Fall Fun

The Fall Festivities are in full swing. Wednesday night we went to the Corn Maze with a group of people from church. I've never seen such tall corn in my life. We entered the maze with family friends, four adults and eight kids. It was quite the adventure. We were the first of our group to enter. We were the last to exit. I know some of you are heading there also. All I can say is the route from #3 to #4 is killer. Good luck, and don't let the kids navigate!



Today we went to the Pumpkin Festival with our homeschool co-op. All the kids got pumpkins to decorate. Vivian made a bunny. Nolan and Lydia made deer. They had a lot of fun decorating the pumpkins. Kellen carved his.






After the pumpkin decorating fun, we walked around to see the exhibits. We mostly hit the historical ones. We watched a potter, a spinner, and a blacksmith. We saw a few animals and looked at some animal hides. We watched apple butter and sorghum being made while enjoying time together and with friends.





I love fall and all the fall festivities that come with it. Soon we will be hosting a fall festival of our own, and roasting our first pig here in the 100 Acre Woods. You can be sure I will be posting more about that later!

Death and Destruction

Some time ago a friend mentioned that she'd like to learn how to butcher chickens. A pretty normal desire considering that she has chickens of her own.

Then another friend, who has no chickens, mentioned she like to learn the process too. She was more interested in the educational value of teaching her children where their food comes from.

We recently met another family, who is homesteading, and they expressed a desire to learn the butchering process. So, we decided to have a butchering party.

We set a date and invited everyone to bring a covered dish to share, and butchering knives if they had them. Then last Friday night two of the families we originally talked to plus a neighbor of one of the families ventured to the 100 Acre Woods, in the rain, to enjoy time with one another and butcher poultry.

It wasn't the best of nights as far as weather goes, but the company was fabulous, the food delicious, and we got rid of a few pesky roosters in the process. I never did count, but the guys butchered chickens and rabbits until it was dark outside.

Not everyone who wanted to come was able to make it Friday. We will be doing this again soon. Susan was the party photographer. If you're not squeamish, you can find her photos here.

****

Almost exactly one year ago, we tore down the barn of a stranger. That wood and roofing has been used to build a pig house, and part of a chicken house. But I guess a year is enough time to forget how much work tearing down a building is, and run out of lumber, but either way we are back at.

Someone put an ad in the ad bulletin for an old house that needed torn down. Yesterday, the destruction began. This picture is what I found when I went to the site late this morning. There was nothing left of those corner walls by the time I left mid-afternoon. Two trailers loads of lumber have come so far. There is more to come.

Point Pleasant

Today we went with several other homeschooling families to Point Pleasant WV. Point Pleasant is a small city located where the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers meet. This area is rich in history including the lore of the Mothman. We arrived a bit early and took a minute to get a picture with him.



Next we met up with our friends at the Point Pleasant River Museum. Here we learned about the Silver Bridge that collapsed in 1967, saw various artifacts from the boats of the Ohio River, but one of the best things was the aquarium. The museum has a large aquarium filled with the fish of the Ohio River. I was surprised at the variety included in the tank, including the exotic looking Paddlefish.





Then we crossed the street to Tu-Endie-Wei state park where we learned about Chief Cornstalk and the Battle of Point Pleasant. We walked along the river to view the historical murals that are currently being painted on the flood walls. Those murals were quite impressive. I hope to return again once they are complete.






We had a good day. We all learned a little history, even though some thought football was the topic for the day. We spent time with friends, and enjoyed a warm fall day. This is my kind of homeschooling day.

Our Devout Chickens

I was not a first hand witness to this story. This may be hearsay, but the other day Mamaw went out to the chicken house to find Nolan and Lydia playing with the chickens. They were holding them and balking at with them. Mamaw asked the children what they were doing, and they informed her that they were teaching the chickens how to pray.

When the story was later related to me, within ear shot of Lydia, she quickly reported to me that the chickens were good at praying. Lydia and Nolan would balk, and the chickens would repeat the prayer. When asked what they were praying about, the children stated they were praying for the chickens to lay more eggs. That of course, begs the question of what the roosters were praying for. Apparently, the roosters larger claws, and stronger bodies discouraged the kids from giving them prayer lessons. Too bad, as those roosters will soon be meeting their maker.

Catapults and Marshmallows

This week in Mystery of History Vol 1, we talked about the Assyrians and Babylonians. A small part of the conversation included the fact that the Assyrians (or the donkey-rians as Kellen likes to call them) first invented the catapult and battering ram.

That small tidbit of information led to searching for and watching several videos on the two weapons, and ultimately to the designing of the their own weapons. The catapults were loaded with marshmallows, and war (and eating of the ammunition) was declared.




You just never know where a homeschool lesson may lead.

And the winner is....

Lu! Congratulations on winning Prelude to a Blog!

Carter Caves

Monday and Tuesday our school consisted of an extended field trip to Carter Caves. This a beautiful Kentucky state park not far from here. As you might guess from the name, the park is full of caves. Unfortunately, most of the caves are closed due to a disease that is wiping out bat populations. Even so, we found plenty of opportunities for fun, exercise and education.








You may wonder why there are no pictures of Kellen. That is because every time he saw my camera pointed in his direction he would do this.....



or this.....



For some reason though, he didn't mind posing for other people's cameras, and they were able to catch a few good shots of him....(too bad they are too small to see when I upload them. They are in Facebook albums here and here.)





It was a great trip. Now, it is back to the normal routine!

