Oh, Where Does the Time Go?



the Dresden

   I keep passing by the quilt table sighing with frustration- where does the time go? It seems weeks have passed me by with not one moment spent working here. The hustle and bustle of the farm coupled with classes and lessons and teens- where does the time go? The days come and go with garden harvesting, stall mucking, meal preparing, and...and...and...I forget. Yet, let me sit and ponder..these days won't last. The weather will change driving us inside giving us time; time for sitting things-for comfort things. Any day now time will be found for cups of hot tea, quilts on the table, games and movies and just being. Yes, soon, I will find where the time did go.

simplychele

Thoughtful Thursday..Ponderings of the Accidental Pastor's Wife

"...go and bring forth fruit,"  John 15:16 

  
   A command; not a suggestion: "...go and bring forth fruit.."  This I ponder this week. I am seeking. How? The answer has not yet come.
   I have always believed growth must start at home- with the training and discipleship of our children and ourselves, but, where does it go from here and how is it done? Is this a personal or collective endeavor? The job of the family? The church? Is the Lord speaking of discipleship or outreach?
   Growing fruit trees has taught me that proper conditions must be met in order for the tree to bear fruit; light, water, fertilizer, season- proper pruning and trellising. Can this parallel our "fruit bearing"? What are the right conditions for bearing fruit? I am just not seeing it. Have you ever known there was a lesson there, yet it was just out of reach- the connection was just not being made? It's maddening!
   This week I consider, I ponder- how do we "go and bring forth fruit"? Can you tell me?

simplychele

Photo Entry by Simplyjen



Ribbons and Lace


      Simplyjen recently entered the Heart of Texas Fair's photography division. In all, five different origional photographs were entered in four separate divisions: animals, people, nature, and miscellaneous. The above photograph Ribbons and Lace earned a second place rating! Her other photographs were given Honorable Mentions in their divisions. Congratulations, simplyjen, we are so proud of you!!

   To see more beautiful photography by simplyjen, visit her gallery http://galadriellagallery.deviantart.com/gallery/.  She is also a member of naturephotograph and wephotograph in Deviantart.

simplychele

Happy Birthday to my Dad

   This past weekend, my father came down for a visit. My parents no longer live nearby and have to plan little trips down to see us, so this past weekend we fired up the grill for a fajita dinner. Yummy food, rambunctious kids and gifts, gifts, gifts...I think he had a good visit. We toured the little farm, talked projects and plans, discussed upcoming visits and, of course, shared food. But- today is the actual day...

   So...happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you....happy 60th birthday- (wow that's a big number). I hope you have a quiet afternoon to reflect upon the years gone and the years to come. See you next month..happy birthday, Dad.

simplychele

It Is Sunday....

Peppy

Baptist Faith & Message (2000)

XI. Evangelism and Missions

      It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to made disciples of all nations. The new birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary efforts on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness under girded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.

Genesis 12: 1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30,37-43; 16:19; 22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:7-8, 16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 3:1-11; I Thessalonians 1:8; II Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; I Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.

What's Up Doc?



Doc in the loafing area



   My new favorite phrase during the day. You see, Doc loves to brae quite loudly whenever we are working around the farm. In response, I look up from my task and ask, "What's up, Doc?" His only response is a look of disdain, "Silly momma, don't you know?" It seems he just wants some attention; a scratch behind the ears and a handful of garden trimmings- what more could one ask for? Oh, I hear him calling now!

