Knee High By the Fourth of July?

No Problem!


Wordless Wednesday

Before I Forget. . .

While washing dishes this evening, I realized that I had forgotten to share two memorable stories from our trip. Since this blog serves mostly as my journal/scrapbook, I must share them now. I would hate to forget them.

The first story happened on the way there. It was not at all funny at the time. Well I'm still not laughing, but shaking my head. It is one that I need to remember though. One to share with Nolan when he is a parent and complains that his children make him crazy.

One of our numerous stops along the way was at a little gas station. As with many of our stops it was a little chaotic trying to get six kids and four adults through the bathrooms, fill up with gas, and get any other needed items taken care of. As we were getting ready to leave the store, I noticed Nolan was not with me. He was not with Tim. He was not with my parents. He was not with any of the older kids.

I called him several times. There was no response. I went outside. I didn't see him. I looked in our car. Nope not there either. The panic was about to set in. I started toward my parents van when my dad informs me that their vehicle is locked. Where is he? I don't know whether to be angry or scared. I was a little of both.

Suddenly Nolan appears, seemingly out of nowhere. He has a huge grin on his face. (Not for long.) He had crawled into the hatch of our car. It was filled to the top with sleeping bags and duffel bags. He was hiding up there. I didn't see him at first glance because he was covered in luggage.

This is my life with Nolan. Always interesting, often challenging, and sometimes scary. In fact, I have a whole post brewing in my head about this kid, but that is for another time.

The second story I can't really tell. Sorry, but the main character wants to be anonymous. Let's remember it as a lesson learned. The lesson: while camping never wait to go to the bathroom. If you wait something funny might happen that would cause you to choke on your meal. Choking may cause you to cough uncontrollably. The coughing may cause you to lose control of your very full bladder. You may need to change your pants. You've been warned.

Look what I found....

when I came home from vacation.



Isn't she pretty!

And....



There are eight ducklings there if you can't tell. Do you know how hard it is to get eight ducklings to stay still for a photo? Sheesh!

Wordless Wednesday

Forget the Outer Banks

We have vacationed in North Carolina several times. Each time our trip has taken us to the beaches of the Outer Banks. Don't get me wrong, I love the Outer Banks, but I have a new love in North Carolina; the mountains.

We stayed in Asheville, but ventured down to Brevard a couple of days. Much of the area is National Forests, and there are dozens of waterfalls there. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. After all, a waterfall can be anything from the trickle in the creek on our property to Niagara Falls right?


We only made it to two falls, but they were breathtaking. Not only were they beautiful, but they were fun too. The first one really wasn't safe to swim at, but the second one had a nice pool and gentle current at the bottom. We played there for quite some time.

We also went to a place they call Sliding Rock. It is called that because you literally can slide down the rock like a water slide. The water was cold, but the older kids especially had a fantastic time.


We also spent a lot of time at the lake where we camped. Papaw, Mamaw, Ashley, Miles, Kellen and Lydia spent a day at Biltmore while Tim and I took the little kids into Asheville. We road bikes and had campfires. It was a wonderful time.

We traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway. The views from there are spectacular and there are many places to stop along the way. We enjoyed the road, but traveling that route along with several unexpected delays on the interstate about doubled our travel time on the way home. As Delilah would say, that is the Miller Way....

It was a great vacation and there are many more places in those mountains I'd like to see. So, though the Outer Banks is enjoyable, I do believe that I've been taken by the mountains. Bonus! They are closer to home anyway!

See ya!

We are off for a week of camping in the mountains! Details and pictures later! :)

Doesn't Anyone Want to Play?

Wordless Wednesday

One Fierce Momma

Our momma hen, Henrietta, has become downright feisty. She wasn't this way the first time she hatched chicks. She lets nothing anywhere near her chicks, even if what is near is no threat to them or isn't even paying attention to them.

I guess I should be glad she is so protective, but the problem is her favorite daytime hang out is right at the bottom of our side steps. This is where we need to go to get feed for the animals. This is where we walk to go to the van. This is the door I use to go to the clothes line. I'm fine with leaving her alone to mother her babies, but she is making it downright difficult for us to stay out of her way.

