June 22, 2009 Getting Started

Thought since I always seem to have so much to say, I'd keep it all here...on a blog. I would like to keep up with our daily ventures and adventures somewhere and this just might be the place to accomplish that!

To introduce our endeavors to you a bit...

At present, I am milking our goat. We took her two babies away about 3 weeks ago, and since then have been getting a little over a gallon a day! Wow! I was so excited...until I looked in the fridge about a week later and noticed that with over 30 quart jars of milk in there, I no longer had room for my tea jug...not cool. So, I was off to look up info on goat cheese making! I made chevre the first week...and we were so impressed with the outcome...fresh cheese on wheat thins...yummy! Since then I have made goat fudge and more goat cheese. I am still working on keeping up with the supply. At present, I remain out of room for my tea.

We also have a garden. We planted mostly heirloom variety tomatoes this year. I cannot wait for garden fresh tomatoes...they can't be beat. :) Also planted corn, green beans, squash, peppers, watermelon, pumpkins, cantaloupe, cucumbers, onions, radishes, snap peas, and lettuce.

We have laying chickens. Yeah for fresh eggs!

We are in the process of building a barn. I thought I would be lots of help with that...that my husband, Darren, and I would work together....toiling in the backyard like an old-timey couple breaking ground and settling in on the wild frontier. Didn't have a problem till he started on the loft and it occurred to me that I am terrified of heights! Turns out, I'm no help there. But Darren is most resourceful and being blessed with both brains and brawn, has managed to get the rafters up with little help and the tin down with the help of family.

I homeschool our four children. We use unit studies for everything except math.

Malachi, age 10, is the resident entomologist. If it moves, he can catch it. And he has quite a nice collection to show for it. He loves to read and study up on everything. He can make a mean from scratch brownie.

Jacob, age 8, is the calm one in the family. He is superb at extinguishing volatile situations amongst his siblings. He is always happy to help and loves science experiments of any kind.

Sarah, age 6, is the dramatic princess. She loves to cuddle, squeeze, kiss, hug, etc on her little brother. She has just learned to milk the goat! She likes alot of interaction and affection.

Isaac, age 20 months, is an expert mimic. If you make a move, he can duplicate it. :) He is a sweet little angel.

Darren (dad) works as an Import Purchasing Specialist by day and a farmer by evening and weekend. He is also a preacher. I have a hard time concentrating on what he's saying on occasion because he's so darn cute. :)

I love to scrapbook. Love to teach my kids and spend time with Darren. They are the beating of my heart. <3>