Once upon a time on a little farm in the middle of the Hills there lived a family. The mother and children got up each morning and did the chores. They fed the animals, watered the animals, milked the goat, ate breakfast, cleaned the house, washed the laundry and studied their lessons. At lunchtime they picked up their schoolwork, fixed lunch, did a few chores and then settled in for an hour of rest. The children would play or read or make things in the afternoon. The mother would work on the computer, or knit, or sew or read or clean. In the late afternoon the family would feed the animals, water the animals, fill the wood box and fix supper. Each night they would spend time together, take baths and go to bed. The days were good.

The father spent each day listening to all these exciting goings on as he drove to many far and distant places. He would tell the family about all the exciting things, and the wonderful farms and animals he would see by the road. Many days the father was home. Those were the best days. Then the family worked together to build fences, take care of the garden, and make houses for animals. The family had fun together, the children played, the parents talked and the family went for hikes in the woods.

On Sundays the family went to church together. They sang, learned and worshipped together with friends, cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents. The family was busy but happy. The family decided that this is the best life any family could want.

Once upon a time was 2006, and this is our family on our little farm in the Black Hills. We are very blessed.

May 2007 be a peaceful and blessed one for all people everywhere.

Joyfully,