Suburban Farming

FarMin an Address

2012-02-13T11:03:00.000-08:00

Before Christmas my dad stamped out (? fabricated? created?) really awesome address numbers for the FarM. Our intention was to mount them on our entry gate for a really cool announcement that YoU! have arrived at the FarM. We finally got around to setting them up, probably a week ago. The girls helped, as always.

T stood precariously on the back of the truck to nail the board into place.

And the finished product...Needless to say, we didn't take into full consideration the effect that the evening sun will have on our metallic numbers. But, for times other than evening, they RoCk!

In other news, the girls have started swimming lessons. They love it and want to return every day. Pictures coming soon...

I've started knitting for the boy coming soon also. I finished this set over the weekend, it's the first time I knit a full set of clothing...now to see if it all fits at the same time! (because seriously, that would be a miracle.)

I also finished some cargo shorties with cables. The pocket was T's awesome idea (and a great way to hide the fact that yes, I have attention issues and difficulty cabling). I hope these fit into summer, they seem a bit small. But if they don't, I'll just knit another pair! The color fits great with a couple of shirts/jackets I picked up for him.

So that's about it. Our house plans are 98% firmed up, just waiting on the last big set to be completed. We're super excited and will share as soon as I figure out how to save a PDF as a jpeg. Won't be difficult, I know, but I'm pregnant, the girls are napping, and I'm going to go rest as well. Until next time...Adios Amigos!

Recentness

2012-01-25T12:50:00.000-08:00

This is the proposed setting that I will wake up to each morning, once we live out on the FarM. T says I'm being a bit optimistic, that actually with the current position of the house we will look out our bedroom slider a bit further south...but as I said in a presentation yesterday, "I like my happy little world". So.

Isn't it beautiful?Ahhhh....I'm relaxed just looking at it.

This picture is from further back, maybe a week and a half ago? K cracks me up. She really is full to the brim, overflowing even with personality. And yes, we are in our front yard.

This past Saturday T had training (EMT and fire) so the girls and I traversed outside to play.

Sledding...

Tunnel building...

And snow angel making...

And to end it, A conjured up a beautiful picture of drinking hot chocolate on the porch. I carried it outside, and she had lined up two camping chairs for them to sit in. Seriously, the hostess with the mostess in training here.

Sunday we drove out to the property and the girls played a bit while T worked the tractor. Punzi's current favorite sleeping spot is a testament to the warmth of compost. Seriously, she has 10 bales of straw barricaded around her dog house, as well as another bale on the ground...but no, she chooses decomposing poop. I love farm dogs.

Chopper wanted in on the action. He's getting quite big-thick.

And that's about it. House plans are coming, I think-hope, we'll show them when we get them. Otherwise, take care!

The M Christmas Extravaganza

2012-01-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

The first week of January 2011 has proved eventful...fun, for sure, and spending time with our family this past weekend in Traverse City was an awesome kick start for a year of fun times with various family throughout the year. We hope!

(excuse my pictures, for the next while they will likely be cell phone pics - my camera broke after 1 picture of Adalynn opening her stocking on Christmas Day. I'm not sure when it will be fixed!)

We drove up to TC on Friday, to stay 1 night in a hotel with a pool. Our rooms adjoined with T's sister and her family's, and T's other sister was right down the hall with her husband and two children. The kids had a total hoot playing together!

Friday night we christened the pool. It took just a minute for the girls to get back in the swing of swimming.

Baths together are so. much. fun....

More playing...

Saturday we drove to Elk Lake to a cottage belonging to a friend of T's sister. The rest of the family joined us there.

The scenery was gorgeous.

The kids' took a walk to see the beaver dam down the path.

Sunday morning we were awed by the beauty, once again. God is an amazing artist!

After a few Sunday snafus (Adalynn getting - and recovering - from a bit of vomiting. Our truck not wanting to start, then leaking, then finally - 2 batteries later - recovering as well), we finally left about 1 to travel home. And we made it without further event, thank God!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

So yes, I realize it's been fo-r-ev-er since I have updated the blog. Forgive me, it's been a bit busy. I'm not going to review the past 6ish months, but I will post some pics of our sweet lil Christmas we just experienced.

Not in any particular order.

Monday morning, the 26th:

Christmas at our house.

Keely showed how to Christmas in style, yo!

Sunday, December 25:

Christmas at Dad's
Wednesday, December 27:

Christmas at Mom's

Ryan's homemade-by-Amy sled for his yet-unborn child

Amy showing us newbies how to use said sled...

and yes, there is a story behind these sleds, one from our Grandpa Enno (my mom's late father). The sleds were a great gift, and one that will be enjoyed for many, many winters!

Saturday, December 31:

Hanging out at the FarM

In the works, at the moment, are late Christmas presents that I am still knitting (getting closer!), planning to build our home at the FarM (hopefully breaking ground in the next 2 months), and a baby boy for April 2012 (yes, human). I'm sure there will be more updates soon, check back!

Summertime, Summertime, Sum-Summer-Summertime...

2011-06-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

is for camping out in the trailer...

wearing sweet sunglasses....

rowing boats....

beautiful flowers...

hanging out at the lake...

dressing up...

and, can't forget, eating ice cream!!!

a Month of Wednesdays

2011-06-01T18:47:00.001-07:00

Our house has been on the market now for a month, officially. And consistently a party has requested to see it each. Wednesday. afternoon or evening. Some may call it a coincidence, but after 4 wednesday showings in a row I'm certain it's a God thing.
Today we had 2 showings, 1 party who came through last week. wednesday. So the interest is there, we're just waiting in God for his plan.
Much love and rejoicing,
C.

The Chunk

2011-05-20T11:25:00.001-07:00

The Grimster is growing! Beginning of May he was gelded, he'll be weaned soon. 6 months old next week. You love to be groomed and still have to shed your winter woolies, but overall you're doing good, colt!

My Baby

2011-05-19T17:04:00.001-07:00

Has such heart for "little" animals. And my goodness, do I love her for it!

FarMin a Fence

2011-05-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

As the weather grew warmer, the horses grew more restless within their small "dry lot" that kept them captive through the winter months. They've long ago eaten anything of value, and with the wet spring they were anxious to move. The one other pasture we've had is in the trees, and I'm very careful to make sure they don't overeat the grass in there - once they eat it down too far, it's hard to get it back.

So T and I set out to fence in this area, about 4-5 acres, with aims to fence in the entire perimeter in the near future. The pasture isn't great, but it's better than nothing and they can get out and run. Something Grimmie fiercely needed.

We first connected their current pasture to the pasture in the trees. They had escaped the dry lot a few weeks ago, tearing down the latches in the back of the dry lot and running through the trees. Our neighbor tracked down T, and he anxiously called me announcing their status. The girls and I drove to the barn, and the horses ran up to the truck. Needless to say, they knew they were out and had done something wrong. So when we opened the back of the dry lot and told them to check it out, they ran - thinking they were free. They ran from fenceline to fenceline, unsure about the changes (fence construction) that had occurred since they last were in the area. I love to watch them run.

T and I took a couple of days to put in posts, with the aid of my dad for childcare and general labor. I was scared of the corner braces, but after the first we got the hang of it...we think. Anyway, they haven't fallen down yet.

This area took an entire day to dig. To the left is a large gravel hill, and then an even larger hole that they grabbed gravel from for our driveway. We decided, for some odd reason, that this would be the perfect place for a gate. And yes, the rock in front of the gate was 2' down in the ground, before we hit it with the auger, then dug it out by hand. After hitting 2-3 boulders, 7 hours of digging (mostly by hand), and many *smaller* rocks, we were beat.

This is one of the edges of the fence. We chose Premier 1's Intellibraid and Intellirope, 2 strands of each. They are meant to be electrified, but we haven't gotten around to that yet. So far, the horses respect it. *knock on wood* :)

Good fences make good neighbors, we hope. We all have been spending more time out at the property, and we feel at peace there. My mom passed along a blog the other day, www.aholyexperience.com. On there Ann wrote a notable quote:

"God gives green space to the Mamas needing heart space."

That sums up my love affair with our property, with nature. The calming effect it has on my heart. My passion to teach my girls the how to enjoy God's creation, how to treat it with respect and tend it and watch it grow - and how it comes more natural when we are out in open spaces than when cooped up in the house, and even outside in the yard. The unbeatable glorious mess that welcomes us when we venture through the tree lined lane and out into the field, and it just. feels. right. Day by day, day by day Lord, we trust in you. Knowing that you will give us what we need to keep going. This land is proof of that.

Wez Dun Did Move Our House

2011-05-09T17:10:00.001-07:00

T borrowed a sliding fifth wheel hitch to try with our trailer. So during this glorious bit of rain Monday night we decided to try a new spot. I don't know about you, but we kinda like it.

That's hot...

**FarM disclaimer: for those of you worried, this is not really our house. Merely our portable home that is conveniently located on our property for naps, escape from the wind, sun, and rain when needed.**

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2011-05-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

From one mother to another, Happy Mother's Day!

Being a mother is a Blessing, a huge undertaking, but one I love. I hope and pray that every mother receives the encouragement to keep going strong today!

Here's the girls last week. Adalynn, the horse lover, insisted that her baby horse needed a picture too.

This picture is likely my favorite of them at this point in time.

Derby Day, yesterday, Nana made us some great hats to celebrate in. Girls, never lose your willingness to celebrate!

Today, girls, even while fighting me for pictures (Keely) and even when I discovered my camera was on the wrong setting during the good pictures, you are still a blessing to me.

Thank you

always and forever

for being my girls.

Spring at the Ms

2011-04-27T09:35:00.001-07:00

is happening in full force. Fences are going up, Allergies are being fought, and the Animals are multiplying. (no, not like that. t's addicted to chickens - i think an intervention is in order).

sorry for the quick post, I'll update more later. Just wanted to check in, and say we love y'all, even though we haven't been here lately!

Adalynn's Prayer (CMT Worthy)

2011-04-09T10:57:00.001-07:00

"Dear Jesus,
Thank you for this food, and for our beautiful trailer.
Amen."

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WooHoo!

2011-04-04T12:04:00.001-07:00

because I can, that's why. Really.

A couple of updates in the House of M:

We have duckies.

And still have duckies, despite Banks' desire for them to reside in his belly.

My garden is up and coming. I picked up a bunch (set?) of onions at Family Farm and Home this past weekend. Sweet! And they are planted. Double Sweet!

On a not-so-sweet note, the Brocolli that I attempted to start from seed semi-fainted this past weekend. I pushed the 2 plants outside in a moment of bravery. We'll see if they make it.

The girls and I braved the weather at the FarM this morning.

Seriously. Love. Little. Kids. Boot. Feet.

They LoVe the swingset. Evidently so does the cat.