Prelude to a Blog - Review and Giveaway

Lisa Bertolini (aka Sisterlisa) is a homeschooling mom of four. She herself is an accomplished blogger. You can find her blogging at The Home Spun Life . She also works behind the scenes at Growing in Grace Magazine, a blog written by and devoted to Christian girls. Now, she is sharing some of her wisdom on blogging with us.

Her ebook, Prelude to a Blog, is a guide to help parents establish a blog and blogging guidelines for their children. My son, Kellen, keeps a blog, and I have found it a very useful tool for our homeschool. Blogging can also be a way for children to network, and interact with other homeschoolers.

We all are aware though, that the internet is not always an easy place, or a safe place to navigate. Sisterlisa provides step by step instructions on how to help your child to establish a blog, while keeping it a fun and safe endeavor. The book will help you set up the blog, establish safety guidelines, and gives tips on a broad range of topics from sharing your faith to blogging courtesies.

Her book is available for purchase via her website, or you can win one here. Just leave a comment, and a winner will be drawn randomly Wednesday September 16th. The winner will be notified by email. So, please, be sure to leave an email address if your email is not enable through blogger.

Homeschool Dynamics

The kids were begging me to start school. I was dragging my feet. It isn't that I don't enjoy homeschooling the kids, but this time year is so crazy. Tim is working 60 hour weeks. The garden is producing and that produce needs preserving, and this year I am also working. I just wasn't ready to add something else to the schedule. Oh and there was one other thing that concerned me; Nolan would be starting school.

Without officially being in school, Nolan has already picked up a lot. This year though it is time to be a little more structured with him. It is time to start reading. Learning that skill is intense, at least on my end. We use Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. The lessons are short and relaxed, really. The intensity comes from the one on one time it requires of me. I know it really isn't that long, and I probably sound like a whiner. But I so enjoy when they are able to read and I can set them loose on a assignment.

The other concern with Nolan is he is very strong willed. We've learned to deal with that, in most cases. In fact I almost can't believe that I wrote that post about him most days. He really has become so much easier to parent in the last few years. Or maybe it just seems that way because his younger sister now is the strong will that challenges me.

Regardless of how I felt about starting school, the kids started anyway. No really, they got out their books, and only dragged me into it when they got stuck on a problem. Kellen even did Nolan's lessons with him.

Since first few days we have gotten into a better routine, and I have become a more active participant. The older kids have fallen right into the routine. Nolan is picking up his lessons easily. He really hasn't fought me on them, but there definitely has been an increase in his drama in other areas. He also has shown me a side of himself I had seen before. He has some perfectionists tendencies that I never noticed until now. It is hard for him to not make his letters perfectly. He spent a long time writing and erasing his first writing lesson. I am hoping the drama subsides after our routine becomes more normal for him. But I have this deep lurking feeling that there are many battles to come.

Then Vivian, of course, has demanded her one on one time too. She wants me to help her color and play games with her in quantities never seen before. She is learning (albeit slowly) to wait her turn, and that she can't interrupt when I am helping someone else. I have really enjoyed the one on one time with her too.

There was one thing that has surfaced with school this year that I never saw coming; anxiety. No, not from the kids, from me. It really has hit me hard this year how old Kellen is. He is in the sixth grade. This means a few quick years of middle school, then high school, and then he is gone. Though I am in no hurry to see him go, what has caused the anxiety is the educational ramifications of his age. Kellen checking out admissions requirements to various military academies was the start of my anxiousness.

We have a laid back school style. We use a lot of unit studies, and focus mainly on language arts and math. I am a firm believer that if those basics are solid in elementary, other subjects will come along easily. Kellen and Lydia's standardized tests scores show they have not been missing out in other areas.

Looking at those admissions requirements made me realize that Kellen will soon need more structured, not to mention advanced, learning. I also will have to do better record keeping to create a transcript for him. That means change, and with change usually comes stress.

I'm not in full blown panic attack about this, yet. I have a few years until we really need to make changes. It is more of this low undercurrent of anxiety that I don't exactly know how to change, and how to prepare Kellen for college. I don't know what those years should or will look like. Kellen is an incredibly talented child, and I want him to reach his full potential. Nothing like putting on a little pressure?

I guess I am thankful that this tiny bit of anxiety has hit me now. It gives me time to plan, and time to change. Time to adjust to the dynamics that are happening right now. Homeschooling, it is always an adventure.

Can it be true?

It feels like fall this morning, and I am wondering where did the summer go? This summer has been a blur. We didn't take any big trips this summer. The kids weren't involved in any extra activities this summer. Yet here it almost September and I don't know where the summer went.

Life in the 100 Acre Woods is just busy. Though this is only my third post all month (when have I ever posted so little?) there is just always something going on around here. We have new ducks. Got them from the neighbor mentioned in the previous post. They are Muscovy. Really quite ugly, but are supposed to be good layers. (the picture isn't actually our duck, but you get the idea. photo credit: Keith Watson.)

And if you aren't on Facebook, you may have missed Tim's photos of the excavator. First it got stuck on the hillside, and then it flipped when they were trying to get it out. It is right side up now, but still stuck on the hill.

Then of course there are the gardens which we expanded this year. I haven't done as much canning this year as last, but all the produce still keeps me busy. We are now trying to figure out what to do with all the sunflowers. We planted 1 1/2 rows, and they were gorgeous, but you don't really realize how many flowers and seed that leaves you with. It is crazy!

