Preparing for Winter

Although it is still summer, we are in the throws of preparing for winter time. First, Michael spent time this weekend hauling hay. We do not have any hay equipment and we don't have enough pastures to produce our own hay. We are hoping to change that in the future, but for now we need to purchase hay. We are paying $50 a bail which is much better than last winter when we were paying $95 for the same amount of hay. He still has more to haul over the next few weeks, but he got a good start on it this weekend.

I am also busy canning for the upcoming year. I have started tomato sauce this weekend, and I canned 7 more quarts of green beans. We are way short of green beans for the upcoming year. I need about 65 quarts to last for the year, and we have only 14 quarts. I planted 2 more beds of beans, but the sheep REALLY like green bean leaves. Michael finally was able to secure them out of the garden last night so we are hoping the green beans will recover.

Even though summer is still in full swing here, today is the first day of school. My heart really isn't ready to start back to school yet. This is a very busy kitchen and garden time for me, but school must be done. Our two oldest boys are in public school. Matthew is a senior this year and Joshua is a freshman. I keep our home school schedule following the public school schedule so we can all have the same time off from school. In one respect, it will be nice to be on a more rigid schedule. However I don't feel like summer should be over yet. In my mind, the starting of school is the end of summer.

Well, at least Missy can still sleep late!!!

grace and peace,

julie

Sunday Scripture

"He also brought streams out of the rock and caused waters to run down like rivers."

Psalm 78:16

Garden Update

We were having company last weekend so Hope blessed me with a flower arrangement from the garden. We haven't been in the garden as much this year. It has been a strange garden year for us. Things have grown well, but we are just now getting enough tomatoes to can. I picked an entire basket yesterday and there are many more just about ready. I will be making sauce in the next few days. Our peppers are beautiful, but they haven't started turning red at all. My okra hasn't even grown knee high yet. I can't figure it all out because we planted pretty much on time this year. I am wondering if our beds need some organic matter added to them. Before I plant my fall garden, I plan to spruce up the beds to see if that helps. The weeds have been prolific so maybe that has been one of the issues.

We are heading out this morning to pick green beans at a friend's farm. He offered us whatever we wanted. Since I only have 7 quarts of canned beans and I need about 60, we decided that we would go pick in his garden. I did plant a new bed of beans. I have been diligent to keep them weeded and I was excited about the possibilities. Apparently the sheep were excited too because they have been munching on the beans every chance they get. It has been very hard to contain them since we have separated them from their moms. The little lambies are trying my patience.

Yesterday Hope and I planted broccoli and cabbage seeds for the fall garden. I am more excited about my fall garden this year than I have ever been. Perhaps it is because I feel like this summer's garden hasn't done what I expected it to or perhaps it is because I have been planning it for the last few months. My goal this year is to see how long we can grow fresh food. We will use our hoops and plastic to protect the plants from the frost. I will be direct seeding lettuces, carrots, collard greens, spinach and peas straight into the garden. The fall garden usually sneaks up on me and I am unprepared, but this year I am armed and ready!!

grace and peace,

julie

Football Season Again!!!

It is time for football again this year. We are praying that we don't have a repeat of broken arms or broken fingers. Matthew and Joshua are playing on the same team this year so we are looking forward to being able to watch both boys play at the same time. Did I mention I like baseball??? We have NEVER left a baseball field with one of our boys in an ambulance, but we have left a football field in an ambulance.

grace and peace,
julie

Bunk Beds in the Making

Michael found a design of bunk beds that he thought would serve our family well. The bottom bunk is actually a trundle bed. The middle part of the bed is a desk area, and at the top is another bed. On the sides of the bed, there are locker areas and drawers built into the design. We found the design at Sam's Club, but we didn't want to pay the price. Michael ordered some plans and made modifications that he wanted. He purchased $400 worth of material and he started the building process. First, he had to dimension the lumber.
Here he is flattening the wood with a jointer. The jointer's purpose is to create a perpendicular flat surface.

