seasons: spring

Tags

chickens, Farming, gardening, goats, seasons

As I’ve hung clothes on the line again (thank you warm weather), I have really been pondering the seasons’ changes on the farm.  We have been out here in the country for a full year now, and I’m barely feeling like I have a better understanding of what each season brings.

We are coming from winter, which is the least busy of all the seasons.  The main goal is get animals bred, stay warm, and rest from the hard work of the rest of the year.  I see it as the stay inside and fatten up period.  Baking becomes frequent, and reading is plenty.

When you are stagnant for so long, it’s very difficult to kick into full gear Spring.  We made it through baby goat births and building garden boxes, and now we’re gearing up for planting the seeds and selling the babies.  This requires paperwork, advertising, disbudding, castrating ect.  In just a few short weeks I’ll be back to milking twice a day.  We have drip systems to fix, fencing to build, and trees to trim.  It’s about time to decide which hens are no longer laying and, therefore; need to processed.  Spring is the busiest and most work here.  

I very much enjoy the rest of the Winter, but I am definitely ready to begin the work of Spring, so as to profit from the harvest in the Summer.  Things are picking up here.  We are praying for a blessing on this little farm.  May He give the increase for our labor. 

 

around here

Tags

baby goats, gardening, goats

Around here we are busing ourselves with all the preparations that make spring so wonderful.  House projects, garden projects, and looking closer to the arrival of baby goats.

I am so very excited about the babies coming, and in a deep corner of my heart I harbor the knowledge that tragedy could strike.  I am becoming quite obsessed with researching all possibilities, so as to avoid such a sadness.  I truly feel just as excited as if a human was being born into the family.  I am, however, much more nervous as there are no doctors to help in trouble.  I am the help in trouble.  That is a heavy burden, but oddly one I am looking forward to.  Pray friends.  It is only a slight chance of danger, but one I must have my wits for.  In just a few short weeks we will, God-willing, be posting plenty of pictures of cute furry goats. 

Children have been dirtier, as they have been thoroughly enjoying warms days of play out of doors, while adults paint the house and prepare for the season.  I must remind myself continually that this is great for them, however bad it is to the house.

I’m confident that we will plant a garden this year.  So far, that’s all I can promise.  The garden beds are made and filled.  Just a bit more compost for the top, and planting will commence.  I am hopeful, and above all, prayerful for success.

I can hardly describe the changes of humility and knowledge that have occurred within, in nearly a year of living on the farm.  I am in constant reminder of my need to pray.  For strength, wisdom, mercies of all sorts, and thankfulness.  The responsibility to our animals is heavy on me always.  Not in an oppressive way, simply in the fact that they depend on us for so much, like an infant does it’s mother.  Though it’s not a daily demand of overwhelming work, it’s very important work  We must decide the best feed, shelter, grooming, safety for them.  If these are not met properly, it is none but our fault how it affects our animals.

I may have had a notion that this would be easy, because I read a book on it, and it made sense.  I referred above to humility, enter that here.  I am in complete and total understanding that good farmers and good husbandman are bred of education and intelligence.  One really must have so much understanding of everything, from plumbing to medicine to chemistry to mechanics.  We are far from a large farm…we are minute, really.  The fact is we have worlds more to know.  I pleasure in a life of constant growth.  Both spiritually and mentally, I am sure our lessons from the farm will last our lives through.

Around here the excitement, hardships, joy, satisfaction, beauty, growth, and chores are a never-ending swirl of life.

red is best

A birthday weekend was spent doing what mama enjoys so very much…knitting.  I’m officially in my thirties now.  The older I get the less I feel like roughing out the cold; and with a trip to Colorado soon approaching, something needed to be done for the hands.

The pattern is Red is Best, by one of my favorite pattern writers Jane Richmond Designs.  It was a lovely weekend, even though we have been struck with illness here for the third time since the new year.

This means lots of sitting which, most assuredly, lends to more knitting…stay tuned.

 

yarn along

Tags

knitting, Natural Beekeeping, sock knitting, socks, The Scarlet Letter, yarn along

Wednesdays are for yarn alongs.  Join the fun, hosted by Small Things.   In her words:

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs.  I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~

Well, would you look at that!  Nick has, nearly, a pair of socks, as opposed to the single sock that’s been in his possession for over a year. The pattern is Seafarer’s Socks found on Ravelry for free.