This summer there is also work off the farm. That probably is what makes everything seem so busy to me. I'm gone all weekend and Tuesday night. It really makes a huge difference when it comes to getting things done around here, but it also makes a huge difference in getting rid of debt.

But yesterday, before work, I glanced at my planner for this week, and it was blank! Blank?! I have to work Tuesday night, but other than that, no where else I have to go?! No appointments?! No co-op commitments?! Nothing! Nada! Yippee!

I have no words to describe how incredibly happy an empty schedule makes me. There is still plenty to do. I have laundry as always. There are apples to can, and fall garden to finish planting. There are a few good sales I want to organize coupons for and take advantage of, but I can do it when I want instead of trying to squeeze it in between the things on the calendar. It is freedom, I tell ya.

Different Strokes

We've all been created so differently. There are physical difference, and differences in how we think and our emotional make up. Most times I can appreciate the beauty in those difference. Other times I am just dumb struck by them, and look at people and think, I just don't get you.

Recently a commenter at a different blog mentioned a family member who has apple trees in her yard. The family member refuses to use the apples from that tree, yet she goes to the store and buys the same variety of apples!?! I would love to have my own apple trees, and enjoy picking from the neighbors who are so kind to share with us. I just don't get letting apples in your own yard sit while you go and buy some from the store.

In an example closer to home, we have a neighbor who keeps a variety of animals similar to our farm here. They have a small breed of cows, ducks, chickens, goats, and a donkey. They have spent a lot of time, and money I am sure, to build fences for these animals. They have a small barn, and of course have to buy feed for these animals. Yet, every single one of these animals are pets. Yes, you read right, they are pets. Eggs are not gathered. Milking does not occur. Butchering is a dirty word.

These neighbors are really nice. I like them, but I don't understand them at all. They aren't vegans or vegetarians. They go to the store to buy meat and animal products. I know I tend to be a very practical person, and maybe that is why this behavior is so bewildering to me, but I just do not understand this mentality.

As a consequence of eggs not being gathered, these neighbors have roughly three dozen ducks they want to give away. We were hoping to take quite a few, some to replace the stock we lost to predators this summer, and some to fatten to butcher. It isn't going to happen. We will probably get a few for breeding and egg purposes, but our neighbor "just wouldn't feel right" giving them to anyone who will be butchering the ducks. *bewildered look* "I just don't get you."

Different strokes for different folks. People are free to grow whatever fruit or animals, not intended for consumption, they want. I know what kind of money goes into feed and fence and shelter around here. If you want to spend that kind of money on pets, I don't understand it, but c'est la vie.

I have to wonder though, how we have become so disconnected from our food that we would rather buy our food from the store than eat the food we raise ourselves. That nicely packaged T-bone in the grocers cooler also once belonged to a gentle cow with big brown eyes. Only you don't know what that cow was fed, what it was injected with, how it was treated, or anything else about it.

Yes, our animals are cute. Yes, I sometimes get a little attached. But in the end, this family needs to eat. I would much rather feed them with meat and produce that I've been in close contact with from the beginning, than to spend our hard earned money to buy the end result of someone else tending my food.

But that is just me.

I'm sure many are now looking at me and thinking, I just don't get you.

Goat is Good

Goat meat (chevron) is one of the most popular meats worldwide. Somehow its popularity has skipped America where we favor the larger cows and hogs for our meat source. Goat meat also is very nutritious. check out this video about goat meat. And this link contains nutritional information. Thanks to Goats in the Garden for the links.

Even knowing all these facts, I was a little hesitant to try goat meat. We recently had three goats butchered. So, I was really hoping that goat meat was as good as I've been reading.

When we try new meat I like to make something simple with it. I want to taste the meat, not the spices or other things added to it. The first Chevron we made was spare ribs. I put them in the crock pot with some sliced onion, garlic powder, salt and pepper. They cooked on low all day long.

They were delicious; very tender with an excellent flavor. The flavor reminds me a bit of venison, but it isn't as dry and there is no gamey flavor. It reminded me most of lamb (young lamb, not mutton which can have a strong flavor.)

Goats are fabulous for clearing out the woods and mowing the driveway. They also are very nutritious, and delicious. I can see why it is such a popular meat worldwide. I am glad to have a freezer full of it, and more coming!

I Used to Know That

Have you ever had your child ask you a question about a school subject, and uttered the words, "Well, that sounds familiar. I think I used to know that?" As a homeschooling mom of four, with one in particularly inquisitive child, I find myself in that position frequently. I think that is why the little book I Used to Know That appeals to me so.

There are lots of tidbits of information, that I probably once learned in school, included in chapters entitled: English, Literature, Math, Science History, Geography, and General Studies. Information is clear and easy to find. There many helpful tables included. Such as a Geography table that with country names, their capital and continent.

What a great resource when you can't quite remember the answer to a question the kids pose! Do you remember the answer to these questions? The answers are all in the book (and at the bottom of this post.)

1)In Einstein's Theories of Relativity, E = MC2 what does C stand for again?

2)Which were the original 13 states of the Union?

3)What is onomatopoeia?

With this book I was also sent i before e (except after c), and My Grammar and I (Or Should That be 'Me'?): Old-School Ways to Sharpen Your English. The first is packed full of mnemonics to help your student (or yourself) remember all kinds of information. The latter of which serves as a handy grammar guide.

I really enjoyed all three of these books. They will find a place on the book shelf, and be referenced frequently.

Oh, and the answers to those questions?






