Goats + Girl = Pasture Dreaming

Sweet companions on an early summer's eve . . . .

Brothers

Summer times nightly include frisbee, discussion, joking, playful punching ....

Arguing, consoling, understanding, encouraging, challenging . . . .

And above all -- loving. Brothers. Can't live without them.

A Month of "Finishings"

Our literal garden is just taking off, growing lush in this mild and temperate spring. The daisies will bloom in another week or so and hopefully the heat of summer will accompany them. Our May and early June have been filled with finishing well. Whether it was with character development, academics, club responsibilities, or saying goodbye to long-term tutors, each day has held with it bittersweet moments of completing the tasks God set before us this year.

Isaac accomplished a character-building goal in completing his "Happiness is a Choice" chart (yes, you read that right). As I believe discontentment can become a habit, when I see it show itself in the character of my children, I work to correct it either through motivation or work (and sometimes both). When Isaac began to display this negative character trait, I created a chart with 21 spaces to fill in on days when he displayed a joy-filled attitude in his work and his play. His reward -- starting a savings account in his own name. Isaac has always enjoyed counting, earning, and saving his money. Doing this was motivation indeed! And, we all reaped the benefits of his improved mood!

This year, in addition to our "big kid" Science Club, I also held a Jr. Science club at the same time for the younger siblings. We studied Apologia's Zoology text and delved deep into the world of animals. The kids gave multiple presentations throughout the year as well as read, took field trips, enjoyed guest speakers, took quizzes, played games, and had a blast learning with each other. This was the last year for our "big kids" ... after 8 years, they closed off the sequence with Chemistry.

Now .... we start all over again next year with Isaac studying General Science. Josiah will serve as a student teacher alongside Joe, while Isabelle and I will be their assistants. We have 12 kids with their families lined up to join us in our next academic year, and 4 more on a waiting list!!

Our final two modules involved spiders and worms (as in the kind that grow inside of YOU!). Here Isabelle is reading her report about the jumping spider while simultaneously displaying her home-drawn picture. She had some funny stories to go with it (we have a lot of jumping spiders where we live) and kept the kids (and herself) laughing.

I just had to show off my precious Lily of the Valley which has now grown a bit rampant in one of my perennial beds. The smell of these and so many flowers is just out of this world. I love gardening for the distinct purpose of enjoying such fragrant and unique flowers. God's creation daily astounds me . . . Our gardens are growing well including massive amounts of fruit on our trees. Lord willing, I will be doing a lot of canning this year. Applesauce, apricot and berry jams, peaches, green beans, spaghetti sauce ...... I'm getting inspired (and tired!) just thinking of it!

Isabelle raided my closet, dressing in everything white she could find as well as my wedding veil, growing aged and dingy hanging in my closet. She is so creative -- every day coming up with a new idea, project, or find. I recently (and accidentally) hoed the legs off the side of a toad in my garden (I thought it was a weed!). Isabelle was thrilled and begged to keep the frog until it died for the specific purpose of dissecting it with Daddy. Unbelievably, this is exactly what they did within a day or so of its capture! She spent a full 20 minutes that evening giving me detailed descriptions of its lungs, heart, spine, and leg muscles. She definitely did NOT get this ability and interest from me!

The boys went through their trimester karate testing and did excellently, receiving many positive remarks from their judge. They both passed and earned their green belts (one level away from brown). This was a great accomplishment and one that they worked toward with nearly daily practice at home or at the dojo. Check out the smile on Isaac's face (you can click on the picture to make it larger)! That is one proud green belt.

As with everything in karate, there is ceremony and respect shown to both instructor and student. Here Josiah is receiving his green belt from his Sensei with a bow of honor.

With the sun and the green came a variety of accomplishments and finishings for Josiah. He finished Algebra II (praise God!) and said goodbye to his weekly tutor. In addition, after receiving two years of private instruction from our beloved Spanish tutor Haline, Josiah completed his third year of high school Spanish and was able to receive one full year of college level Spanish by taking a College Spanish CLEP test (to date, Josiah has received 66 college credits -- his first two years of undergraduate work are now complete at age 15 1/2). This was bittersweet for us as Haline has become a welcomed member of the family! Josiah also completed his Research and Report Writing class culminating in an 8 page (single spaced) research paper entitled "The History of the U.S. Military Small Arms" (smile. Only my son would choose a topic like this).

