Oatmeal Pancakes
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp quick-cooking oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients. In another bowl beat the oil, egg & buttermilk. Stir into dry ingredients until moist. Pour batter onto greased hot griddle. Turn when bubbles form on top & cook until second side is golden brown. Serve hot. Yeilds about 10 pancakes...so I triple this recipe.

(note: did you know that you could add 1 tbsp vinegar in a measuring cup and then add enough regular milk to fill to 1 cup mark, let stand for 5 minutes, to substitute for buttermilk? Works like a charm.)

Baked Oatmeal
(recipe from my sweet friend PeriDawn)
2 eggs
3 cups oatmeal
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick butter
dried cranberries and pecans (as much as your heart desires)
Preheat oven to 350. Melt butter in a 9 x 13 glass pan.
Mix other ingredients together. When melted, pour in oatmeal mix.
Bake for 30 minutes. Serve warm.

(healthy confession: since one member of our family cannot have brown sugar, I have substituted maple syrup in both of these recipes. Still good, not as good...but good enough if you need to.)

Happy breakfast to everyone :)

A (new) County Fair

2008-08-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

We attended the Augusta County Fair!

It was fun to experience a small, rural town celebration.

The highlight of the evening, for each of us, was the petting zoo.

Hands down, the best we had ever seen.

There were 2 calves, 2 pigs, 2 lambs, a few goats, 2 turkeys, baby ducklings, and baby chicks...and you could hold/touch them all!

Samuel found a goat that he really bonded with, Abigail spent alot of time holding the baby ducklings and Ethan discovered

that you can uncurl a pig's tail. Where else can you learn that?!

It was such a joy to see all of the kids running around, so excited to interact with the animals. Okay...adults too :)

BBQ, icecream, loop-de-loop rides, animals...

a great family night in Virginia

Sweet Samuel at Six

2008-08-14T10:51:00.000-07:00

Samuel is SIX years old.
Well, he has been since March but its official now that his photos are taken :) Here are six things we cherish about this boy...

1. His joyful smile and great sense of humor fill our days with so much fun. The vivid vocabulary that bubbles out leaves us all amazed.

2. His deep prayers full of faith to a God that he knows and trusts personally. It is amazing how much he can remember and apply from stories in the bible and from history.

3. Those big, blue eyes that melt our hearts and always get compliments. He has a style all his own and definite opinions about what to wear and where to wear it...for all of us.

4. His heart that feels so deeply and loves so sweetly that its beyond words. This sensitive spirit has been obvious since Samuel was a tiny boy. Oh how the world needs a heart like his!

5. An adventurous spirit that leads him over fences, through puddles, behind piles...and always with a stick or sword or rope. 100% boy!

6. Samuel! The sweet kid that has to go without sweets. This running, active boy who sometimes struggles so much to breathe. Our brave son who has had the most ER visits and has handled each trial with peace and strength.

The blessing of knowing him and watching him slowly grow from the baby that he was into the man that he will become is a privilege that we thank God for!

We love you Samuel!

Stunning Sunsets

2008-08-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Simply the shapes of these sweet people make my heart smile!

I love how these photos draw your eye to the little details: fringes of eyelashes, tiny lips, strong jaw-lines... These moments were captured on the hilltop of our summer farm. The sun was setting in the west...

on its way to bid our friends and family in the western states a goodnight.

Brent: in a season of learning!

This summer has been a busy, physical time for Brent.

He is caring for 1800 laying hens, which includes moving their portable houses every other day with a tractor, then gathering/washing/boxing/delivering all the eggs that are laid (at the height, 1100/day). Every other night he also closes their houses at dark.

Brent is raising 4 batches of broiler chickens. Each batch consists of 20 pens with 75 chicks. As they grow, they are pulled to fresh grass daily, fed and watered. Maturity is 7-9 weeks.

