They Will Grow Up

Everyone said this would happen. In the blink of an eye, they grow up and become amazing and create a life of their own. I guess I thought somehow I could keep her little forever…but she’s got plans and dreams beyond living with her family forever. ;-) I LOVE hanging out on her bed at night and hearing about them. And listening to the newest song she’s plucking on her guitar. I really LOVE her…but I also LIKE her. She is funny and witty and kind and disciplined and all the things I imagined she would be. But when I look at her, I still see her as my sweet little 3-year old Bella. And I wonder how the time went by so quickly. So I savor every moment…and we talk about scripture and Jesus and look at tiny homes and vans on Pinterest. We giggle at how she wants to create a nomadic life just like her childhood. And as I leave to go back to my room…I just can’t stop smiling.

Release the Birds!

One of our traditions on Instagram was to do “chicken run” videos to bluegrass music…so I wanted to carry it on over here too! This little morning ritual never gets old…and every day is different. A new chicken might make their way to the front of the line to get first dibs at the bugs…and the next day she might decide to sleep in and groggily wander out last.

We normally let them out around 8:30-9am in the winter months (7-7:30am in the summer)…and if we wait a little too long, they let us know by creating extra drama on the exit. :-) They spend the entire day free-ranging and foraging our property. They have their favorite dust bath spots, their favorite afternoon nap spots…it’s funny to watch their patterns develop.

Now that it’s getting cold…they won’t wander so far from the barn. They will generally still come out if it’s not actively raining or snowing, but we have a high percentage of diva birds, so it’s hard to tell what will happen on any given day! When we get into January/February and it’s reaches sub-zero temps…we don’t let them out (to protect them from frost bite). There are quite a few challenges and adjustments we have to make to keep them comfortable.

We like to use essential oils in their water to keep their immune systems functioning well…I have an “Oils on the Farm” webinar in my archives if you want to hear more about that!

Let’s just say raising birds is a bit more “intense” (I like to use this word instead of “hard”) in the winter months…but it builds character and makes you even more thankful when those warmer temps come back in the spring!

Frosty Morning

Nothing will get me out the door faster than a frosty morning! It’s as if every single detail is amplified…I run around like a crazy person and check out every single thing that has frost on it. It’s like I’m seeing it for the very first time!

Even amidst the excitement, there is also a wave of sadness and loss as the frost comes and takes the garden into it’s winter slumber. It offers us a time of reflection about the seasons…and how our life mimics nature. When we move into a new season of life, there is a death of the old life. And in turn…a grieving process. But then, lo and behold…the sun shines again and we have new growth and new beauty. I’m so thankful God gave us this metaphor so that we can understand more of His character. God LOVES restoration.

And now…let’s look at some of His artwork! The purple heuchera (aka coral bells) was especially fun…I love the ruffly leaves. There are SO many different kinds of heuchera…I particularly love the orange colors as well!

I was surprised at how long the foxglove hung on…even after several cold nights in a row, she still just kept kickin’ with all the blooms in tact! I can’t WAIT to see all of these come back strong next year! Foxglove is definitely one of my favorites in the garden! I’m going to be making a whole page of our cottage garden process…can’t wait to share it with you!

I want to make sure I get out there and try to save some of these seeds! They are a coneflower variety that I got right at the end of summer and I love them! I’m learning a lot about saving seeds…and I’m not quite sure if these will be good for next year after they have frozen. Comment if you know!

I’m so thankful my girls love animals and nature as much as I do! In fact, Emma was the one who ran to my bedside and exclaimed “Mama!! I think it SNOWED!!” Her anticipation for the first snow is all-consuming LOL! And while I knew it wasn’t here quite yet…her excitement got me up out of bed and movin’ out that door fast…and it was worth it.