insta friday - a tad late again

I guess it's better late than never.

This has been my son's spring break.

The days have gone so fast.

And while we never managed to go on a road trip.

We had lots of fun at home.  Lots of things I didn't photograph.

There were lots of projects,

trampoline jumping, and plain ol' relaxing.

It felt good to not have a whole lot on the agenda.

First..finally all three of our 'feathered' girls are laying an egg a day..

and I finally had enough surplus to gift our neighbors with some. 

We're getting more and more double yoke eggs.

Which means, one of those is enough for me.

The girls keep on loving horseback riding lessons.

One of these days I'm going to write a full post

on how these lessons and the gymnastics classes

have improved my middle daughters strength and confidence.

It has been amazing to watch the progress.

I've been doing some freelance work.

This job was for a new pilot, doing interviews to promote the show.

This was going to be the first year all three of my kids were in school and

I thought the year I could return more to the work force.

When I felt him leading me to take on homeschooling, I just knew that if God 

meant for me to continue my freelance work, 

that he would provide a way.  

But I really did say goodbye to it mentally.

I let it go knowing I needed to seek after Him and his will first, 

and if it was His will these other things would fall into place.  

And things have been working out.  

It has taken some juggling and some late nights, 

But God has made a way.  And that's a praise.

These pretty colors have been the source of lots

of painting fun for my girls.

They had one afternoon to let loose at sky high.

And it was time for him and me to get our hair cut!

During his baseball practice the girls and I hit

Home Depot.  I'm on a mission with a few projects.

More on that soon.

But for now, look at these

super helpful helpers.

Who make even outings to Home Depot fun.

Seriously, wish I could just bust out dancing whenever the mood strikes.

They also happily make a large job not seem so bad.

This momma is not typically a power tool kind of girl, 

but like I said I'm on a mission.

My husband so kindly set me up, showed me what

to do and then took our son to his game.

So it was up to me...and my helpers.

I already showed you our trip to get veggies.

Well, the week rounded out with lots of digging in dirt.

My middle child was on a daddy date.

So it was mostly me and this little lady.

This is her hard at work farmer girl look.

Piper kept trying to help..ah hem..sort of.

And when his game was finished he helped too.

We're still not done, but the sun went down.

And it was time to call it a day.

I felt like I worked out.

In that good kind of way.

Be patient, therefore, brothers,

until the coming of the Lord.

See how the farmer waits for 

the precious fruit of the earth,

being patient about it,

until it receives the early 

and the late rains.

You, also, be patient.

Establish your hearts, 

for the coming of the Lord is at hand.  

James 5:7-8 

egg-citing!!!

WE HAVE EGGS!!!!!!

I screamed with excitement.

Seriously.

This morning I went up to check their food and water.

I changed out the water.

And then I glanced over at one of the nesting areas.

Two eggs!

I ran down to show my husband and the kids.

My husband had already left.

My son thought his Dad probably put them there 

to play a little joke on me.

Which momentarily completely burst my bubble.

So I called.

Nope.

Not a joke.

And again,  I screamed with joy.

From this day in August.

Just two weeks old.

To today... nearly 7 months later.

our very own EGGS!

Praise the Lord.

Really, I know you experienced farmers out there 

probably think I'm over-reacting.

But this is all so new to me.

And the whole process has just been amazing.

God is amazing.

And eggs are amazing.

And I just had to document our first scrambled eggs

from our very own backyard chickens.

In the last six months or so

each of my kids have decided they no longer like eggs.

They've refused to eat them.

Especially my son.

And I kept saying, when we start having our own,

you WILL LIKE THEM again.

And so we split these two eggs four ways this morning.

And each of them declared..they were SO GOOD.

Another praise.

Counting my blessings this morning.

And just so thankful.

Doing a little happy dance here.

And my eight year old said, 

"Mom, you're not excited, you're egg-cited."

Now that's a good one.

And because I'm feeling sentimental...here's a little walk down memory lane

with our little chicks. 

Lucy, Belle & Hannah

Sweet girls.

(If you recall, poor little Charlotte didn't make it

her beak was crossing wrong and despite my

efforts to syringe feed her, she didn't survive)

On Friday we went up to hang this piece of art she made in art class, specifically for the chickens.

And she specifically hunted for a frame from a thrift store just for her art.

And this little lady has no fear when it comes to scooping them up.

I'm just over the moon happy to have them as part of our family.

This verse came to mind, even in the 

lovingkindness of fresh eggs in the morning.

"The LORD's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,

For His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

Great is your faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:22-23

485. eggs!

486. sweet chicks

487. lemonade

488. memorizing

489. new mercies

490. the freedom to vote

how does your garden grow?

Some ladies recently asked me who takes care of your garden?

My answer was, "The garden takes care of the garden."

Seriously.

It's the Lord's ways.

I planted the seed.

The water goes on every night.

And that's it.

And this garden well, it's sort of just doing it's thing.

So I planted one watermelon seed

and three pumpkin seeds.

And I knew they needed space, but I didn't realize just how much.

Or that they'd decide the top of the garden enclosure was a good place to trail.

So we have pumpkins and watermelon growing on the roof of the enclosure.

It's pretty out of control.

And amazing.

And my husband says we have no need to venture to a pumpkin patch this year.

We of course still will.

Because it's an adventure I just love.

But we won't be buying pumpkins. 

And the watermelon.

Well, it's kind of scaring me.

I tell you this plant must grow feet overnight.

I have no idea how this is all going to pan out.

We harvested our lettuce a little while ago

and for some reason everything is tasting a bit too salty to me.

The corn kind of looks like ants are overtaking it.

And I'm pretty sure these leaves aren't supposed to look like this.

But for our first time venturing into this

without really knowing what we're doing.

All of this abundance is pretty exciting.

And it reminds me of all the ways He provides.

I know I've been slightly quiet here this week.

Oh how many posts I need to write.

But life was a little rough

with some tears and many adjustments last week.

And I found myself needing to go to sleep as soon as my kids were.

But God is good.

And He is working things out.

And I feel him near and I'm resting in knowing even in the bumps

along the way it will be ok.

I'll share more when I can.

I pray you all are well.

We begin our fourth year of Community Bible Study today.

The girls and I are beyond excited.

Happy Tuesday!