Greetings beloved!
Yes, time has escaped me again. Six months has passed quickly...but not effortlessly. Much has been happening, as you could probably guess. I will wade through the latest events of our little farm life. :) There are many joys and trials alike, but the joys always seem to far outweigh the trials here. I can only give glory to God for all He has given to us. He is more than good....He is Life and Love itself!
Late February brought us our first calf on the farm. A few weeks ahead of her 'due date' our cow Dolly gave birth to a little heifer calf. She was so cute! She looked just like a baby buffalo..haha...and still does, sort of. :) She is so furry! (She's a Scottish Highlander, for those of you who might know that breed)
Other baby animals followed including some batches of chicks that our terrific broody hens decided to hatch! :) I love baby chicks...they are so cute! Our dairy cow Minnie had her calf last month and milking is in full swing again! We also have a fresh litter of kittens (which I am strangely pleased about...although we plan on spaying our cats soon after this). We have a few more batches of chicks ready to hatch within a week --those dear broody hens :). We also acquired two dogs for all those nights that Chad is away. They are excellent watch dogs! So, you see, we have a regular little hobby farm growing...and loving it! Oh yes, and our pigs...can't forget them...they are going to be delicious! :)
Chad's work has continued in the same fashion that it has for quite some time now. Very predictable and steady. However, his current project is nearing its end and we've been catching wind of other possible projects over time. Australia, Omen, China, etc. All of them needing a long-term stay. Thankfully, as an answer to prayer, God brought a perfect project our way...working locally, about 20 minutes from home, on a project that should stretch about a year! It isn't entirely final yet that he is getting it, but very near finality. We will know soon. That surely will be an answer to prayer! I am excited at the prospect of having my husband home each night! Please keep the success of this project in your prayers when you think of it!
Our free days have been packed full of projects; about every kind you can think of when you live on a farm and live in an unfinished home. There are very few idle days it seems. We haven't been able to 'enjoy' the summer like most people might think of, but we are enjoying working and improving things. Even more than that though, I especially enjoy getting to work side by side with my husband on these projects. I can hardly convey the joy and satisfaction it brings me to accomplish things with him. I feel that it adds to our one-ness. The work is typically hard and labor intensive...all the better! :) I have been finding myself breathing thanks to God from time to time for such a hard working and loving man! There are so many things I have come to love about my husband. Sometimes I find myself feeling unworthy of what God has given me in this new life of mine...this husband, these children, this farm and experiences that I have desired to give my family since I was a child. Now, I see that God has answered so many of my prayers. I marvel.
No, I don't see my life as all roses and butterflies every day, but when I can clear my head of all the muddle, and look through my Spiritual eyes (so to speak), when I come to God in humility, He gives me a "joy unspeakable and full of glory". I'm reminded of the song that says:
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace"
So true!
I would like to share some exciting news with you all. We are so happy to announce that I am carrying our 3rd child! We were so excited to learn of its new little life inside me! We had been hoping for this child for nearly a year! God's timing is always perfect though, and we praise Him! The pregnancy has been going very well - other than some normal morning sickness, tiredness and me looking far more pregnant than I am! We decided to announce earlier than planned because of my stomach that began to protrude and was difficult to hide! We announced to our families at 9 weeks. I am now 13 weeks. Almost into my 2nd trimester! Yay! We are expecting baby sometime in the beginning half of February. :)
I think Simeon and Ruth are a little happy about the coming baby. Simeon is hoping for a boy! :) Maybe he's thinking little sisters aren't working out for him...haha! He has already become a bit protective over the baby. When he sits on my lap, he makes sure he's not squishing the lil one. When Ruth is climbing all over me and stepping on my tummy, Simeon is quick to scold her and tell her to get off. :) I hope they really enjoy the lil one when he/she comes! We watch a little video about the baby each week. I tell them how big baby is and what is new with him/her. The video has a little ultrasound video of a baby at the same stage. They love seeing and hearing the updates!
All else is well. The gardens are growing well and canning season has begun! I've done beets and pickles so far and will have more pickling cukes coming than I will know what to do with! So, if any of you want to make some pickles...let me know! :) Although Chad has other thoughts...thoughts of many, many pickles for he and the children to eat in the next couple years! Haha!
I am hoping for a very heavy yeild of tomatoes, this year especially! Our plants are loaded so, Lord willing, all will turn out well there. We are also hoping to find lots and lots of organic apples from somewhere for applesauce. We only have a crab apple tree, so its nice to find other sweeter apples to balance out the tartness! Last year we got boxes of apples from my uncle's friend...what a blessing that was! My uncle even picked them for us!! :)
I hope all is well with each of you. Please "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness". I feel the days are drawing short and near. We need to arm ourselves against the wiles of the devil and stand with and
in Christ!
Blessings and love in Him
~Jen