simplychele

There are Green Beans in the Garden

rows of green beans

 
   Ah, the rewards of hard work. Green bean plants are producing plenty of beans for both cooking and freezing. It is so exciting to finally see the rewards of our hard work; weeding, watering, mulching, and tending. Sometimes, in the midst of the sweat and the dust, we lose sight of the goal. Then, just in time, the blossoms give way to delicious and healthy foods. 
   Sitting here this afternoon snapping yummy green beans reminds me of summer afternoons with my grandmother in Kansas. We would sit in metal lawn chairs at the side of the house near her garage. Do you remember those vividly colored retro lawn chairs? Those metal chairs would scorch the skin right off your legs! To deter this, my grandmother would lay a multicolor braided rug over them before sitting down; funny how that memory sticks. Five gallon buckets at our feet and old flecked mixing bowls in our lap, we snapped hundreds of green beans for dinner that night and for canning up the next morning. Crickets would begin to chirp and the sun would set...days end had come.
   I sure don't remember there being as many mosquitos then as I am swatting now; maybe that is just romanticizing the memory. Yet here I sit today, at the corner of my own house on a wooden glider- no rug needed- those five gallon buckets are at my feet and old mixing bowls are in my lap. My children are gathered round me: one is sketching, relaying events of her day; one is studying, big reading assignments from her class today; one is eating more beans that he's snapping, isn't that just like a boy? We are together, and one day they will remember this moment with me...at the end of day. Memories are made from the little things in life..like snapping beans and sharing stories..or being together as the sun sets and the crickets come to serenade. Wonderful moments are these. Praise the Lord, there are green beans in the garden!

simplychele

Thoughtful Thursday..the Ponderings of the Accidental Pastor's Wife

             Once a Mother, Always a Mother

   As you know, I am a mother, I have a mother and a mother-in-law, a grandmother or two- you get the picture. Serving in assisted living ministry has given me some mothers-in-love; they just adopt you the minute you walk in the door. We have noticed that when our mothers develop dementia or Alzheimer's and are placed in a group care environment, one will often become the mother of the group. Such was the case with Miss Faye.

   I have loving memories of dear Miss Faye; she was somewhat quiet and kept up her appearance. She was very able in body, however, she suffered the effects of Alzheimer's. Ever faithful to attend the little church service we held in her center, Miss Faye was also a leader- a mother to her roommates.

   My favorite loving memory of her is the Sunday morning she came to service with her friends- who, at that time, were being rather noisy. Now during the singing portion of the service, Miss Faye was cautiously warning her friends to quiet down and listen. When the singing was over and the preaching began, our dear Miss Faye would have no disrespect of God's Word. She proceeded to pull a comb out of her pocket, reach across the table and swat the talkers on the hand- reminding them that the preacher was talking and they needed to hush up and listen.
   Now, I had never in my wildest dreams expected such a thing- it shocked us all! Bless her heart, she meant no ill will, but she did mean business. Miss Faye was a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, and would always be. The Lord must have smiled at her simple devotion and boldness in response to His servants because it ended well. Things settled down and the service went on.
   I treasure the memory of this unique woman and her motherly way. She was caring and eager to hug you when you arrived- she often recognized you, just not sure why or how she knew you. Miss Faye is with our Lord now, and surely keeps Him smiling. Whenever I see a little black comb, I think of Miss Faye, once a mother, always a mother.

simplychele

Tending the Turkeys- Wingband Maintenance

checking wingbands

   Turkeys are growing! These little peepers keep a full schedule throughout the day: eat, peep, poop, repeat. As they start to grow, their wing bands can become uncomfortably turned around which may lead to the loss of the band. In an attempt to prevent this, the bands must be checked occasionally and turned if needed. Today is wing band checking day for us.
   Raising turkeys requires commitment. They are completely dependant on you for protection, water, food, sanitation and housing. Encouraging the family to take on projects such as this develops a sense of responsibility that will carry on throughout their adult lives. Understanding that smaller, weaker beings have needs- are basically helpless, and we must set aside some of our own agenda to care for them- those are lessons I want my children to learn.
   Wing bands may seem like a little thing, but little things can become big things. When my kids grow up and take on families of their own hopefully the tedious task of maintaining wing bands will transfer over to tying shoes or coloring pictures ore taking a temperature. No experience is wasted, there are lessons everywhere- even in tending the turkeys.

simplychele

Make it Monday...Farmhouse Cooking for Fall

Doesn't that look tasty?

