Flat Stanley

Addison's class has been learning about Flat Stanley. I remember that book so vividly from my own childhood. I thought it would be so cool to be able to be mailed in an envelope. Every day she comes home from school deflated because she wasn't picked to bring Flat Stanley home. Yesterday she burst into the house excited to share the news that she was finally picked! Her assignment was to take a picture of Flat Stanley doing something with her. She set to work setting up all these scenarios and used Daddy's phone to take pictures. The teacher requested 1 picture. Addison emailed her 6. 

Grace and Stanley reading scriptures

All ready for bed

Flat Stanely and Addison on the Kabota

Flat Stanley climbing a tree

That's one proud little girl!

Jonathan's best buddies. #friendsforlife

via Instagram http://ift.tt/1VtusgH

A sad day at the farm...

We've been preparing our kids for a life at the farm for a few months now. We talk about the pigs we will sometime soon raise to be named "Bacon", "Ham" and "Sausage" and the sweet cows that will fill our freezer with yummy grass-fed beef. But I thought that was way down the road. They had their first taste of "death" here at the farm a few weeks back.

In the light above the back door a momma bird had built her nest and filled it with 3 of the cutest little baby birds. The kids knew not to disturb the nest and to not get too close or stay too long to keep the momma away. Every morning they checked on those babies and heard their little hungry chirps.

Until this one morning when we found 2 of them dead on the ground right outside the door. The kids were so sad and immediately sprang into action, gently picking them up (with paper towels at Mommy's pleading!) and gingerly examining them to try to discover the reason for their untimely demise. I was so proud of them. We marveled at how perfectly formed they were and how tiny.

It was then quickly decided that a burial was in order. The girls decided they should be wrapped up nicely to keep them cozy and a shovel was procured and a hole dug right under the tree next to our house. For once their was no fighting on who was doing what. It was a solemn "ceremony"... and then they asked for a snack. The End.  :)

Buying Local

Delaney, Addison and I ventured out this morning to the Beaver Farmer's market. So many great things to buy... we came home with 36 cents in my pocket :)

Here are a few of the "wares" we procured :)

The Chicken Chick

There's this girl who loves her chickens. (no. I love them but we are not talking about me right now)

She loves them so much that she's named them all. She talks to them. Coos to them. and has yet to complain about having to go and feed and water them. It was pouring down rain this morning so she grabbed her umbrella and off she went. no complaints. That's what happens when you love your chicks.

We received our very first baby chicks right after Memorial Day this year. Six different breeds and two of each. all girls (we hope)

If you are ever interested in a sure fire way to get your kids to watch less tv this summer--get them chickens. They will provide hours of entertainment and antics.

So this post goes out to Delaney,  our little chicken chick. You are awesome and have already become a farm girl!

(pictures from the first day)

(The Chicken Trainer)

(They are really getting big and have most of their feathers now--this was yesterday 6/26--they are officially a month old)

The Tears of a Clown

Delaney has really been into face painting lately. We even let her purchase (with Daddy's money) a full kit. She really has talent but not always a willing canvas. Today, William agreed to be painted upon. Once he saw his face, he decided he wanted it off... and when it didn't immediately come off from his rubbing, he went off to pout. I love that boy... Even in his pouting state, he managed to pick momma some flowers :)

btw... he's a panda :)

Happy 9th Birthday, Delaney! You deserve a re-do

9 years ago today, I met the most amazing little girl who made every dream I had of becoming a mother come true. She is truly one special kid.

Today was supposed to be a day of celebrating her. Instead, we spent the wee hours of the beginning of her birthday, holding her hair back and changing sheets as the stomach flu started with our sweet girl.

What a cruel joke to have the stomach bug on your birthday! No candles, no cake... no food. Just peach juice, ice chips and cold compresses.

No matter what, Delaney, Daddy and I want you to know that you are amazing and we love you so much. You officially have a birthday re-do coming to you next weekend when we can all get together and celebrate fantastic you!

With love,
Mommy and Daddy