The Scarlet Letter is over half read, and I’m liking it more and more with each turning of the electronic page, that is ibooks.  I’m revisiting Natural Beekeeping, to prepare for our Spring plans.

a sweet girl

Tags

breakfast, homemaker, lunch, raising homemakers

This post won’t be long.  I just want to say that, despite a need for control, Isabel truly posses a kind and helpful heart.  Today, she made lunch.  Most mornings she makes breakfast for a family of seven.  Isn’t she great?  I love her quite wholly.

yarn along

Tags

books, knitting, quilting, yarn, yarn along

I’m joining Small Things today for a Yarn Along.

In her words:

The Yarn Along began in early Fall 2010 as a way to share knitting projects and good reads; motivating ourselves, and inspiring each other.  Every week knitters, and a few crocheters as well, link up and share a photo (or two) of what they are knitting and what they are reading.  Knowing that Yarn Along Wednesday is coming up is a great way to stay motivated to finish those projects!  And I, for one, am always on the lookout for a great book recommendation as well.

There’s a link in the side bar if you want to join as well.

This week I ‘m continuing the re-working of my Canary pattern (in the side bar).  The Scarlet Letter is about half read.  Since I’m reading it on my ibooks app, I didn’t post a picture of it.  I also added to my reading, maybe we should call it drooling, 101 Log Cabin Blocks by House of White Birches Publishing House.

My quilting extraordinaire neighbor got it for me.  I’m so excited because my laundry room/quilting room is almost free of clothing, thus I can actually quilt soon :)

What is on your needles/hook and coffee table?

enjoying now

Tags

carwash, chickens, fencing, homesteading, kids, laundry, line drying

Last week we saw some very cold weather.  By cold I mean in the teens, which isn’t normal here.  This week couldn’t be more opposite.  I love 70.  Doesn’t it feel perfect?

Today, I finally made some headway on laundry.  I really missed drying clothes outside.  I have no idea how you East coast friends survive without a dryer.  We were struggling here without one.  You can only do so much laundry with a 24 hour drying time.

Nick worked on fencing in the back of the property.  I am thankful he works so hard.  Our little hens got some roaming time under the close and constant supervision of Nick and the kids.

It was a productive and beautiful day.  I could handle a few more like it.  Especially in the clothing department.

homeschooling picture post

Tags

homeschool, homeschooling, picture post

yarn along

Today I’m joining Small Things in a yarn along.  In her words:

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs.  I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~

Feel free to follow the icon and join the link up.

 

I’m working on another Canary hat (side bar link to my pattern) and making notes for various sizes using Caron Simply Soft yarn.

I finished Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, and found myself immediately in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

So far, I really like it.  I’m pretty sure I just love the classics :)

How about you?

<img src=”http://www.gsheller.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/yarnalong_gsheller_gray.jpg”>

a project for the year

Tags

project, quilt sampler, quilting, quilts, sewing, the farmer's wife

I have fallen in love…with a book. Have you ever done that? The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt is the read in which I speak.

Their letters recorded in this book, are responses to a magazine inquiry in the 1920s.  The magazine asked it’s readers if they would wish their own daughters to marry into the life they are currently living.

The warm letters are written in such a way that I fall more in love with this life just by reading them.  An added bonus, is that on each page is a quilt block inspired by the detailed descriptions of the letters.  It also came with a CD for 106 paper piece templates, and instructions for assembly for lap-size to King-size blankets.

This is my project for the year (or perhaps years) to come.

Do you have any grande plans for crafting in 2013?  What are they, do share.

tiny moments

Tags

chickens, eggs, faith, farm, Farming, goats

Here at the farm we have divided up the household and animal responsibilities into age appropriate sections.  I have had very little to to with feeding the animals since the goats have been dried up.  Yesterday was different with illness still lurking about these parts.

I certainly didn’t want to send any sick child into 20 degree weather.

So, I slipped on a few knit layers and rubber boots and went about the morning chores alone.  I forgot how much I truly need to get outside more, even in the cold weather.

I love listening to our winter friends, Sandhill Cranes over head.  I can’t get enough of the affection our sweet does give me and each other.  Are there really so many things more adorable than a fluffy rump chicken running about?

Okay, if you’re about to say kids, I’ll give you that.  But, seriously, I absolutely love our life, how ever trying times can be, no matter the sacrifices of worldly glamour.  Caring for animals may tie us down more, but they are more than pets.  They are our livelihood  our food, our entertainment, our family.

We learn so much, even about our Heavenly Father, as we raise and care for our animals and our farm.