   Sometimes fall activities are special foods sending soothing aromas that stir the nostalgic side of your heart. Here on the farm we enjoy a lot of good cooking year round, yet when the temps turn cooler the oven gets hotter. Today's activity is a whole grain waffle lightly dazzled with miniature chocolate chips. To top this already delightful dish, we dress it up with a lightly sweetened cream laced with cinnamon. Grab you family and join me in the kitchen for "Make it Monday's" Fabulous Fall Waffles.

Fabulous Fall Waffles

1 stick of butter, softened (yes, real butter)
4 eggs, separated
3 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 3/4 cups wheat flour
1/4 cup whole grain hot cereal (I use Bob's Red Mill)
2 cups white flour
1/8 cup flax meal
1 1/2 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla
1/2-1 cup miniature chocolate chips or grated dark chocolate

   Preheat your waffle maker and beat your egg white to stiff peaks. In a large mixing bowl, stir your wet ingredients well before adding the dry. Stir in your chocolate with the dry ingredients before gently folding in the beaten egg whites.
   Lightly butter your waffle iron (if it is not non-stick) and pour 1/2 cup mixture per waffle section - my waffles are 4"x4" and Belgian style. Cook following your waffle maker's directions. ***If you eat gluten free or low carb- use your favorite baking mix and simply add cacao nibs or dark chocolate shavings for your chips. The recipe can be adjusted to your diet.

Cinnamon Cream

1 cup heavy cream
3 Tbsp confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)
2 tsp cinnamon

   Beat all ingredients with a mixer until you have a sturdy cream for your topping. You may substitute crushed mints, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice or citrus zest for a delicious variation. This cream tastes wonderful on a cup of coffee or black tea, as well as dolloped over crepes or pies.***For us sugar free gals, use stevia powder- one teaspoon (or packet) in place of the sugar.

   To serve your waffles, place a dollop of cream over a waffle, sprinkle with a few chocolate chips, and dig in. Crunchy and sweet with a hint of cinnamon- just right for fall. Add a cup of hot cider and a porch swing- make a memory!

   Let me just say, you can do this with children of any age. I have been cooking with my kids since they were born and - yes- it takes longer- yes- it can be messier, but it is well worth it. In the early years they may just be sitting in the bouncer seat watching and listening as you chat with them- husbands love waffles too, you know. As they start to hold things, give them measuring cups to play with- let them pour measured ingredients in- help you stir. In time they will be able to measure and make. The point is the process- not so much the outcome. Their first waffles may look a little off, but they will never forget the fact you let them do it with you and you ate it!
   Don't neglect the fact that teens love to help as well. Whether they show it or not, they are starving for time with you. Sometimes the best conversations are had over measuring spoons and mixers. Cooking together with your teen allows them to relax, let down some defenses and share things from the heart. Consider doing this as family or as a parent-teen moment. This is a great sleep over food for teens- they love them!

   The purpose of our Make it Monday is to encourage you to spend time with your family- whatever the size or the ages. Wives, our men love special treats. If it is just the two of you, make it for him; set out candles and cushions- have them on a blanket under the leaves. Memory making is not just for families with children. So dust off your waffle iron and make some Fabulous Fall Waffles this Monday.


simplychele

It Is Sunday....

Baptist Faith & Message (2000)

X. Last Things

    God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.

Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18: 8-9; 19:28' 24:27, 30, 36, 44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40, 48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; I Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28; 35-38; II Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; I Thessanonians4:14-18; 5:1; II Thessalonians 1:7; I Timothy 6:14; II Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; II Peter 3:7; I John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22; 13.

Ushering in the Fall Season V

                                                      Yard Work

Do we really have to clean the yard?