He had to make corner posts for the bed. He glued 2 pieces together to create posts. After the glue has dried, he will take the boards back to the planer and jointer to continue the process. He can only glue up one post at a time because he doesn't have enough clamps to do more than that.

As the bed progresses, I will be sure to update with pictures.

We are just now in the season of our life that we have been enjoying some of the work of Michael's hands. In times past, Michael always sold the furniture that he made to bring in extra income for our family. If he could choose his dream job, it would be to farm full time and make custom furniture to sell. I often pictured a small cabin on our property filled with produce and handmade items from his shop. People could stop by and purchase as they needed. The truth is that with 5 kids and a farm that doesn't make income it would be very hard to pay the bills. I offered to go to work as a teacher since I already hold a teaching certificate and let him come home to follow his plans. He was against this because it will take me out of the home which is still not what was best for our family. So he will continue his day nuclear job and he will continue farming on the side and making furniture for our family. At times, things can seem overwhelming, but we choose to take it one step at a time. We don't want to be so busy building our life that we forget to enjoy our life and our children. The Lord has been so good to us and we are thankful.

grace and peace,

julie

Another Rough Start to Another Day

Missy is worn out this afternoon. She was awakened by a very loud thunderstorm early this morning. The thunder and lightning were extremely violent this morning. The lightning hit our phone line and our Internet. We all started our day around 5:00 a.m. Well, everybody but the 17 year old. He didn't even know that it rained!!! We have spent the rest of our day hosting repair men. Everything is fixed now so perhaps we can get back to normal around here!

grace and peace,
julie

Somedays Everything Isn't All Roses Or Even Sunflowers

I woke up a bit slower than usual this morning. As I was sauntering to the bathroom, I glanced out the window to see all the sheep eating in my garden. That was the beginning of my day. While I was preparing coffee, Michael was getting dressed for his day. He asked me where all of his jeans were at, and I truly thought they were clean. Still unable to find them, he wore dress pants to work. He asked what he had to take for lunch...uh, I hadn't thought about that. We usually have leftovers for his lunch, but last night all the food was eaten. I served him a nice breakfast bar made by Kellogg's for breakfast with a glass of water (no milk in the house) and a cup of coffee. He left for work and then came back about 10 minutes later. He had a huge smile on his face as he brought me his empty coffee cup. Inside the cup, there was nasty dishwasher residue glued to the side. He just wanted to let me know that next time maybe I should look in his cup BEFORE pouring his coffee!!! I think I should get in bed earlier tonight!!!!!!!!

grace and peace,
julie

The House at the Top of the Big Hill

Her house sat just at the top of the big hill. Two miles laid behind me and there was still another mile and a half to go. My legs were heavy trying their best to keep up the steady pace as I plodded along conquering the hill that was seemingly endless. At the top, I took a deep breath and that is when I saw her. My heart sank for I knew she would want to engage in conversation. I must not stop the pace. I was on track to complete the three and a half mile trek in record time. I did not have time to talk. Not wanting to appear rude, I smiled as I passed her house. I called out good morning, and commented on how beautiful her flowers were. She came to the edge of the porch smiling at me. She was thrilled that somebody was chatting with her. She pointed to a bush and asked me if I knew what it was. I called it by name, and she pointed to another flower wanting to know if I knew that one. I knew that flower quite well and once again called out the name still walking, but at a much slower pace by now. I saw her shoulders droop and the excitement that had been so evident in her face was replaced by disappointment. I stopped my steps knowing full well that the longer I stood there the lactic acid would build in my legs. I pointed to a glorious stand of flowers and asked her what they were called. With that one question, she gave me a lesson on the particular flower. She offered to save me some seeds so I could enjoy them in my own yard. I agreed to the gift.

