Turning Eight

When we have a sick chicken, she still insists on nursing them.  We were hesitant to let this one in the house because she smelled but Sarah told me, "Mom, I just can't do nothing, I can't do nothing Mom."  

So in she came.

What a gift it was to celebrate eight years with this sweet girl yesterday.

We spent some time with her friend that just happens to have the very same birthday.

Her Poppa came up from Massachusetts to celebrate.

I am thankful for Sarah - so full of life, energy, emotion and love.

Waiting

The other day Mike and I sat in the parking lot of a farm supply store with the intent of going in to buy some new fencing.  We had priced it out and knew that it would be about $200 for the fencing we wanted in order to make more space for the chickens and goats.

As we were about to get out of the truck, I told Mike that we just couldn't do it - that spending that much was not smart right now and maybe we should just pray that some affordable fencing would make its way into our life.

Three days later our neighbor called and said that they would not be doing the "animal thing" again and had two rolls of very good fencing that we were welcome to come pick up.
Wow - that was a quick answer to prayer.

Happy Easter

Morning Easter egg hunt

Sunday worship with three sons playing instruments

Football

Special dresses for little girls

Local ham, wild rice, kale, corn, and lemon yogurt cake for supper

Tulips on the table

Too many blessings to count

Moments from the Week

Our beagle, Lilly

When Abraham emptied his drawers to look for his favorite shirt, I decided not to get upset about having to clean up one more thing and instead, organize his drawers.

To stay caught up on our orders, Mike and I sometimes work later in the night.

With this week's weather being quite cool and cloudy, Abby came up with the idea of making amusement park mini games for Sarah and Abraham - complete with tickets and prizes.

Warm wishes,

Tonya

Profiles of Etsy Businesses from Vermont

Our family is featured here -

http://www.7dvt.com/2012vermont-etsy

Knitting and Reading

I just wanted to share more about Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati as I am still reading it and have had some requests for more of a review.  Well, it is a very engaging read, however, it has some steamy scenes  between the two main characters.  They are loving but descriptive.   I am about half way through the book.  I just wanted to let anyone know that prefers not to read such scenes.   The plot, however, is excellent and I am enjoying reading about a wilder, simpler time.  

I have started The Resolution for Women and Mike is reading The Resolution for Men.  These books were written by the creators of the movie Courageous.  
I found this quote encouraging -

"When you've concluded that what you already have on hand is enough, that it's adequate  - that it's been deemed by God as sufficient - then you're equipped and empowered to participate fully in the tasks set before you during this season of life."

This is so true - God gives us what we need.

"God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work." - 2 Corinthians 9:8

For knitting, I am finishing up Emmy's spring sweater - the Anya's Cardigan from Vintage Knits for Modern Babies.  With just a little over one sleeve left, I am hopeful to be able to finish it in time for Easter Sunday.  

I found this sweet crocheted Victorian Capelette pattern and am crocheting it for Sarah to wear on Easter.  It comes together very quickly.

Looking forward to all of the sharing today at Ginny's Knit Along.

Warm wishes,

Tonya

Simple Baby Toy to Sew

When I was carrying Emmy yesterday and pouring chips into a bowl at the same time, she wanted so badly to get a hold of that bag - it makes a wonderful crinkly noise you know.

So I grabbed some fabric squares from my stash and a piece of fabric for the backing, two loops of ribbon for grabbing and sewed up the simply square.  After turning right side out, I took a piece from the chip bag and put inside before sewing the final edge.

She does enjoy both the noise it makes and little loops and it was really quick and simple to make.