Category Archives: Family

Firefighter Pete

Posted on by under Family, Farm

Peter recently had an experience few kids have and fewer adults want to have. He was a real fire fighter. We started a fire in an old pasture not thinking of the six plus years of grass that had not been eaten down. It has been fairly wet and still is in most areas around the farm. The fire quickly spread to some dry grass which found more dry grass and so on. Mat had a bucket of water on hand but needed more. He also needed to keep putting out the flames before they got to the barn or spread to neighboring pastures. Peter was quick in bringing Silas inside, then in running to the barn to get a little bucket full of water. He went back and forth from barn to Daddy, stamping out a few flames in between. We are proud of how God is shaping him into an obedient and quick minded son. Without him, the fire could have been really big and damaging to us and neighboring farms.

We learn from our mistakes, but please pray for us that our future mistakes are not life threatening or pray that we can learn from others so we don’t have to make big mistakes.

The fire was started well behind the barn and spread up this far.

The fire was started well behind the barn and spread up this far.

Gardens of Praise

Posted on by under Family, Urban connect

Mathew started Gardens of Praise a few years back. We felt lead away to do a new thing on the farm while staying connected with and being an extension for the ministries we love so much in the city. Under Jericho Road Ministries, Laurie took on leadership of the gardens and we are so blessed and excited at what is happening there.

I just wanted to share the link for the most recent newsletter. Click here. There are some great pictures that show the beautiful diversity that we miss. God is doing great things.

May Day Fun

Posted on by under Family

In trying to be neighborly to those near our new home, we decided to try something new… May Day baskets. My boys and I were excited to get little gifts together, make (and eat) yummy treats, and go to homes and deliver the baskets. Peter was especially excited this morning that he was able to run away from others in order not to be caught.
I watched as the boys ran to the door or ducked under windows, rang the bell or knocked hard on doors, then Peter would run and Silas would scamper away.
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Our baskets had the following: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Peanut Butter balls, Zucchini bread, a card and pictures drawn by the boys, bubbles, a magnet, a Hawaiian tradition, and a marigold. We enjoyed putting these together. Yesterday it was a little too nice outside to be inside baking. Today could use some warming up. We will definitely be drinking warm cocoa with the extra cookies today.
Later in the day we received a May Day basket on our doorstep. Peter chased our visitors all around the yard and did some show and tell of his frog egg discovery and the new home for our older chicks. We have definitely found a new love for May Day and those that let us break into their morning.

Final sapping days

Posted on by under Family, Farm, Maple Syrup, Pastured pride

We’ve been busy…

It’s a messy trail to the sugarbush
Sapping with Bapa
He loves the outdoors
Drinking sap
Bapa gives some chopping pointers
Loving their freedom
Becoming quite the farmer boy
Meeting a new friend
Learning to chop wood
Teaching the basics of sapping to some friends

Four wheeling farm mama

Posted on by under Family, Farm

What a great afternoon on the farm. Four eager fellow homeschool kids and there dad packed onto the four wheeler with Peter and made their way to the sugarbush to collect sap, chop up trees, talk about science projects, and watch Mat boil down maple syrup. Mat enjoyed the company in the lonely woods.
A few hours after the kids headed home, it was our turn to go help. The best way to get the trailer, pans, buckets, etc was to bring the four wheeler back to the sugarbush, so I decided the three boys and I would try to save Mat some time and bring it to him. A beginner on the ATV, I wasn’t sure I could drive with one hand and hold a baby in the other. We got up the 1/4 mile wet and sloppy driveway just fine, then I saw the field all covered in snow where Mat drove into a four foot plus snow bank just a week before and had to abandon for a few days until rain came. I told the boys, “I don’t think I can do this. Maybe we should just leave it here for daddy.” Silas and Peter said, “You can do it Mommy!” They had no doubts. What an encouragement! As I look back on that moment and the feeling it gave me to try, though I was certain I would fail, I am so proud of my boys.
Well, we made it without getting stuck. I still can’t believe it considering the muddy holes and ridges of snow. I even got to see the pit Mat sunk into, though it is only three feet high now.
My body is tired, yet I’m so energized at the accomplishment of today. It’s like jumping that next highest hurdle. All the while hearing, “You can do it Mommy.”
May we be encouragers. My little boys, made in the image of God, were able to encourage in one small phrase. What a beautiful feeling they gave me in just a few words.

Our little rock

Posted on by under Family
Another fine day in the lake ... just before the attack.

Another fine day in the lake at the cabin.

Our Peter was born seven years ago today. We’ve seen him grow in wisdom and stature especially over this last year. There is a lot to love about this boy and a lot to learn from him. “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example for the believers.” 1 Timothy 4:12. He has definitely challenged us with his energy and strong will. He has blessed us with who God has made him to be.

The ways of Peter that we love:

  • He is an excellent big brother. 2.5 years ago Silas trained him and with lots of encouragement in gentleness he has become a much better leader. The change has been seen with Josiah. He is still an intense boy, but so loving and playful with his brothers.
  • He inspires all sorts of people to follow him.
  • He is understanding. When we heard seemingly undecipherable toddler mumbles from Silas, Peter would understand and interpret.
  • He sees things we don’t. When Josiah is grumpy, he often knows why when we don’t.
  • He is great at making others smile.
  • He is innovative. Whether cutting paper, using Duplos or Legos, or just some sticks and mud, he is always creating.
  • He keeps pushing through obstacles. Though he doesn’t always like the work he is doing (like learning to read or fill the dishwasher) he does it.
  • He learns from his mistakes. Sometimes slowly.
  • He is strong. Physically, yes. Mentally, yes. Strong willed, yes. He knows what he wants.
  • He is witty. I love his silly jokes and his love for April fools day.
  • He loves to work. Especially on jobs that requires strength and exertion.
  • He is curious. That leads to great questions, experiments, concoctions, and little boy messes that bring such joy when we are not looking to our own comfort and convenience.
  • He is adventurous and often lets Silas in on fighting dragons and bad guys of all sorts. Josiah, at 6 months, has even been able to join some Imaginext adventures.
  • He rises early and has learned to do so quietly.
  • He loves board games. His favorites include Eureka, Agricola, and Ticket to Ride.
  • He loves his brothers in more ways than one. Silas still has a little potty. The other day we found Peter and Silas just sitting on their respective toilets talking.

May the Lord take all of these passions and character traits and use them for His glory!

The moment of the attack!

The moment of the attack!

It's a deadly sea turtle!

It’s a deadly sea turtle!

No worries, Peter's got it under control!

No worries, Peter’s got it under control!