The elderly lady was excited because she had been given an opportunity to share her passion and knowledge with a younger woman. What she did not realize was that she was touching one of my passions as well. As I stood in the shade of the old farmhouse, I validated her by giving her some of my time and attention. By the time I took the next few steps, my legs were heavy with lactic acid not wanting to obey the command to walk. For the rest of my journey, my mind was filled with the elderly lady that lived in the little white house at the top of the big hill. The house was small, but well kept. It was old, but somehow seemed much loved. She had shared that her and her siblings had been born in that house and raised there too. She had lived all her days in that house not even leaving to marry. The house sits on the edge of the road. The front yard is just large enough to grow a few stands of flowers. However the back of the house opens up to the most glorious beauty that one can imagine. The hills are gently rolling until a point that begins to ascend into the mountains. The mountains are covered with trees and the pastures are a luscious green all the way up to the tree line. There are a few barns dotting the scenery. The cows feast on the green grass and offer an occasional "moo" to add to the ambiance. She was born there and someday will die there. I wondered what life would have been like when she was a child. I am left with only my imaginations as I ponder on what life must have been like eighty years ago in our neck of the woods. I am sure somehow that they did not need to walk this loop in order to give their bodies much needed exercise. I am sure their life was full of exertions that filled the need to burn a few calories. My heart is full of thanksgiving that I am allowed to spend my exercise time enjoying such beautiful scenery all around me. I am indeed even thankful for the big hill that seems to never end. For when I come to the top, I know there is an old woman that has a story to tell just waiting for someone to listen.

grace and peace,
julie

Be Hospitable

The Bible teaches us to be hospitable one to another. I have spent my day preparing to do just that. There is a man in our community that owns a weight training facility. Our son is best friends with his son. This man has poured so much teaching and training into our boys. We wanted to do something to let him know how much we appreciate all that he has done for our children. We invited him and his entire family to our home to enjoy an Italian dinner. Our day has been filled with the aroma of peppers and onions simmering in fresh tomato sauce. Lemon Bars baking in the oven and even a batch of peanut butter bars cooling on the counter.

Some days it is easier to be hospitable than other days. Some days my heart is more into it. However no matter the state of my heart I find that once the people come to our home I really enjoy hosting. There are a few practical tips that make hosting a crowd of people flow better. I always want my house clean when we have company, but I realized long ago that it didn't have to be perfect. I spent so much time cleaning for the company that I was just too tired to enjoy the evening. I was always frustrated that the freshly mopped floor was soiled with the shoes of the extra people. Now I clean, but I don't get down on my hands and knees and scrub the floor. Instead I grab a mop and give the floor a nice quick once over. I also include my children in the cleaning process. After all, they usually enjoy the company too.

Although food and environment is important when hosting a crowd, there are more things to be concerned with than just that. I want my home to be a fun place that people feel comfortable being in. I want the company to relax and enjoy every aspect of the evening. This requires me to be available to visit instead of always being worried about the dishes. I am more than willing to let other people help me clean up after the meal. We can all still fellowship while doing the dishes, and it makes the next day go much smoother for me. I do not ask for help, but if the company offers I usually accept it.

Hosting a crowd is a lot of work, and if you plan in advance it helps things to flow much better. For example, I really wanted to cook a southern country dinner for tonight. With 15 people in my home, I knew it would be impossible to fry chicken for that number. I chose an Italian dinner because it could be made ahead of time. I will have a few last minute things to attend to, but it won't be frying up chicken legs!!

I have also learned to get what I can done and not worry about the rest. It simply doesn't matter. After all, most people didn't come to my home to see if I actually cleaned the laundry room. (Which by the way, I didn't)! Most people come to fellowship and have a great time. If they come to see what a fantastic housekeeper I am, well I am afraid they will be very disappointed. However, if they come to be a part of a home filled with food, fun, and fellowship then I think they will leave with a happy heart.

grace and peace,
julie

We have enjoyed family for the last week. We have cooked and played and visited. It is time to clean up and get back down to farm business. I haven't even seen my garden in the last few days, but this evening I will get back out there. I am sure it will be close to the time to get the canner back out to start putting away more winter food.

grace and peace,
julie

Enjoying a Day at Biltmore Estates

I was missing today due to a day of fun at the Biltmore. See you tomorrow!!!

grace and peace,
julie

Enjoying Uncle Robbie

Seth has had a ball these last few days with my brother and his family. He loves being the center of attention so he is in hog heaven so to speak!

