The Quickening

Our farm is coming alive. After months of facing the winter with faces of flint, we are beginning to feel the first tingles of spring. Not just the above average temps that have graced our area, which have been such a blessing after a few very cold weeks, but a tangible feeling that it's all about to burst wide open.
In pregnancy, early on, after weeks of anticipation, an expectant mother feels her child move for the first time. This has been referred to as "The Quickening". I just love that phrase. It intones all the many emotions that an expectant mother feels rolled into two words. Life is there, solid, sure and growing everyday.
Spring on a farm is exciting in much the same way. And it's what makes all those long winter months worth it. The wonderful thing for us is that it starts early here. Baby goats have already begun to be born and chickens have once again begun to lay their eggs for us after the winter respite. I know winter is not quite done, but it's days are numbered.
We go through many different kinds of "winter" as christians. Some are very long and difficult.
I am so thankful that through it all, there is the promise of "spring". The Quickening is a wonderful term for physical AND spiritual life teaming within. I pray the Lord brings a quickening to my spirit and to yours, the reader, as well.

We now have 2 baby goats snuggled in the barn, as Yasmine gave me twins, a buck and a doe on Sunday last. She wasn't due until 2/23/11 but surprised us. They are all doing well. 6 more does are due to freshen over the next few weeks, 2 more this week. The girls are so excited to have babies again. They are really growing up and proving themselves to be good helpers. Alex actually assisted in worming the goats last week and she's normally very shy of anything like that. I think she surprised herself a little.
I didn't realize how much I had missed the milking routine until it began again. Since we moved last summer our goaty girls had been dry since last June and it felt like forever. I'm glad to have time with them again. Not to mention fresh milk. I can certainly do without the store-bought imitation of fresh milk at a terribly high price. But I digress....

We added 4 more laying hens to our existing 5. Some are getting on in years and may not lay much longer, plus we eat alot of eggs. We hope to sell any extras along with our goat milk.
Of course, the kids (ok ok, AND Debbie and I) want to order some fancy chicks to raise for showing at the fair this summer.

School is going very well and for the time I must say I feel quite content with the girls progress. I'm trying not worry so much and just enjoy it more. Stress is not from God anyway, right? Who needs it!

All for now.

The Return of Crossover thoughts

So, here it it. The first blog I've done since May of last year. It's funny how I can go for months with nothing much to say or just busy-ness as usual and suddenly I begin to compose blogs in my mind. So, whether anyone finds them interesting or not, here they are, my thoughts......may the cross be over them.

It is winter again. Ahhh, a time to enjoy the hearth and home. Reading by the fire, hot chocolate, crocheting and schoolwork. When I'm not doing laundry, cooking, barn chores, cleaning and giving rides!

Once again, we are following a diet and exercise plan. It's always fun to challenge my cooking passion with low calorie, low fat meals. So far though, it doesn't much feel like dieting. Thankfully, our household (except for the 4 and 8 year old on occasion) isn't picky so the sky is the limit on fresh ideas.

It was 4* this morning when I stoked the fire and donned my ski pants and Carhart to head to the barn to do chores. The wind chill had a factor of -10. Fortunately, it didn't take long. We have 7 does that are pregnant and the first babies are due in late February. So no milking for a few weeks more. They are all doing well and getting quite round.

I am so thankful to my Lord for the home and family I have. I am a truly blessed woman. May I always endeavor to deserve all my blessings.