1) C is the velocity of light
2) Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia. Delaware was the first to ratify the new constitution and is nicknamed "The First State" to this day.
3) A word or phrase that sounds (a bit) like the sounds it is meant to convey: buzz, purr, or Tennyson's the murmuring of innumerable bees.

Nolan's First Bike Ride!

Look what Nolan learned to do yesterday!

Someone Else's Secret

We live in one of the highest areas of the county. As a result there are many towers along the ridge we live on. Rumor has it that the tower company is looking for a site for a new tower. Because of that, no one here thought much of the helicopter that was flying around this afternoon. We all assumed that it was the tower company scoping out a new location for another tower.

I was out helping Papaw put the last wall on the new chicken house when we noticed that the helicopter seemed to be concentrating on our property, particularly the area where our property adjoins with the two neighbors properties. There is already one small tower in that area, so it made logical sense that the tower company would be looking there.

As we hoisted the last wall and tacked into place, we wondered whether they were putting in a small tower or a large one. We guesstimated how close the guide wire might come to the house if it was a large tower, and discussed the good and bad of having a tower on the property. Then we noticed that there was a vehicle pulled in front of the house.

Apparently, we had not heard it pull in over the helicopter and tool noise. I could only see the front end of the vehicle, but it was a familiar dark blue with gold stripes. The state police were parked in front of my house with a four wheeler in tow.

Rather confused and wondering what in the world was really going on, we approached the officers. They were rather stiff and formal with us, and in no hurry to answer our questions. They wanted to know who owned the property, where the property line was, and who all lived out here. Finally they told us that they had found marijuana growing.

Our reaction was disbelief and laughter. The officers were not amused. They explained that there was a well worn path to the spot, and even a little shelter. Little shelter; as in the kids' secret clubhouse. They asked a lot of questions, and walked around and looked at the different buildings on the property.

They left, obviously still not believing that we are as naive as we apparently are, to not know there was marijuana growing so near our house. They informed us that that spot is now marked on their GPS system and would be a regular stop for the helicopter inspections. As if we had something to hide.

Best we can figure here, after the fact, is that the spot must have been someone else's secret spot before the kids claimed it as theirs. The spot is not actually on our property, but right along the border with one of the neighbors. Who ever was using the spot as a garden must have had their plants indoors still when the clubhouse went up. Tim and I have not been to the secret spot since shortly after the clubhouse was built, adn obviously the kids do not know what marijuana plants look like. Though I did get the pleasure today of explaining to them what the plants are used for and why the state police were not happy they were growing here.

So next time we see a helicopter flying around the property, we will not be assuming it is the tower company looking for a good tower site. We can be pretty sure that it is the state police checking up on us. Tim says I should invite them in for coffee next time. Mamaw says that if I do I should probably not show them how I grow plants in my bathroom.

The Fresh Air Fund

I've been asked to help get the word out about The Fresh Air Fund. I have not been personally involved with this organization, but it looks like a fabulous program. It is a program to give children from New York City the opportunity to get out of the city, and enjoy a more rural setting and the fresh air.

They are still looking for hosts for August. Since I know many of my readers are in the states involved, I thought I would give them a little shout out.

VBS Video

Here are some clips from VBS this year. Jason did a fabulous job editing!

Happy Birthday Kellen!

Today my boy turns 11!

Kellen is growing up so fast. Physically I can not keep the kid in shoes or clothes. His feet are as big as mine. It won't be long until he is as tall as I am. Clothing I bought for him just a few short months ago no longer fits. He has hit a big growth spurt that doesn't show any signs of stopping.

He also is maturing, and I see the little boy slipping away into a pre-teen that is becoming a man. This summer was his first over night camp. He has earned the privilege (and responsibility) of driving the 4-wheeler solo. He has been Papaw's right hand man for much of the summer, learning to care for the animals, build and repair fences, and care for the pastures. And he does it all with a willing attitude (most of the time anyway.)

He is also a huge help to me. He is able to watch Vivian for me for a little bit when I need to be at the big garden or occupied elsewhere on the farm. He enjoys cooking, and normally does very well with following a recipe, or cooking simple dishes. There was the one recent exception of blackberry dumplings. I still have the blackberries stuck on the bottom of the pan as a remembrance of that learning experience.

So, today we celebrate him turning one year older. Tim is off work and we are going to Harry Potter then coming home for homemade pizza and ice cream cake.

Happy Birthday Kellen!

The Calves

Last Friday was Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A. As part of the celebration they offered free meals to anyone who dressed up as a cow. So we loaded up the calves, um I mean kids, and headed in for a free dinner for the family.

We were pleasantly surprised that it really wasn't all that busy. Or maybe that just means there weren't very many people willing to be this silly for a free meal. We did see a few other homeschooling families we knew while there. I guess homeschoolers are just sillier than the rest of the general public, or less willing to pass up on a free meal.

Caught a picture of the kids, but none of Tim and I. Oh yes, that was intentional. The plan kind of backfired though when the local TV station showed up. Oh yes, we were on the 11:00 news to the entire tri-state area. Search as I might though, I could not find a clip on the website. No, really, I did try to find it. Honest.

Though I kind of drug my feet about the whole thing, it really was fun. And who can complain about a free dinner, and no dishes to do?

"Mom, I peed on a Chicken."

Living in the woods and raising animals you expect memories to be made. In fact, that is part of the reason we have chosen to live the lifestyle we do. You expect children to witness the cycle of life, to learn about nature and about where their food comes from. You relish the idea of the freedom they have and life lessons they learn. But many other memorable moments are quite unexpected.