I can’t imagine wanting to go back to our former life.  I know we are always open to whatever path is laid before us, but I do hope it includes livestock and mason jars.  I really love it here.  I am filled with thanksgiving and humility for the life we are living right now.  I am so excited for the future lessons and experiences that only a farmer’s life can offer.

I don’t say this to make you feel as though your life is unimportant.  I have simply come to realize more depth in my own life.  For me, it can be as simple as grasping the meaning of time-honored sayings or, even, spiritual concepts.

The phrase “pigs sty” just doesn’t mean as much unless your eyes have seen and nose has smelled.  Seriously, I would rather starve than eat from a pig’s trough as the “Wayward Son” of the New Testament did.

When I read in the scriptures that the fields are “white for the harvest, but the laborers are few”, I envision our neighbor’s cotton fields-breathtakingly white as far as the eye can see.  What a daunting task to think of harvesting a field like that without enough help.  It would seem downright impossible!

The Bible is filled with farming references and examples.  As I walk about about our humble farm, verses are alive before my eyes.  Much how I would imagine a trip the Israel,  I see and have a greater understanding of the depth, pain, toil behind the stories.  I know for certain I would go leave a flock of sheep “to pursue the one”.  Every animal we have, we love, nurture and enjoy.  How much more does He love me…you?  He pursues us!  Searching, calling…do we listen?

The future is never certain, so all I can be is overjoyed to be placed here, now, and forever in my heart.  I don’t want to forget these tiny moments on the farm, with my Lord talking to me while I go about my chores.

plans change

Tags

blessing, church, flexibility, kids, missing out, unforeseen obstacles

We were planning on going to church this morning.  We were also planning on have water running through our pipes.  Weatherman said it would be 11 degrees last night.

It was 7 degrees at eight o’clock AM.

Kids got sick.

Waterline at the pump house froze. That one tiny one that hid, and didn’t get wrapped, of coarse!

Once I knew we weren’t going to church I had grand plans of catching up on the mountain of laundry accumulated by stripping beds down.

Kind of hard to wash with no water.

Time to count blessings.  Wood stove warming us up.  Gallon of water hidden in the pantry.  Hot water heated before the water went out.  Coffee made before water went out.  Dishes got done last night.

Biggest blessing…the kids recreating church at home.  Complete with music, teaching, and craft.

Plans change.  I am learning I shouldn’t be a nut about it.  Be flexible.  Flexibility is a learned virtue.  I’m positive that, in the future, I’ll have plenty more opportunities the bend and not break.  By His grace, I pray I will.

For now, I will decidedly enjoy the moments that are created by unforeseen obstacles.

sewing mama

Tags

applique, free motion quilting, paper piecing, quilt, quilting, sewing

Just before Christmas I learned a new sewing skill or two.  My very sweet neighbor taught me four quilting techniques.

Paper piecing:

Free Motion Quilting:

All Piece Quilting:

Applique: (the hearts shown)

I’ve sneaked down the street a few times as of late.  Not only is her house draped with decades of beautiful quilts, but it’s silent.  It’s good for mama to escape into quiet moments now and then.  Just cheerful chatter and the humming of a sewing machine can refresh even a most filled and exhausted mind, such as this one.

What have you been stitching?

farm news

Tags

dairy goats, farm, Farming, hogs, homesteading, nubiens, pigs, raising chickens, raising goats, raising pigs

So much to report here.  First, the hogs are dropped off for processing.  *sigh*

I can’t fully explain how relieving it is to say that.  The (unnamed) pigs were not my favorite.  We have been completely humbled by raising the duo of trouble known only as “girl pig” and “boy pig”.  What an experience.

If ever we thought we could build a strong enough fence from free and re purposed materials…we were wrong.  If ever we thought pigs were “clean” animals…we were wrong.  If ever we thought we could think steps ahead of how they would escape next…they would forget digging and nudging and bust straight through the pen.

Sheesh.

Will we ever raise pigs again?  Yes.  But this time we know all their shenanigans and we’ll be prepared.  At least, we think we will be.

As for chickens…ahhhh.

Coyotes have taken six of them this week.  I really feel like we failed them.  We are in the middle of re enforcing our back fence directly because of this.  For now our once free-ranging chickens are locked safely in the coop where those mangy killers can’t get them.

I am still sad about this, though I’m also a bit surprised it took nine months before this became a problem.

Lastly, our Nubien does are pregnant, and will be kidding somewhere between the end of May or June.  I cannot wait to have baby goats to love on.  I am also looking forward to the abundance of fresh, raw goat’s milk and cheese.

let’s talk!