The cows have returned to graze the pastures of this farm. Moving them daily involves: setting up portable electric fence, moving/filling water tanks, filling and putting out mineral, and of course... physically getting the cows from one pasture to another.

He is also gaining more mastery of the chicken processing by working one day/week at the butchering.

Making such a huge mid-career change is a learning experience in itself. Different physical demands, meeting new people, and the non-stop action are all parts of learning the details of this new lifestyle.

Abigail: a farmyard school girl

She is enjoying all of the outdoor spaces to explore and the huge selection of creepy-crawlies to inspect. She is also learning to ride her new bike.

Homeschooling is such a blessing right now. Since we took a break from school in April and early May, we have been finishing up this summer. We will finish with 2nd grade at the end of August and we'll begin 3rd grade the first of Sept.

Abigail is a great help with the farm chores! She is very fast and confident at gathering eggs, washes eggs (almost as fast as her daddy), and helps with feeding/watering.

Samuel: loving to work and play...outside!

He is enjoying his summer break from school and will begin 1st grade the first of Sept. It is so nice to have him home again.

Samuel is still an early riser and goes to the field to help his daddy before breakfast. He helps gather eggs, wash eggs, and loves to move cows. He's becoming quite the pro at moving electric fence/stakes.

After getting really sick in June and having alot more trouble with his asthma in the humidity, Samuel is finally feeling well. He is growing so fast too. He lost his front tooth last week...so he now has an adorable elementary school smile.

Ethan: oh, the joys of being 2

He is such a big helper, always wanting to be involved in everything. He grabs his little camo apron and pulls a chair to the counter anytime I start cooking! He gathers eggs and "washes' too. The cutest is watching him move the cows. He stands at the gate and yells as loud as he can (just like daddy) with every confidence that all 400 of these large animals will obey his command.
Ethan is our earliest riser and is always the first thing his mommy sees as she opens her eyes. His willingness to put on his clothes and his work boots so blesses my heart. The sun is still rising and he is trudging out to the field, sucking his thumb, to help with chores (and he's quite the little chicken catcher too).
Our goals for the summer are potty training, obedience and vocabulary. Speaking of speaking, Ethan's favorite movie is Annie...the classic one with Carol Burnett :) This sweet boy can only say a handful of one syllable words, but he can sing "too-ma-row, too-ma-row" all day long. So cute!

Melissa: the wife, the mom, the 'blogger' :)

I am so enjoying the beautiful green planet that we are working on! God has blessed my heart with the location of this farm (more on that in another post) and the beauty that we are surrounded by. I'm also enjoying the old farm house with all its character and quirks.
Homeschooling is going well, as we are finally settling into a routine. Its exciting to be both finishing a year and looking forward to the new material and changes that will begin soon.
I am the indoor farm hand. After trying, at first, to help with all the chores, cook all 3 meals, teach school, laundry... we realized that it wasn't working. So, I am the indoor crew and I venture out with them if I feel caught up. It's working much better for everyone.
I am cooking! Yes, rural life has greatly decreased the amount we eat out, but I am really enjoying it. Turns out, you can do more with eggs than just scramble them :)

Greetings!

2008-07-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our blogging beginning!

As we begin to record the details of our lives, we thought we should start with the basics...

WHO:

Brent...a man who's learning how to farm... e-i-e-i-o

Melissa... on a non-stop field trip with three little chaperones

Abigail...our sweet American girl

Samuel...our brave Knight

Ethan...our knight in training (pants)

WHAT:

Dwelling in the Details

Our family blog is a spot to record our details... for others to see and for us to remember.

WHEN:

Starting... July 2008

Updated... as often as life (and dial-up) will allow

WHERE:

Currently... a beautiful green pasture in Virginia, USA

Usually... the mountains of Arizona, USA

WHY:

Psalm 102:18 says...

Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord.

That is our prayer for this blog. How great a blessing to share the details with family and friends now and to record it for future generations.

THANKS FOR JOINING US!

We'd love to read a comment to know you stopped by!