She has come after me a couple times, but after a good kick she leaves me alone now. She won't let the dog within five feet of her. I've seen her cross about that space to come after him, and he was just standing by me. He usually just walks away from her. Today he walked by her and she nailed him in the ribs with both claws. He let out a yelp and then growled at her. I hope that is enough to make her back off. Pac is good with the animals, but he is a dog after all.

The one that she has completely intimidated is Nolan. I have never seen Nolan chase after the chicks or try to catch them, though it wouldn't surprise me if he had, but she has come after him several times. She hasn't really hurt him, but man he is scared of that little chicken. If he even sees her he freezes and refuses to walk that direction. Before he goes outside he stops at the door and asks, "Is Henrietta out there?" Poor Nolan he may be tough in a lot of ways, but he is no match for a fierce momma hen.

Now that we've met. . .

Meeting Martha and having her here for a few days was an incredible experience. She just fit in the family. She is one of us. She said it best when she said she felt like she was just coming home for a visit from college and the family had moved. She knew the people and felt at home with them, but just had to get to know the new house. Many have commented on how much we look alike, but it goes beyond that. I think Martha and I think a lot alike. It was very comfortable. It was amazing.

I never really thought about how things would be after we met. I did think about things like how often would see each other, would she join us for the holidays and things like that, but I never thought about how I would feel. It has been over a week now since she left, and I am surprised at some of the emotions there now that the initial thrill and bustle of activity are done.

I think I expected meeting her to bring more closure to the situation. Certainly in some ways there is closure. There is no more wondering if she had anger toward me about the adoption. Knowing that she had a childhood filled with love and a solid upbringing, silences any nagging doubts. The surprise is the nagging ache still in my heart.

Yes, there is happiness that she is part of our family now. Yes, there is reassurance because she had a happy childhood, but the ache of loss still remains. Martha is an adult. She calls me mom, but those precious years of her childhood belong to her other mom. She has a whole life that I am not a part of. This sounds ridiculous as I type it, but it is what I'm feeling.

I guess in some ways this must be what feels like when the child you raised leaves home, and you are no longer a part of their everyday. I never had those everydays with Martha and I think that is what I am now mourning.

I didn't see this coming. I'm not exactly sure what to do with the feeling of loss except to give it to the Lord, again, be thankful that those days of Martha's childhood were spent with a mother who cherishes them, cherish the everydays I have with my other children, and look forward to the days I do have with Martha.

Another Birthday, Another Blog

Happy Birthday today to Delilah. This picture was taken last weekend at the Vandalia Gathering. That is her middle child, Elise, with her. Her oldest, Jude, and Elise have been staying with Papaw and Mamaw this week. For Delilah's birthday we are sending them back! LOL! They have had a lot of fun, but it has just been long enough that the cousins are starting to get on each other's nerves.

And I have a new blog for you to check out, The Kirk Chronicles. This blog is written by Sarah and Tim. Sarah and I were good friends in high school. We've lost touch over the years, and it is wonderful to get to know her again through her blog.

New Chicks

I don't think I will ever tire of baby animals here at the farm. These started hatching yesterday.

Wordless Wednesday

Strangely Normal

Martha left yesterday around noon. The week went so fast. Admittedly, I was a bit concerned about how the week would be. Beyond the whole meeting the daughter you haven't seen for nineteen years issue, which is huge in itself, there was the fact that we do live a bit differently than your average American. It is not exactly a life that you'd think would be appealing to your average college student. My concerns were for nothing.



Of course the initial meeting was somewhat surreal, but it didn't take long until all felt completely normal, completely natural, and just as it should be. We hung out, spent a lot of time with the horses, played games, and shot guns. We cooked, ate a lot and cleaned up together. Younger siblings got on older siblings nerves. Martha and I got away for a little mother/daughter time. It was good, really good.



I posted more photos on my Facebook page if you'd like to see them: Martha's Visit.

Quick Thanks!

Thanks so much for all your prayers and kind words for this week. Martha's visit has been incredible! The best way I can describe it quickly is that it has been strangely normal. More details and pictures of course, later!

What to say?

Martha is coming TODAY!

I'm excited. I'm nervous. I'm happy. I'm unsure. I'm just a big bundle of emotion all flooding in at once. It is good, but I don't have words for it.

What to say?

Um...I won't be needing that

Wordless Wednesday

Nolan is Four!