If the aunt and uncle are busy, there is always time to spend with the 17 year old GIRL cousin!!

grace and peace,

julie

The Rain Has Come

We are so thankful this year to have evening showers. Last year our drought was terrible. This year we are still in a deficit, but we count each raindrop as a gift from the Lord. Yesterday about supper time the clouds rolled into the sky. As we finished our dessert and coffee, the rain started falling. It stopped for a bit and then right before bed the heavens opened and the rain fell. It was so relaxing...almost like a lullaby. It was a nice sound to hear while falling asleep.
Yesterday also yielded our first ripe tomatoes. We have had a few small tomatoes, but not enough to even say we have had them. I took a basket down to the garden and I came back with tomatoes. I served one of our Cherokee Purples for dinner last night. My brother, who is visiting from Florida, did not eat any. I commented on his passing up the tomatoes, and he said it looked odd. He had never seen one of these tomatoes, and to his credit they do look odd! Maybe before he leaves, he will get another opportunity to eat one of them. He missed his tomato eating window for last night!!!

grace and peace,
julie

Farm Fun

One of the great parts about living on a farm is that you can always find something fun to do. These boys had a ball playing paintball war. While they were out splattering one another with paint balls, our neighbor called to warn me that there were 4 men dressed in camouflage spread out with guns all over our field. (This is the same neighbor that shoots first and asks questions later). I quickly informed her that these boys were ours, and please do not shoot them!!!

I can't count the number of hours that our second son has spent at the farm ponds in our area this summer. Boys gather together to cast their lines into the pond and just hang out enjoying the summer time. Many nights have been filled with teenage boys sitting in a tent camping and laughing the time away. When they aren't sitting in the tent, they are frog gigging at the pond.

There was one night not too long ago that the second son and friends camped on the back of our property. They were sitting around in the makeshift tent enjoying the breeze. All of a sudden about 2:00 a.m. they heard something that sounded like a gun cocking and they were scared. The next thing they heard was the whizzing of paint balls being shot at them and the giggling of boys assaulting the peaceful campers all by the light of the moon. The chase was on and the memories were being made. War has now been declared on oldest son and friend who scared second son and friends. I am sure before the summer comes to a close there will be many more farm memories to tell...

while gathered around the big farm table. Summertime dinners are the perfect time to tell all the happenings of the day and linger while laughing about the memories of the past.

grace and peace,

julie

Sunday Scripture

"I was glad when they said to me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." Psalm 122:1

Picking Blueberries For the Farm Kitchen

A few years ago Michael received 17 blueberry bushes for his Christmas present. We planted them and watered them faithfully, but alas they did not live. It really wasn't our fault as the neighbor's cows enjoyed frolicking in our blueberry patch. Until we can get more blueberries established here on our farm, we go to the local organic blueberry farm and pick. For $8 a gallon, we can pick beautiful blueberries until our little hearts are content!
Here is our daughter and our niece. I think this was the first time for Morgan to pick blueberries.
Our children are veteran blueberry pickers seeing how it is my favorite fruit. Truth be told, I like just about all fruits!!
Jacob somehow managed to find a golf ball in the blueberry plants.
We ended up picking 3 gallons of blueberries. We have made 9 pints of blueberry syrup and froze 5 quarts of blueberries for later use. We have all eaten our full share of fresh blueberries. We have until August 12 to pick more. They will be closing at that time until next year. I want to pick at least 3 more gallons to make more syrup. I just hope my kids are all willing!!!

grace and peace,
julie

The Farm Kitchen

Ya'll come on down and enjoy some homemade blueberry pancakes, fresh from the farm eggs and sausage. Oh, don't forget the cup of coffee and homemade blueberry syrup.

