Really? A Duck?

You never know what cute little critter will capture our hearts.  Isn't God's creation amazing?  We recently visited some friends that have a little farm like we do.  They had just hatched some ducklings two weeks prior.  Callie was thrilled when they asked if she would like one!!

We brought home this guy and named him Gus.  (Although after further investigation, we think Gus is a girl. ;o)  )

This duck has been loved on that's for sure!!

It's so cute as it follows us through the yard.  And it loves the water!  It's so neat to watch a duck paddle around.  And waddling??? So adorable!

 We're having fun over here as spring has officially sprung.  I just love this time of year!

Decisions, Decisions....

Decisions, Decisions.....

When we started raising goats about 8 years ago, we just liked goats. It didn't matter the breed. First it was Jenna. She's our nubian and given to us from a friend. We decided we really liked having her and decided to get more. We got them from Craigslist and Facebook. We went to auctions and we also took in goats that friends didn't want anymore. We just liked goats.

Then, two years ago we decided to be a little more breed specific. We decided we wanted to raise Mini Nubians. They are a good breed for milking. And just adorable!

As you know, this is Silas's hobby (and mine too) and as he's been growing older, he really wants a way to earn some money. He has his mind going towards eventually a car, and then college. sniff sniff. My boy is growing up! So we have though about becoming a member of the MDGA and raising registered Mini Nubians.

It's quite a process and they are very specific with certain characteristics. So, we are trying to decide if we want to start raising registered goats. That would mean some of our goats would have to go.

Hard decisions ahead! Especially with faces like these!

 

I am devoted to....

I've enjoyed studying out Psalm 119 in my devotions.  The Psalmist gives so many convicting statements.  They are statements that cause me to want to fill in the blank and ask "What can be said of me?" I'll give you some examples:

I have longed after __________

I shall keep __________

I am devoted to __________

I delight in __________

I have stuck unto __________

I have chosen __________

I will __________

Convicting, isn't it?  It causes me to ask what would be said of me.  If I look at my life last month, last week, yesterday....what would be said of me?

The Christian life is one that is to be growing and learning.  Constantly.  We are to be ever watchful of the direction of our path.  It's so easy to get off course, isn't it?  It's so easy to let things slip a little here and a little there.  It's easy for our fire and passion to get a little dimmer for Christ as we become consumed with the busyness of the day.  And that's how satan wants us to be.  He wants us to be so filled with the little things here and there that we forget our ultimate purpose; to glorify Christ.  He also wants us to think that our lives are of little importance and the things we do today don't really matter.

When I long after, stick unto, and choose the things that Christ would have me to, then He is glorified! He is magnified and made known!  He is elevated!

So what exactly does that mean for me today.  How can I glorify Him today?  In my very life?  

For me, I will probably come in contact with just a handful of people today: my family.  Today is a day that will be spent mostly (or completely) at home.  That is my path for today.  I will feed my 5 that are around my table.  I will wash their clothes.  I will organize the things around me and plan their day.  I will set a schedule for them.  I will speak to them.  As I go about this day, will I give Christ glory?  It's so easy to get too relaxed in a day like today.  No one is watching, right?  It's just our family, so it's okay to step back a little? Or is it? 

I'm afraid that's another snare of satan.  He wants wives and mommas to feel that their work in their home is insignificant.  He really does want us to feel that the clothes we fold and dishes we wash will have no impact on anyone.  But, dear sister friend, that's simply not true.  Just like the Psalmist, we can live a life devoted to Christ.  We can serve those in our home and by doing so we are serving Christ and bringing glory to Him!  

At the end of the day, I will be able to say, "I have chosen to __________."  I will be able to fill in the blank, "I have been devoted to __________."   "I delighted in __________."  

I am the one who gets to fill in those blanks for my day!  I pray that I can say I glorified and lifted up Christ!

 

I can just picture our Thanksgiving now!

It happens every November.  Denise (my mother in law) talk about how it would be so nice to have a double oven.  It's not a need in our lives neccessarily, but it sure would make things easier!  

Not too long ago we came home to a surprise.  One of our church members decided to have Josh let them sneak into our house while we were gone and deliver a brand new oven.  And guess what it has??? Double ovens!!!

 I still just can't believe it!!!  I have been enjoying using the air fryer option and I'm working at figuring the timing option better.  It's just a dream come true!

Before and After

Before..... And

 After!

We have another kiddo in braces!!

So thoughtful

 I'm so thankful for thoughtful daughters that see when my schedule has gotten a bit hectic. They know how to make me feel loved. They prepared a beautiful,inviting retreat for me....bubble bath, candles and a good book. Sooo thoughtful!

Little pieces of gold?

Chickens are the first animal we bought we when moved out here in the country.  We've had many flocks since then.  Some lay well, some don't.  Some tolerate heat, some don't.  We keep learning all along the way.  

Our little flock decided to start laying again.  Woo Hoo!! Eggs are expensive!  I joked the other day with the girls that we were collecting our gold. :o)

We like to rotate out our hens when possible if they get too old.  Callie just sold her Cream Crested Legbars.  She kept her Rhode Island Red, Lavendar Orpington (my favorite), Laced Wyandotte, and Golden Sex Link Chickens.

 And then she added 9 chicks to the flock.  They are Novogen chickens.  They are supposed to be heat and cold tolerate and lay well.  We will see!  So far they are doing great!

A New Endeavor on Storybook Farms

It was before Christmas when Silas started telling us he would like to raise rabbits.  He would mention it here and there.  Then, after Christmas he told me he was serious and would like to use his money to invest in a rabbit business.  He did tons of research and prepared a whole presentation of why he should raise rabbits.  It was quite impressive!!

Patrick and I decided to let him go for it!

The first hurdle to tacke is where to keep them.  Several years ago Josh had gotten into raising rabbits for meat.  It went well at first, until it was obvious that he was allergic to them!  The set up was also inclosed, so it made it pretty hard to take care of them.  Silas talked to Josh and he said he could have all of his old cages and supplies.  Silas just needed to rework them.

With a bunch of help from his Daddy, they reworked the cages and created a really cool rabbit area. I think we should call it the Briar Patch. :o)  AFter talking with Callie, she decided to join in on the adventure with him!
 

Now they just needed to buy a couple of rabbit!  He researched the breeds and decided on Holland Lops.  We looked and looked.  He was being so careful with his budget.  We decided to go to an auction where they had livestock.  He found the cutest female Holland Lop!

She's white and fluffy and has floppy ears.

They named her Snow White.

They've been doing great taking care of her!

Now she just needs a couple of friends, don't you think?

Better late than never, right?

Well....it happened again.  Just like last year, it was "one of those years."  Things just didn't go as planned to celebrate Christmas with my parents.  But, that's okay.  It's better late than never!  We enjoy any time that get to be with them.  It really is a treasure!

As usual, they showered us with many gifts!  We had fun giving them some, too.  

I pulled out a couple of Christmas decorations and let the kids play Christmas music.

And then we feasted, and played, and opened gifts and spent lots of family time together. That's the best, isn't it?

We even spent some time working on making (and eating) gingerbread houses! It was fun, but wow what a mess!!

 

We talked and visited and they enjoyed being with their grandchildren and great grandchildren.  My parents are such good grandparents!

On the last night they took us out for pizza and wings.  It was so delicious!  We decided to sit outside since it was a nice night and would fit all of us.  My parents definitely are SOUTH Floridians and couldn't handle a 60 degree night chill.  Us NORTH Floridians could!  :o)

And just like that it was time for them to go.  It always goes by so fast and I cherish every moment.  Love you Mom and Dad!!