It’s been entirely too long since there has been a significant post here.  Sorry.  I missed having a place to unload the multitude of thoughts swirling in my head.  I missed documenting moments I don’t want to forget.  I missed having a way to keep friends and family “in-the-know”.  I missed (most assuredly) a place to share things I find helpful and meaningful.  Most of all, I really missed you!  I really did.  You readers are some encouraging and inspiring people.  It’s nice to know (for a “talker”) that someone actually wants to listen.  You choose to listen and I appreciate your support ever so much.  Thank you.

I have an announcement to make…I will no longer be blogging about 7 Grace Farm separately.  I will not delete the blog, and there will still be a link to it in the side bar for a while, but I’m paring down on the scattering of my brain and focusing on one blog.  This one.  I will certainly let you know all about our continuing adventure in homestead…here.

It’s good to be back.

the absentee

Tags

Farming, knitting, life

My computer has been constantly crashing; hence this blog has been silent. I will do my best to update you by way of mobile device.

The farm has been busy, as we are gearing up for the soon breeding of our goats, processing of the pigs and turkeys, and starting to turn our thought towards wood stoves and garden boxes.

I debuted at the Farmer’s market with a friend. We received a generous gift of leather couches and beds for the girl’s room.

It has been busy, but fun and productive. We’ve found our moments of fun and play, amidst the schedules and school work.

I’ve been back at my knitting…working through my stash to justify the need to try my hand at spinning :)

We have been full of blessings here, laced with work and planning. What has this season brought you?

yarn along

Tags

books, knitting, reading, yarn along

 

Yippee!  I finally finished The Count of Monte Cristo.  I immediately started Mansfield Park by Jane Austen.  I love Jane, don’t you?

A hat is on the needles.

What are you reading and knitting/crocheting?

Join me as I link up with Small Things Yarn Along every Wednesday.

 

{this moment}

Tags

learn to ride a bike, this moment

Inspired by SouleMama

. . . . . . . .

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see.

. . . . . . . .

yarn along

Tags

books, knitting, reading, yarn along

Hello there.  Knitting and reading.  My favorite pastimes as of late.  I’m continuing with Christmas knitting.  I improvised this pattern using the ridge stitch.  You can never have too many scarves right?

I’m still reading The Count of Monte Cristo.  I fear that book will never end.  I literally read it everyday for no less than one hour, but often more around two or three.  I finally made it to the half-way point.  I’m amazed with every page, at how much different the book and movie are.  There is NO way the book will come close to ending the same as the movie.  NOTHING seems to happen the same AT ALL.  It’s frustrating because they could have very well named the movie something else all together, but it’s also excited because it’s a story I haven’t heard yet…the concept is the same but the executing is new.

What are you knitting/crocheting and reading?  Join me as I take part in the Small Things yarn along every Wednesday.

Click the link to find your button and join in the fun.

<img src=”http://www.gsheller.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/yarnalong_gsheller_gray.jpg”>

 

homeschooling with toddlers

 

 

 

I will start with saying this, the key to homeschooling children when you have toddlers is options.  Small children have very short attention spans, as you well know, so having plan “A” and “B” is not enough– have A-Z ready, and at arms reach.

What we do to entertain the little ones in our house changes all the time.

I have shared about busy bags before.  That’s what most of our options are now.  I try to add a few new ones every month.

I’ll share with you how our typical day of homeschool looks with a toddler.

We start each day with notebooks.  You can stick just about anything in them.  From coloring pages, to ripping out sections from preschool work books, to utilizing the seemingly endless amount of online printables…truly, the options for making up a preschool notebook are overwhelming.

Once the kids are bored done with those we move to the busy bags/trays I mentioned above.  Here are some examples of what that can look like:

Do-a-dot pages are new here.  I found a set of Do-a-dot paint 50% off at Staples.  I found a couple of sites with free printables for the pictures. A huge volume of pattern block mats are located  here.  If you haven’t any pattern blocks, you can print a set over at Sistermommies.  I laminated mine, but you could use sheet protectors also.
Desmond loves these Car Mats I found.  This site also has number and letter car mats.

These are just a few ideas from a vast ocean of activities that are FREE and FUN for toddlers.  I didn’t even point out the other helpers, such as plain ole coloring, cutting practice, play dough, reading from special “school” picture books, and educational movies.