This not-so-little monster is growing like a WeeD. I need to find time to work with him, and recently signed up for a 1-month free trial of RFDTV (are we hick now?) to learn about how to work with him. He's a smartie, he'll get it. It's more me I'm worried about.

FarMin a Swing, Swing!

2011-03-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

As anyone who lives in Michigan can attest, this past Saturday convinced us Spring has arrived - and gave us hope that someday warmer, dryer weather will appear. Then Sunday happened, and the weather was surely consistent with Michigan Spring Weather...a mix of rain, sleet, and snow with wet-cold written all over it. bummer.

So what day do you suppose the FarM picked to install a swingset? Sunday! Of Course!

T, the girls' and I drove over to the FarM about 11 (we missed church because the girls' have colds...this weather SO helped...not...) and cooked out for lunch.

At least it didn't rain during while we were cooking...

Improvisation - the name of the game. Good thing that anything tastes good over an open fire. We made Tonkas (aka Hobo Pies) with tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, and the occasional string cheese standin for real cheese (which i forgot in the fridge at home). And accompanied this hunky sandwich with homemade AppleSauce.

I didn't find the PAM until after the first Tonka was toasted. It takes a little bit to get into the swing of camping again, gimme a break.

The second turned out well. And the third. And then we ran out of bread...oops!

It didn't matter too much, soon the swingset arrived. For Christmas Opa and Oma bought the girls' swingset stuff. We are super excited to have this out there for them. They have been such troopers this winter, hanging out while we feed and clean.

Marshmallows amused the girls while we constructed.

And it's up!

In lieu of a working circular saw, why NoT use a chainsaw?

So pretty! The slide is still coming, as well as a climbing wall for the far side, some rings for the middle, and a rope climbing net (or something) for the near end. But the girls (and mommy and daddy) now have swings and steps! And with a swingset this size, they'll grow into it for years!

Eventually we'll probably line it with trees and fill it with sand, or something of the sort. But for now, the surrounding mud will lessen a fall. Thanks Opa and Oma and Uncle Ryan!

Our House is for Sale and other trivial tidbits

2011-03-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a little busy around the M household. T took a trip to KY with some friends for a long weekend, leaving the girls, FarM and I to fend for ourselves...about the same time that Grimmie decided to get hurt, the water pump at the barn broke twice, I picked up extra hours and work, and I was trying to ready the house to put "For Sale by Owner" signs out front.

Anyway, everyone lived (by the grace of God) and we are doing well. T is in classes for his basic EMT certification, A is in gymnastics, and K and I are hangin' out and lovin' life.

Since I have been saying for the last ... oh, 2 years? that I would show pictures of the house (particularly basement) once done, I thought today is the perfect day to make good on those promises.

The outside of our home, sweet home.

Living Room:

Girls' Bedroom:

Master Bedroom:

Master Bathroom:

Dining Room and Front Hallway:

Kitchen:

And that's the upstairs...except for pictures of the girls' bathroom, but it's just that - a bathroom with a tub. And no windows, so the pictures turn out notoriously horrible.

Onto the basement...all of the rooms down here turned out like giants built them. The laundry room and bathroom are huge, and the rec room is gargantuan. Really, no kiddin.

Laundry Room:

Bathroom: (that T loves, and in fact, has moved into)

Bedroom/Office: (with french door entry)

Rec Room 1: (note wet bar in the back corner)

and Rec Room 2: (note chalkboard wall on the right)

In all, our home has turned out well. We really enjoy the space, and if it was located on our 16 acres I believe we'd be a lot closer to perfect. But, reality is that the drive over to the property twice a day wears on the girls and I, and even T in the winter when all water is gone in the pasture, the water on the outside of the pasture is frozen and then after we've poked holes in the ice the water pump dies...or the hose is frozen...ah, the joys! I feel awful about leaving the girls in the car during feeding times. I know, right now, that we are ok where we are at and we are so thankful for this home that God has given us. But we also feel that God has big plans for our property, and we know that we want to share what God has provided us with as many people as we can. And grow animals, and share that. And grow vegetables, and share that. And we feel that God is behind us, helping and guiding us. So, in that light, we have posted for sale signs in our front yard and are praying. And we thank you for your prayers! We'll keep you updated, every step of the way!

(ps...which, for the tally, we have had:

1 person drive really slowly by ...

1 person e-mail ....

23 people view it through our QR code ...

i don't know how many people see it on Craigslist ...

and 33 people check it out on zillow.com

just so you know i'm true to my word, i'll keep ya in the loop)

Yesterday

2011-03-02T06:02:00.000-08:00

the kids were grand. I took a half day off work to watch the kiddos and we hung out, man. It was sweet, they were cute and silly.

After baths, they need time to chill...

Adalynn experienced her first organized class last night (scroll down for more pictures), and I kinda felt like I was preparing her for her first day of school. A tear almost ran from my eye...but it didn't. But man, she looks so grown up and ready to go!

K is just my babe. She's a ham.

Gymnastics: My 'lil Tumble Bee.

What did K do? Be a ham. Seriously! She is entertainment at it's best.

Way to go girls, we're proud of you!

Many, Many Congratulations

2011-02-28T18:58:00.001-08:00

to my sister, Neva, and my new Brother-in-Law, Mike, who were married this past weekend. We are very blessed to have you part of the family! And Neva, you were gorgeous!

Many prayers and blessings for a long, happy future together!

Sunsets...

2011-02-25T11:17:00.001-08:00

Even though I'm quite ready to be done with winter, I do enjoy the gorgeous sunsets that God's artisticness creates. There is no other like it, that's for sure.

This Weekend

2011-02-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

I uploaded picture backwards. So, here's Sunday...reverse style.

Let me tell ya, the chillun's were tired.

Seriously, who can resist a ham like this?

Grimmie the Grimster is growing up. He is 2.5 months old, eating hay and grain, and is a typical monster. We moved the panels around on Saturday to allow them more roaming freedom, and man is he smart.

I totally expected him to run into the wire fence 1-1,964 times, but he sniffed it and stayed a respectful distance...except for eating the tape markers tied to the fence.

On another note, he is also eating Peach's mane and tail. Toddlers, I tell ya.

T started the tractor and pushed some snow around, the girls each took rides. K was NOT thrilled though, screamed the entire time. In her defence, I had woken them up from naps for the trip out to the FarM, and she was a bit done. (remember: these pictures are backwards)

A drove 'em into a snowdrift. It's a good thing we have plenty of land for her to practice driving.

Cindy came out to play.

Giving pony rides to A and K, as well as 2 other youngsters who dropped by to relocate their chickens to our FarM.

Awww, so cute!

Peeps showed his best side for the occasion.

We walked from the road, evidently our hill was not nice to a car x2 this weekend...oops. But it was a nice walk, and the girls enjoyed themselves. (behind A are the 6 new hens...kicked out of EastTown by mean poopheads. but the family is sweet and the hens are nice.)

Hope y'all had good weekends too!

It's a ... SNOW DAY!!!

2011-02-02T18:05:00.000-08:00

But this isn't really about the snow. Indirectly, I suppose. See, I have 2 daughters. One daughter is after my own heart. She cuddles in fleece, violently protesting when forced to change into "day clothes". I knew it was for real when she independently donned her winter hat today, for wear around the house (yes, we keep our house on the cool side. but anyway.....)

For the rare number of you not affected by the massive artic blast, Groundhog Day Dump, or Death Storm - we received a large dropping of snow last night. And wind. And therefore our lives have been slowed down (thank God!) by this mass of weather that was forced upon us.

But still. There is no way my genes for temperature regulation were passed on to this daughter. Absolutely no way.

She *always* requests dresses to wear, and today walked out of her room with this. It is not ok, child. The temp is in the 20s and there are 5' of snow on the ground!

But babe, for you? Whatever makes ya happy.

ze Bankz dog hez taken over ze bed

2011-02-01T18:56:00.001-08:00

I'm not so sure A knew what she was doing when she asked for Banks to accompany her to bed.

But I'm pretty sure Banks is thinking he is in heaven. I just hope he doesn't have the toots.

These kids are impossible!

2011-01-21T17:01:00.001-08:00

It's like they've practiced. One looks at me while the other looks away, and then SWITCH!

We's be dancing

2011-01-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

A: Graceful

Twirly

Horizontal

Flowy

...Dramatic...

K: Vertical

High Stepping

Turn-Around-In-Circles

Jumpy

...and Snuggly at the end...

It's not as much

2011-01-11T17:19:00.000-08:00

why do we have a tent in our living room....

as it is, why don't you???

Grimmie Update: 5.5 Weeks

2011-01-03T07:24:00.000-08:00

The FarM's first baby, Grimmie, is growing like a weed. No, scratch that, a fine, well-rooted tree.

His favorite activity is departing from Peach's side to dart into the stall, bucking, running, and turning before returning to the outside.

Grim eats from his Mama's grain, and is preparing for a grain bin to call his own.

He is shedding out some around his muzzle and eyes, and the new hair is dark. Like, Peach dark. Oh, what color will he grow into? The excitement is killing me.

He's showing a tendency towards becoming a one-person horse. He strongly prefers 1-person handling him at a time. And he likes predictability, and stands quite well when I shut the half-door between Peach and him for handling time.

He won't eat treats from my hand yet, but loves scratches at his shoulder (just like his mom). What a hoot, learning more about Grim. We're loving it!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T18:30:00.000-08:00

The 1st of the year seems like an opportune time to return to blogging. I've missed it, but man, we've been livin'! What are we up to? Here's a run-down.

1. T is taking a basic EMT course, 2 nights a week.

2. I frantically knitted through December, attempting to finish Christmas presents on time. It partially worked, see #3.

3. We've been healing from the flu. Yes, all of us. K "spit up", in A's language, multiple (like, 8?) times on the Thursday before Christmas. She convinced us it was food that hadn't settled well, and Friday (Christmas Eve) we traveled to a few of homes for Christmas parties. On Christmas we happily ate breakfast with T's parents. 5 minutes after A laid down for her nap, she spit. And throughout the afternoon, continued to spit. And then I began, and later T. It was a great night...we are very thankful to my dad for coming to pick up K, who we thought was feeling better. But then, the day after Christmas, my Dad started to feel sick. Needless to say, we have shared the love with just about our entire family. Sorry...

4. The FarM: Grimmie is g-r-o-w-i-n-g. Big. And I love him so. He thrives on predictability, and prefers to be handled apart from mom, but able to see her. He tolerates me, but is skittish with more than one person around. He'll be allright. The other horses, chickens, and cats are muddling through the winter well. We've modified the water tank and blown through 3 water pumps, but hey, thank God for warranties.

5. What I have not been doing is taking many pictures. Somewhere along the way I have lost the charger for my camera battery. My camera is announcing 1 bar left on the display, and I'm trying to scrape as much life out of it as I can. So if you come across a battery charger for a Canon Rebel DSLR, please send it my way!