Today Nolan turns four! Nolan is cute, sweet and ornery all wrapped up in one bundle of energy. We celebrated his birthday yesterday with Mamaw, Papaw, Aunt Hazel, and Terry. We just had lunch and cake with a few presents.

It actually turned out to be quite the eventful day. It had been raining all day, and there were occasional huge gusts of wind. After lunch we were sitting around the table when a gust of wind came up. We watched it blow a large branch onto Mamaw and Papaw's house. We hoped it hadn't done any damage, but those hopes were soon dashed.

The limb had gone right through the ceiling and into the bedroom clear to the other wall. Tim, Terry and Papaw spent the rest of the afternoon repairing the roof and removing the offending tree, and several others near the house that were not looking too healthy.

I spent the afternoon in bed with body aches and a fever. Mamaw had the kids. I am feeling a little better today, but still just very exhausted. I have to much to do this week to be sick.

Unexpected

Sometimes life throw you for a curve. Unexpected events happen and they veer you off the course of your normal everyday or of your plans. Some weeks those curves just come one after another, and you are left at the end of the week drained physically and emotionally, and ever more aware of your dependence on the Lord. This has been one of those weeks.

In the midst of previously scheduled activities, garden planting, and preparing to meet a daughter I haven't seen for nineteen years, life just kept throwing me one unexpected event after another. There was a trip to the vet, a search for a wayward calf, information about people from my not so pleasant past, and a power outage, but the most unexpected of all the events was the discovery of a stolen children's item in my van.

I found the item in the hatch of my van one evening while looking for something else. It still had the tags on and was from a store that we had been to that day. I didn't want to believe that it had been stolen, but I could think of no other reasonable explanation. The item was decidedly something that half of my children would have no interest in, so I knew there were only two I needed to talk to.

I showed Tim and together we confronted the children. As soon as the child saw the item there was a confession. So much for my slim chance of hope that there was some other explanation. I was sad and angry all at the same time. Why would they do this? Where did I go wrong? How did I not notice this at the store? What was this child thinking? Is this the start of even more problems?

I didn't know what to say. It was bedtime and the child was already in bed. We both gave stern words, and promised there would be consequences in the morning. The child was in tears, and was completely apologetic. We decided that the child would return the item and explain to the store what they had done. The child also received a firm paddle. Was that enough?

The first thing we did the next day was head to the store. Child says to me, "I don't want to go to jail. I want to stay with you and daddy." I explained that jail was probably not something that would happen. To which child says, "What if the store calls the police?" I could only respond, "Then I guess you'll have to talk to the police." When other children asked why we were going to the store again, child humbly explained what they had done.

As we waited in line at they store child was talking to themselves. I asked what they were saying. They were telling them self to be brave. When we got up to the clerk, child quickly explained what they had done and apologized while returning the item. I don't think the clerk knew what to do. She looked surprised and then said she was glad we brought the item back. I'm sure child was relieved to not have to talk to the police.

The punishment may seem a bit light, but I do know the whole experience left quite the impression on the child and the siblings. I do not think the child will do this again, and I hope the siblings have learned a lesson too.

It has been a week of unexpected.

Happy Birthday Martha

Nineteen years ago today in a hospital recovery room I held my new baby in my arms. At over ten pounds, she wasn't exactly small as far as newborns go, but she was the tiniest most precious thing I had ever held. Her head was covered with black curly hair, and she was so strong. I distinctly remember her pushing herself up as I held her against my chest. She even almost held her own head. I've never seen a newborn like her since.

A few days later I said goodbye to her. She was on her way to a new family, one I knew a little about, but had never met. I wasn't sure when or if we'd ever meet again, but I was certain that was what best for the both us.

In the last few months I've begun to get to know the young woman that baby grew into. Wow, she is amazing! She is kind, talented, and has a heart for the Lord. It has been such a joy to get to know her. I can hardly believe she will be here in ten days. It is incredible!

So, Happy Birthday to Martha! You can wish her a happy birthday over at her blog too!

Crazy Spring Weather

Sweatshirts and swimsuits should not be in the same load of laundry.

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday to Mamaw!

Today my mom turns... well twenty years older than I. You do the math. Happy Birthday!

