Sep. 8, 2006 - I'm Back!
I'm back. It is five months since I have written and alot has happened on our little homestead. The most blessed event was the birth of our 7th child on April 29th. Margaret Jane is an absolute joy! She is beautiful, happy and very much adored by all of us. She is also the reason I haven't blogged in so long. I took a break from 3 things I enjoy in order to have more time for her - gardening, milking, and computer time.
We did enjoy a spring garden of lettuce, kale and lots of spinach. After Margaret was born we took a 2 week trip and came home to overwhelming weeds in the garden. I was actually out weeding in the hot sun with Margaret fussing next to me when I decided to abandon the garden for the summer. I loaded all the kids in the van and we went to the beach instead. It was a magical day with the tide way out...I really didn't miss the garden. We still had lots of raspberries to pick. I picked with Margaret in the sling, and my dad (next door) has a bountiful garden that we are enjoying. I am still canning lots of local produce from our farmer's market and trips to Eastern Washington. So far I've made pesto, jam and syrup, tomato sauce and some dehydrated fruit. Still have lots to go - canned peaches and pears, more tomatoes, applesauce, pickles and the never-ending jam and syrup.
I made the decision to sell my milk cow and her calf soon after Margaret was born. Isabelle was a fiesty cow who really only liked me to milk her. After her calf was born she was even more touchy. I knew that my sweet baby would need me just when I needed to milk Isabelle and I wasn't willing to let that happen. One thing I love about milking is the peace of the barn and the animals and just having that little break to myself. Hurrying through the chores is not for me. I have milked plenty of goats with a baby in the sling but I would never milk a cow that way. I also gave up the time involved in organizing our milk share program and processing milk into cheese and yogurt, etc. We got fresh milk all summer long from our dear friends instead. Now I'm on the search for just the right dairy goat as Margaret is 4 months old and not nearly so needy of her mama all the time. She will happily sit in her buggy during chores, ride in her sling, or stay with one of her brothers and sisters.
I have a little more time for writing now, as well. Our summers are very busy. We run a produce stand here at our farm and have a big booth at farmer's market. Even without our garden we still make lots of products to sell - herbal soaps and bath products, jams, syrups and vinegars, yarn and roving from our shetland sheep, bread, bread and more bread, etc. Quiet mornings with a cup of coffee and computer time just don't happen often in the summer months. I find myself looking forward to getting that morning fire going in the woodstove this fall while the children sleep in. I love that time of day! I am also looking forward to recording our daily life here on our farm. I want to get Margaret's birth story recorded and an update on our log home and farm happenings. It's good to be back!
Today is baking day for the farmer's market so I'm off to make lots of bread, granola, cookies, cinnamon rolls and sweet breads. It's a cool, misty morning and fall is in the air. I think it's time for a big batch of pumpkin bread.
Comments
Sep. 9, 2006 - Glad you are back.
Posted by Anonymous
I have missed reading your blog. I always enjoy reading about your family and home. Glad little Margaret Jane is doing so well.
Blessings,
Winona
Sep. 24, 2006 - Hello..
Posted by StitchNchick
I found your blog and just wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading about your life. I can relate in many ways, as we also live on a farm. Congrats on your new precious baby! We've also had a very busy summer and are enjoying these cooler Fall days. It won't be long until we fire up our woodburning stove as well...
Stop by to visit me sometime!
Amy
Sep. 28, 2006 - finally!
Posted by Anonymous
Hi Molly,
I missed your posts very much during those months, but I understand completely why you took the time off. I just love to read about your life in your little cabin. I'm looking forward to hearing all about the log cabin.
blessings,
Ellen
Oct. 6, 2006 - G'day!
Posted by Skeesa
Hi! I'm from Australia and just read your blog. Wow! What an awesome life you must lead! I enjoyed reading about your life. I dream of having an opportunity to live like that. I always thought I would enjoy the farm life. God bless your new baby girl and your family.
Oct. 15, 2006 - Glad you're back
Posted by Anonymous
I just wanted to say how happy I am to see you back. I always love reading your blog and I am glad I have checked back and found you blogging again.
Nov. 23, 2006 - Wishing you
Posted by proudmommaof3
A Blessed Thanksgiving!!
Sounds like you are one busy Momma. We had a baby girl in January. Our third, first girl. She is a joy.
<- Last Page • Next Page ->