5. Christmas....was good. We are so thankful for friends and family. So thankful. We are truly blessed.

So what does 2011 have in store for us?

1. T says he is going to "take his wife to rodeos". For which I am thankful. (this may, or may not, have something to do with a Bourbon Tour is he planning with some friends for spring?! which may work out for both of us...)

2. FarM - we are hoping to start saving money for a brush hog. And to put more fencing up. I think, those are the 2 main items that we have slated for 2011. But as we know, our goals are subject to change.

3. The House. Our house was the subject for one of our Christmas presents. John and Rennae are funding the tiling of our basement shower, and John is completing (starting and finishing) the trim downstairs. After this, our house will be largely ready to list! Coming this spring....

4. I am signed up for a class through Mars Hill on the Spiritual Practice of Eating and Gardening ... and some other stuff but I don't have the class info in front of me right now. I'm super excited.

My New Year's Resolution: Study the Bible more. I am hoping to complete 1 devotional a day, and read the corresponding passage. Realistically, I'm going for reading 5 scripture based devotions and verses a week.

So that's about all that's happening in our neck of the woods...well, the summary of what sticks in my memory at this point anyway. I hope to update again soon. Happy New Year!!!

Everyone, meet Pilgrim!!!

2010-11-29T18:05:00.000-08:00

We've finally named the puppy. Pilgrim, or "Grim" or "Grimmie" or whatever fits his mood for the day.

T had a bright idea to poll it on the blog, but just today, and I wanted to start calling him something! So Pilgrim it is. He's a cute little bugger, no matter what.

So far he's been blanketed, haltered, and has decided he really would rather have none of it. But we persist, and today he came up to me, sniffed the halter, and then proceeded to give my jeans (both legs) a lick-down. I'm just happy he came up to me on his own!

He's had his share of visitors, and he's been quite shy for them all. Hopefully soon he'll start sharing the love, just gotta get used to us all! Everyday I see him coming out of his shell more. It's been fun getting to know him! He's awful cute running and bucking around his pen. I'll have to take video soon - the girls think it's hilarious.

PS. Thanks, so much Laura, for taking K home with you today and watching her! It was so nice to have that time with A, I know she loved it! Thanks bunches!

FarMin a Baby: Day 2

2010-11-25T07:56:00.000-08:00

Here are some more pictures of our 'lil man.

Peeps is their new stall friend.

After Thanksgiving Dinner Snooze....

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

We have a BABY!!!!!!!!

2010-11-24T18:36:00.000-08:00

Can you see him?

He is SOOOOO cute!

See no evil...

Oh my goodness. I just can't get enough of him. I want to eat him up.

Due to the darkness of the night, the pictures are NOT great. More fabulous pictures to come. Guess where I'll be spending my Thanksgiving?!

Thank God for healthy BaBiEs!

FarM Update...I think we're ready for WinteR!

2010-11-20T16:57:00.001-08:00

We've been working hard at winterizing the barn, at least as much as we can. I think we've finally made it. For now.

And...at this point the electric and water out there is quite self-sustainable. Let me explain.

These puppies, at this point in time, supply all of our electrical power. They convert crazy amounts of sunlight into ... something ... that charges a deep cell battery from which we run our lights (2) and water pump. And other miscellaneous items such as phone chargers when it runs low from playing Pandora all day.

It doesn't like T's 24-volt battery charger for his tools. I wish I knew why (but if you do, you might save your time explaining it to me. there's a good chance i wouldn't understand)

We also have solar motion-powered lighting available. There is a mini-panel by the large solar panels that charge this light. It keeps me from freaking out when I run over to feed at night. Or in the morning. It's all the same here right now.

And the wata....

A couple weeks ago T and I took a few minutes (or hours, depends on if you like the glass half full or half empty) and dug this huchunko hole. We have gutters on the barn that have, up until this point, filled 55-gal drums with rainwater which we pumped out (see solar panels) to the desired destination. But 55-gal drums isn't a whole lot and we found ourselves running through 110-gals of water in a week with 2 horses. So when we saw these 275-gal beauties on Craigslist we picked a few up. Well, 2, because we only have 2 sides of the barn we can glean water from.

We underestimated their size. They are large. So, as of now, we have 1 large water tank and 1 55-gal drum. It will stay this way until next spring. Cause I say so. And we have noticed a huge difference. Water isn't overflowing after each rain. This setup is working well. (until it freezes).

But, you ask, how do we keep our water trough from freezing?

I'm a nerd. I would rather try alternative methods prior to jumping on the electrical-life-sucking-water-tank-heaters that are available at hardware stores Everywhere, U.S.A. Honestly, they use a LOT of energy and we simply don't have those resources. So I googled "Solar Water Tank" and ran into this wonderful little link. Our plans came from this site, with some modifications.

God bless Menards. On the website they mentioned using a double layer of polycarb panels on one side for solar energy to heat the water tank. They then painted the stock tank black on that side ?to attract? the sunlight (sorry guys, i'm obviously not very scientific. i'm doing my best). Well, we took this idea one step better. Menards just received in-stock some double-layer polycarb something that was $$$$ but proclaimed to allow something like 90%ish light through and keep 82%ish thermal energy contained. So we jumped and bought a panel, using only a single layer due to the high rating of this product. Then, we thought that rather than painting our stock tank black to attract more light, we'd use the high R rated (like 13?) foil that is used in houses to surround the tank. (in addition to the 1-2" of pink foamboard insulation that lines the rest of the tank). We haven't put the foil on yet, the tank hasn't needed it.

The top is an old countertop, with 2-12" holes to allow horses on each side of the fence to drink. In conclusion, we may have spent more on this water tank then what we would an electrical bill this winter. (maybe. we had the wood for the frame, plywood, and countertop.) But, it's cool and we will reuse this next year. And the next. And the next.

Oh, and 1 more note about the tank. We drilled down approximately 3-3.5' (as far as the land would allow us to dig) and placed 4" diameter PVC pipes. And filled them with stones. The hypothesis being that the warmth from the earth may insulate the water tank.

However, I think that our water tank is in such a position as it is hit by a lot of wind. And the poor earth didn't stand a chance. Maybe it'll help though, can't hurt.

How are the animals gearing up for winter?

The chickens have an inside pen. Taking one of my stalls. They'd better lay good all winter.

Cindy is entering a Chewbacca-look-alike contest.

Peach is expecting her first. Any. Day. Now.

I mean, that's the first think I think of when I think winter, right? And live outside? Great Idea.

Honestly though, she's looking good. Even got out for a walk today and seemed to enjoy it. I think. As much as you can with a lively babe knocking around in your belly.

'Da Kitties are hunkering down in any warmth they can find.

They really are good kitties. Man, that boy, he's just like a dog. Follows us on trail rides and everything. I'm so glad they found us.

Happy Winter!

Happy Birthday, Adalynn!!!

2010-11-17T12:45:00.000-08:00

So, My Baby Girl. Today, you are 3. This morning you fought it, but whipping out the video camera to get your fight on camera sure convinced you quick that being 3 isn't all bad.

You are growing up so...quick. I know every parent says that, but really, you are. Your 5T clothes and amazing mastery of the english language leads most everyone to believe you are older than you really are. 97% percentile for height? Yikes!

But, my point is, TOO BAD. Big girl or not, you will always be my baby. And I love you very much....And...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Harvest Fest 2010

2010-11-10T08:19:00.000-08:00

We have some projects we've been working on out at the barn, but they aren't quite done. (many, many thanks to my Dad, Linda, and brother for helping this last weekend!) So I'll show some very late Halloween pictures instead.

In the middle of October each year (for the last 2 years) we (meaning my Dad, Linda, and us children and families) drive up to Traverse City to participate in the State Park's Harvest Festival. Last year we camped out of the back of our trucks...in freezing cold weather...when Keely was a mere 3 months old. This year Dad and Linda bought a camper. So the kids slept their sweet selves in that while T and I hunkered down in a 24' trailer. Not meant for camping. And no, I'm not kidding.

Saturday we carved pumpkins.

And decorated our campsite. (i give all credit for the decorations to my sister and her ingenuity. i hardly completed my kids costumes in time). The cardboard box out front of the decorations declared our fondness for reusing items. My sister and her kiddos crafted bats out of used toilet paper rolls and newspaper, ghosts out of used paper and plastic bags. Cute!

We chilled by the campfire and the boys tossed the pigskin around...

Our theme was "Sesame Street", and we all dressed up as characters. My niece and nephew: Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.

A: Abby Cadaby. And watch out if you call her a princess - she is not a princess. She is Abby Cadaby! And will correct you quite emphatically.

K: Elmo, my bro: the Cookie Monster.
My brother-in-law: the annoying sponsorship telephone guy, and my sister and I were Yip-yips.

After costume judging, in which A won a $5 gift cert to Burger King, my nephew won something, and my brother-in-law, we trekked over to "the bridge" to take pictures as a whole, large group.

And then trick-or-treated to our hearts content.

Another funny story: We were hanging out at the campsite on Saturday, my niece had crawled into the back of our truck to get something for me when T's siren started howling and lights flashed. Out from behind the truck walks Jack and his daughter, T's co-firefighter back here at home. It's a small world!

Laura: The horse is Jacks...he is here temporarily-ish for some groceries and rehab. The vet thinks he has an old injury, and most likely he does, but he wasn't looking to good after the summer. Jack has sold his other horses, so we have Bucky here so he isn't alone...most likely being alone was not helping him gain weight and heal. Since he's been here he has gained probably about 50lbs so far and I think looks much more relaxed as he's settling into a routine. Hopefully the good results keep coming!

Time Change, whaaat?

2010-11-08T03:44:00.001-08:00

There ain't no time change when you can't read the clocks.

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Happy Weekend!

2010-11-06T11:12:00.001-07:00

We have new things happening around the FarM, as always! Right now we have a temporary resident hanging out in Cindy's pasture, gaining weight and enjoying life. We drove to Hudsonville this morning to pick up two round bales for the horses to munch on.
And the new light of Travis' life are the 6 new chickens we picked up this morning. All are young laying hens, so I'm geeked too. Sure beats the rash of roosters we've had coming our way.

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In this season of Thankfulness...

2010-11-02T18:47:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for my daughters.

For the care they show towards nature.

For their ability to run, jump, skip, and hop.

For their precious smiles.

For their fondness for rocks.

And seeing new things.

And showing me new things...

...and old things, with new eyes.

I'm thankful for their ability to make a fall into something good.

For their independence.

And their love of animals.

Lord, thank you for the gift of raising these girls. Amen.

Cleaning up my Flash Card, and came across these:

2010-10-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

While in Ludington, do as the Ludingtonites do...

Go hiking:

Walk...after getting the bus stuck...

Pose for pictures by the lighthouse...