I truly wish that I would have figure out this system soon than last year.  When a child completes one activity, I hand them another.  This is so helpful for times when the older schooled children need my help.  Everyone sits and keeps busy the entire time.  Essential to the happiness of mama during school is having a plan and a structure.  I love that they all are learning something even though I don’t directly teach them all at the same time.

Hope that helps all you homeschoolers out there.  You certainly don’t have to follow exactly what others do, but having an array of ideas is perfect for finding what will work for your little ones.

 

pinterest+3 pallets=bed

Tags

pallet bed, pallets

Andre’s new bed.  My husband is becoming very handy.  He even installed a dishwasher, a dear friend gave us, this week as well.

Just as soon as we get more twin mattresses I have a sinking feeling that Desmond and the girls will be getting the same setup.  I think we’ll white wash the girls’ beds, but the clear coat Nick put on this one is perfect for a boy’s more, don’t you think so?

Nick has a couple of places around town that he finds great condition pallets, that are free.  I have a bunch more pallet ideas on my Pinterest page. (Click on the side bar link)

He used leftover 4×4 to support the middle, and make the legs.  He joined them with scrap wood, and used metal “L” braces we had to sure it up.  I love it!  Now, Andre is no longer on a mattress, on the floor.  Yay!

Aren’t free things so much more fun?

free family camping

Tags

camping in your yard, camping with kids, family ideas, free fun

About a month ago, while my mom was visiting, Nick built a fire pit.  If you have a fire pit, then surely you must roast marshmallows and sleep in the camper right?  The kids enjoyed some good daddy time in this fashion, while mom and I retreated inside for plenty of late night talking.

(Here I would like to say the for all you unbelievers out there…the laundry fairy is real, I assure you.  Thanks mommy!)

Since then, Nick and the kids have slept in the camper a few more times.

We did this in our own yard.  I mean, 20 acres?  Why pack up and travel and cook by flashlight?  Well, mostly we have just been too busy to get away.  This idea Nick came up with was a great one.

I admit I didn’t sleep in the camper once.  I stole away inside to read in silence.  It was great for everyone.

What are some of your favorite family fun ideas?

I can’t wait for the birds to fly south.  Living so close to their winter home conservatory of the Sandhill Cranes will call for family walks in our Autumn future.

{this moment}

Tags

climbing trees, kids

. . . . . . . .

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see.

yarn along

Tags

knitting, reading, uarn along

Wednesdays are Yarn Alongs over at Small Things. I’ve decided to motivate myself with some Christmas knitting and share with you what’s been on my reading table, so to speak.  Last week I finished Little Women, and Growing up Amish.

This week I’m referring often to Livestock Protection Dogs as Miss Leia our Great Pyrenees puppy is still new to us.

I’ve picked through The Odyssey for some time now.  The writing is extremely poetic and makes me think a bit too hard for late night reading.  This is my read in between reads.

On my iPod I have two book apps.  Kindle and iBook.  I have just started The Count of Monte Cristo as my insane need to check off all the books on my list of Top 100 books grows each month.  I’m working on the USA version.

On the needles is another Rae.

What are you reading friend?

 

do something about it

Tags

children book, dwarfism, Little People, writing

Do you have a secret bucket list of ultimate dream life goals?  Even if it’s just a mental one, I seem to add to mine all the time.  Since we move to The Farm, something inside me awoke.  The cheesy saying that “dreams come true” it suddenly real to me.  I felt inspired and blessed to know that God sometimes puts those dreams inside us for a reason.

I fell in love with creative writing as a Freshmen in high school.  A very sweet English teacher took interest in me, and saw something I didn’t know I had.  I was living in Las Vegas (and as such I can say it is  ”The City of Sin”) and I was a lost and somewhat lonely child.  It wasn’t at all easy to make friends.  As a teen I often struggled with expressing myself acceptably.  I found writing was my outlet for emotional overload.

This weekend I thought I’d start down the road of writing again.  This time to glorify the Lord and not myself.  He gave me this gift and I want to use it in the way He wants.  So, I have a little gift, I have a little dream, and now I’m going to do something about it.  I have NO idea what will happen with it, but if nothing else we will enjoy it.

The point of the Josie Bean books is to bring awareness about dwarfism, and encourage Little People, and especially children, that LP’s are everything that average sized people are, they just do things different.  There are extra challenges, but a wonderful and full life ahead for Josie who is fearfully and wonderfully made.

So, my pen will continue.  These things take some time.  I hope that in the months to come I can show more.

{this moment}

 

. . . . . . . .