   Not the most popular activity of the season, yet necessary; yard work. With the change of season comes a change in duties relating to our yards. We turn in our weed eaters and lawn mowers for rakes and wheel barrows. Trees are gently dropping their foliage, taking on the bare look of the upcoming winter. Pine cones  and sweet gum balls decorate the scattered colors of the leaves. For us, this means afternoons of raking and bagging- working together as a family.
   Leaves on our little farm  are gathered for the winter-stored in bags and barrels. These make welcome treats in the stalls of our livestock when forage is scarce. Is it necessary? Not really, but it is economical and practical, and they really enjoy it. The question is, do we? Well...
   When they were little raking and gathering leaves was a game to them; something done in fun out in the sunshine. Contests were had to see who had the most colorful or unusual leaf piles in the yard. Who could fill a bag faster- or fill the most bags? Which one would run full speed and jump in with reckless abandon knowing they would have to rake them all up again? Now, they are older...and...
   As older youth it has become more of a duty; a chore to be done. Now we look at it the more practical eyes knowing the need it will fill when the time comes. It is also seen as a time to work together; a time to realize that many hand really do make light work. Though often looked at begrudgingly, it still ends up with laughter, good conversation and the satisfaction of a job well done. We may not look forward to it, but in the end we do enjoy the joy we share in the process.
   So gather your rakes, your work gloves, your wheel barrows...soak up some seasonal sunshine and breath the fresh air. Spend some time as a family raking, pruning, putting in some yard work as you usher in the fall season.

simplychele

Ushering in the Fall Season IV

                                                               
                                                                  Babies on the Farm



Just arrived!!!



In the cooler weather of fall, we take inventory of the plants and animals here on the little farm; evaluating their health, purpose and function. From time to time we must replace or restock the barnyard. The hen house is usually the area with the most turn over due to predators or going out of season. Since we have a broody hen setting a nest of new chicks we will not be adding hens to our flock right now.

Last fall baby goats were added to our farm. Bottle fed and hand trained ,they have grown well and are preparing to be purposeful and productive. Our breeding partner fell through, so no new goats will be arriving this fall. Sad as it may be, there must be a reason it did not work out.

All that said, new babies did arrive here on the farm yesterday--turkeys. We have never raised a pen of turkeys before so this will be a new venture for us. Twenty-five hungry little peepers arrived yesterday and have set up house in the brooder pen.

Investigating their new home.

   Upon arrival the little turkeys had their wing bands checked and recorded (due to the fact that we are a registered farm and  4-H family, we keep detailed records of our livestock. Each little beak was dipped in the water bowl before they set about to investigate their pen. Once they seem accustom to the brooder and water, feed is set out- there is no need to show them how to do this- they arrive hungry and ready for a meal.
   For the first twenty-four hours we keep a round the clock check on them- about ever two hours- to be sure the temperature is maintained and the birds seem healthy and active. This routine tapers to three to four hours, then four times a day (including overnight) until butchering or show; yes, these are show pens for our county fair as well as meat for our freezer.

   You may not live in an environment conducive to baby animals, but that doesn't mean some one around you doesn't have some for you to visit. Maybe just reading about new babies would be a nice idea. When our kids were little, changing of seasons was a perfect time to introduce nature studies to read, visit, interact and journal about. God can open your eyes to His majesty through the study of His marvelous creation. I encourage you to look for ways to interact with nature as you usher in the fall season.


simplychele

*   Throughout the holiday season, the farm kids and I would like to host "Make it Mondays"- extending our sharing of holiday related crafts and activities. We hope you join us!