(k, maybe that's more of a touristy thing...oh well)

Teach kiddos about lighthouses...

Pose for more pictures in the fabulous, gritty, sandy dunes...

Climb stairs...

And pose for more pictures, this time with your entire load of cousins...

FarMin a Fence ... Check!

2010-10-12T05:19:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we finished the fence behind the barn. Finished, as in we still need to put in a couple more posts and string a couple rails. BuT, its functional, and that's what I need! The horses are enjoying their newfound freedom, and I'm enjoying not cringing every time I pull up to the barn.

Testing my Skillz

2010-10-11T10:06:00.001-07:00

We'll see how it goes come Halloween!

Now this is what I was thinking of

2010-09-29T11:40:00.001-07:00

When I had children! (just kidding A. When you look back on this, remember you are smiling in this picture!)

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Sooo....yea....

2010-09-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

Between here and there and everywhere I try to throw up some pictures every once in a while of what we're up to. But, it just isn't the same as a sit down at the computer, upload pictures, and write like I did in the ole' days. So here goes.

Adalynn, our live-wire, is infatuated with 4-wheelers. So, if anyone has a 4-wheel drive option we can use to feed her addiction through the winter, it would be appreciated.

Peach has finally found peace from bugs. Flying and crawling alike, they irritate her to no end. Let me tell ya, I feel her pain as I too was once (twice actually) pregnant. But my goodness, she's high maintenance right now. I'd rather not think about what I was like when I was pregnant...

Speaking of being pregant, here's some love-bug pics from the product of my last pregnancy. Sorry, there just really wasn't a good way to lead from that, to this.

But oh, she's so cute and I love her so much!

This past weekend was a whirlwind. A good 'lil tornado, but swirly and busy nonetheless. Friday night, as I already posted, we attended the GRCHS vs East footy-football game. And yes, I corrected my previous post. Dog-gone phone typing.

Saturday night we loaded into my dad's truck (literally. we looked like a Dutch clown car) and drove over to the Berlin Racetrack to see some racin'.

Whooooo! They go fast!

Many thanks to my father and stepmom for keeping the kids sat night and all day Sunday. Let me tell ya, T and I put those hours to good use. A very nice family brought us 2 new chickens. They are about 4 months old, Rhode and Kettle Korn. The chickens in front are our previous newest chickens, Marge (the Isa Brown in front) and Peeps (the black and white...i knew his breed once, but not anymore). We are building them a chicken coop in this spot this evening.

T built Peach a door for her stall. It is so. nice. I love it dearly. Thank you.

If at this time you can pullease look past the pile of wood to the fence posts that are standing upright in the ground I would appreciate it. We placed these 9 posts and 1 gate on Sunday as well. This will be Cindy and Peach's (and baby, if it ever arrives) new pasture/dry lot next to the barn.

Monday evening as we pulled up to the barn we were grace with this beautiful double rainbow. Pardon the phone picture, but in person it was AmaZinG. We are so blessed with this property!

Pony Love

2010-09-27T09:18:00.001-07:00

Need I say more?

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Friday Night Football

2010-09-24T18:25:00.001-07:00

We attended the Grand Rapids Christian High vs East Grand Rapids football game tonight. I miss going to games, something we should do more often for sure. Sat in the first row, right in the action. The girls could smell the sweat, but mostly picked up wrappers from the ground. I love fall!

(poopy word prediction)

It's a Great Day

2010-09-22T09:03:00.001-07:00

To can some applesauce. Fo' sure!

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We Broke The Bus

2010-09-18T17:10:00.001-07:00

Seriously. We, and by we I mean Jeff, paid $2 per person for a ride to the Big Sable Lighthouse on Lake Michigan. We bumped along in an overstuffed bus when two thirds of the way down the rough, sandy, dune-ish road th driver yelled "Hold on!". She subsequently revved the engine, pressed the pedal to the metal, and crossed her fingers and said her prayers. And drive straight into a hole, dropping the rear left down, down til covered in a sandy mess. We evacuated the bus and walked the remainder. When done sight-seeing we peered down the lane

and started walking. And walked. And walked.
My conclusion? We're...too sexy for bus...to sexy for the bus...

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Question of the Day ...

2010-09-15T09:06:00.001-07:00

Laura: "Were you having trouble w/ people coming in (besides 8 year old girls and dogs)?"

September 11, 2:52pm comment via Blogger

You'd think, being 800' off the road - scratch that - a DIRT road that is one-way 78% of the year because the dippy -out- is covered/swamped with water (that people try to drive through and their little cars and get STUCK! but the bus drivers know better and say WooHoo! there's no way i'm coming down there to get your kid), would deter people from traveling down our driveway. First, there really can't be that much traffic down our road. Second, the traffic that is coming down our road we'd assume had somewhere down the road to go, I'd coin it "Purposeful Driving" even. Third ... Really? People? STAY OFF OUR LAND!

So one of the reasons that we got this land, one of the things we prayed that we could do when we bought this land, is to share it with other people. And I still hope we can do this, but with the trouble that we've had so far with others coming onto our land when we're there, we wondered how many people were trespassing when we weren't there.

Before ~~we laid~~ paid bucko bucks for the driveway, there was a littler amount paid for a 2-track. On this 2-track we had 1. our neighbor's son's friend get stuck in his 'burban off the side of the 2-track. they did not clean this up, in fact, we just ran over the shovel tuesday night and scared the crap outta me that we broke our transmission. 2. someone dumped 2 broken lazyboys and a broken plastic lawnchair. ... 600' off the road, down our 2-track.

Then we paid for the driveway. And for this reason, I am very protective of our driveway. Did you know, Driveways are NOT cheap? even Gravel? Since we the driveway has been in we've met 1. a jeep of unknown origin "checking it out", 2. a quad and dirtbike "We thought a subdivision was going in back here", 3. a man on a horse "Just checkin' out the barn", 4. a person who formerly hunted on the property "Seein' what your doin' back here". 5. our nieghbors dog, who ate a chicken and scared the eggs out of another (really, she doesn't lay anymore), 6. our neighbors daughter, visiting the horses. This is all while we've been at the property (and the ones i can remember, i'm sure there's a couple more i'm forgetting) - and we are there 2ish (sometimes more, sometimes less) hours a day. So, our question has been, How many people are taking liberty to trespass onto our property when we aren't there? How many are we missing?

We wouldn't be concerned about other people being back there, except for the liability that surrounds having farm animals. And that (this may be pessimistic thinking, i apologize) people often on quads, dirtbikes, and other similar items are often looking for mud to mess in. And that we have these animals to protect as well. If something happened to the baby, when born, I'd be SO upset. If they ran over a cat? chicken? let the horses out? the list goes on...

Hence the gate. No, it's not locked. And yes, there are (many) ways around it, yet if people really want to get back there, they will no matter what we do. We're thinking the gate will at least announce that this is private property. Hopefully, someday, we can modify it to look more welcoming, but most likely not until we're living out there full-time.

Wow. Long answer for a short question. Bet no one else will ask a question for a while!

Our New Couches Living Room Stuff

2010-09-15T06:33:00.001-07:00

W received notification late last week that my Grandmas house sold. Yay, and it meant we could pick up the coordinating chairs to our fun vintage couch.

Adalynn walked out of the bedroom this morning, saw the new chairs, and said, "Wow, these are great couches!"
Yes honey, they are. But here in America we call them chairs.

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Welcome Chicken Little!

2010-09-14T06:53:00.001-07:00

Sunday we met a very nice family that showed obvious concern for one of their chickens. This sweet little hen wasn't meshing well with their other chickens, so they wanted to find it a home with, oh, less then 23 others to gang up on it?

They responded to T's craigslist as offering shelter for displaced GR chickens, completely disclosing this chickens downfalls...she is molting, may/may not lay, and is somewhat odd in appearance. T, being the kind hearted soul he is, said yes. I had to be talked into it.

Nonetheless, we are happy with our new resident. She is sweet and settling in well. Adalynn is infatuated, and has named her Marge...a spinoff from one of Nanas hens, also named Marge. But as the name fits, we'll most likely keep it. Welcome, Marge! May you lay lots of scrumptious eggs and live a long, healthy life!

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Back to the fair, the Allegan County Fair!

2010-09-10T19:18:00.001-07:00

It crossed my mind that this summer, although I'm passing along my love of horses to my children, they don't know the whole story. And it's imperative they know the whole story. One day. This most certainly wasn't that day, but taking them to the Rodeo tonight was a decent start. And I have to say, the apples don't fall far from the tree.

I tell T that I'm boxing up the many times I've watched the kids while he's sailed these past summers. One of these days I'm gonna cash in. For real.

Then again, if I have my way I'll have a couple of tagalongs at the shows.It's a confidence building strategy: never leave home without the entourage.

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The Entrance

2010-09-09T14:43:00.001-07:00

Some people call it overkill, we call it "Gittin our point across".

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*please continue to feel welcome at our country establishment. in no way are these signs meant to deter people we love.*

Happy Birthday T!

2010-09-09T14:26:00.001-07:00

Today in history a great man was born. One who grew to love the Lord and his family, one we are very proud to call Husband and Daddy.

And we will forever know today as the day we secured the FarM...well, until I slide into the cable some dark winter's morn. But, for it's a rugged and grand entry.

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The Next Wave...Little Current!

2010-08-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

We geared up that morning in the little bay at Darch Island to head up toward Spanish, a little town gauranteed to be beautiful, somewhat populated, and worth the trip. The rest of the week we would follow the wind back to Gore Bay. Seemed like common sense to us.

However, Nana was hobbling on her leg, convinced to let us know she was fine, but Papa wasn't believing it. And to make matters worse, when we started the engines - only 1 fired up. The second wouldn't so much as turnover...something was wrong. A call into CYC told us we could 1. return to Gore Bay and wait for a mechanic tomorrow, or head up to Little Current for fixin' today. So we headed up to Little Current, limping on 1 motor the entire way.

Keely cuddled and cuddled, but tried hard not to sleep.

Adalynn helped Daddy put up the sails.

A little island off the point near Kagawong - I thought it looked tropical and fun. Later, in Kagawong, we found out that this island is near the late Daniel Dodge's cottage, quite a story in and of itself.

The Purvis fishes during the week and delivers fresh fish into Gore Bay each weekend. Nana bought fish when we returned to Gore Bay at the end of the week. Nummy stuff!

The little point is Meridith Rock. The lake headed into Little Current is broad, but littered with rocks and shallow points. We carefully watched the GPS for our marks to stay en route.

Keely, quiet for a moment in the backpack.

Finally, 4 hours later, we arrived at Little Current.

Little Current is the largest town on Manitoulin Island, population around 1,500. It serves as the link to the mainland, this bridge being the link. On the east, mainland. On the west, Manitoulin Island.

We were surprised to find a random snake swimming in deep water directly next to the dock. Not cool, in my book.