The Best Days of the Year

Yesterday a new calf was born, a girl. I didn't get any pictures yet, but she is a cute thing! She had a little trouble getting started on the teat, and momma cow and baby weren't letting Papaw help much. Baby just couldn't seem to find it. Papaw bottled fed her about two quarts, and then she perked back up and thought Papaw was the best thing ever. She let him help her, and she was able to get on and nurse. This morning it looks like she is doing it on her own.

May is such a busy month. It is full of birthdays and end of the school year activities. This year Martha is coming to visit, and we all couldn't be more excited! Before any of that actually happens though, there are my favorite days of the year coming up. The days I get to get away; ALONE!

I love my kids, and I love staying home with them, but sometimes moms just need a break. We need a little time to ourselves, time to spend with other adults, time when there is not someone constantly demanding your attention and time to relax. Every year that time has come for me the first weekend of May.

The first weekend of May is the women's retreat for Market Street Fellowship, the church we attended before moving here. It is held in a beautiful lodge in central Ohio. Many of my closest friends from Akron are there, along with new faces too. It is a relaxed time with a lot of sharing, fellowship, and fun. Exactly what I need to recharge the mommy batteries.

The drive is long, but even that is enjoyable. This year a friend from here will be joining me, and I am sure we will chat the drive away. Well we leave in about two hours. Guess I better get packing!

Cousins

Wordless Wednesday

Why is it?

Why is it that no matter how late my kids stay up, they always get up at the crack of dawn

EXCEPT

The day that we have somewhere to be and need to leave early?

Sunrise and Redbud

Wordless Wednesday

Four Children, Two Goats and a Minivan

How naive was I to think that moving to the woods to raise a few animals and vegetables would be a calm, quiet, and peaceful life? It seems to be anything but. It is filled with busyness leaving hardly any time to just be. It is a different sort of hectic from life in the city, but hectic it is none the less.

Last weekend we made a trip to the town we grew up in to celebrate Tim's and his brother's birthday. Here are some pictures.







Then we made a quick trip to Aunt Hazel's and Terry's to pick up the new tool they purchased for the property. I think Terry was tired of dragging deer up the hollows.



We got home Sunday just in time to feed the animals. That is when we noticed that one goat was missing. Desert was in the far corner of the pasture with her new kid, another boy. We've moved them in the shed, and there they will stay for awhile. Donkeys or not I'm not taking any chances.



So what does all this have to do with the title of this post? Well, seems nothing goes simply by the book here. By Monday morning Desert still had not passed all the afterbirth. Awhile on the internet showed she need medicine only the vet could get. Awhile on the phone to find there are no vets close that see goats. A little longer on the phone to find we would have to bring the goat to the vet, or pay a huge amount to have a vet come here, because the vet who sees goats does not know us. (Note to those thinking of getting animals: establish a relationship with a vet before you need their help.) An hour later we are headed down the road in our old minivan; two goats in the back and four children in the front.



Parked in the Wayne Wal-Mart shopping plaza, where the vet is located, the vet and his assistants examine the goat, in the back of my minivan with my four children peering over the back seat watching the show. A little cleaning, two shots, fifteen minutes and seventy-five dollars later we are back on the road. Mama and baby seemed to be doing fine, and she seems to be passing the stuff that needs to go.

So calm, peaceful, quiet? Um. . . not in these woods, but I'd never trade this hectic country life for our former city life. It may not be exactly as I envisioned, but it is good.

Happy Birthday to Tim!

Today is my wonderful husband's birthday! Go and wish him a happy birthday!

Martha's Got a Blog!

I love telling you about new blogs, but especially when they are from someone in the family! Martha started a blog, Spellbinding the World One Day at a Time. Go check it out!

What is Worse?

The toddler pooping in her pants?



Or the toddler pooping on the sidewalk?


Oh the stories I have to tell when these kids start dating!

Easing Into Bedtime

When the days start getting longer bedtime can be quite the battle around here. After spending the entire day with the kids, come about 8:00, I am done. I just want some peace and quiet. Tim and I want some time alone. The kids, on the other hand, see it is still daylight and have no desire to go to bed. See the battle?

The solution? Ease into bedtime. It is one that we have used before, and somehow lost the routine along the way. We are picking it up again. We start the routine about 8:00. Everyone gets ready for bed. It is usually about 8:30 till everyone is done, and then they go to bed, but not to sleep. They go to bed for some quiet time. Mostly they lay in bed and read. Those who need the sleep the most (read Nolan) often fall asleep during this time. Then at 9:00 it is dark. We go in, tuck them in and turn off the lights.

