Serve Tuscaloosa 2011

It finally came, that phone call shattering the late night silence. His voice is there, and strong, but too far away for this momma. I bend to the required release of a mother to her almost-adult-son, but I'm going on record to say... I just don't like this.  It's only a week in Alabama to serve those suffering from the tornado, but it's a week of preparation for me of what lies ahead. Going to serve is good, and we are all thankful for the opportunity, (isn't this what we pray for??) but I'm wracking my tired brain to figure out some way to turn back the clock...

On the Farm...

 

Have you ever seen this?

Lizzie the cat decided to join the few chickens who like to lay eggs in this hay chute when she had her litter of kittens this spring. She would nurse the babies, and the chickens would lay their eggs. Then the playing field changed, and Miss chicken decided to glare at Lizzie and give her a few pecks until she left her kittens and the hen would settle in on the babies as if they were her own! Thankfully everyone is fine, there are no identity issues, and did I mention...

we have thirteen of these cutie pies needing a home (wink)?

A couple weeks ago a dear blogger friend Kyrie, wrote about her favorite bloggers. Among many, she mentioned my childrens blogs and mine. What an honor to know that my life can bless others. But the reason?
Because I'm so imperfect. 

Oh my...it shows??? 

 

I make a genuine effort to be real and transparent, to value relationship and character over the accolades of the world, to pursue the hearts of my children more than my own goals...but I fail all the time. All the time. That imperfection that Kyrie appreciates has been keeping me from posting...the deafening accusation from the wicked one that what I do and who I am  just isn't good enough for the position of wife, momma and keeper of the home. I've been believing the lie that all our imperfections are more than my Savior can handle and there is no way that we'll come out of this as a family bearing the image of YHWY Himself.

"The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands."  Proverbs 14:1

 

And while I do honestly have some tweaking to do on the home front, I want to be that wise woman who builds her house. I'm praying to know grace. To shower it on my husband and children and in my home...to really know grace. 

Thank you for all of your prayers following my shoulder surgery. I'm on the road to recovery!

Another Giveaway!

This is a little late, but if you still have time tonight, go check out this fantastic giveaway at Homestead Revival. 
A system like this would change my life! (Alright, at least the paper/office/organizing part of it).
Have a productive day tomorrow~
Kathy

Labor and Delivery

 

 Two does + two hours of labor = four kids!

 Monday was filled with kidding on the farm with two does kidding AT THE SAME TIME! A first for us! Read more detail on Jenna's blog at the above link. 

This is always such a busy time with extra clutter around the farmhouse kitchen and babies bleating in the mudroom, but a great opportunity to put into practice all those thoughts of gratitude, capturing the moments, engraving memories into the heart, and mothering with patience, not pessimism.

So how did I do? It's just a little funny that my kiddos thought the day was difficult for everyone. By dinner time, obedience was non-existent for some (which raises the frustration level on momma's part), all were tired, and offenses against one another were adding up.   

"But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth."

Colossians3:8

Here's our chance! If you find that you have failed in this area, confess your sin and go to your children...ask their forgiveness! Purpose to walk in the Spirit, blessing one another and encouraging one another.

Farmhouse Winner!

And the winner of Large Family Logistics is...Hanna!

"Looks like a great book... My Tip: My 3 kids are 4 and under, and for right now, I have found that making use of the public library's "Story Time" is a wonderful way to get out and meet my neighbors. It's free, creative, a place to socialize, structured learning, It also gives the kids more practice sitting still for reading time. I enjoy letting someone else think of, prepare for and clean up a "craft time". They so enjoy bringing home new books to read:) Bonus Tip: Grocery shopping once every 2 weeks from a menu plan, cooking lots of whole foods from scratch, has totally freed up my schedule. At least 1/2 the meals have enough leftovers to provide another meal. This also minimizes waste and impulsive shopping. Thanks"

Thank you to all you special mommas that entered the giveaway,( no matter the number of blessings), thank you for all the tips, and a very special thank you to Vision Forum  for hosting this giveaway.

Please send me an email address Hanna, so I can contact you directly.

Farmhouse Giveaway!

Once you've been diagnosed with infertility and treated as such, it's difficult to view oneself as being a mother of many. In fact, even after four children, I still described myself as "infertile" when retelling the story of God's hand of blessing in our family. Eight children later and menopause looming on the horizon, I guess infertile doesn't really describe me anymore...unprepared is more accurate!

In a never-ending search to be taught how to mother and manage (because God isn't finished with me yet), I have found many practical and helpful tips throughout this book. When it came in the mail, I thought the size was odd. Joshua gently pointed out the "encyclopedia/resource" sort of feel to it..."something you'll want to reference".