Adalynn stretched her legs pushing Keely in the stroller for a bit.

And at night we bought Farquar's Ice Cream, local to Manitoulin Island, and goooood.

We docked on the wall for the night.

Little Current, the town.

Adalynn found a flower and educated Keely in the art of smelling flowers.

Keely thought she might like to eat it instead.

Papa discovered a vintage Rolls Royce, in stellar condition.

Hanging out on the wall, we saw a tall ship come in with a bunch of kids hanging from the sails.

Later that night we saw another, headed towards the wall where we were docked. They raised their sails as if to sail into the wall, but didn't quite make it.

Still, the tall ships are so graceful and amazing to watch. They carried one 20-something as Captain, and the rest of the crew made up of kids who were learning to sail. What an opportunity!

We left Little Current the next morning, after the mechanic found a loose connection that, once restored, fixed the engine issue. Fun little town to stop at for a night, but more adventure awaited!

Wave 2....the 2nd Day, aka: Darch Island

2010-08-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

At this rate I'm pretty sure I'll still be blogging about our North Channel trip come Christmas, but I'm going to try to make a more concerted effort to get 'er done. But there are sooo maannnyyy picccturress! k. enough whining.

So, on Sunday morning we left Gore Bay, headed towards Darch Island. According to the stewards at the CYC (Canadian Yacht Charters), this beach was to be sooo beautiful, we wouldn't want to leave.

Adalynn rested quietly on comfortable cozies under the table, while Keely napped in their bed. I highly recommend this arrangement while on the move, if you can.

The Sea Doo followed us faithfully wherever we went. It served as a good little dingy.

T and Papa - our navigators and Captains extroidinaire!

We sailed this day, technically motor sailed, but in my ignorant mind anytime the sails were up I decided we were sailing.

Adalynn came and visited at times, con 'jacket, of course.

Darch Island, coming around the bend:

Keely thought the water was too cold and preferred this bucket. Little did she know, the water hailed from the same lake. She enjoyed the beach, but desired to be carried. The exfoliating sand irritated her toes. Mine, on the other hand, quite enjoyed the brief massage.

Little Poser, as much as you can in a bucket:

We spoke with the locals hanging out on the other boats (evidently Darch Island is quite the little party island of the locals), and they encouraged us to visit the fishing cabin. I still find it crazy, decorated with lights but no electricity?

Many people had come before us, documented in the visitor's journal. Quite a few people even mentioned sailing on the Nauticat, our boat! Adalynn signed her ~~name~~ A for memories sake.

People, over the years, had dropped off random items. Signs, rocks, bottles ... a variety of cultures infiltrated this little cabin.

Keely rode in style (there were clear evidences of mouse/mice. no way was she getting into that!).

Our boat, docked in the bay.

Travis and Nana water skied in the bay, the water was clear as glass. Breathtaking. Not breathtaking was the injury that occurred as Nana fell during one of the takeoffs. Very graceful, but painful as well.

On Sunday we glimpsed another rainbow.

And watched the sunset over the island.

In the morning we took a quick dip, just off the boat this time. Adalynn hung onto T, he really enjoyed swimming that way!

We crawled back in the boat and readied for departure...then disaster struck, changing our course! Stay tuned...

North Channel: Wave 1

2010-08-14T19:16:00.001-07:00

I decided to write about our North Channel trip in chronological order, because that's me, I'm orderly. Stop laughing...

So we left off driving from St. Ignace northeast, towards St. Sault Marie to cross over into Canada. Many, many moons ago we family tripped it to the Soo Locks, but I barely remember that. We certainly didn't cross into Canada that day, other than on the water, and I haven't been in the area since. Needless to say, I had no idea what to expect.

So the US/Canada border is directly over water. We drove over a bridge, and came to this:

where we stumbled through seemingly odd questions, fumbled for our license plate number as Miss Border Control expressed her frustration over our bike covered license plate, and then was waved through. Yeehaw!

The entire drive from that point on led us down 1 4-lane street for, maybe, 30 miles? then entirely on 2 lane, paved roads with a couple of passing lanes. No highways. It must be like driving through Iowa, only with forests instead of cornfields.

Until we grew close, and the GPS directed us to turn...down a road littered with warning "Construction!" signs. Entirely dirt, with a desolate aura. Exactly like what I felt when we turned down the dirt, water covered road to our property the first time. Only this was 5 miles of desertion...hmmmm.

But, we made it, and ended up nearly in someone's driveway where the 2-lane dirt road narrowed suspiciously into a grass covered 2-track with a small, handwritten sign "Careful!" pointing down, down, down a steep hill. And here's what I don't like about GPS'. The little voice, still demanding, "GO STRAIGHT ANOTHER 200'", and as our common sense told us to turn, TURN! the GPS droned on, "Make a Legal U-turn". Really? Really? I don't think so.

The highlight of our funky driving path arrived:

Deer must like us lately, the close encounter with a doe by our house, T's buck just before we left, and then we drove up on 3 deer just hanging out by the side of the road. In fact, when we appeared, one of the deer was walking quietly up to a car pulled to the side of the road WITH PEOPLE IN IT. Unheard of! Unfortunately, the mighty rumble of our diesel engine ended the Kodak moment.

And so we arrived in Gore Bay and unloaded our possessions onto a 36' Nauticat Catamaran. 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, a galley kitchen (is that redundant? sorry.), dining area, and control center. We filled the boat quite quick, using every available storage space to cram life jackets, clothes, and other odds and ends. The important thing is, we fit it in.

Papa, relaxing on board, gearing up for adventure.

The Gore Bay Marina. The Canadian Yacht Charters rents space from the marina, providing very nice facilities for their customers.

I'll take you on a quick tour of the necessities.

The stove (to the left is a door into the girls' bedroom, to the right is a counterspace and microwave. across from the counter, a sink, and next to the sink, across from the microwave, a fridge.):

The potty (the little pump is to pump the p's and poo's...switch to add water for rinsing as necessary):

Oh, Canada! All the charter boats flew Canada flags, and most other boats and even cottages gave homage to their homeland. Go team spirit!

Keely put up a good fight for sleep at first. We learned to let her run herself down, till almost sleepwalking, then toss her in bed.

End of Day 1.

Because I SimplY ReFuSe to believe that the Lord does NoT answer prayer...

2010-08-12T18:38:00.000-07:00

Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada

Look closely...

So here goes. We've been a little busy, harried, hectic, and all-around frazzled in the M household for ... oh, about the past 3 weeks? can I connect the Thursday before we left for vacation to the weeks since, because it's been about that long?
And part of the reason I haven't blogged lately stems from the computer move from our dining room-eh area to the desk in the basement, where it has been destined to go since we bought the darn thing. Needless to say, the slim margin of time that I have had on the computer I consumed searching for cars. Stupid, because no nuggets of wonder have crossed my path, and the search has simply led to arguments and disagreements in our house, T's work, and it is infecting our life. But, prayers are answered everyday, and this too, shall pass.
My phone pooped, finally for real. I've functioned without a "0" and "#" sign since May, thank God for voice dialing (leaves me lacking when attempting to navigate customer service menus, but lack of action gets a person eventually in those cases). Sunday K chewed the "Send" button, creating a shortcut to "Text Dad" with a message of "699669966999" if I press SEND, and only SEND,SEND,SEND. So, if I haven't called lately (Tiff? Jess? Al? Kel?and other people whom I can't remember because you are no longer in my phone?i deeply apologize.) - blame it on my daughter. My dad didn't have your phone numbers in his old phone currently in my purse, so I now don't have them either. But, I have the full array of my father's and brother's friends numbers, in case anyone cares.
Yesterday, the girls and I found peace in the chaos and chilled at the barn for a few hours. It was something like heaven, maybe it was, because we walked horses, fed horses, cleaned pens, retrieved eggs, carried cats, and ate ice cream (after washing hands, of course).
So, my point is, this too shall pass. Someday I will post pictures of the North Channel trip, because it is worth it. They may not be in chronological, or any, type of order. But you will see them, and be in awe. And love them. Because I said so. Just wanted to update y'all in the happenings around here, we for surely have not forgotten you and will be back with the/some/selected/pieced together action in no time flat.

Told ya.

FarM Casualty

2010-08-06T13:54:00.000-07:00

Details to come, but we are 1.5 chickens down from an event that transpired yesterday. Therefore, no bloggies until Sunday night probably, but we'll be back.

Mackinac Island: Summer Adventure #1

2010-08-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

As I took waaaaaay too many pictures while on our recent vacation, and the sorting/editing/blah blah blah is taking a while. In between the other things that Jess so kindly listed that are going on, this vacation will most likely be broken up into a couple posts. But, to wet your appetite, here's the lowdown on Mackinac Island these days.

For those of you who are not familiar with Mackinac Island - grow to know it. It's a lovely destination for a family trip. The main catch? No automobiles are allowed - horses and bikes are the main mode for transportation. In short, my kind of place!

Arnold Line are still the rockin' ferries to take. They have the "high speed cat". Don't ask, just do it.

After thinking more, I retract that statement. I don't know that for a fact, I only know that we rode on their boat and they ferried us over to the island and back with no complications. No complications - I like that.

Adalynn enjoyed watching the boats come in almost as much as she enjoyed the ride.

Our boat - arriving.

On the boat, to the island.

Once on the island, we biked to "The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World".

The girls enjoyed seeing the butterflies, even though Keely wanted to pick them up and lick them in the worst way.

The Butterfly House handed out bracelets, they served well as chew toys.

Butterflies, eating.

After the Butterfly House and lunch, the girls tuckered out while us oldsters biked halfway around the island

to take in a decent, albeit cloudy, view of the bridge.

Because I love him.

Growing up, we only knew the island as good for 3 things:

1. Biking...alot.

2. Eating Fudge...alot.

and 3. Taking pictures of, viewing, and watching the horses.

Evidently, T and I grew up differently. He didn't know what he was getting into when we traveled over to the island and volunteered to carry the girls in their trailer. I'm afraid my husband almost suffered a heart attack pedaling around the island, evidently he's never had the lovely experience and swears that the girls grow heavier as they sleep. I don't know about that, but he lived and is better for the experience. I'm sure of it.

We stopped by the airport to watch a big (ish) plane take off,

and a little one land.

I saw this interesting contraption. At first, I thought it carried juice to golf players on the course, you know, like a juice golf cart but with horses?

I was wrong. Boy, was I wrong.

It turns out that this serves as a street cleaner, horse pulled of course. Unfortunately, they have forgotten to clean the street cleaner, evidently in a couple ~~hundred~~ years. As water sprinkles on the road before brushes on the underside turn to pick up debris, the brushes pick delicately from a large selection of crap that has accumulated on the underside over the years. And deposits the muddy substance on the road. So here's my warning: IF YOU SEE THIS CONTRAPTION, DO NOT FOLLOW. On an island where horses serve as the main transportation, what you are imagining this substance to be, look, and smell like is most likely correct.

