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.