We also participated in our Idaho state homeschool convention last weekend. My favorite author and mentor for many years -- Sally Clarkson and her husband, were the featured keynote speakers. Our family was privileged to provide taxiing for them to and from the convention each day, as well as hosting them for a meal in our home. God has and continues to use Sally in a mighty way as she gently guides moms worldwide, through her six books and many speaking engagements, to seek to live out Godly and joy-filled motherhood (to learn more, see my sidebar to the right. Her ministry is Whole Heart Ministries. Check out the website I list).

Along with the academic year drawing to a close, our musical year also celebrates the year with recitals galore! Last night, Josiah and Isabelle performed beautifully for a small audience. Josiah closed out the concert with an incredibly moving performance of "La Folia" by Corelli.

Isabelle about gave me a heart attack when practicing the morning of the recital and seemingly forgetting the notes that needed to be played!!?! But, alas! She performed beautifully the Boccherini Minuet with poise and intonation. She is now beginning Suzuki's book 3 and will be attending Idaho Suzuki Institute later this month. She will hold a small, informal performance and brunch gathering to celebrate her graduation from Book 2 this coming weekend. Isaac has his piano recital tomorrow night and then we will all take a well-deserved break from our instruments, resuming lessons in August.

Although we are officially on "summer break", we never stop learning alongside eachother. Isabelle (under Isaac's guidance) is learning to type this summer, Josiah is hoping to finish 4 high school credits through the summer as well as take Driver's Ed., and Isaac wanted to begin his 8th grade math (pre-Algebra) early this summer so as to get a head start on next year. Everyone will enjoy hours of long walks, reading hours, bike rides, and stories under the willow. The weeds and gardens beckon every day as do the ever-growing menagerie of animals. Friendships will be strengthened and enjoyed, family night BBQ's will continue (we had our first of the summer this evening), and camping trips planned and lived out.

God is so good to give us summertimes! I cherish them. Nothing is more important than the gift of today.

Springtime Camping in Yellowstone

We returned home late Sunday after spending a long weekend camping in Yellowstone. The weather was great and the wild animals abundant -- especially the bison. We saw many baby bison alongside their mothers as well as packs of bachelors along the side of or often in the middle of the road.

We camped with some new family friends and their eight children. The kids had a blast playing ultimate frisbee among the trees when we weren't out sightseeing.

Campfires, smores, hot chocolate, and hot dogs roasted over the open fire were all a part of our days.

Isabelle was privileged to get to hold baby Jamison for a few minutes each evening. Even though our family is relatively small, God continues to bless us with many like-minded families who have several children of all ages.

We all enjoyed waiting to watch Old Faithful geyser do its thing!

More frisbee, lots of laughs, screams, and active play with kids of all ages.

On our final day, just our family stayed to walk through the Norris geyser basin. It is a beautiful sight but also quite a hike. Sissy is a bit worn out here. It's time to head for home.

But not before one more memory is made ..... We love Yellowstone!

Spring Garden Snapshots

A wet and cold spring has left us fairly behind in our growing season, but there is still so much beauty, I couldn't help but take a few pictures to share. I see this birdhouse garnished in clematis out my kitchen table window each and every day. I am so blessed.

Our eastern facing shade garden with fragile blueberries and iris amidst the candytuft -- the seed of which I bought at Mount Vernon -- George Washington's glorious farm still kept in perfect condition for tourists. Supposedly the seed is original to the farm. It is neat to think that we have a piece of history growing in our garden.

My organic seed mesculin is delicious and ready to eat. It is a great blend of bitter and smooth greens -- hearty and nutritious. The buttercrunch lettuces are slower to grow but should be eatable within another week or so. My spinach (which overwintered and served as great food for the bunny!) is already bolting. It's hard to imagine that I'm doing a second planting in May already. My goal is to keep lettuce/spinach/swiss chard readily available throughout spring, summer, and fall. I'll let you know how it goes.