Really, she's so cute when she sleeps. How can you resist?

What this picture doesn't show is the large hill that T and Oma have just biked, T with the bike trailer with the girls sleeping inside, trying desperately to keep the wheels turning enough to maintain forward motion while not running into the back of the slooooow moving horses with accompanying trailer. It was a trying experience, but they fought and won - without holding on to the back of the wagon for assist - HonesT!

This awful, awful picture does nothing to display the gorgeousness of these horses. The Grand Hotel, while charging $10 per person to go inside (even just to BROWSE!), allows free entry into their stables. If you get the chance, go, it's worth it. This is one of the owner's Hackney horses (NoT the pony breed!). A beautiful creature, it carried the owner around town that night and had just received a bath in preparation. This horse is one of 450 of it's breed in the United States - or world, I don't remember.

Back at the Straights State Park that night, we walked to the waterside to take obligatory pictures of the bridge.

Adalynn had to play and swim.

Just another night in paradise!

After we made our way back to the bridge, my dad showed me a hidden (well, there is a sign, i just get the feeling that not many take notice) trail to view the bridge, head-on.

The sun was fading fast, but the view was incredible.

In conclusion, Mackinac Island remains similar to the island it was years before. I think a little more inhabited now, but such is life. We hope it remains somewhat the serene, natural environment we have come to know and love. I spoke with the Michigan Horse Council who is quite interested in horse life on the island. They are eructing a dressage arena on the island, a temporary one stood in it's place when we visited with 3 handsome Fresians in black tie affair showing off inside. This lady evidently has a place on the island, and in ... Mount Pleasant? Each April she ships her horses to the island for the summer, then back to Mount Pleasant in October. Oh, what a life! But I digress. The MI Horse Council lady also said that eventually (i.e. once funds are raised) a community barn will be built on the island as well, allowing some outside horses to be ferried in for the weekend, week, etc. In the future, you may see Peach in some of the pictures on the island. How fun would that be?!

Please Excuse Our Absence...

2010-08-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

We recently (Friday, late, late....Sat, early early) returned home after a 10 day vacation. While I fully intended to blog prior to leaving, it didn't happen. Working, Packing, delivering kids to grandparents, working, packing/preparing/cleaning, and a Saturn Vue vs. Deer collision occupied my time instead.

The short:

1. Saturn Vue's can not HANDLE the deer! Nor, evidently, can deer handle Vue's. We are now talking with the insurance company, specking out new (most likely severely used, but still driveable) vehicles, and have a freezer full of venison and A DEER HEAD with 6 point antlers. NOT KIDDING.

2. the girls LoVeD Mackinaw Island. Hors-ies!

3. the North Channel is beautiful, especially from the deck of a catamaran that is filled with our family.

4. I learned that the North Channel is rural, rugged, and raw. and Stunning. Go, if you get the chance.

Pictures to come, hopefully soon, and more stories. I apologize for the interruption, I really do enjoy posting, regardless of anyone is listening or not. However, I'm not quite important enough to hire a guest blogger, and I'm not stupid enough to announce on the internet that we will be gone from the house for 10 days, please take anything you'd like and leave the door closed when you leave. That would just be inviting issues, and we don't need that now!

FarMin a Hay Loft

2010-07-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

This weekend, we spent Saturday and Sunday building a hay loft. We dug the initial holes 3' deep holes by hand, 12'x12' to fit concrete slabs for a solid foundation. Seriously, if given the chance? Don't Do It. 6 hours later we were still digging....wait....That's an exaggeration....I think...

It was hot, and we were suffering from exhaustion from partying too hard and long at K's 1 year birthday party on Friday (pictures to come - no flogging please). Keely fought fatigue long and hard.

As did Adalynn.

And the kitties.

But Cindy decided she was too old for this s@*! and succumbed to her sleepies.

Today, my dad and stepmom graciously offered their time and hands to help T while I drove into town for a wedding shower. I fought typhoon class thunderstorms traveling home, and after the weather calmed I coerced my family into traveling out to the property with me.

Partially because I was worried something like this might happen, and I might need my dear husband's muscles and (more importantly) chainsaw:

Adalynn cheered right up when she saw the kitties. She misses those buggers! (for the record, i do not. i do not miss waking up 10,340 times per night with a cat on my head. i do not miss chasing houdini trained escapee cats into the garage. i do not miss everything on my dining room table landing on the floor as a cat launches from the table, through the air, onto a chair, into the living room, and landing on the floor after bouncing off the couch and k's head. no, i do not miss them, sam i am.)

(but, this 'lil smile is PRICELESS. and could persuade me tolerate the above.)

The Loft is Fab-U-Lous.

Let's give a Woot! Woot! to the guys!

In this door and directly to the left will be a tack/feed/stuff room. With a ladder in the back for a super secret entryway into the hay loft. In between the 2 middle posts will be Cindy's/the Frolicking Foal's stall, and from the end post to the far wall will be Peach aka Big Mama's 'hood.

The hay loft floor is comprised of repurposed boards from a farm in Grandville.

To do: Nail down boards. Which, according to T, will require more work than simple nailing to accommodate for nails and inconsistencies in the boards. I'm convinced it is beautiful, just the way it is, but I'm kinda a romantic about these sorts of things. Canyatell?

Carrots

2010-07-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

These 2 beauties may, or may not be, why they recommend thinning carrots.

But, I can tell you that it most likely is why I will thin my carrots sooner next year.

Cherry Fest '10

2010-07-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

If you've never been to the Cherry Festival, you should pen it on your bucket list. And just do it, man. This'll be quick, because I'm tired and I was ~~a slacker~~ spending quality time with my children and husband and dad and stepmom and didn't take many pictures last weekend.

But here's the gist of the parade, anyway.

Someone had a funky Sparty car. They rocked it, hardcore.

Funny little story, for some reason the parade organizers placed many of the colleges together. And put them in front of MSU and their band. And positioned MSU and the band that demanded they preview all of the floats as they pass by...so, along walks U of M and Ferris, and members of the MSU band lined up along the street and belted out their fight song as they passed.

Oh, good natured fun.

Back to the floats.

Mackinaw City rocked it.

Grand Rapids, "Where GRAND things happen"... the city of GR should pay them to use their slogan. Really, there's more to GR than the Meijer Gardens, but I guess bars and movie theaters aren't quite appropriate for a kids float?

Adalynn really wanted to see the girls' pretty dresses.

And subsequently grew very, very shy.

This was so dog-gone cute, I wanted to take a drink.

(no, not part of the parade. just sitting cutely along the route)

What is a parade without Ruthie? NOT A PARADE!

So I'm wondering, maybe someone can enlighten me, is Ruthie a Michigan parade icon? Or does she span international ~~oil slicks~~ waters?

This is cool. Feel free to take these next 2 pictures, become fans of Facebook and Twitter, and post them up there.

We're not members of the exclusive Facebook and Twitter, or I would.

The first picture is describing why the cement truck is covered in pink. Yes, it has to do with cancer. For each time you mention where you saw the Pink Team Elmers truck, they will donate money towards a new cancer unit at Munson (the TC hospital). You can do this in 2 ways:

1. Post to Facebook or Twitter when and where you saw the Team Elmers truck and they will donate $1. Include a picture? They'll donate $2!

2. Become a new Facebook or Twitter fan/follower this summer, and they will donate an additional $5! facebook.com/teamelmers or twitter.com/teamelmers

Really, that's cool.

Here's another pic just for kicks.

I'm pretty sure we wore the kids out. After a while they stared absentmindedly into space, and after she ate her fill of the book, Keely fell asleep face first down the side of the bike trailer. What a way to go.

Happy Birthday, Keely! You're 1!

2010-07-12T06:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Keely,

1 year ago early, early in the morning, you were born. You have been a blessing in our lives ever since.

You settled in amidst the chaos of our bustling lives, and to this day you thrive with activity and movement.

You love your sister, and your sister loves you. So Much. May you two remember this time, when she weren't stealing your toys and you weren't tangled up in hers.

You have grown into this fabulous little girl. Just starting to walk and talk and make even more ~~trouble~~ fun. Like crawling headfirst over the side of the wagon, traversing from trailer to seats. Maybe a little inconvenient, but you get where you want to go!

You came into this world moving, not wasting any time. And you've continued this trend, either on the go or voicing your opinion about current affairs. May you use this active and opinionated spirit for the greater good - hmm...like not harassing your family!

May God bless your next year, Keely. We Love You, and are ~~sad~~ so excited to see you grow!

Love,

Daddy, Mommy, and Adalynn

FiLLin a BarN on the FarM

2010-07-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

In the interest of time, I have a movie waiting for me with a HoT husband in the other room,

I would like to briefly announce:

...wait for it...

The Horses are Home!!!

I apologize, Peach was too busy feeding the foal.

Just a quick backyard pic...the horses, at night, will be in the round pen near the barn. During the day, they are being slowly introduced to the above pasture.

The horses have company, there's also resident Turkey. About 5, according to the flock in the frontyard when I pulled up to the barn this evening.

Sorry, that's like a bad case of Where's Waldo.

Yea, the horses are hanging out amid scaffolding and ladders, but they don't seem to mind.

I get the feeling that this poor resident dragonfly doesn't quite like being here. Yet is unsure how to get out.

Either way, he's (she?) is gorgeous.

Fly free Mr. Dragonfly, Fly Free!

FarM a BarN DaY ... a Lot, but not ToO Many.

2010-07-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

First, I have to tell this amusing tidbit. On Monday T and I persuaded/coerced a teen from our church into watching our lil cherubs so we could work on the barn. It was steamy, sweaty, and HOT, and we didn't think the kids would appreciate it. Turns out, they wouldn't. They napped 90% of the time we were gone.

But I digress.

T and I pulled up to the property, and saw this:

Now if you haven't been following, this may not seem like a big deal to you. So what, it's an unfinished barn?

No, when we left it on Sunday, there was only 1 wall of siding. 1 wall. No front. What in the world?!

We both cleared our eyes, really, who would put up only 1 piece of siding? We though maybe we had been visited by some barn fairies, helping decrease the cost by anonymously completing some of the work. Every little bit helps.

Then we drove around the back, and saw this:

1 side of the roof was also on! It became apparent that Mr. Bill, wonder-constructor, must have made an appearance. And sure enough, Mr. Bill and his son thought that what could be better than work on a day when everyone else was relaxing? So they had come and put in some hours. Nice, but it made T and I think the blackberries at the property have special, hallucinogenic properties. Turns out, they don't.

So today, the barn looks like this:

WEEEEEHOOOOOOOOO!!!! All it needs is 1 door framed, and both doors with walls or siding or whatever they do applied. A couple of trim screws, a few roof screws, and it's DONE!