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see.

josie and her shades

It’s been awhile since I did an update on Josie’s health and progress.  It’s time for all her yearly screenings, and we’re inching our way through them.  Earlier this month she went to a pediatric ophthalmologist to get her eyes dilated and checked for detaching retinas and overall form and function.  I’m so glad to report that she checked out just fine!  On the way home I took this picture of her.  She fell fast to sleep with her goofy little glasses on.  They glasses broke that very day and she asked me with such a glitter in her eyes, “Can a please have more glasses for my birthday?  Pink ones!”

How can I deny them to such a cute and happy face?  In case you care to know Target has sunglasses for kids in the dollar section this month.  Wish granted.

Soon will come updates on bone development and sleep apnea studies.  So much fun, those doctor appointments.  Perhaps the waiting rooms will produce an opportunity to sneak out those knitting needles.  I hope, for my sanity, they do.

up cycle magnets

Tags

how to make magnets, kitchen conversion charts, magnets, up cycle

Do you get free magnets in the mail from people who want your business?  Do you save them like I do because, frankly, they work better than most. Here’s what I did with said magnets.

I printed out and laminated (an ever useful tool) these cute kitchen sets.

Next, I simply glued the old magnets right side down to the new super adorable and handy charts.

Done.

That was easy.  Now your turn.

farm weekend

We’re trudgin’ along and getting our chores and projects done when we get a free day.  We all help each other around here.  That’s the only way to make in work in a family this large.  We don’t forget to stop and play either.  How was your weekend?  What are you planning for this Summer and Fall?

ut ohh…someone got a laminator

Tags

chore chart, house cleaning, laminator

I must say I am enjoying all the organization that comes with it.  Also, it’s a great tool for homeschooling.

For the kids I have laminated printable learning games and flash cards, signs, and chore charts– which I cross off and wipe clean as needed.

There is almost no more wasted paper around here.  My compulsive list-making is easily wiped cleaned and ready for the next week.  I absolutely love it for meal plans and chores.

I plan on finding several more uses for laminating.  Husband was recently heard saying, “Okay, now you’re just laminating to laminate.”

I have no defense for this statement, except the one he had made the day before, “Every self-respecting home school needs a laminator.”

And if I have one should I not use it to it’s fullest potential?  I think I should, and I shall.

We have the Purple Cow Hot & Cold Laminator which we purchased at Costco Wholesale for $20.00.  It came with 100 sleeves in three sizes.

Do you have a laminator?  Do consider it.

*Chore charts and lists are from Organizing Life as Mom*

homemade bubbles

Tags

bubbles, homemade bubbles

After VBS was over I racked my brain to try to remember how to make the bubbles we did there.  Here’s what I came up with:

2 C water

1 T glycerin

2 T liquid dish soap

I multiplied the recipe (because that’s my lot in life) by 2.5.  I used a jar I saved and the kids enjoyed some bubbles.

two years of boy

Tags

birthday, boy

teaching math: a visual for numbers to the thousands

Tags

extended value, homeschool, math manipulatives, teach math

We have used Singapore Math for the last two years now.  I really love it.  I was not taught the same style (mental math, number bonds, ect) so I have had some trouble teaching it.  I often find myself tempted to have them finger count or number tap instead of memorizing the facts.

The thing that keeps me ordering Singapore year after year (I just placed my order for next year’s books) is that it make visual sense.  I think I would have done better learning this way because I tend to remember something I see and not something I hear or read.  Pictures stick in my head.

Today I saw a great video on how 3 Teacher Chicks use Singapore Math in the classroom.  I immediately made a set of what I’m calling “Extended Math Mats”.

Here’s Isabel working out a problem:

I love that she can see why we carry-over and borrow.

I already know I’ll use these mats for teaching younger children extended value as well.  We won’t add numbers, we’ll simply write them out while we count out bears.

You might wonder why you see yellow bears on the green mat…why are there purple ones on the blue mat?  It seems we haven’t enough bears.  Up until today they were mostly used as toddler tossing bears.

How do you teach math to your kids?  Do share your favorite math exercises and manipulatives.

ladybugs

Tags

happier place, homeschooling, lady bug, Ladybug Land, life cycles, nature, tiny bugs

Olivia received a Lady Bug Land for her Birthday in March.  We waited until all settled with the move before we ordered our Ladybugs.  It’s been a week or so since we got the tubular package in the mail.

Everyday she checks the progress of the tiny bugs.  Everyday she gives them water.  Everyday she asks me when they’ll be “in adults”.  Yesterday, she delighted to announce to everyone that some were adults.