Peas were planted late but have enjoyed our chilly spring. The chives are always the first green in the garden and are ready to flower. I'm experimenting with some different forms for the climbers to go up. I enjoy the rustic look in just about all of my decorating -- even in the garden.

Bearded iris are blooming on my south side. These were my grandmother's favorite flowers and purple was her favorite color so I think of her each time I see this giant of a flower off of my back porch. They are over 3 feet tall and just spectacular in detail.

Pots of annuals are strewn on back and front porch alike. As always, I enjoy a variety of colors -- always with bits of orange thrown in. I've found these antique buckets to not only look unique but also to serve double duty as great weed buckets for my many, many impromptu trips into the kitchen walled garden.

Apricot colored tulips which turned a parrot orange upon opening were stunning in my perennial garden this year. From Holland, these tulips stood nearly 3 feet tall and withstood the mighty winds we have throughout springtime here. Tulips remain my favorite flower. Simple, elegant, unassuming ... I love them. I planted 50 bulbs alone in this one spot. It was a beautiful effect and one that I enjoyed each time I drove up to home.

God doesn't give us storms without intensely stunning sunsets and rainbows to follow. This one filled the sky from horizon to horizon.

May - Already

Today is May 1. Unbelievable! My life is so rich and so full that the days turn into weeks with a blink of an eye. April has been a growing month for us -- not only in the return of green and gardening, but in the depth of our souls as God has brought us through another trial leaning on Him and undergirding us in a way that is miraculous.

Our past month has involved a lot of slowing down. As our extracurricular activities draw to a close, we're allowed more leisure and work time around our home and little farm. There was a renewing of friendships between siblings as the sun brought more hours out of doors and rainy days allowed for hours of talking and playing and listening to audiobooks together - contemplating the important things in life (such as: "Can animals really talk to people if you listen hard enough??"). Above is a picture of Isabelle and Isaac deep into listening and occasional questions while listening to Dr. Doolittle.

I noticed a strong return to pastimes of old during afternoons of freedom. Isaac is our resident collector, organizer, and money counter. I allowed him to clean out Dad's car (always an adventure) and to package up all the loose change. His reward: he gets to keep the money and add it to his soon-to-be-realized bank account which will be opened upon his completing his "Happiness is a Choice" daily chart which is emphasizing a willingness and joyfulness found in obedience through work.

Isabelle is fully reading. I mean REALLY reading. In two week's time, she has read three substantial books. Here I found her delightfully cozy on the porch swing, wrapped in blanket, completely immersed in "Wind in the Willows". She didn't even look up when I took her picture. Her latest ambition after reading oodles of books on Helen Keller is to learn sign language. She is fascinated and inspired by Helen's courage and determination in spite of obstacles. I love when my children have heroes. This has been a great lead in to discussions on character and stick-to-it-ness. Isabelle and I are enjoying giving secret messages to each other by spelling out words using the sign language alphabet :-)

The month has been either beautifully sunny or windy beyond measure. It is a late spring and a cold one. My cold weather crops were planted a month ago but the tender plants will have to wait a bit longer until we are steadily in the 70's. In the meantime, the garden remains a vast empty slate that is wonderful to imagine. Ten yards of bark have been placed throughout the yard and garden. All that awaits is warmth and sunshine!

Our additions of the goats has been a good one. Isabelle is learning responsibility, the boys are realizing daily how very invaluable they are to do the "strong jobs" such as hauling buckets of water for their sister. Needing to be home twice a day to bottle feed them has kept us grounded and more purposeful. Animals are almost always a God-designed tool for calming us down. I knew this when we talked originally about getting them and I'm so thankful that we've been able to have this experience. They are definitely people lovers and cry for Isabelle at her usual "goat time" in the afternoon if she is late.