It is Kellen's job to feed the rabbits. The rabbit pens are in the chicken run. He observed the other day that the chickens love to drink the water from the hose when he is filling rabbit water bottles. It is the same water in the chicken waterer, but for some reason they prefer to drink it as it runs on the ground.

Being a boy he decided to pee out there. The boys pee outside quite frequently. One of the perks of being a boy living in the woods. I don't mind much as human urine is said to keep the deer away, and we've never had deer in the garden, even though we have no fence. But back to the subject.... when he peed in the chicken run, he discovered that the chickens also like to drink urine. Nice information, I know. You're welcome for the education.

Today, Nolan took a slop bucket out to the chickens. He was out there quite awhile. I didn't think much of it because we recently bought month old pullets, and Nolan likes to watch and play with them.

After a while he came in giggling as only a five year old boy can giggle. He gave me a little update on the pullets. He told me he tried to give them some of the green bean ends, but the big chickens got them first. He let me know that some of the pullets had gone into the run (they stayed in the coop the first couple days,) but none had gotten out (when we put them outside yesterday they found a place they could go through the fence.) Then he started giggling again.

The giggling increased as he informed me that he peed and the pullets drank it. (Hmmm wonder where he learned that trick from?) Then the giggling increased so much that I could barely understand him. Between the giggles I heard, "Mom, I peed on a chicken." He assured me it was completely an accident. Not sure if I'm buying that or not.

Ah, life in the 100 Acre Wood. Life lessons, nature, and peeing on chickens, who could ask for better childhood memories?

Again

Tuesday afternoon I was enjoying a little quiet time. The kids were playing together nicely, and I went out to watch the goats. Perhaps a strange way to get a little quiet, but I do enjoy just observing the animals and sometimes even the garden. The quiet did not last long.

Nolan came storming out the front door. He was screaming and crying. I was a ways off and couldn't really tell what was wrong. Kellen was out the door right behind him. Nolan has a tendency to be a tad dramatic so my first assumption was that the two boys were fighting.

I called to Kellen to tell me what was wrong, but he could not hear me over Nolan's screaming. Then Nolan was bent over like he was going to throw up. I walked a little faster to get to the boys.

When I was close enough Kellen could hear me I asked him what had happened. He shrugged and said he had no idea. Still thinking they had been fighting, I asked Kellen what he had done to Nolan. He said, "Nothing mom. He was just playing on the bed, and ran out screaming, and grabbing his throat." What?!

Nolan was quite hysterical, and loud. I was very thankful for the loud part. At least then I knew he wasn't actually choking.

I asked, "Did you swallow something?"

He responded, "Yes."

"Was it food?"

"No."

"What was it?"

"Metal." At this point I began to panic a bit. Metal? A nail? A piece of scrap? Metal with a sharp pointed end?!? What had this kid put in his mouth?

"What kind of metal?"

"A penny." I felt a little better, but he was still very upset.

"Did it go all the way down?"

"No. It is right here." He pointed at the space at the bottom of his neck between the collar bones. It was all I could do to remain calm. I could just imagine the penny slipping, and him not being able to breath. Somehow I kept it together, and had one of the other kids get the phone for me. I was able to get Nolan calmed down a little, but he was obviously very uncomfortable and scared. So was I.

I called Tim. There was no one else here to stay with the other kids. We figured the best thing to do was to meet at the main road, and Tim could take Nolan to the ER (again.)

X-rays revealed that the penny was indeed stuck. Thankfully it was low enough that my fears of him not breathing were unfounded. An anesteologist was called. A surgeon was called. My little boy was put under while the surgeon used a tube to remove the penny from his throat. The procedure took less than five minutes. The penny is now in a specimen jar.

Chalk it up as another hospital visit for Nolan. His fifth in five years; twice this summer. More than any of the other kids, combined. *Sigh*

Mondays are Always the Same

Summer keeps cruising along.

Kellen, Lydia, and Nolan spent last week with Jeff and Gail. The kids had a fantastic time. Grandpa and Grandma kept them plenty busy with swimming, water slides, movies, golf, and lots of fun activities.

While they were gone two more litters of piglets were born. Quite honestly, I have no idea how many piglets are down in that barn now, but I guess it must be around forty. We have a crazy amount of pork. Anyone want one for the freezer in a few months?

Remember the poultry discussion? To help with the fly problem we decided to use some of our older chickens in the pig and goat barn. Yep, sacrificing the old birds. They aren't laying anymore, and the only thing keeping them out of the freezer is the lack of time to butcher them. Might as well make them useful eating flies. They haven't all fared so well.

The predator battle continues. So many raccoons have been trapped and killed here this year. The woods must be just full of them. We took a few hens down to the hog barn. Lost one the first night. Chatterbox, the first hen we got here, escaped and went back to the hen house. We hadn't seen any signs of the coon for a few days, and thought we finally had them under control. Then found their way into the duck pen, and got all the ducks. And got another hen at the hog house. The one hen that survives there roosts on one of the sows at night. Smart hen isn't she?

Tim and I took Vivian camping for a few days while the other kids were gone. It was so nice to just do nothing for a few days. The weather was cool and damp, but it was very comfortable for camping. We went to Twin Falls state park in Southern WV. It is a beautiful park. We spent a lot of time hiking the trails, and the rest of the time eating delicious food, and sleeping. I even read about half a book. It was perfect.

We weren't home but a few hours Friday when a neighbor came to tell us the steers were out. Not just out, but out on the road, stopping traffic. Stupid things would not lead with feed, or be herded. Ended up penning them in a different neighbors back yard and getting the stock trailer to get the steers home.

