Trying again for "Happy"

Silas was so excited to start a new hobby of breeding Holland Lops Rabbits. He presented his plan to us, and he and Patrick began working on a neat set up.  He bought 3 rabbits and started his plan. Unfortunately, it didn't work. Each rabbit died. We dont know if it was the heat...this summer was so hot! We talked to some people and did some research. We hoped to have learned our lesson and tweaked a few things. 

So for Christmas we had some friends give a Holland Lop to Silas so he could try again. This sweet bunny had been bred and we eagerly awaited some cute rabbits to be born. Then a couple of weeks later his new rabbit, Happy, miscarried. 😞 We were all disappointed, but don't feel that it was something we had done wrong.

 It was just one of those things in the world of nature.

Our friends very sweetly said that Happy could come over for a date and we will try to breed her again.

 So today we dropped off Happy for her little getaway.  Hopefully baby rabbits will be coming in about month! 

 

Apple Nachos?

Oh yes definitely! We have had an abundance of apples given to us. It has been fun making them into muffins and cakes and pies. Great way to start off our new year diet, right? We found a new way to enjoy fresh apples. Apple nachos! You slice up apples and drizzle them with melted semi-sweet chocolate and butterscotch. Then top with a good sprinkling of sea salt. So delicious!

 

Springs Please Momma?

Micah has been really wanting to go to the springs this winter. We went last year when it was cold and the warm springs were so nice. 

So this past Monday it was 44 degrees. Perfect day for a swim, right?

We decided to try a new spring, Poe Springs State Park. The boardwalk out to the springs is a quarter of a mile long. It was a beautiful walk and the boardwalk was so nice! We were excited to see the springs ahead!!

Well, I have to say we were a little disappointed as we rounded the corner and saw the springs. The set up was great and perfect for wading in. But the water was not a pretty blue, like other springs. It was an algae greenish brown. The steps were slick and dirty looking.  We weren't really a fan. 

Regardless, we had a great time together exploring a new place. We all decided this would be a perfect place for a homeschool picnic since they have large fields, volleyball courts and baseball fields. As well as picnic tables and pavilions.

So it's not our favorite spring, but the park was great. We'll go back soon! 
 

Another driver!

He did it! My Silas was able to get his drivers permit. We are definitely entering a new phase of parenthood with our younger three!

I am super proud of this boy who studied and took his classes well. He's such a gentleman! After he got his permit he took me out to lunch 🙂 and then we did some practicing in a nearby neighborhood. I love having teenagers!
 

My Writer now a Speaker

We were all so excited when a wonderful oppurtunity opened up for our Beth!  She was asked to speak at the Fort White High School!  They were having a literary week and hand selected 30 students that were interested in writing.  Their theme was building resiliency through reading.

Beth did so well!! She spoke so clearly and captivating.  She started off with questions to get to know the students better.  I watched as she had them all engaged in her words.  She was even able to speak about the importance of writing what you are passionate about.  She told them that her passion was to write about purity and her faith in Jesus Christ.  What an amazing oppurtunity!

Afterwards she had students come up to ask her questions, read her their poetry, talk about what they are writing about and even take a selfie with her!

So thankful for our wonderful friend, Lena, that was able to set all of this up for her!!

The school also bought 6 of Beth's books.  It was very surreal to see them on a public school's library shelf!!

 I am so excited about all that God is doing through Beth.  Or should I say through our Elisabeth Kristine!