A Quick Snow and Noah's First Hunt

I awoke in the middle of the night to a beautiful blanket of white shimmering snow. It seems so early. The children would be excited. As soon as they woke, they begged to play outside. Beds made, teeth brushed, dressed, food in the bellies, and Bible lesson completed, the children eagerly searched through the winter box. I was not prepared for this. Digging winter totes out of the basement and quickly hauling them upstairs is a sure way to be reminded that winter is coming and it is time to organize all the coats, boots and other necessary items. 

We knew the snow would not last long. The ground is not frozen. So, outside play before school lessons seemed like a great way to start our day. The play did not last long. Cold hands brought them back in after a short while. Except for one child who presses on sledding and rolling snowballs, hoping to build a little snowman. Eli loves the snow. The others come in, get warm and head back out. I prefer the running in and out for warm summer days when the house doesn't get cold. 

Oh, and Noah went on his first hunting trip.  Several weeks ago, he started an independent hunter's education study.  Once he was finished, he attended a hunter's education class at Cabela's.  He and his Da spent the day together exploring the store and attending Noah's class.  He was excited to receive his Hunter's Safety Certification and Hunter's License.

Last week, Noah and his Da went hunting.  They spent a lot of time walking and exploring.  And, I'm sure good conversation between father and son happened.  It was a beautiful day.  Noah did a great job for his first time.  He came home with a squirrel.  Good job Noah.  I am excited for the next time they go out.  The younger boys are looking forward to the days that they can hunt with Da and Noah too. 

An Autumn Walk

These warm days are gradually disappearing as the cold air comes and the days grow shorter. It's nice to get out, take walks and enjoy the weather before it gets really cold. Of course, then we grab the coats, hats and gloves; but, for now, it is nice to stroll and enjoy without freezing.

As I start my walk, I snap a shot of our huge wood pile. It is just about time to split and stack for next year's heat. This will be a weekend family affair requiring hard work, thick gloves and a wood splitter.

Walking into the pasture, I come across the turkeys and chickens, who are always eager for a snack. Unfortunately, I am not carrying the scrap bucket, so they will have to wait till next time. That does not stop them from following me all around the pasture. 

Next, I pass the sheep, who are also eager for a snack. I do not have grain. They cautiously follow with the birds, curious to see what I am doing in their yard.

The goats are excited to see me. They come running and prancing hoping for neck rubs and a treat. I feel like the gingerbread boy, as more and more critters line up behind me like an animal parade. Poor Nez. I went through the gate to check on the boys playing in the woods. The parade stops for now.

In the woods, I discover the little boys exploring and using their imaginations. Abby joins in on the fun. 

Samuel finds tiny fiddle heads under piles of leaves.

We all head toward the pasture, but decide to continue our walk on the outside of the fence. Cobra, the kitty does not mind. He joins in the animal parade.

The turkeys, goats, chickens, sheep and cat continue to follow us on our walk....from the inside of the fence.  Silly animals walked all around the pasture. I imagine, we could walk down the road and they would follow close behind. I am not going to try that experiment though....well, maybe with the goats.

On we continue to the front of the property to check the mail. The garden is finished, but still needs to be cleaned and covered for the winter.  The trees need pruned. The to-do list grows. The projects never stop. It is all worth it as we look forward to flower buds in the orchard and warm soil for planting.

Almost to the mailbox, we stop and pick up shovels and bikes, left from previous explorations.

Once we get to the mailbox, a little boy becomes eager to put his feet in a cold mud puddle. He enjoys it while he can, because soon, he will be in boots and snow pants looking for new adventures.

Up the driveway and back to the barn, the boys run off, and I stop to visit the baby bunnies. I think they are the cutest addition to our little farm. 

I needed the fresh air and break from the household routine. I hope you are enjoying the Autumn days too. 

Nature Study/Woolly Bear Caterpillar

Autumn brings about cool weather, sweaters, and the Woolly Bear Caterpillar. I remember playing with these beautiful creatures when I was a child. They eagerly cross the roads in search of the perfect winter shelter. They tickle fingers as they glide across little hands, and carry a peculiar folklore. Now, I get the pleasure of watching my children, capture, explore and share about the Wooly Bear Caterpillar. Samuel and Eli would like to share their Nature Journal and all they have researched. 

In the words of Samuel "8", who gets to type his report:

"Woolly Bear caterpillars are interesting. If there is more black than brown that means that the winter will be big. If there is more brown that means the winter will be mild. And there is a big variety of things they eat including birch and maple saplings, forbes, clover, and weeds. They live in roadsides and forests. Fall woolly bears hibernate. In the spring they turn into Isabella moths."

Drawings and written narration, by Eli "6":

 

 

 

Autumn is a lovely time to search for creatures hiding under crisp colorful leaves. It is also a great time to stock up on nature books from the library, because cold weather, shorter days, hot cocoa and wood burning stoves are just around the corner. 

A Week Before Peak/Hannah's Photography Workshop

Hannah was invited to attend a  photography workshop with one of her dearest friends. I got to spend that time with a dear friend of my own, walking in nature, enjoying conversation.  It was a beautiful day with an overcast - The perfect day for photography.  A few times, I was eager to grab the camera from my girl and snap some shots myself.  But, this day was for her and her friend.  She got to use the "nice" camera.  

 

We learned the three "r's"...not Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic, but Roads, Rivers and Rails.  The day was a little drab - The colors, a little muted.  However, Hannah took some good shots and learned a few camera techniques.  These are her unedited photographs from the day.

Shadows

Reflections

River

River Reflection

Reflection

Lifetime Friends

Drips

I am excited to grab the cameras and head to the woods during peak week.  Autumn colors are beautiful.  God's paintbrush is beautiful.

 

Take advantage of local workshops in your area.  Nature centers, libraries, community centers, colleges and parks offer classes and workshops (many free) where you can learn bee keeping, photography, sheep shearing, canning, writing and the list goes on.  These opportunities are great for those searching for a hobby, homeschoolers or anyone eager to learn something new.  Check'em out.

When Dreams Come True / Fourteen

Fourteen years ago today, a little girl came into this world....I believe she had on cowboy boots.  A true lover of animals of all kinds, this little girl dreamt daily of having a horse. She drew pictures, read books, collected posters, knick-knacks and movies about horses. She continues to do so. Her love for this creature is beautiful. Some girls go through love phases, Barbies, stuffed animals, horses etc. Her phase never went away, nor did we want it to. She is truly a horse-person, one who wears boots every single day.

We are blessed with opportunities to help our children exceed in their interests. This fourteen year old will certainly grow to be a woman who's career will be equine related. Therefore, we try to provide tools for further study, resources at her fingertips and friends who specialize in all things horse. To top it off, her grandparents got her a horse. We are thankful for all our beautiful grandparents and the love they have for the children. Without further ado, let me officially introduce you to Annie!

Annie has been with us since March, but has not been home until recently. She is a five year old Quarter horse mare colored sorrel. She is friendly and gentle and follows us around like a puppy. However, she can be sassy and stubborn, but is disciplined and obeys. She is trained to ride western pleasure. Hannah will have the opportunity to show her as a 4H project and compete in the fair next year. She is excited to grow up with this horse and learn from her. We are excited to watch the growth and see our little girl grow into the beautiful woman she is becoming. Happy birthday Hannah, and welcome home Annie.  Keep dreaming and working hard; because, with hard work dreams do come true.