May brings more finishing up. The end of our homeschooling year occurs officially in a couple of weeks. Josiah completes Chemistry and Science Club for him (we start all over with Isaac next year). It will be the ending of several things for Josiah -- these are bittersweet days for him. Please keep him in your prayers as he endeavors to accomplish so very much at such a young age. He is so driven and ambitious and feels a definite call to finish well and finish soon. Joe and I often ask him what he's in a hurry for ... but he has a plan in mind and is anxious to fulfill it. He is four credits from completing his high school diploma and has plans to complete those classes this summer. Driver's Education is on the list of things to do along with participation in a Shakespeare play, violin and piano recitals, continued participation in Men's Bible study with our sweet church, weekly recreation nights with teens and young people from Columbia Bible Church, planting the garden, potentially beginning our remodel, camping with friends in Yellowstone (hoping to see ever so many baby animals!), and Josiah completing his second year of college via testing. It should be a fun month ahead!

Dandelion Princess

One sweet little girl .... plus

One obliging pasture .... plus

One April sunshiny day .... equals hours of joy.

Goat Kids Added to the "Farm"

We picked up our Nubian kid does yesterday and brought them home after much anticipation and preparation. We were privileged to meet them at the Sater farm when both were just a day or two old and chose these two little ladies out of 9 or 10 others. The one above is "Letty-bell" named after Joe's sweet Grandma who was very instrumental in his life. She is blond, brown, and very sweet natured.

This wee one is named a variety of things (Isabelle has difficulty choosing just ONE name!). Thus far, she has been dubbed "Zoe Starlight Little Lady Kronz" ... but I've noticed that 'Starlight' is the name Sis uses most often when talking with and about her. I would imagine her name may change a few more times before one sticks. She is one of a quadruplet birth, thus her smaller stature. Her markings are very pretty however. She is rusty brown with white ears and very timid in nature.

We will bottle feed these little ones for another month, slowly working to transition them to alfalfa hay, grain, and other treats. Isabelle spent the evening in their pen playing with them and awoke early to feed them. I half expected for her to ask if she could sleep with them! This has been an exciting adventure for us as we all enjoy having more animals (it feels more "farm-like", don't you think?). Our hope is that this will be a good "test" for Isabelle in caring for livestock prior to moving up in size and responsibility with other noble creatures :-)

When we pulled into the driveway with our new members of the family in the back of the car, excited to show them their new home, Isabelle was giddy with anticipation and exclaimed,

"This is our new life now, Mommy! Let's go enjoy living it!!"

New smile

After a year and a half of suffering, what seemed like a hundred orthodontist appointments, many doses of Motrin, a whole lot of money spent, and several milkshakes to get him through - Josiah now has a beautiful smile to show for it. Smile :-)

March -A Month of Beginning and Finishing Well

Home

Life has been full, yet I continue to live in a state of thankfulness.

Thankful for the precious commodity of sleep (having lived without it for a portion of my life, I know just how meaningful it is) with absolutely no difficulty in switching over to daylight savings time this year. God is good.

Thankful for good health. Just now in the midst of our first real virus this academic year, I am immensely blessed to have experienced wellness through a busy fall and winter with no more than the occasional sniffle.

Thankful for movement -- my daily walk and stretching times bring me right to my knees

nearly every day as I live out gratitude for my health. Prior to having a hysterectomy, I often wondered if these simple extras were a thing of the past. I do not take this daily gift for granted any longer.

Thankful for a marriage that is entering its 20th year with a man who continues to love and support me in spite of myself. We are dreaming big dreams this year, one of them including a major renovation to our home which is just now on the drawing board . He and I - we're really good at dreaming and have been doing it walking side by side since first meeting and walking the sidewalks of our alma mater nearly 24 years ago.

Thankful every day, in spite of runny noses and bad attitudes, in spite of another meal yet needing to be cooked and eaten and cleaned up after, in spite of schedules and scheduling an endless list of 'have to's' . . . . how I'm thankful for this privilege called motherhood.