It works like a charm. I think that half hour of quiet time helps them to wind down after a busy day of work and play. I know it helps me! Then they are ready to go to sleep by bedtime.

Works for Me Wednesday

So Much to Say!

It has been quite the week. Much more busy than I like, but sometimes it just falls that way. There has been a lot going on. Where do I start?

The best news is that Martha is planning a visit! She and a friend are coming in May. I am so excited, and a bit anxious. I really don't have words for it. It is a happy thing though! She has expressed that she feels the same way.

Kellen, the kid who hates art, had a drawing selected for a student art show at the Highlands Museum in Ashland. The picture was made during a workshop we did there. The theme was "When I Grow Up." He wrote a bit about what he wants to be; a chemical engineer was the profession stated at the time, and drew a picture of himself with a college diploma. We won't be able to attend the opening ceremony, but the show runs from April 19- May 10. When we do go I will get a picture to post here.

And we now have guard animals. We have two donkeys, and a friend may be buying a llama to keep here too. Think that will keep the dogs away? Really, you should have only one donkey with the herd. That way they become part of the herd and protect it. (For more on using donkeys as guard animals: Protecting Livestock with Guard Donkeys) With two they go off with each other and do their own thing. These are doing that somewhat, and we are being pretty cautious with the goats and sheep still.

We do plan to separate the donkeys and put one up with the cows, but we have a pretty aggressive horse up there that needs to go first. The donkeys are young, about ten months. Sophie shows no mercy.


They are a little skittish yet, but the jenny will let me pet her fairly readily. The jack is a bit more shy. I am hoping to be able to work with them enough to be able to lead, and maybe to let the kids ride.

We haven't named them yet. We are waiting for Miles and Ashley to help decide. The names put out so far:

Mario and Peach
Luigi and Daisy
Link and Zelda

Do you see a pattern here?

Luke and Leia was also suggested.

When I suggested just Jack and Jenny, Kellen, with a sheepish grins suggested, "Jack-you-know-what, and Jenny-you know-what, JA for short." Always pushing the limits that kid is. That suggested was vetoed.

Any opinions or ideas?

HIllbilly Swimming Pool

Don't worry the electric fence is off!

Wordless Wednesday

More Loss

We lost three goats yesterday; Twist and the twins. They were run down by three stray dogs. This makes me change by thoughts about Patty's death. We need to reevaluate some things. Those dogs will be shot. We are thinking of getting a donkey. Any other ideas?

Life and Death; all in the same day

When you can raise animals there will be lots of ups and downs. You will see the miracle of life, and taste the sadness of death. Some days it will happen all in the same day.

This morning Papaw found Patty, well, the remains of Patty. She wasn't far from home. She was down in a hollow; apparently the only one the four of us who looked for her did not look in. She had been there too long to tell what had happened. She was old, so maybe she just died of old age. That is what I'd like to think anyway.

This afternoon I noticed Twist was not with the rest of the herd. Since she is one of the two goats that we've been expecting kids from, I figured today was finally the day. I was not disappointed. Mamaw and Papaw spied them from the driveway. Them as in all three of them! Twins!


If you've never seen a baby goat, they are just about the cutest things ever. I didn't get the best pictures today, but you know there will be more to come. The spotted one is just too adorable. They are both boys which is sad because we won't be keeping them. We'll have to decide whether to sell or butcher them. They are meat goats, but I didn't know they'd be so cute!


Just another day on the farm.

Another Busy Weekend

This weekend Ashley and Miles came for a visit. Their mom and a friend of hers also came, and their aunt who actually is about the same age as the kids. It was a full weekend.

We celebrated Miles' birthday which was a few weeks ago. Kellen videoed the birthday song. Be warned it isn't for those who can't tolerate off key singing.

There was also dirt sorting, walks in the woods and playing in the creek. We had some tired kids by the time the weekend was done. Tired in a good way.

In addition to all that activity we also have a new addition to the farm. Meet Stanley.