Well, Mr. Bill's part anyway. Then it's ready for T and I to do some damage! (well, me. T's already done quite a bit of very nice work on it. it looks fab.)

Let me take you on a tour.

The front:

The back: (plywood slats are the framed in door)

The back, looking in:

Peach's stall run-in/out door:

Inside, looking at Peach's stall-to-be:

Inside, looking at Cindy's stall-to-be and the tack/feed/storage area:

We are thankful now, looking at the barn, that we decided on a 12' height. It feels HUGE, because of the height, and we will stack storage (hay loft?!) to make the most of our room. It was little price to go up, an easy way to gain room!

PS. Anyone note how many stalls there will be? Quiz answer! Yes, I realize that *2* was not a chooseable answer. What can I say, except I no can count? Maybe, one day, we'll make it into 3. So 1 person got it right. We'll go with that.

FarM BarN #3

2010-07-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

As of Friday afternoon, the main wooden structure of our barn has been raised, and it has 1 side of metal siding to keep it company. And a door.

Adalynn welcomed us all into the barn, she quite enjoyed the door.

The barn is angled on the property to allow us (T) to drive through with a truck and trailer, barrier free. Given my occupation, we're all about barrier free.

Yesterday the girls, T, and I hung out and worked on the barn a bit. T and I braved high heights and finished screwing the metal siding to the frame.

Last week T framed in a run-in stall door for Peach and Co., so yesterday we...

...placed miscellaneous Craigslist boards around the frame to ensure a secure stall. To prevent hooves getting stuck in metal.

On our way home we met a friend in our subdivision, munching on the grass by the roadside as we passed. We tried inviting her over for a 4th of July grillout, only we passed too slowly and the suspicious doe decided to move on.

Happy 4th of July!!!

A 'Lil PT BBall

2010-07-02T20:03:00.000-07:00

It is a well known fact that my brother loves the game of Basketball. It is also a well known fact that the game of Basketball does not return his sincere, wholehearted, active kind of love.

His participation in this game has caused broken bones. Fractures. Of the bone kind.

And yet, he continues to play. He's gonna teach his kids good "Stick-to-it-ness" someday.

So last weekend his PT class held a fundraiser for a trip to Haiti. "PT students vs. Faculty and Alumni". We felt inclined to watch, half scared that he was going to harm a Prof in a unfixable manner, flunk out, and live on our couches for the rest of his life. But all went uneventful.

Keely crawled around. Man, did she get dirty. Note to self: No matter how clean the gym floor appears - IT ISN'T.

And I mean, crawled everywhere. At half time she was bound and determined to persuade Uncle R to let her play the second half.

It didn't work.

A game during half time won Henry and T musical Catch Phrase. Adalynn was thrilled, but we still haven't inserted batteries in the game...for good reason. We like our perceived sanity, and that beeping tosses it out the window.

This is my brother, just in case you didn't get a good look earlier.

And yes, this, is my little brother. Oh, I love him so (please don't drop her, please don't drop her!)...

Mama Mare

2010-07-02T03:43:00.000-07:00

This beauty stood for a mini photo shoot session for her registration paperwork on Monday. Thankfully, I had a couple of willing helpers (Peach and Co.) to get the shots I needed.

I'm thinking this isn't what the APHA meant when they said "Picture of the Front".

These may be saved for blackmail, documented proof that yes, he does indeed love our livestock. And they as well love him back. I knew we'd suck him in someday.

FarM a BarN DaY 3

2010-06-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

This morning, the girls and I, after chores of course, drove out to the property to hang with the gang while they hammer and drill. Or hang trusses. Or whatever it is that they do.

We were greeted with a structure that looks more and more like a barn, every time I see it.

Adalynn munched on trail mix while I picked weeds in my barn.

And we played on a lovely, if not structurally sound, balance beam.

Oh the grin!

We even grabbed the tractor to trial a disc we bought a couple of weeks ago, but the tractor needed to charge and the disc needed a few more bolts or something before it will fully work. Soon though, it will be ready to roll!

We returned home and relieved Rocky from about half of his hairload, but after naps we'll be back at it!

FarM a BarN

2010-06-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

We started out with this...

but after a lot of this...

and this...

...and this...

we ended with this...

Dad'gum, that's hard work! But it's comin'!

The Past Poll..."What will be next for FarM?"

2010-06-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

Answer: "Keely Walks!" ... albeit unwillingly sometimes and only up to 5 or 6 steps independently. But still, we didn't say "Keely will walk a 5K" or "Keely will walk without falling down for 5 laps around the house", that would make it feel too much like an OT goal. So, "Keely Walks" wins, kind of.

We're close to also having "A Barn" win...the barn materials are scheduled (yet again, hopefully for the final time) for this coming Monday, once the driveway is done (another story) and to be finished just in time for another FarM clan member to join (Peach, turns out, is 8-10mos preggo. Huh? Don't ask me, I don't know!).

A Weekend Trip to KY? Why not?

2010-06-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we drove a quick trip to KY, complete with Grandma, Aunt A, cousins M and HJ, and Uncle R to meet up with other family, my cousin, who married her cowboy.

Mr. Groom refused to peek at his bride as the horse and buggy carried her by.

Uncle T and Aunt G accompanied the bride to her station.

The day was gorgeous, if not sweltering hot. But the space was perfect, just perfect, nestled in the rolling hills.

I'm done with describing...see for yourself!

We stood for an obligatory family picture.

Or 2...

The reception: held in the quaint barn behind the ceremony.

Fresh flowers adorned the tables.

And what would be a wedding without the cake?

Seriously, this about sums it up!

The girls danced for a bit, then we had to jet...the heat and travel wore them out (until we returned to the air conditioning that completely restored their energy...).

And somehow my camera was left at the reception. Note to self - NeVeR leave Aunt A with the camera! I end up with freaky pictures like this...AHHHH!

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

To this Daddy - the Love of my Life and the fabulousest Father of my Children. We'll make it fun together!

And to our fathers - Opa, Grandpa, and Papa. Hope you guys had a restful, peaceful day. You deserve it!

Love Always! C, A, and K.

Fire, FiRe!

2010-06-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

This past weekend the Leighton Twp Fire Dept. held a training fire, burning an old farmhouse down to the ground. T created this awesome video about it:

This past Weekend

2010-06-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

We traded our red couch for my grandma's vintage couch. It's made a difference in our living room, opening it up more. The red couch will find a new home in the basement, where lounging is not only advised; it's required.

Adalynn and I started a new project decoupaging pictures onto the girl's toy shelves. She learned that decoupage tastes ucky and leads to a mouth scrubbing, but overall we had fun.

Time outside.

Adalynn received a new/old bike from a lady at church whose kids had outgrown it. With Princess Helmets, who could say no?

And dancing shoes - 2 sizes each of tap and ballet shoes.

The smaller size fits perfect. Adalynn hasn't taken them off (except for outside and bed, of course) since.

Video...

2010-06-08T03:33:00.001-07:00

I think I fixed it, but leave me a comment if it still doesn't work for you! (or, just cuz you love it!)

Adalynn Singing

2010-06-08T03:32:00.000-07:00

Sunday we attended Opa and Oma's church, where Adalynn showed off her mad singing skillz. For a 2 year old? She did FaB! But, don't take my word for it...

FarMin into June

2010-06-05T06:07:00.001-07:00

When I think of our Farm, I think of connections. The sequence that led us to purchase this piece of land ... connection. The way we search for information about creating a haven for sustainable, local, and common sense practices, and how some doors open and some close - but the doors that open are Better than we could have Ever Imagined. That's a God Thing.

Anyway, to get the the point, Travis and I met our architectural soulmates yesterday. They said "energy efficient" and "out of the box" and I cocked my ear; they said "common sense" and building a "house that people can walk in and say ' of course this is T and C's house'" and T was hooked. Steve emailed me a link for the Rural Studio, and I fell in love.

We learned of Steve through my sister, he attends their church. Last week Steve left a standard architecture firm and joined with Jim. Yesterday they named their practice "Elevate Studio". They aim to "Dignify the Ordinary" and bring architecture back to it's basics using common sense practice, most importantly listen to the space and the people filling it and ... Care.

It sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?

We met at our house and spoke about the foundations of our project. We drove out to the FarM and toured our current proposed building space - directly in back, on the edge, of the woods where Steve, Jim, and T are standing. They are excited, we are excited - oh, the Places We Will Go!

The Latest in the World of Knits

2010-06-05T06:02:00.001-07:00

IMG_1884
Originally uploaded by FarMknits

At the Michigan Fiber Fiesta I found this fabulous Menonite couple who sells 100% Certified Natural yarn from their own sheep. I could not resist, and picked up a couple of skeins.
So, here's my first project with this lovely yarn. A 'lil boyish, needed something to balance out all the girly wares I've produced. But enjoyable knit, and very enjoyable yarn.
No, these were not knit for a member of our current or future family. Yes, they are sold! :)

Memorial Day Parade

2010-05-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

This weekend we randomly worked and 'be-laxed around the house. Until today. Today, my T showed off his skillz....

Did you know that Firetrucks are suprisingly roomy? And don't they R-O-C-K with the carseat motif?

So we drove to Way down to 'da Land today to participate in a parade, riding in the Firetruck for the first time. It was too fun.

The sun even made an appearance, and thusly Keely received a Sunscreen Mohawk.

It totally fits her, don't you think?

Naomi and Nana drove down for the occasion. The cuz' even posed for a posh picture in front of the truck. Ain't they cute?

Keely demonstrated her newly found balance. I've gotta admit, the girl's acquiring balance. Shiver me timbers!

We piled into the Firetruck for the trip down mainstreet.

In a Firetruck (this Firetruck anyway), a Siren is located via foot pedal on the passenger side of the truck. Fabulous placing, absolutely fabulous.

I meant to take this picture to show the girls' smiling, waving, and generally working the crowd. But man, what's up with the twinners facial expressions? Seriously?

But here, Keely got into it and by the end won everyone over with her never ending charm and graceful waving.

A nice, nice man with three Belgians and a Haywagon invited us to ride back to the parking area.

Given the rural-ness of this town, I'm sure that three draft horses making their way down Mainstreet isn't that big a deal. But, it was for us. And we rocked it, man.

Happy Memorial Day!

1 to Grow On

2010-05-29T06:29:00.000-07:00

Startin' Summer off Right

2010-05-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day weekend, y'all!

Tonight we started off right...splashing in swimsuits, grillin' some goodies ...

eatin' our sandtoys.

What could be more beautiful?

As T's on call this weekend, we're hanging around the township. Everyone, be safe!

New FarM'nimals

2010-05-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

We have a very special announcement. On Sunday, after the kitten discovery (more on that in a minute) T and I drove up to Sand Lake to look at a horse from a Craigslist posting. You never know what you'll find hunting a Craigslist posting. But, we took a chance.