"Oh...that is so wise..."

So with a big thanks to Vision Forum, this very useful resource is the next farmhouse giveaway! Entering is easy...
1....just pass on to all my followers an organizing/home management tip that has changed your life! Although only one person can be the winner of the book, we can all benefit from our collective tips.
2....post about this giveaway for an additional five entries! (Make sure to let me know!)

Can't wait to hear from you...the winner will be chosen Sunday night!

When Courage Rises...

It happens often that I wonder about our effectiveness with the learning style/approach we have chosen here on the farm. Responsibilities, animal husbandry, genetics, business skills and more seem to count, yet shouldn't we be doing that other subject? What about outside classes? Lessons? Teams? (because I forget who is teaching my children ) and I still fear man...

But tonight the farm is still in the swirling winter white and I have yet again witnessed the extraordinary courage and faith of my children. When faced with the pending death  of yet another goat (they are always more dear than just inventory) a decision was made to act immediately once we watched her final breath escape. There was no one here but us, and Josh courageously performed an emergency c-section on his sweet friend in a heroic attempt to save her kid. Knowing that she was two weeks early, it was a long shot...but worth it. Who wouldn't try to save a life? Or three? Yes, three kids were found inside.

Without turning back, we ran desperately though the snow to bring our little ones to the NICU by the wood stove in hopes of survival. Heat, massage, slinging, and my first mouth-to-mouth resuscitation proved unsuccessful, and in the end, all that remained was another life lesson lingering among all that needed to be cleaned up.

There is much to think on, many questions to ask, and perhaps surprising to some, processing with God on His plans and purposes. And back to all that we learn here on the farm, I wouldn't give these days away to anyone else. I'm here on the farm with my children (with my children is the key, not being on the farm) and that what we are learning is vital and real, and that what we have is immeasurably precious. 

And the courage Joshua had today was the courage of a man...taught by the Lord.

He Giveth, and Giveth, and Giveth Again!

I didn't do it. My mom said "No, Kathy, what are you thinking?" And as the piles of laundry mounted, I thought the charm of the wringer washer might be a little overrated at this point in my life.

And then God, who is rich in mercy, sent us $540 dollars through the generous giving of a beloved family....and I found a beautiful new washing machine for almost the exact amount!!! I thought it would have been fun if I could have found something for the amount the check was written in, but this is wonderfully close, and once again we are living the tender hand of provision from the Lord.  Doing laundry is surprisingly delightful again.

We are almost recovered from Josh's performance of Meet Me In St. Louis at the end of January. This was his first major production, and it was amazing. The 89 person cast and directors were fantastic, as was the set, choreography, and Josh! Some may think I go a bit overboard, but I am one very proud momma!

On the farm, amidst the spilled milk, sticky honey dribbles, and snapping mouse traps, my sweet four year old informs me that she would like a tiny diamond nose-ring and wonders...

"How old will you be when I am 61?"

"Oh dear, I'll be 102...let's not talk about it..."

Enjoy the February sunshine tomorrow, and thank you all for your sweet comments...I love hearing from you!

Bringing Back the Wash Tub

 

A bit of blue sky, a gentle breeze, springtime on the farm...ahhh, fresh laundry. In reality, under an overcast winter sky I have PILES and PILES of freshly washed laundry that I did at the laundry mat this morning. During the height of craziness last week with show preparations, my washing machine died. All the way. I thought I could try my hand at going off grid for a bit while I researched machines, but this morning I gave up when faced with a week's worth of dirty laundry from ten people. It's not that I'm against off-grid, I'm just not prepared. Jabbing at the clothes in the sink was a brief attempt at laundry the old-fashioned way, and now I just need to sit down and figure out what will work for us. Has anyone out there (with a large family and maybe even a farm) transitioned to the old wash basin way?

Farmhouse Quiet, and Why Do You Do It?

All is quiet as I finish up the piles of dishes and pots and pans from a long day in the farmhouse kitchen. There was a mid-morning request to make bagels, then two more requesting donut holes, and by 10 pm we were finishing up the last of not only those experiments, but sourdough cranberry bread, crescent rolls, more spiced nuts, and supper that turned into a three hour ordeal. If you're thinking I went all-out and made a gourmet meal, let me just admit that it was already made for me...all I needed to do was boil it! I was getting a little testy as the evening wore on as my five foot counter balanced a surprising number of kitchen implements, and I announced to all present that we would not be doing this again.