I did get to meet new neighbors. "Hi. I'm your neighbor. Our cows are in your back yard." They were very nice, and actually have some ducks they'd like to give away. First we need some electric fence around the duck pen for those coons.

Jeff and Gail brought the kids home Saturday afternoon. Tim and dad worked on fence and various other things around the farm. I worked long shifts Saturday and Sunday, as always.

So now it is Monday, and as always I woke up ready to get moving on things that I couldn't do over the weekend. There is always laundry and housework. This time of the year there is always something to do with the garden.

This morning I squashed bug eggs, pulled weeds, picked a bowl full of cucumbers, and went out picking the first of the blackberries. Then like every Monday I crashed. About 10:00 or so, every Monday, I realize how tired I really am from the weekend. I probably should make Monday my day of rest. So very hard to do though when there is so much to do, and summer is cruising along!

And Summer has Only Begun...

June is almost gone, and it went by in a blur. Life has been busy with farm and garden activity, and other summer fun.

Last week Nolan and Lydia went to 4-H day camp for four days. For me it was kind of like sending them off to their first day of school. Bittersweet. I was a little nervous for Nolan, but thankfully he and Lydia were in the same group. He had a great time. They both did.

I asked Nolan what was the best part of camp. His answer, "Swimming."

"What besides swimming did you like."

"Swimming."

Apparently he really liked the swimming.

That Friday Jake and Delilah came down for the weekend, and to drop Jude off for a week long stay. Ashley, Miles, and their aunt (who is their age) came down for two weeks.

Monday morning we dropped Kellen and Miles off for five days of 4-H overnight camp. This was Kellen's first time for overnight camp. Again, bittersweet for mom. I was very excited for him to go, until a few days before he left. At that time I had a slight panic attack, and wondered what they heck I was doing sending him off to stay with strangers for five days. He was undaunted, and very excited. I can't wait to pick him up tomorrow morning, and to hear all about his week. He'll probably only want to talk about swimming.

Of course we aren't just sitting around while the boys are at camp. My mom is on vacation and there are more grandchildren here than normal. Tuesday she took them all to the library and the spray park. Yesterday, we took them rock climbing. Today for swimming, paddles boats, and play at a nearby water park. Tomorrow we pick up the boys, and rest (and do laundry, and get ready for the next week of activities.)

Saturday my parents will be heading to Ohio with Miles, Ashely and Micah to take Jude home. Jeff and Gail will be coming here and leaving for Ohio on Sunday with Kellen, Lydia, and Nolan for a week. I will be working all weekend. Are you following all this? Because my head is spinning.

While the three oldest are involved in countless fun activities and being spoiled rotten by their grandparents, Tim and I will be taking Vivian for a three day camping trip. And hopefully finding some peace, quiet, and rest. On the Fourth the kids will be back. That following week looks gloriously empty.

I plan to enjoy it while I can. (Actually, canning is probably what I will be doing that week, or picking berries.) Then there is VBS at our church and a consignment sale I'd like to participate in, and then it is the fair. I'm scared to look on the calendar beyond that.

Lydia asked me the other day why summer goes so fast and winter takes so long. I tried to tell her that summer has only begun. I tried to explain to her that it only seems to go faster because there are so many more activities. She didn't get it. I have to admit that neither do I.

Kellen's First Shave

All the kids seem to be growing up so fast, but Kellen especially has been growing up by leaps and bounds. In the last year his feet have grown several sizes, to the point that they are almost the same size as mine. Early last summer his clothing was size 10. This summer; 16, and I even bought him some adult smalls.

He also is taking on more responsibility. He mowed the yard for the first time a week or so ago. He is helping Tim and Papaw more and more with the work around the farm. He has learned to cook several meals, and can be trusted to watch Vivian while I am outside or up working in the garden.

The kid is growing by leaps and bounds quickly approaching the transitions from boyhood to teenager, and then to adulthood. It is a very bittersweet time. Then on Sunday, while I was at work, he had his first shave.

Shocking isn't it? I have to admit I was rather surprised myself upon returning home after work.

Here is my little man three days later, very thrilled to pose for a picture. Ah, he is growing up so fast!

Poultry Adventures

One of the first things most people get when they start their little farm is chickens. A few chickens running around gobbling up bugs and leaving you eggs to eat is just what every homestead needs. Of course you want them to have free range to gobble up the most bugs and to provide you with entertainment. Of course they will obligingly return to the nest boxes you've so lovingly provided so leave their eggs. It is so perfect, isn't it?

We started with three hens that were given to us. They roamed freely and it worked out pretty well. They did scratch the mulch onto Mamaw and Papaw's sidewalk some, and there was a little poo around here and there, but with only three chickens it really wasn't a problem.

Then a friend gave us some ducks. I really enjoy the ducks. For the longest time they made their home under our back deck. They didn't cause any problems. Finding their eggs could be a challenge, but when we did, we were rewarded with large rich eggs. It worked out well, until they got brave and ventured to the front yard.

For some unknown reason the ducks decided to take up residency in our front yard. Fine, except one thing, they decided the front porch was the best sleeping area. Every morning they left large unwanted deposits right in front of the door. Around the same time, another friend gave us more than a dozen chickens. It was time for some fencing.

