Well, it has been so long since I last wrote, that I thought I'd just do a general update...if anyone is still reading. And even if I'm the only one who gets anything out of it, that's okay too. I love to periodically go back and look at my posts and think, "Oh yeah...I forgot about that. I needed to see that again as a reminder to pray more" or whatever it might be.

This is my favorite time of year around here. I love working around the house, cutting the grass, getting the garden ready, hanging clothes on the line, etc. This is our busiest time of year, for sure, but there's just such a great feeling at the end of each day (actually, it's exhaustion). However, as tired as I am, it's a "good tired out feeling", like you actually did something. Today is one of those days, as I worked on getting things planted in the garden. Here is a rundown of some of the things currently going on.

• Hubby is finally finishing up a job he had out in California since early December. He has an apartment there and has been coming home every other weekend. It's been tough at times, but it went by quickly. We're all so happy to have him home again. :)

• Our 100+ year old slate roof is currently being torn off our house and we are getting shingles and new gutters as well as three huge skylights (as the attic is going to be converted into hubby's home office). I'll be so happy when he has a quiet place to work that isn't surrounded by toys or a crib and I won't have to worry about trying to keep the children super quiet when his phone rings (which can be a lot ).

• My brother-in-law has been working so hard to get our new barn completed. Last week he installed two beautiful skylights that he built himself. They let so much light in now. I love them! Today he worked on putting the dutch door in one of the stalls. He has so much knowledge and is a perfectionist, so we've been blessed.

• We get our first goats this Saturday! Everyone is sooo excited. They are Melody and Giselle -- the children named them. Melody, because she's so mellow, and Giselle because she jumps around like a gazelle and the children liked the name from the movie Enchanted. We won't be able to breed them until next fall, but thought it would be better to get babies so we can learn more as they grow.

• I mentioned we were planting our garden. This year we are adding corn, beans and peas, ommitting the squash and limiting the watermelon. We are keeping the carrots, cucumbers (pickling and slicing), tomatoes, lettuces and pumpkins. The pumpkin patch was a huge hit last year! Oh, and we are going to add strawberries as well, though they won't be available this year. Realistically, we would actually eat all of those things. Did you ever plant stuff and think, "Why exactly did we plant beets and brussel sprouts?" There's still so much work left to do, and I really need to psyche myself up to tackle those cucumber/squash beetles. The two just drove me nutso last year! Blech!

• School is almost done, need I say more? Okay, I will say a little more about that. I am in the process of trying to plan curriculum for next year (who isn't?). I'm having so much trouble trying to decide between two different teaching approaches. One way is what I would really love to be able to do, but would require a great deal of time with me leading and I'm not quite sure if I want to commit to that and realize in December that I'm not able to keep up with it. A strong probability considering the younger two. The other option is more self-directed, but it's a good curriculum and they love it. With another child starting Kindergarten, that might be the best approach. However, I'm still seeking the Lord for wisdom. Maybe if I get off the computer and get into the Word, it would come faster???

Okay, well, hey, if you've made it this far, you're either a) easily entertained or b) asleep. I'm "a" and almost "b", so I'm going to say goodbye for now!

Jennifer :)