Homeschooling is fun.  I got to see her face the moment she discovered something that thrilled her beyond imagination.

I will add that I’m thrilled too…when it’s time to release them, the garden will be an even happier place.

all boy

This morning a found a sweet scene that made me think to myself, “That boy is ‘all boy’”.

Sometimes life with this boy is a struggle.  I often think that he’ll need me to remind him to put on underwear and socks for the rest of his life.  I’m not sure at this stage in his life that he’ll ever care enough about himself to look and smell clean for a day.  I even ask God what a boy with these tendencies will ever do with his life.

It may sound like I don’t think much of him.  The truth is I worry about him  because I think he’s so awesome and I want his God-given gifts to be used wisely and not destructively.  I don’t want him to waste himself on foolishness.  I want him to be a great student and a wise man.  I want him to succeed and thrive.

The boy who can turn a simple grammer lesson into an hour-long battle is the same boy who aspires to be a builder when he grows up.  I have to remember that not everyone fits into the cookie-cutter expectations of modern education.  Some break through it and make their own paths.  I know I’m responsible to teach him, but I also know that when it’s all said and done he may just follow his dreams.  Though I’m hoping those dreams evolve him into being an architect, I’ll be okay if those dreams end in him being a general contractor or even a simple construction worker. Maybe he’ll do something different all together.  He has an ear and love and passion for music as well.  I do know his focus on Jesus and working hard, and his creativity is enough to make him something brilliant.

All the years of severe reactions to someone “touching his Legos” and drumming on the desk in lieu of doing his spelling lessons may all be worth it in the end.  I have to cultivate him into what God has meant him to be.

That is a seriously cool plane this guy made.  He used a picture and not step-by-step instruction I might add.  I’m proud of him.

*Note to self: read this often.

protecting the chicks

Yesterday we went out to the workshop to show some friends the chicks, and lo and behold a Desert King Snake was slithering around, trying to find the best way to the chicks.  Thankfully they were up high so this slowed him down.

The snake got scared out of the workshop and chicks were promptly moved into the house for safer keeping.  Now our laundry room smells funky at night (which was why I moved them out of the house to begin with) and our porch sounds lively during the day.  Just a few more weeks and the chicks will be ready to join the hens and turkeys in the coop.

We released the snake into the garden area in hopes he will go bigger and protect against venomous snakes and rodents.  Hope he catches a mouse soon.

fun with cheese making

Over the last week we have done lots of milking and a little cheese making too.

I’ve made three batches of Ricotta and one batch of Mozzarella.  I don’t mind an abundance of raw goats milk one bit.

What’s been coming out of your kitchen lately?

P.S. Isabel took the last picture, and I have no idea why I’m looking longingly at the Mozzarella.  Sheesh.

this morning on the farm: a picture post

Tags

buttermilk, chickens, goats, goats milk

supermoon

Tags

super moon

A few nights ago I was locking up the chickens into the coop, when I noticed a stunning moon.  Everyone joined me outside to see the super moon.  Josie kept saying, “Mom, the moon is THIS BIG!”

pride comes before destruction

Tags

fort, kids in the yard, plathouse

Today, I was mending field fencing (a new lot in life I’m sure).  The kids were giggling in every directions and the dry grass was rustling at foot.  I certainly like the feeling of accomplishment, don’t you?  As the fencing went up and the kids carried on, I felt a little idea forming.  I was just clearing out a lean-to shelter and found some posts and ply wood.  A good start I thought.

I had confiscated a wheel barrel, water jugs, and leather gloves, with a handful of rose branches to boot from the kids.  All this fun material and their idea clicked.  I decided I’d give the kids what they were trying to do on their own…a fort.  Why you need green rose branches for this I do not know!

I was extra confident in my building skills because I just finished up a nesting box for the chickens yesterday.  Nick made it a point to praise my skills.  Maybe I’m a pretty great builder after all huh?  Who knew?

We set to work drilling in screws.  We even made a roof.  I thought it was a pretty cute fort.  Solid.  Durable.  I thought to myself.  The kids immediately went in and started role-playing.  I was feeling so confident I decided to paint it too.

I sent the kids in the house for a snack while I went to work.  I really wanted to finish the fort and surprise Nick.  He is always left to the painting, but I decided I’d complete it without him.  Because I could, and I thought he’d be amazed.

After two walls and two posts were almost done, an unexpected gush of wind came by.  I was sitting inside the fort, and suddenly I wasn’t.  Just like that the fort was destroyed leaving me sitting on the ground next to a child’s rocking chair arms covered in paint (the painted side blew straight at me and face down in the dirt) and the fort got spread across the yard in four pieces.