And today I drove up to Sand Lake with the girls to pick up our new beauty. A is convinced she is hers, and her name is not "BJ", but "PJ". and when I call her "Beeg", she calls her "Peach". I'm pretty sure there's a speech impediment problem, but we're close enough to call it even. And, I kinda like "PJ" better than "BJ", so maybe it'll stick. So far she's doing great, although I believe we'll have some quirks to work out. For one, she's used to large stock type horse trailers, BuT we have a small 2-horse converted to 1-horse, so we compromised and she loaded and rode home I think fairly comfortably. At the barn I compromised and she turned her big booty around, coming out head first, rather than the preffered manner of backing out. She winnied to her new friends a little, but in all, she's been quite quiet. Later we'll drive over and introduce her to Cindy, after a much needed nap for the girls. Oh, and she may be pregnant. We'll see come Feb! (just kidding, we'll get her checked out before then).

The Kittens, as promised. On Monday, when 6 kittens were whirling, twirling, jumping, and banging around my dining room, I threw up my hands and called Cascade Animal Hospital. In reality, the kittens played SO NICE with the girls, and eachother, that we contemplated keeping them all for the barn. Then reality set in, I loaded up the Kits and drove to Cascade. They pronounced the kittens 9 weeks old, and in great shape. 2 were claimed before we left the Hospital! We took 2 home, so far they are "Jumper" and "Jumper". Yes, we have difficulty keeping them out. But they are A's kittys, for sure, and they are deeply in love.

Any kitten that puts up with my fiercely loving 2 year old can stick around for a bit. Seriously, keeps 'em both entertained.

FarMin Some'mo

2010-05-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

This past weekend T and I toiled at the "pwopety" while Adalynn and Keely played at Opa and Oma's. Saturday we were pleased with our progress, and super excited about the prospect of working more on Sunday.

Saturday:

T drove the tractor out to the property. From our home. It was H-O-T. I just love my man on a tractor!

But, com'in on up the last couple of hills, the poor tractor started sputtering. I don't think it's been worked that hard in a while. So, he made it to the field, and then let it rest a while.

T said he really thought he was flying on the country roads, at 13mph...until a couple a big boy tractors passed him...really passed him...going really fast....

Thankfully, after a rest, it started back up. Good, good tractor!

We placed 15 T-posts, and mowed a good path. Then I ran out of gas in the mower (we're push mowing, it's actually working quite well to clear brush...), and we decided to ride double on the big tractor just for fun. PS. if you were driving on Kzoo Ave at approximately 8pm on Saturday night, please ignore the woman waving like a lunatic/pageant-ess from the tractor. She didn't know what she was doing.

Sunday (SUNDAY!!!) we began to drive from our home to the property. T asked if I wanted a cat, he'd seen one hiding in the log we'd just passed...only it wasn't just one...

There were 6 - SIX!!! - 8-10wk old kittens. So we tossed 'em in the back of the truck and took 'em home. And that was the end of workday-Sunday. T said this was God's way of saying we should'a gone to church. He may be right.

Weekend Wrap-up May 14-16

2010-05-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

We filled this past weekend with activities. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera for half of them. Friday we traveled to my elementary school for the Last Ever Hamburg Fry, they are closing after this school year. Then Trav and I attended a Red Cross Fundraiser. Saturday (i actually remembered my camera - pictures to come!) mom, myself, Adalynn and Keely drove to Greenville for the First Ever Michigan Fiber Fiesta. Yummy, yummy yarn. Mmmmm! Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning we spent at the FarM, and Sunday afternoon at Grandpa and Grandma's for the Annual Dock Installation.

Oddly, Adalynn was the first person in the lake. And she demanded to stay in the lake for a good 1/2hr to 45min. Yikes! She's got Opa's blood, for sure!

Notice the boys wearing wetsuits? THAT'S BECAUSE THE WATER WAS COLD!!! Be sure, after her teeth started chattering and her lips turned blue, I coerced her to hop out of the water for a warm-up.

Boatin' on dry land. 3 girly cousins, whoopin' it up.

This, I believe, needs no explanation.

Later we threw the girls on the boat, this time in the water. Keegan can row, can't she? They've all got life jackets on, they'll come around to the house again sometime.

(just kidding peeps, they were closely supervised and tied to land.)

Look closely, on top of the light, and you'll notice 2 baby bird beeks peeping out from their nest. Seriously, seriously cute.

Adios, amigos. My baby's up, tearing up my new yarn. Happy Monday!

Sweetness, in a technical sort of way

2010-05-14T12:09:00.001-07:00

Ready for Breakfast
Originally uploaded by FarMknits

Have I mentioned my new and groovy love affair with Flickr? So, we totally downgraded our internet. Uploading from iPhoto to Blogger takes ... oh, like 5 years and 3 days, not that I'm counting. I found Flickr, what I like to call "My Friend Flickr" because it reminds me of "My Friend Flicka" and I liked that book when I was younger. Anywho. So in iPhoto, with the click of a HOTbutton, my selected photos automatically and at an efficient speed run on over to Flickr. And I can even blog from here! Oh. The wonderfullness of something new!

(and why the chickens? because they're cool too. and they just wanted you to know.)

Hey Y'all ... Happy FRIDAY!!!

2010-05-14T12:03:00.001-07:00

Elizabeth Tunic and Sunhat
Originally uploaded by FarMknits

We've been sick-o and nasty around here lately, but finally, feeling better. We hope that all our friends in TN are digging/bailing themselves out too! Remember, we've always got a room up here for you! And Tiff, I'm pretty sure I could even set you up with a job...just imagine the fun we could have!!
And what is a post without pictures? LAME-O. So Last weekend I knit this sunhat to accessorize Adalynn's Elizabeth Tunic. It's supercute, even if she does keep tossing the hat to the side.
Anyway. My snot-filled head is shutting down my thought process. Before it gets really bad, I'm going to head back to the needles. Smooches to all, and to all a GREAT FRIDAY!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

2010-05-09T05:05:00.000-07:00

To all the mothers, on this day, we wish joy, happiness, and most definitely a "be laxing" day.

("be laxing" is copyrighted by Adalynn, inc.)

Adalynn's Elizabeth Tunic

2010-05-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

I tested this pattern, the Elizabeth Tunic, for a sweet Mama who owns and runs Alligator Knits, a Hyena Cart store. A multitaskable yet captivating knit. Adalynn loves the twirlability.

Sarah, of Deviant Dyes, dyed the yarn for Adalynn's tunic. It's fabulously colorful and vibrant in person. She paired the light colored trim with the bright colorway.

My 'lil sunshine, even though a bit cloudy today, humored me with some pictures.

See the twirlability? We know, if A's still twirlin', she's still doing all right.

A Morning FarM Routine and More

2010-05-05T06:48:00.000-07:00

On the days I work, I load Adalynn and Keely in the car and drive into town. Stopping briefly on the way to feed Cindy, then continue to a Nana or Grandma's house, depending on the day.

But on the days I don't work, well, this is when the magic happens.

We slowly open our eyes as the kids cuddle and jostle us awake. We eat breakfast, and T leaves for work, feeding Cindy on the way. We play a little, Keely returns to her crib for a morning nap, and Adalynn and I prepare to feed the chickens.

Adalynn loves to feed her chickens.

And she's good at it too.

The hens are ready, clamoring at their door.

Praying for yogurt, berries, or any miscellaneous kitchen scraps that may have found their way into their bowl.

Say 'hi' to Big Mama! She rules the roost.

Chickie bokeh, I think I'm in love!

This past workapalooza weekend T picked up 2 wheels for the coop which morphed the henhouse from a stable object into an all-out Eggmobile. The next addition will be swag at the bottom in the back to cover the small opening where the wheels raised it off the ground. The fire dept recently trashed old fire hose, I think it'll do the trick.

Also this weekend we constructed our feeble attempt to save our neighbors from our no-good-very-bad-dog-eating-double-teaming wolfdogs. While I'm worried they'll tear up the grass, I guess no grass is better than no house when we lose it from being sued due to a dog attack.

And I planted some garden plants. My poor indoor seeds are waning, turns out they don't appreciate being thrown on the floor. I'm crossing my pinkie toes a few tomatoes will rise through the darkness, and that the carrots, kale, spinach, peas and lettuce will take off. So far, nothing. But we'll keep you updated. Because we know, it makes your day.

Elton John LIVE!!

2010-05-05T05:48:00.000-07:00

Us farm girls don't get out too often, but a couple of weeks ago we received a special treat when John and Rennae brought us to see EJ Live in downtown GR. T and I forgot/were not hip to the feather boas, kickin sunglasses, and crazy duds that walk around at Elton concerts.

Thank goodness they are good sharers.

Amazing concert, wow. The Man walked up on stage at approximately 8:04pm and played hard for the next 3 hours. Straight. Absolutely amazing.

Small intervals between songs allowed little stretching, fist pumping, and crowd thanking pointing before he returned to play another hit. I gotta tell you, this man can P-L-A-Y. So he sings a lot of hits. It does not even start to compare to his ivory clinking skills - AMAZING, really.

Yea, Elton. You rock it, man.

Here, this bow was for US. All about us, Elton was, forshizzle.

all tuckered out...

2010-05-02T14:36:00.000-07:00

...after a day with Daddy.

FarM's 1st Farm Implement

2010-05-01T06:22:00.000-07:00

We purchased a Tractor. I highly recommend the experience.

What this 1949 Ford 8N may lack in aesthetic appeal, it makes up with slow and steady ... steadfastness. 'Ole Red totally exudes an "I can do anything" attitude. It just may take an hour.

Awww. My baby and sweet husband checking on each other.

It scares me, in an exciting and fun way, that my children are so nonchalant and accepting of our weirdness.

We're slowly persuading/educating/FREAKING OUT our neighbors. But hey man, they're cool.

And now, so are we.

You may ask yourself, if this is for FarM, why is it currently located at their house? in a subdivision? with neighbors?

You will see. My husband will tell you it's because he HAD to return the trailer we used to pick up this tractor to his Dad, so he can travel to the drag strip with his truck to race this weekend. (and so we can get to the chickens in the backyard.) I contend that it's because T really really really wants to be 'one of those farmers' we all curse on the road because they are traveling 3 mph as he crawls from our house to the property. And Honey, I'll be right there with a camera.

Skirty, Skirty!

2010-04-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

There's this fabulous Sarah in Hawaii, and she owns and runs a Hyena Cart store named Deviant Dyes. If you are looking for hand-dyed yarn, she's your woman.

2 weeks ago she sent me yarn to knit a skirty for her daughter out of "leftover" yarn scraps.

These scrappy skirtys, longies, or whatever, often merge together to create unique and beautiful items.

I sincerely hope she likes it!