Papaw and Tim spent quite a bit of time building a fence for the poultry. We still wanted them to free range, but wanted to keep them away from the houses. The solution was to put fencing far enough out that chickens could roam in the forest, clean up under the rabbit hutches, and clean up in the goat barn, but not go around the end of the fencing to the yards. It took awhile to get it poultry proof. Actually it was never quite perfect, as we have a few smaller mixed breed hens that are quite determined to lay and nest away from the rest of the chickens, but for the most part we were happy with the solution. The poultry also seemed happy with the solution. For the better part of last summer, and all winter, they stayed in the pasture.

Then this spring, the ducks starting going on adventures. Our ducks are Rouens. Their bodies are heavy. Their wings are short. They are bred to not fly, and they don't. They barely look like they can walk, but these awkward waddling birds were walking well over a quarter a mile around the fence to feast on the tadpoles in our ditches this spring. Soon they had found their favorite nest spot on my front porch, and then they demolished all the peas in the garden. Time to build more fence.

Instead of adding on or enclosing what was already built for the chickens, we decided it would be easier and work better to duck proof a small bit of pasture that we use as a nursery area for the livestock. It already had a small wallow in it for water. We moved an unused dog house in for shelter, and the wallow was dug out to make a small pond for the ducks. It took many attempts to get all the gaps closed enough to keep the ducks in, but finally they were staying in. At about the same time, we started noticing chickens were missing.

The chickens were perfectly happy in their pasture. They were foraging for bugs, and cleaning up the areas there were supposed to. Not all of them were diligent in returning to the nest box to lay, but for the most part things were working out well. Then the rooster went missing, and a count revealed a couple of hens were also missing.

One afternoon Kellen heard the chickens sound out their alarm. One minute he saw a hen walking along the edge of the ridge. The next he saw a puff of feathers. Tim tried to track it, but only found that puff of feathers and a small bit of remains clear down in the hollow. We suspect a fox was the culprit. We've set out a live trap, but have caught nothing. Maybe this free ranging isn't all it is cracked up to be?

The poor hens spent over a week shut up in their coop. Another fence line has been added around their coop to create a large run, and they finally were let out today. The pullets that are in another location, have also been prey to something. They will soon be joining the hens. The chickens will have a tiny bit of forest to forage in and rabbits to clean up after. They will no longer have access to the goat barn. I guess we will have more flies this year.

Chickens are a staple of the family homestead. They provide meat and eggs, and will clean up after the other animals. They are fairly easy to care for, but certainly do come with their own challenges. I doubt that our poultry adventures are over, but hopefully there will be a lull in the excitement.

A Few Photos to Share

The Secret Clubhouse

Last year Lydia struggled to learn to ride her bike. She took one nasty fall about mid-summer that completely shook her confidence for the rest of the season. This spring she picked up that bike and in a matter of minutes was riding it all over the place. In acquiring that skill she has found a new freedom. 

Her bike rides out the driveway are frequent, and in the beginning often alone. At first she would take off and ride to the Y in our driveway. Then she would go a little further to the little tower, and eventually she was riding all the way to the neighbors, about 3/4 of a mile. 

Soon she was including Nolan on her little adventures. Nolan is not riding yet, but he was perfectly content to run along side while Lydia rode her bike. The amazing thing is how well he could keep up. That boy is fast. 

They began asking for snacks to take with them, and would spend hours on their adventures. When I'd ask them where they had their snacks, they would tell me they went to their secret clubhouse. Later I learned that there were several "secret clubhouses." They had chosen some spots were they could hide away and be alone. One was in the softness of a pine thicket. Another one was in the woods in a place that wasn't exactly hidden, but you had to cross the ditch on a log to get to it. And one was in a small clearing that was behind a patch of blackberry plants. 

After many weeks of using only what nature provided for their clubhouses, they decided they wanted a little something more. The older brother was recruited and a small shelter was planned. They decided to build in the spot behind the blackberries. Even with Kellen's help they were having a difficult time getting something together. Time to let Daddy in on the "secret."

Tim started with a weedeater to clear out their path and their spot a little better. Then he and the kids took some pallets and scrap wood and put together a little shelter. 

It isn't much, but the kids think it is perfect. They have a stump to sit on, and took a small bench out also. They can use the top of the shelter for a leg up to climb the tree. And they took TP out there, just in case.


You can not see it from the driveway. All you see is a little path that winds into what looks like a bramble. It is close enough to the driveway that the kids can hear you call from there. The "secret clubhouse" isn't exactly secret anymore. The first thing the kids do when friends come to visit is to let them in on the secret. But they love to go out there and play. Kellen reports that it is a wonderful spot to go and read a book. 

Yesterday when I went out to take pictures, the goats decided to follow me. They sniffed it out and checked around, and decided there was better eating elsewhere. 

Somtimes living here is hard. It seems there is an endless amount of work to be done. At times it is overwhelming. Watching my little girl set out on her bike, her little brother closely behind, for grand adventures in the woods and their secret clubhouse gives me a whole new perspective, and makes it all worthwhile. 

2 Doctors, 2 Staples and 5 Hours Later

Last night we were up at the neighbor's farm. Tim was helping bale hay. Kellen was helping too. I was working in the garden, and the rest of the kids were supposed to be swinging on the tire swing. They were not. 

Instead, they were playing on the neighbor's porch. She has her porch decorated with lots of interesting antique and flea market type items. One of them is a very large triangle dinner bell. It hangs from the porch ceiling. 

Apparently, Nolan thought the dinner bell looked like a piece of gymnastics equipment. He decided he would hang from it, up side down. Needless to say, the hook in the ceiling was meant to only hold the dinner bell, not the dinner bell and an almost 50 pound boy hanging from it. 