That is the honest to goodness truth about how I let a silly fort become an object for my pride.  What a dork I am.  Seriously?  I’m glad Jesus puts up with my crap.  I have plenty of it.

I think I’ll rebuild with a grateful heart that wants to bless my kids instead of impress them.  My abilities (and the great lack of them) are from the Lord.  I should use them as such.

back at it

If feels so good being “back at it” again.  The kids have been practically begging to do school.  They are so cute.  It’s so fun to watch their minds grasp and ponder and learn new things.  They all have their favorite subjects, and they all have different strengths and weaknesses, but the thing they have in common is a mama committed to nurturing their education.  Whether they always enjoy it or see the results, is questionable.  My prayer is that they will look back on these days as an anchor to bonds of love and friendship with one another.

 

a peek around

farmhouse breakfast

Tags

breakfast, cooking, farmhouse, food, math skills, raising girls

My dear little Isabel has been volunteering, and practically begging to make breakfast lately.  She’s taken a keen interest in cooking over the last few months.  I’m trying to use this interest to reinforce math skills such as measuring and fractions, as well as basic science (baking powder, salt and baking soda, sugar reactions ect).  She is growing up so fast!  What a great helper.

And those boots…she’s gone country.

the rise and fall

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clothesline, laundry

We have enjoyed the simplicity of farm life so far.  I won’t say it’s been easy.  It’s just not complicated.  We have central AC for the first time in 7 years.  I love it.  It will be more costly though.  I think after working in the hot dry heat all day it’s worth keeping.  I decided not to give myself the option of a dryer to save money.  I know if I have it I’ll use it more than I want, and since we were going to have to buy an electric one (our old one is gas) I figured I could live with nothing but a clothesline.

Nick (we’ll call him future farmer) did a great job of buying, digging, cementing, leveling me a real nice line.  I couldn’t wait to use it…but I did.  Two whole days just to make sure the cement cured well.

Yesterday, I finally put it to use.

It didn’t go as I expected.

I guess the land that’s soft and easy to farm is too loose for a small hole with lots of weight.  At least the clothes were dry by the time it fell.  Here’s to round two.

projects and more: a picture post

farm life

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drip system, nature, outdoors, plants

So far we have bust our tails to get the farm ready for gardens, chickens, and a fleet of children.  We’ve moved in many of our belongings already.  Saturday is the big move.

We have discovered that most of the 30+ trees and bushes on the property are on a drip system, yay! The kids discovered some fun things as well.  If you’re into that type of thing that is.  We’re plugging away at the endless work, and learning the land.  Don’t forget to subscribe to the farm blog in the side bar for all the latest happenings.

 

by her side

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dog, Luke

We all got a tummy sick just before we closed on the farm (yes, we have the keys!).  Isabel was quite ill a couple of days ago, and Luke was so concerned he followed her everywhere.  I thought it was so sweet.  If she was sleeping so was he.  If she was in the bathroom, he was waiting outside the door.

This fluff ball has a very protective heart.  Sometimes it gets him into trouble, but in this case he was doing a great job.

3 ballerinas

Tags

ballet, dance, girls

luke the spoiled dog

P.S. The goats are here!  Check out the full story at 7 Grace Family Farm.  What an awesome experience.

a fun partyLiv

We headed north to celebrate a special birthday.  Olivia turned 5.  We got to celebrate with some of our dearest friends.  She was so happy to have her party while on vacation.

Who wouldn’t be?

Do you know what I love about this girl?  Olivia is by far the most cuddly child.  Our Liv is no stranger to telling people what they should wear either.  The girl has fashion sense.  Much more than I.  When all other kids are happily playing outside, she quietly comes in and folds laundry with me.  When she sits in the car next to me she smiles and tells me that she’s going to have lots of kids like me.  She loves washing dishes.  She loves sleeping in our bed.  She already asks when she can dye her hair– no joke.  Our Liv is growing up far too fast.  I’m trying to savor her.  All of who she is.

Happy Birthday Olivia!

etsy re-opening and Instgram

I have finally gotten my act together and re-opened my Etsy Shop.  I’m especially excited to make a variety of items.  I’ll be updating often and adding new things, so if you would be so kind as to head over and show your support, I would greatly appreciate it.

I have also found myself lost in the world of Instgram. You can find frequent snippets of our life over there as well.  Follow me @7gracefarm.