After the dishes are washed and put away, it will be time to freeze a few more quart bags of peaches. Those peaches are the base of my fruit salad that I serve over the holidays. I also love cold winter nights with a nice warm peach cobbler directly from the oven.

With so many kitchen projects the last few days, I have gotten behind on the housekeeping. We will be spending the day giving the house a good old fashion cleaning. If there is time and energy left after that, then I would like to head to the garden and see what goodies are available. I am sure several new flower bouquets will be in order for my nice clean rooms.

grace and peace,
julie

Introducing Peter the Great

Peter the Great is a 2 year old Katahdin Ram. He is a beautiful ram with a nice sheeponality. He seems to take great comfort in being in the pasture close to the house where he can enjoy being touched by the children. We have impressed it upon them that although he appears very gentle they must still respect him and keep their distance. The children are no longer allowed in the pasture now that Peter the Great is there. A new fence project is in the works so that we can all enjoy the use of our pasture once again. I did ask Michael to make sure that Peter the Great is still close to the house so that we can reach through the fence to pet him. He seems very content and relaxed. He is a good proven registered ram and I am hoping that we have lots of multiple births from the work of his...well you get the point.

grace and peace,

julie

Farm News Travels Fast

The horse whisperer told the horses..



The horses told the chickens...

The chickens told the cows...

The cows told the dog...

The dog told the rabbit...

The rabbit told the kid with the gun...

The kid with the gun told the sheep....

The sheep are all stressed out and nervous. "What do you mean Peter the Great is here? Did you forget that we aren't exactly sleek and racy at the moment? After all, our babies are just 9 weeks old...and have you seen our hair??? It won't all fall off. We look as if we have a disease!"

grace and peace,

julie

One Mad Momma

I went to the barn the other day to check for eggs. I was enjoying the time with the animals and I like watching the sheep. I was thinking about the Green Acres Song that says "this is the life for me." I had my harvest basket and I was ready to gather all the beautiful brown eggs that our hens had placed for our family. Yes indeed...this was farm ambiance at its best. I turned my back to walk back across the yard and then it happened. The rooster who obviously had been plotting a terrorism attack against me came after me. He waited until I had my back turned. I have always been a little unsure of roosters, and I was down right scared. I defended myself using my harvest basket as a shield, but I was furious. I was screaming loudly, but NOT ONE of the 5 children that I had carried in my womb even heard me. I was mad at all the kids too!!! I made it in the basement door, and I looked at all the children that were gathered together watching a movie (very loudly I might add...in surround sound). I pointed to the 14 year old and told him that I wanted him to take the gun and go shoot the rooster. I saw a small smile come across his face, but I gave him that look...you know the one mad momma look. He decided it was best not to cross me at the moment. I went upstairs and got a drink of water. I yelled back downstairs that I also wanted my shoes back. In my defending mode, I threw one of my sandals at the rooster. About 15 minutes later, I had collected my thoughts and decided that we shouldn't kill the rooster after all. I went back to the basement to announce that I wasn't thinking clearly earlier and the rooster shouldn't be shot. My 14 year old smiled and said, "Mom, you told me to shoot him and I did." Every child in the house has wanted to get rid of that rooster. He had a mean streak that you never could trust. I would never allow them to do anything about it until he went off on me!!! I felt so bad, but the great rooster killer informed me that the rooster was dangerous. He made me feel better when he reminded me that our 4 year old could have been hurt. Well I think Michael is going to pick up a ram today. I just hope that he doesn't try to attack me or anything because I might get the one mad momma look again and order a kid to shoot the new registered ram!!!

grace and peace,
julie