Thoughtful Thursday..Ponderings of the Accidental Pastor's Wife

                                                   Lessons From the Broody Hen & Me


the broody ol' hen

    It seems that one of my hens has decided to usher in the fall season with an activity all her own; she has decided to be broody. If you have ever spent some time with a broody hen- you haven't forgotten it. Nothing makes an impression around the barnyard like a broody hen. She is puffed up and full of irritation. Broody Betty wants no part the other ladies' chatter and charm- nor the rooster's incesant fussing. This hen wants to be, well, broody.
   My daily interactions with the old broody hen have got me pondering; we are so often like this broody hen. You see, she is puffed up-attempting to make herself bigger than she really is. When other hens drop by for casual conversation broody hens raise quite an unpleasant ruckus, thus running off good company. Her rooster comes home to the coop and broody hen is too busy with her brooding to pay him any mind. Attempts to assist or aide a broody hen are met with angry aggression. She is just no fun to be with.
   Unlike the broody hen, our broody moods are caused by a myriad of things. Unpleasant family interactions, uncooperative children, selfishness, pride, arrogance, anything that unbalances our emotions. Sometimes it takes just one little thing to send us brooding, but most often the pressure has been building and we've had it. There is only one cure for a broody hen- remove the cause of her broodiness (her nest of eggs). Once the cause is removed she will go about being a functional part of the flock again.
   Guess what I discovered. The only way to cure our broodiness is- you guessed it- remove what is causing the broodiness. If a relationship is the trigger- consider time away to settle the emotions. When it's the children- ask them to give you some quite time; even small children can understand when you're out of sorts and need a break. Selfishness, pride and arrogance take a bit more effort- seek God's help. I personally search out Scriptures relating to my broody trigger, write them on note cards or sheets of paper, and tack them up around the house in the areas I will encounter them the most. This prompts me to ponder the word and pray for guidance.
   In the hen house, I gave in and let the hen set her nest. When a ruckus occurs I smile and think ahead to little, fluffy chicks yet to come; before too long she'll be back to herself. In my house, the battle is there- yet progress is being made. Maybe I'll pour a cup of coffee and spend some time to myself out under the trees pondering the broody hen and me.


simplychele

Ushering in the Fall Season II

Collecting Pine cones

   Pine cones; the things you can do with a few. Every since my first child could walk, we have gathered pine cones. Since they come in such a variety of shapes and sizes, they yield themselves to great focal points for many different activities. Every age and skill level can participate in these fall pine cone projects.

Ten things you can do with pine cones:

1. Learn about them. Entire unit studies can be done around pine cones. Focus on the type of tree they come from, their purpose, who they provide food for, etc.

2. Display them. Pin cones are a beautiful accent to table centerpieces, fireplace mantles, nature tables; they can be randomly strewn about with leaves or gourds, or neatly arrayed in a bowl or basket.

4. Make place card holders for your holiday table. Stand your pine cone on end (cut the bottom if necessary to make it set right) place your place card in the top. Ribbon or sparkle is easily added for added flair.

5. Create a bird feeder. Tie a cotton cord or ribbon to the top of your pine cone, spread natural peanut butter all around the cone- poking some into the crevices, roll it in birdseed and hang it outdoors. Birds and squirrels will love this treat and you will love the entertainment it brings you!

6. Create scented pine cones for your home or a gift. Using essential oils (or the cooking oils found in the spice isle at your grocery store), drop several drops of oil- scent of your choice- onto the pine cone focusing on crevices, place the scented cones in a resealable bag and let them cure one week. Now add them to your display or decor. These make great gifts and may be used in the fireplace for a burst of scent.

7. Make a fire starter for a fireplace. Melt beeswax or paraffin (adding color or scent if desired), dip your pine cones in- I tie a string around them to prevent us from burning our hands, let them dry on wax paper and package them neatly with some fireplace matches, cocoa and a good book or movie for a cute gift basket.

8. Make pine cone people. Use pipe cleaners, glitter, fabric scraps and pom poms- even leaves and acorns are great- to let the kids create people, pets and all sorts of imaginary creatures. These are cute for display or play- and grandparents love one attached to a simple gift or card.

9. Garland. Use them with leaves (natural, synthetic, paper or felt), acorns, or seasonal fabric, cotton cord or ribbon, and any other holiday shape. The pine cones can be tied by the top or base, hot glued, or- if your handy with gadgets- an eye hook can be placed in the base for stringing. Kids love helping with this one.

10. For you crafty moms, make a wreath. Use a wreath base (grapevine, raffia, foam, or wire) and hot glue, tie on, or add floral pics to your pine cones. Fill in the gaps with leaves, fabric, acorns or other holiday shapes.