The dinner bell and the boy came crashing down leaving the dinner bell unharmed, but the boy with a large knot on one side of his head, and a couple inch gaping laceration on the other side. Luckily Tim was close enough to see and hear the event, and attend to Nolan right away. The cut was such that we decided we better let a doctor look at it. Tim, Nolan and I headed to the immediate care that is closest to us. The other three kids stayed with Mamaw and Papaw. 

We didn't have wait long to see the doctor at the immediate care. She thought that the cut did need a little something to help it heal properly. Just as Tim and I were congratulating ourselves for taking him to the doctor and our wise choice of choosing immediate care over the ER, she informs us that we will have to go to the ER. Huh?

She thought that the cut need to be closed, but didn't think glue would work well on Nolan's particular cut. She thought he needed stitches or staples. She doesn't do stitches, and the office did not have the tools needed for staples. We would have to go to the ER. Grr.....

At the ER they took us into triage right away and then seated us in their immediate care waiting room, where we waited and waited. Then they took us to an exam room where we waited and waited. In fact we waited so long that Nolan had fallen asleep by the time the doctor came to exam him. He stayed asleep during the exam, but was rudely awakened when receiving two staples in his head. 

He cried and howled and howled and cried while we again waited. Finally the nurse came in with the instructions and paperwork we needed before leaving. It was almost 11:00. Thankfully Nolan quickly fell back asleep once we were in the car. 

This morning he is feeling fine. When his siblings came home from Mamaw and Papaw's he proudly exclaimed, "I have two staples in my head." I'm sure he won't be feeling so happy about it when they to be removed next week. . . 

Incomplete?

Life lately has seemed like one never ending "to do" list. I feel like I'm just treading water trying to keep everything afloat. The busyness combined with the never ending list of tasks to accomplish shuts me down. It seems I can't concentrate long enough to get anything finished. 

As I sit here right now, typing this post, there are two other unfinished posts sitting in my drafts. There is a pile of folded laundry on the table with a basket half full of unfolded laundry next to it. The dishes from lunch are half done. The half that fit in the dishwasher got cleaned. 

If I were to get a grade card right now, the teacher would have to list me as incomplete in all subjects. 

Homeschool - Incomplete

school? Plenty of incomplete text books in the cupboard. Lots of life lessons and unschooling going on around here. 

The Garden - Incomplete

We planted some more this morning. Still have a few tomatoes, peppers, okra, and herbs to plant.

Financial Peace - Incomplete

We've really enjoyed and learned  from the work book and small groups with this class, but we are woefully behind in things like creating the monthly budgets and setting up the cash envelopes. 

Paperwork - Incomplete

A few days ago I began to organize my desk, sorting things into piles that needed to be dealt with. Never got them dealt with or put away, and now they are covered with several more days mail, and various items that get piled on my desk. 

Homemaking  - Incomplete (teetering on the edge of Fail)

Where do I start with all I'm behind in this subject? 

It is all very overwhelming and frustrating especially to a doer personality like mine that likes to check things off the list and complete tasks. No matter what task I begin on, I get distracted or pulled away and nothing is ever quite complete. 

But then I realize that what I need to do most in times like these is to stop. To breathe. To look at the big picture. 

Then and only then do I see that all these tasks and my frustrations at not completing them are temporary. They are not lasting. They are not what matters. In the only "grade card" that matters, I am COMPLETE, in the life of Christ.  

When I take the time to stop. To breathe. To look at the big picture.  I get a small glimpse of that contentment and peace that is ours regardless of our circumstances. And resting in that peace I can now get back up and work on some of those tasks that I need to complete. 

Nolan's 5th Birthday

Yesterday was Nolan's fifth birthday. He ended up sleeping in our bed awhile the night before his birthday. When he woke up in the morning he stretched and said to me, "Today is my birthday. I am five. I think I've grown some."

Kellen could not wait to give him the present he made. Kellen made Nolan a Link shield and sword with items he found around here. The shield is the top of a five gallon bucket, and the sword is a broken walking stick and scrap wood. I think he did an excellent job, and Nolan was thrilled with the present. 

Our homeschool co-op picnic also was yesterday. Since all of Nolan's friends were there, we took a cake and celebrated at the picnic. We even sang happy birthday to him there! 

When we got home we ate cake with Mamaw and Papaw and opened more presents. He was thrilled with a new Wii game that Grandma and Grandpa sent. Of all things he was very excited about the new boxer shorts Mamaw and Papaw gave him. In fact, after all the presents were open, he exclaimed, "I'm going to go change my underwear," and ran off to put his boxers on. Of course, there is a little more to that story. 

Nolan does not like to wear underwear. For months now he would try to get away with out putting underwear on. He told me his underwear were too tight. They were a bit snug so we got some the next size. Still he didn't want to wear underwear. Apparently boxers were what he needed. Now, he is excited to wear underwear. Go figure.

And after that we went to church for our Financial Peace class, and Nolan got to play with his friends some more. Poor kid was already tired. He fell asleep on the way there, but he had fun, and we all slept very soundly last night. 

The Big 2-0

Happy Birthday Martha!

Homeschool Day at the Capitol

Thanks to Betsy  for taking video of the performances at Homeschool Day at the Capitol this year. Below is the video of the band which Tim directs, and Kellen plays in. Not much footage of Kellen, and all you see of Tim is his back side, but you can hear the band, and see the other member of our family who stole the show.