1.8.21 Farm work

I'm thankful for the time we have to work together and that there is so much work to go around. In the work is the reward. The skills, the self-esteem, the motivation to become. We had a day working together at the shop. The guys began resurfacing the ripper shanks. 

The girls cleaned and organized the tool room. We have an abundant collection of wrenches. 

John took a turn too. He and Mark spent a few nights with boy scouts learning the very basic ideas of welding. Thus they are working on resurfacing ripper shanks. 

The mechanic project for this year is replacing a seal on the engine. First step cleaning all the harvest debris off the combine. Not to mention it was a beautiful scene. 

Reed was so delighted to find his chickens lay colored eggs. The green eggs are not appetizing to me but they were exciting to him. 

This guy is so capable. We are on a countdown until this guy goes on a mission that makes us very worried about our lifestyle and the obvious seperation that will occur. 

The next group waiting in the wings is quickly getting bigger and more capable as the seasons change. I love watching them grow and become who they are and discovering new talents and skills that will further change the dynamic of our home. 

The farm life is hard and dirty but offers lots of room to roam and discover. I'm thankful for the time afforded by the pandemic to grow at our own pace on our own schedule. I'm grateful for all the need that stretches each of us in ways that are important and strengthening. Life is good and we are blessed. 

 

1.7.21 Big and Small moments

When school is in session I have very little time to use the computer thus I am very behind in blogging and recording our family life. But this picture has been waiting and is very important. John is in high school and had the opportunity to play football this fall. Well be on the team and practice there were no games, but it was such a building experience. They were not sad to have a happy large guy to show up at practice. While John has a lot to learn he really enjoyed the experience. Notice all the bounty behind him, grapes for juice, freshly dug potatoes, the last tomatoes of the season, squashes of all varieties. We are missing all that freshness, yet enjoying jar after jar of preserved food. 

                    John also took his drivers test. He drove us home from that outing. He passed!

Reed was the turkey at activity days. The other kids had to catch him to get the candy. Reed is pretty fast and agile this was not an easy turkey to catch!

Masks just keep going, so Addie ordered deluxe masks from Aunt Shawna. These fit so nicely and are pretty comfortable. 

A typical day at my utility table. We eat, learn, visit, and live at this table. 

A fun activity we enjoyed this winter has been note writing. We were gifted some unique stationary and thus took the time to send lots of letters to our cousins and some friends. 

About 20 letters ready to go in the mailbox. We used over 3 books of stamps, but the joy that was reported in being remembered and the delight of receiving notes back was worth the effort and cost. 

Lotsa letters!

My tall family! I love these kiddos. 

Aliza spends so much time on the computer. I invested in bluelight glasses for her and the other kids. She looks so smart. 

The younger crew and their dad. 

Aliza and her posse getting ready for bed. Brushing teeth, stretching, and rubbing feet. They love her. 

 

1.4.20 The Holy City

There are so many moments, that I'm thankful for the nudges from the Holy Spirit to pay attention. This was one. Lloyd playing the piano, Karadyn on violin, Uncle Richard who is a beautiful tenor, Aliza on harmony, and Grandma Sue on Alto singing the Holy City. A favorite song of grandpa Harold, who would sing it often accompanied by his wife Doris. 

 I was downstairs working on dishes when I heard the familiar notes to this challenging song. I figured I should take a picture just to have a record. When I got upstairs in position and stopped to listen I was overcome with the beauty of the performance and the love in the room. Maybe it was a thin moment between earth and heaven, maybe it was the strength of generations and talents, whatever it was it was overpowering. I choked up and felt tears beginning to come. Sue was also touched and tearing up. We are truly blessed by others talents and gifts. It is rare I hear Aliza sing anymore, I wish with all my heart she had more opportunity to do so. I'm thankful Karadyn brought her violin to the farm and then as she was packing to go home offered to play for us. I'm thankful for written music that allows for consistent performances through the ages. Life is good. 

1.3.21 Christmas

Christmas is a month long celebration at our house. We spend as much time as possible baking, singing, and delivering food gifts to friends and neighbors. Usually I'm standing at the van sliding door encouraging everyone to unload and proceed to door. However I took a rare exception to take a picture of the troops preparing to sing. 

In the midst of all the holiday preparations, the older five kids had their wisdom teeth extracted. Thus I had a rare few moments with my big guys to help me shop at the grocery warehouse!

We had time with lots of cousins. They mostly love babies. I love this heritage. Babies are fun, sweet additions made doubly so by all the adoring people who welcome them. 

Christmas breakfast, Deviled eggs, apple or berry turnovers, homemade eggnog, hot chocolate, sausage links and love. We use china. There are no more important people in my life than my family. Thus ion this special day celebrating Christ's birth we use china. 

No pictures of presents I was so overcome with my new set of pots and pans, but after opening them the kids played with some. A money game while wearing new pajamas and a crown. 

The farming game while building lego cars. 

The new incubator. Reed and Mark want to hatch 100 chickens for our flock??!

Some uncles came home and were willing to help Addie with a new hairstyle. 

More farming game, trying to make the most money!

A few movies. 

Time with more cousins, and grandparents. 

Helping make breakfast. 

Resting after wisdom teeth surgery. They all did so well, I was very impressed with the Dr and his staff. 

Some festive centerpieces made by my graceful daughters Addie and Aliza. 

A new shirt and tie in time for the Rogue Christmas dance. 

Another new Christmas dress. 

Enjoying an early cousin visit. Thomas and Reed. These two are very similar in determination, and maturity. Anna said Thomas has great cow sense. he is always up for working and playing. He doesn't complain and he doesn't give up. 

Bruce has really come into playing with cousins. This family has mostly boys. Hans and his younger brother Ephriam, not pictured, played and explored the farm with Bruce. 

Mary and Millie are closest in age. they had a great time! 

The girls showing their new winter pictures from art lessons in December.

 I am very tired by Christmas afternoon, but I am thankful for all the memories we make and all the time we share together. I'm sugared out and need a lot of exercise and self-discipline to reclaim the jeans that became snug from all the baking. but the important traditions and activities happened. I did love a lot of it, I loved learning with my children, and having time to do what needed to be done. Life is good.