   Each of these activities have been done by our family over the years. Even today, pine cones are gathered and scattered around our home. We have some curing in bags, scented with rosemary. Others are in a basket waiting a wreath base (I have to purchase a new one- mine finally fell apart).
   Remember that when doing activities with your family- perfection is not the key. The goal is to spend time together- doing things- sharing with one another. Some of the best conversations happen when we are working together at an activity. Step outside with your family this afternoon, enjoy the beautiful weather and make some memories while you usher in the fall season.

simplychele

Ushering in the Fall Season...Activity I

Visiting the Pumpkin Patch

   From as far back as I can remember, my children and I visited a local petting farm and pumpkin patch as soon as the fall season came upon us. Snapping photos of them in overalls sitting amidst the sea of orange pumpkins was so precious. Deeply treasured are those times.
   This family doesn't take a trip half-way..no,sir. A picnic lunch full of yummy, home baked goods was always packed for the occasion; sandwiches on home made bread, fresh fruits and veggies with drinks- a few of those chocolate chip cookies, of course. When we go, we plan to spend the day; enjoy ourselves and not be in a rush.
   These days our kids are well past the petting zoo/farm/pumpkin patch days. Yet, the memories linger. Each of us treasured a different piece of the trips we made. For some, the little train ride around was the best thing, picnicking on a quilt under a tree, hand feeding the gentle beasts...or meeting a new person and sharing the day with them. Special moments, each different, each important.
   Now then...the pumpkin. Let's go there a moment. The trip to the patch was a huge event, but the fun (or the activity) wasn't over until the pumpkin was done. Usually each child brought home a carefully chosen pumpkin. Around this home, nothing is just for show..we have to do something with it. For us, pumpkins were always cleaned, cut, and cooked.
   You know, the messiest things are always the most fun..and few things are messier than cleaning a pumpkin. Scooping out the stringy, seedy insides...cutting it into pieces..baking it up in the oven. The sights, the touch, the smells...mmm. The immediate favorite for us was toasting the pumpkin seeds into a salty snack. Afterwards came pumpkin breads or pumpkin muffins or pumpkin pies. It may have been hard, messy work, but, the rewards were well worth it.
   These days we grow our own pumpkins; last year we cleaned fifteen. Pies and breads were made...even some pumpkin butter. The kids laughed and talked about our yesterdays- the visits to the pumpkin patch. I believe we will have this conversation again and again reminding me that memories were made of those days.
 
   What about you? Do you have a special trip you make when the air turns cooler and the leaves start to fall? Have you considered a pumpkin patch? What about pumpkins? Have you ever made a complete mess with your family..just to experience it together..to make something different? Let's grab our littles and make some memories...visit a pumpkin patch and usher in the fall season.

simplychele

It is Sunday.....

Baptist Faith & Message (2000)

IX. The Kingdom

      The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation is not which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.

Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 3:2; 4:8-10,23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52; 25:31-46; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:6-7; 17:20-21; Romans 5:17; 8:19; I Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:6, 9; 5:10; 11:15; 21-22

Focus on Fall...Activies to Usher in a Season

Willow and Levi

   Willow and Levi want to know if you noticed the beautiful weather this past week? They sure did. With cooler temperatures and lower humidity the farm is all abuzz with new activity. All around us, nature is adjusting and celebrating a change of season.
   The garden is bursting with new plant life..cooler weather crops eager to produce in this beautiful weather. Our goats are frisking about, surging with renewed energy after such a hot summer. Peppy (the baby horse) is curious and ornery with vibrant enthusiasm..each day wondering what we will do next. Cats and dogs run and play...tumbling with merriment in the cool of the day. Brooder houses are being cleaned and maintained for the coming turkey poults set to arrive next week. Everywhere, change is occurring in response to the change of seasons.
   Even our home, our family, our routine, shifts with the coming of fall. It is time to treat our home for the surge of spiders seeking to set up residence inside. Time to fall clean with declutter and reorganizing..open those cabinets and check those drawers. Our pantry is inventoried as well as our freezer..we must ensure good rotation and restock where necessary. Water storage is refreshed or replenished and bedding is aired out good.
   In the hustle and bustle of it all there are different activities we as a family do to commemorate the ushering in of a new season. This next week we would like to share some of those activities with you. Some we have outgrown, some we have grown into, some are timeless. All are precious and personal events that shape our being and bond our family together.
   We hope you will join us with anticipation and curious enthusiasm as we look into activities to usher in the fall season. Can't you feel the excitement in the air?

simplychele