Homeschool

Creativity in homeschooling must occur when your 8 year old breaks her right arm. We've been creative with her writing -- doing most lessons orally. Creative with violin -- plucking the strings rather than bowing, focusing on vibrato and strong playing fingers, singing while fingering our songs, making charts to motivate and bring joy to our practice in spite of playing one handed for a month. Creative as she practices her piano - one handed, learning theory and rhythm in a whole new way. Creativity in her play (no climbing, no riding, no falling).

Character development (both mine and theirs) is the biggest daily lesson in our homeschool. One son well-engaged in puberty and another on the brink .... requires daily patience and prayer and lots and lots of hugs, assurance, discipline, and training.

Academics are still going strong. In the midst of a full-fledge study of WWII, we have enjoyed reading and read-alouds, DVD's and discussions about the holocaust, Nazi's, battlefronts and battles, airplanes and their crew, and leaders and their motivations. We have watched and listened to survivor stories and have been truly impacted ... as we should. This is how to study history.

Science Club is going strong as are any number of extracurricular activities. We have brought in reinforcements in the form of graduated homeschool students now in college or beyond who can serve as tutors in areas I am unprepared (or unwilling!) to teach. Algebra II, Advanced Spanish, guitar, and sewing (for the little one) are all areas of study where my children now have the benefit of learning under the guidance of another. They are thriving and I am grateful for the resources to add this to our schedule this year.

The children are developing their own individual bents which homeschooling seems to especially foster. Josiah is accomplishing his goals toward high academic achievement and has earned a significant amount of college credits this year in addition to his heavy academic load and broad range of extracurricular obligations. Isaac has determined that, although academically capable, his passion for physical prowess, strength, and speed is what brings him the most joy. This requires great creativity and prayer in re: to scheduling and sacrifice of time. Isabelle is a voracious gatherer of information and loves putting into practice all that she learns. Microscope experiments, gathering and planting, creating and painting, organizing and nurturing .... she is a lover of all things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small.

Farm and Garden

Work which has been slow and steady has reaped great rewards on our little farm.

The root cellar is nearly complete and awaits only a door.

A small portable greenhouse has been added to the farm -- completely put together and built by Isaac and his neighbor friend during their weekly engineering time.

We will enjoy growing many of our own seedlings this year within in its light-filled walls.

A new large garden has been added to include the companion gardening of large crops including potatoes, corn, beans, and pie pumpkins. The soil has been amended and will hopefully reap a great harvest over the coming months.

The walled kitchen garden has been planted with its cold weather crops. Isabelle and I wait in anticipation for those first green shoots of lettuces, spinach, radish, and onions to appear. She has an expanded plot this year with high hopes of filling it with medicinal herbs so that she can "better prepare herself for her nursing ambitions". Smile.

Chicks are currently peeping up a racket in the barn, awaiting their growth to be joined with the older birds.

Turkeys will be brought to their rightful pen come June, and two adorable nubian goats kids (both does) will be making their home with us in the coming weeks.

The honey bees did not survive the winter and so a new set will need to be brought to the hives in time for the fruit trees to flourish in their array of sweet-smelling blossoms.

Kale (the giant golden retriever) will soon receive his summer haircut.

The bunny rabbit has been moved to his outdoor location behind the trees where it seems dozens of birds have decided to nest this year!

The cats remain lazy excepting when it comes to finding and destroying those nests!

All is well here on our little piece of heaven. God is so good.

'... His eye is on the sparrow .... and I know He watches me.'

Starting Over

It's been a winter in my life for 6 months.
A growing, hurting, learning-how-to-forgive winter.
People can hurt you. Deep unkind, unfair, unjustified hurts.
Sometimes they mean to. Most often they don't.
This is the first time I've been the recipient of someone's held-onto bitterness.
Years worth.
I'm still grieving.
Still wishing there was something I could say or do besides the many, many "I'm sorry's".
Wishing and praying and trying so hard to believe that, in the end, this too will pass and all will be well.
I'm not sure that I will ever know what it is like to trust -- truly trust -- again....
but I can start here.
And so I am.
Welcome to my world,
and to my heart. This is who I am, who God created me to be.
Good, bad, ugly, seemingly unrealistic ....
this is me. God knows.

This is my harvest of days.