Sad Lessons for Farm Boys

One of our hens has been having health issues and Sunday we made the decision to put her out of her misery.  It was a great learning opportunity for our sons with principles to discuss about stewardship, kindness and having to do hard things when we don't really want to.

 

 

Our youngest two were really excited about the possiblity of getting the hatchet out and for all we can guess didn't really understand the whole concept of what was about to happen.

 

Let's just say it was all fun and games until the head came off and they saw blood.

 

Then there was much wailing and tears and gnashing of teeth.

And blood and feathers.

 

Ryland, our-pastor-in-the-making, offered up a sweet prayer before the deed was done,

"Now I lay me down to sleep..."

 

Our littlest men were distraught and our oldest two were just all business as they helped to clean up and dig the hole.  Some of the cries from Ryland and Langston sounded like:

"I wish there was a heaven for chickens."

"Why did it have to be the Rhode Island Red?  That is my second favorite kind of chicken."

"Why did Adam have to sin?"

 

It was so sad I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but Ryland did ask me to take some pictures of the funeral.  I tried so hard not to laugh, really I did.

 

 

If you look closely you can see he wrote '2013 Good by' on the grave marker.

 

I'm not sure that this was really Henrietta but Ryland didn't think we should leave a grave marker blank so what's written is written.

 

Winter is hanging on with a vengeance in these parts and the only things blooming are weeds so we pulled some fresh weeds from the pea rows to mark the grave site, in lieu of flowers.

Seriously, this kills me.  It was so heart wrenching to see their despair but led to such a good conversation about eternity and the importance of knowing for certain that through Jesus our eternal destiny is secure.

 

It hurts a little bit less for these two today.  Mrs. Webster gave them some peppermint candies to ease their broken hearts and Ryland was so thankful that someone cared enough to "brighten his loss."

 

Farm sons.

 

{Our puppy better not ever die. Ever.}

A Novelty: Sack Lunch

 

Kids' Conference happened over the past two days, which means sack lunches for the boys.

{so fun!}

 

World War II was the backdrop for the conference and Valor was the godly character quality being taught.  On the back flap of each lunch we honored the boys' Great Grandpa who is a WWII hero - and just a hero to us in general.

 

Such a fun time, but we are all very tired and ready to head to bed so we can be fresh for worship services in the morning.

Auction

We spent Saturday helping out and enjoying an auction out at a dear friend's farm.

We ended up with a few pigs and sheep, this sweetheart is one of them.

Our older boys are going to show them at 4-H this summer.

 

Here's our Ry-man, shopping.

At an auction you always want to play it safe with 'game face'.  You wouldn't want the competition to drive up the price of the pork you really want- every six year old knows this, yes?

And our dear farmer friend.  Kind of scary the resemblance these two have.

Here are our oldest two working the pigs and sheep.  This is one of the greatest experiences of their lives!

I call this shot the 'First Baptist Fan Club'.  Everyone from our church sat in the same spot of the bleachers, it was pretty funny.

First pig - my littler guys LOVED listening to the auctioneer and scared me a few times by raising their hands.on.purpose. just to give their Mom a scare.  Nice.

Making small talk over the fence.  Overheard of my littlest trying to impress the female fence leaner, "You know there are over 500 pigs on this farm, don't you.  We're buying some.  I'm also planning on buying an army truck with camoflauge wheels.  It's going to take me a LONG time to clean those wheels when I get mud on them, but you have to do what you have to do."

Oh, brother.

Already trying to impress the ladies.  Gimme a break.

Ry-man still sporting the spurs from Auntie Laura, though the boots need to be replaced as he has worn holes in the bottom of them.

Walter's Dad, Jack, hanging out at the auction.

Tarver and Braden working a pen of sheep into the auction block.  They worked so hard this day and loved.every.second.of.it.

And finally, the end of the day.  My baby boy {who is now 5'10" and 13, ahem.} driving this monstrosity of a machine to load up the bought goods with his proud Dad looking on.

Harvest

Mmmm...spinach!  Our first harvest of the season.

I know it's only 1/8 of a pound - or 2 ounces if you want to make the numbers sound bigger,

 

 

But hopefully it will be the first of many this year.

 

On winning comments and other random family tidbits

Congratulations, Kay M.!  Your name was chosen winner from the comments for the 'Seed Sowers' & bookmark giveaway!  Thanks to all for participating and checking out Gwen's contribution to missions.  I hope you all will get a copy of her book and continue to check on her family and their adventures through her blog.

And in other random family news ...
It's been incredibly busy here, but here are a few things we've been up to over the last few weeks ...

Feeding the boys.  A few weeks ago our dinner menu looked like this:
     9 steaks, approximately 1# each
     10-lb bag of potatoes, transformed into many trays of cheesy fries {mmm}
     1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
     2-lb bag of carrots, peeled and cut into sticks

In a matter of one meal, it disappeared.  I spend a lot of time feeding this crew!