Now tonight, in the quiet hours before the voices begin again, I can fondly enjoy the craziness. I suppose it's a bit like childbirth...that distinct feeling of certain death and then such overwhelming joy that of course, I would do it all again.

For the JOY.

For the Learning

For the Companionship

For the Success

For the Fellowship

For the Laughter

This is why we do what we do...

...and mediate arguments, fix attitudes, kiss ouwies, wipe noses and a host of other issues that perhaps will be a different post...

"Thou will keep him in perfect peace, him whose mind is stayed on Thee, because  he trusts in Thee"                        Isaiah 26:3

Goodnight, friends. Make plans to enjoy your kiddos tomorrow.

Project January, 2011

The very first project/crisis of the year was preparing for the bi-annual Celtic Ball, which was our first ever. Last minute preparations all came together as the twins busily sewed on buttons in the overhead light of the car while we drove through snowy roads to reach the ball. Does this resonate with anyone??? Joshua decided to make a vest, which we managed fairly well, until the button holes went in on the WRONG side! We discovered our mistake, and decided to simply sew the bottons over the buttonholes and trust that no one would be looking that close! Meanwhile, Caleb thought it would be just great to have a "matching" vest with big brother. No problem, since we had enough fabric, so yesterday, we began the project. Hair was pinned up, hems were adjusted, zippers fixed, and the last buttonhole on Caleb's vest was completed just moments before we left. THANKFULLY, I didn't need much time for myself, so a quick change of clothing, thread and needles for the road and whisking up the baby was all that was left.

Be watching for pictures...we had a wonderful time learning "Cahleigh" dancing in a very family friendly, modest, God-honoring way. And all the buttons were on!

Last Farm Giveaway of 2010!

Join my sweet daughter Jenna  for her final farm giveaway this year. This is a custom gift of sorts, as you can win a gift certificate and CHOOSE YOUR OWN PRIZE! Tomorrow is the last day, so take a few minutes and look at all the neat things you could add to make your house a home...or that one piece you have been saving for...or some wonderful way to bless your husband and family...

...and speaking of blessing, you have all been a blessing to me in so many ways this year! I don't spend much time on the computer, but when I have a few minutes, I come away encouraged with thoughtful ideas, prayerful messages, or practical tips to implement here at the farm. Many times you have shared your hearts, spoken words of love, and prayed for my family in multiple ways. 


Today I received a phone call from a blogger-turned-beloved-sister-in-the-Lord...who could believe it? Across the many miles and with just a simple typed message a few months ago, the Lord has knit our hearts together. Isn't God GOOD? I'm so grateful that we can use this method of communicating to "meet" one another and encourage each other. Thank you for all your lovely comments over the months!


May God rain down His blessings upon you all this year!

From the farmhouse~
Kathy

Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a joy-filled New Year from the farm!

A CHRISTmas Giveaway!

Looking for that perfect CHRISTmas gift for your dear daughter? You've got 24 hours to enter Jenna's giveaway . This is a beautiful book filled with encouragement for the young woman desiring to obey God according to Titus 2:4 right now. Somewhere along the way we have been programmed to think that fulfilling our calling as a Titus 2 woman begins after we are married. I disagree. It begins right now, in the home, while our daughters are young. By God's grace they will embrace their calling and be prepared for their future. You won't be disappointed!

"...But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord:

I say, "You are my God."

My times are in Your hand;

...Make Your face shine upon Your servant;

Save me for Your mercies' sake.

...Oh, how great is Your goodness,

Which You have laid up for those who fear You

Which you have prepared for those who trust in You.

...Blessed be the LORD,

Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints!

Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart,

All you who hope in the LORD."

portions of Psalm 31

A Quiet And Peaceable Life

A very practical thing to be thankful for here on the farm...firewood. It is absolutely FREEZING tonight, and I'm so thankful for all the hard work that went into splitting and stacking our "heat" last summer. While I don't have any kiddos that love this particular summer chore, we are all very glad now.

"...that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."    1Timothy 2:2

There is a certain desperate chaos lurking around every farmhouse corner but my heart is for the beauty of that quiet and peaceable life. I am amazed at how quickly the month of December filled up with all manner of nothingness, but I'm feeling the distinct pull of being purposeful and deliberate with our life.

One of my friends has asked me about schooling the littles, and I just don't push them with heavy preschool/kindergarten curriculum. I can tell them that policemen are our friends...that God has ordained them for our protection...and that pretty much sums up social studies, right? I'm being a bit facetious, but it really doesn't require sitting on a rug in a circle, or at a desk. It's just talking along the way...it's looking for meaningful opportunities such as copying a scripture verse. I dot the letters, my five year old traces over them. She wants to practice her letters. Both she and her four year old sister ask for schoolwork, so we spend time

"with our school"  but there's no pressure to push through a curriculum. We're working on learning our letter sounds, and after having the experience of teaching five children to read (all at different ages) I know she'll learn at the pace that God designed for her. No stress for her, no stress for me.