You've met Flame and Charcoal previously. They are now big enough to breed, and well. . . Stanley was needed. He is a big boy; significantly bigger than the sows. We had been letting the animals run together, but the shelter was pretty full. For the protection of the lambs, we put the pigs in a separate area, and made the goats and sheep a temporary shelter. We also should have new goats sometime this spring. I'd rather not have brand new babies with the boar. He seems gentle enough, but he is huge! (Remember I said any day about a month ago? Well those poor does just keep getting bigger. I've given up on guessing, and am now saying sometime this spring we will have kids.) The sows and goats and sheep were all so confused the first night. They are used to running together, and just stood at the gate separating the pastures looking at each other. Eventually, after Stanley is accustomed to his new home, we will probably let them run together during the day and separate them at night.


Stanley and the girls are getting acquainted. He is funny to watch. He came from a farm where the pigs are only in buildings. He had never been outside. The first thing he did was find a big mud hole and plop in it. He was much more interested in the mud than the ladies. He has been rooting all around the pasture, and playing in mud.

My aunt and uncle came today to visit for a few days, and we have another full week ahead. I've done a little planting in the garden, and hope to get some more done soon. As always there are more projects than time around here.

Happy Easter from the Appletons

Happy Easter to all! We had a fairly laid back day. On the original plan, we should have been in Florida today, but since that trip isn't happening we just went to church and had lunch with Mamaw and Papaw. The girls did get all dolled up, including rag rolled hair.

Vivian was so cute last night. Lydia got out the stuff I use to roll her hair, and Viv sat down on my lap like, "Here I am. Do my hair. " I fully did not expect her to sit there long enough to let me roll it, let alone leave the rags in over night, but she did very well with it.



The boys were pretty handsome too today. Kellen started off with a dress shirt and a tie, but when he discovered that he had to button the shirt all the way up and tuck it in, well it was just too much for him. He still looked pretty handsome, even though he likes to look like a goof for the camera! Finally caught him with a decent smile for this picture.

After lunch Papaw and Tim kept working on the fence. It is coming along. I think Tim has a post brewing about that project. The rest of us walked up to see how wet the garden spot is; still very wet! It supposed to rain all week too. Makes it kind of hard to get my peas in!

We are taking spring break this week. We'll be catching up on some things and going to do a few fun things too. Ashley and Miles will not be here. They have lost all but one of their days of spring break due to snow make up days. We also are having issues with their mom letting them come again. It is all very frustrating, and we miss them a lot. It is really hard on Kellen and Lydia.

Hoping you had a good Easter too!

Nolan's Naps

Nolan is almost four. I've blogged here many a time about his, shall we say, determination. The kid is down right stubborn, sweet and adorable, but what a hard head. The latest dilemma is a nap.

The older two did not take naps at this age, but Nolan really needs one. If he hasn't taken a nap you can count on the battles starting about 4:30 in the afternoon. When he is tired, he gets ornery, and starts picking on his siblings. He'll insist on having his leg touch Kellen while he is reading. He'll rearrange the doll house Lydia just spent hours making just so. The toys in Vivian's hands will suddenly disappear with Nolan running to the other side of the house; anything to get their attention and a reaction.

Sometimes I can trick him into taking a nap by putting him on his bed with his special blanket and a book. I tell him he needs some quiet time, and that he can't come out until the timer goes off. About half the time that works smoothly and he falls asleep without a fuss. The other half of the time, well, it is a battle. Once he is convinced he has to stay in his room, he almost always does fall asleep, after the battle.

If we are running errands, Nolan almost always will fall asleep in the car on the way home. For a long time I would try to carry him in, and put him in his bed. He would wake up, and that was the end of the nap. There was no getting him back to sleep. Half a nap is sometimes worse than no nap at all.

A few weeks ago I decided just to leave him in the car. I unbuckled him and left the door just slightly open so he could get out easily when he woke up. He slept there for two hours. I've been doing it ever since. If it is a little chilly out, I take him a blanket, and let him sleep.

I'm not sure how he sleeps like that in his car seat, but he does; without a battle. That is a solution that works for me.

Works for Me Wednesday

Body Art ala Vivian

Do you think she will want tattoos when she is older?

Wordless Wednesday

This is Martha

I know some of you have seen photos of Martha, but for the rest of you. This is Martha!

Just too Cute!

Carrying the Weight of the World!

With Her Brothers