Our first episode with Poison Ivy/Oak.  Thanks to Nurse Amy for helping to identify our rash!

Making armor for the King of the household ... from paper.  A great busy project for winter days that are too cold for being outdoors.  The Queen of the house was the recipient of two paper skirts and a crown also - not pictured. :-)

Ryland's first ever Pinewood Derby.

 

 

 

The agony of defeat.  Langston was sure he'd come home with The Piston Cup.

This face made the Momma tear up.

 

 

Shoe tying boot camp.  Is that an oxymoron?

Make a loop, and some bunny ears ... criss cross and pull those bunny ears.

 

Kitchen help, kitchen guard and kitchen fun.

 

He really did eat my green pepper mustache!

And now it's time to feed the crew again ...

A Book Buffet of sorts and a GIVEAWAY

I played this cruel little game with myself a few weeks ago. 

*IF*

I could have an afternoon to read just three or four books all to myself, what would they be?  Then I gave myself a ridiculous little mandate that I could only grab three or four books that are already on my bookshelves or in storage tubs under my bed.

 

Here's my stack of three or four.

Apparently I don't listen well even to myself.

Sheesh.

 

I would like to draw your attention to one of the wonderful books in my small stack{sixth book down from the top}-

Seed Sowers, Gospel Planting Adventures

 by {the lovely and talented} Gwen Toliver.

 

Gwen sent me a copy of her book way back in November.  I promised to do a review and host a give away for her delightful book ... and then life kicked in full gear with the holidays and making an offer on a farm {which recently fell through} and I have been terribly neglectful in not alerting the world to what you are missing out on if you have not read this book yet.

So, now consider yourself alerted and warned- you need to get a copy of this book.

 

Oh?  There's more to a book review??  Okay. 

This book is a collection of missionary adventures which Gwen painstakingly collected through her friendships and contacts at Wycliffe, where she and her patient husband, along with their eight wonderful children, serve at the Linguistics Center in Dallas, Texas.  Each chapter can stand alone and is full of adventure, hardships and first hand witnessing of the Spirit of God working and moving among Bible-less people groups in our world.  There is an update at the end of each chapter about that particular missionary or people group ... where the missionary is today or if the people group is still in need of the Holy Word to be translated into their own language.  Gwen's heart is for the next generation to embrace God's Word and carry it to the nations.  She has written this book with children and families in mind.  My four sons delight in these adventures and stories.  Gwen doesn't portray missionary work with unrealistic rose-colored glasses - carrying the Good News is hard work and God is faithful to His work and His people fulfilling His plan.  I am thankful for the influence these  missionary stories have had in the lives of my sons - maybe this will be the catalyst one of my boys needs to be inspired to fulfill God's work for his own life calling, who knows?

 I generally keep this book in my purse {which puts Mary Poppins' carpet bag to shame}, on the end table basket for easy access or in our van.  Just last week we were at an orthodontist appointment and my husband picked up the book and began reading chapter 7 to those who were waiting in the van with him.  It's perfect for making the most of even small chunks of time!

Are you ready to add your own copy of this book to your personal library and be blessed and challenged by its content?  Here's the deal :  visit either Gwen's  blogsite  or the Seed Sowers website and then leave a comment here answering one of the two following questions {or both for extra credit}:

 

1.  From her March 10th post, what should Gwen's oldest son do with his newest 'trophy'?

2.  From the Whistling Man tab, where did George's friend invite him to go and did he?  {Read Chapter Eight to learn all about the 'whistling language'.  Fascinating!}

 

From the comments a winner will be randomly selected.  The contest will close at midnight, March 16th.  And to sweeten the pot, I'll throw in a handmade bookmark for you to keep the spot in your wonderful copy of this important book.

 

Even if you don't win I would highly encourage you to pursue a copy of Seed Sowers and look into the important work of Bible Translation that Wycliffe is engaged in.

 

And now, I need to go return three or four books to their rightful spots on the shelves so we can use the dining room table for its intended purpose tonight ... the all important SUPPER.

Manly Porridge

Because this is how breakfast goes down around here - it has to be manly.  All these adventures to fuel, work to do, play- breakfast has to be hearty!  Here is how we do porridge around here.  Enjoy!

 

Set 4 cups of water to boil in a large pot.  Once boiling, turn the heat down and add 2 cups of milk; stir.  Add in 4 1/2 cups steel cut oats, 2 cups peeled and chopped apples, 1/2 cup ground flax seed.  Cook about 4 minutes just barely under simmer.  Add in 3/4 cup coconut, 1 cup chopped nuts {almonds, pecans, etc.}, 3/4 cup dried cranberries, 1 cup brown sugar and 2 Tbsp. apple pie spice. Cook a few minutes longer over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding more milk as you see fit.  When the oats are cooked, scoop into serving bowls, cover with a slosh of heavy cream and a touch of maple syrup.