 Which brings me back to living that quiet and peaceable life. Every mother wonders how we went from this twirling duo, (who knew they'd be doing this same thing down the center of the barn twelve years later???)...

...to this. Life is exciting, busy and our world is getting much larger. So when I feel the rising pressure, I have to reground myself in what is really important...that knowing Jesus as Lord is the most necessary accomplishment in life, that living a quiet and peaceable life centered on Christ is essential, and that the education of our children must not only reflect this, but all too soon, the "growing season" is coming to completion. So we master academics but lose their soul...will our years have been well spent?

Today I got overly frustrated (nicely put) when one middle child had an attitude about area and perimeter. I missed my moment of the gentle art of learning. Instead I traded that for apologies and hugs a bit later, and the truth is, next year at this time we will have mastered it and moved way beyond. It just wasn't worth it.

 A rather long-winded answer to the question, but this little face gives me hope to repair my mistakes quickly and try to stay focused on the present joys of loving all my kiddos, delighting in our lifestyle of learning, and striving to live that quiet and peaceable life.

Hang In There...Help Is On the Way!

I'm not sure what the actual cause is, perhaps there are multiple reasons (which I believe to be the case), but somewhere over time, I have drifted from the momma to a bystander. Not including the shoulder injury/bursitis that has been plaguing me since early summer, or the recent bout with cellulitis that  sent me to the urgent care, it seems that I am forever "behind the eight ball", so to speak. Sleep can be elusive or too short, mornings are almost impossible to face, which means that chores (which seem to be taking forever in the barn) last forever and breakfast merges into lunch. I did uncover a little bit of information recently: it was revealed that the TWINS are practicing square/ballroom dancing down the length of the barn while faithful Lucy is hooked up to the milker!

With some creative input from the Holy Spirit, I have been purging once again in order to create more bedroom space for the littles. While far from done, I'm trying to plug along and reclaim some order. The math alone is staggering...everything times ten: barn boots, winter boots, dress boots, dress shoes, tennis shoes, sandals, flip-flops, something brown, something black, high-tops, low-tops...see what I mean? And that just covers the shoes.

If this sounds like I'm bordering on hopeless, it's close. But just in time one of my beloved mentors (read Titus2 women) is speaking to my heart. My mealtimes have gone from times of discipleship and training, good manners and engaging conversations~even story time~ to mere survival of chaos. Ugh! Thankfully, Auntie Leila offers straight-to-the-heart, no-nonsense help.

If you're struggling right now, join me while we get some practical help to get back on track!
Here's to a peaceful breakfast!

Kathy

Nature Walks and Jesse Trees...Can You Help?

Treasures brought home from a recent nature walk~

These are known as Osage oranges in these parts of the country. Send me an email if you'd like some sent from our farm for your autumn table~

 I wish we had pressed this for some charming craft~

 Here is the gang after arriving back home. Note the raspberries harvested and enjoyed all over Running Squash's face. Delicious!

Is anyone doing a Jesse Tree this year? I found a lovely tree idea with a devotional book and symbols, but the company is not producing them this year. As typically happens, it is the eleventh hour and I need to find another source. So, I'm coming to you, friends. Any resources or ideas?

Painting the Alphabet B

This is last week's attempt at painting the alphabet, and naturally, we chose "bird" for B. I'm very pleased at our work, and VERY pleased that we have done it twice! For all our emerging skills, I am loving what is coming from the newly-turned four year old and the five year old. Aren't those two little birdies at the bottom charming???

One of my gardening "wishes" this year was planting pumpkins...

...but it never happened. Instead, God provided an entire field of pumpkins for us to glean...right across the road!

It's safe to say, that I have more pumpkins than I know what to do with.

Not to be overlooked is the opportunity for training good habits...the little girls spent hours washing these tiny beauties. A vintage tub, warm soapy water and a couple rags equals mommy's helpers staying very busy. 

Spending time today with a young mother of three, reminded me again of the importance of what Charlotte Mason calls "habit formation".  It is so important to use the early years to establish the formation of good habits~attitude, obedience, manners, cleanliness~ and before you and I are tempted to say we've failed, just determine to start again tomorrow. Fridays are cleaning days around here, and I'm determined to have ALL the bathrooms cleaned, AND make my bed!

Enjoy the blessings of tomorrow~

Kathy