One of my mom's hobbies, if one can call it a hobby when it's really almost a full-time job, is researching, documenting and chronicling our family's genealogy.  As her chicks have flown the nest and begun nests of their own, time on her hands was something that ate at her in a cruel way until she rediscovered an earlier interest she'd always had...Read More

This is the newest member of my extended family. Ruby Kate born at 11:46 pm Thursday, April 25, 2013 7 lbs, 14 oz 20.5 inches long Third child, but first daughter of Josh and Lauren She was in all ways a surprise to her momma, who sincerely thought she would have another boy, and who also wasn't expecting to go past her due...Read More

As we left the coop progress last weekend, we had a frame sitting on concrete blocks with the roofing rafters and perpendicular purlins set up awaiting the installation of the roofing panels. Kyle and I both anxiously awaited the weekend so we could going on our project! We had checked off lots of items completed, but many more lay in store for us....Read More

Singer in a comfy spot while bath time happens. The kids examining fridge photos at the Farm. Reading together for school. Dottie (Zach and Anna's dog) sitting up like a little person. Snuggles with brother.  ...Read More

Brooklyn, August and Dorien pay super close attention as my midwife, Amy, listens for the baby's heartbeat.  At my visit last Wednesday, the heart rate was strong and in the 50s.  ...Read More

It occurs to me that I may not have ever posted a picture of the West Elm rug I got for August's room. It's something I envisioned for his room all along from the day I painted the walls, bought the comforter and sheets and got his two beds from Ikea. I just took longer to buy the rug since obviously it can...Read More

The only other time I've ever really put something together with my own two hands (and some power tools) was last summer when Kyle and I made a raised bed for our backyard. It was rewarding, but something we were able to do in a few hours. This is taking a bit more time, and I think it will be proportionally MORE rewarding....Read More

Observations on a 4th Pregnancy - When you're sick, nauseous and throwing up with your first pregnancy, it's annoying. When you're sick, nauseous and throwing up with your fourth pregnancy, it's a downright inconvenience and life altering. - When the circumstances of the first observation apply, you end up spending lots more money eating out than you otherwise would. - It's not only...Read More

Building a coop for many people is probably something they can (and do) throw together over a weekend using scraps, chicken wire, elbow grease and spit.  I should back up just one half step here and clarify that, ok, many people do not ever get to the stage where building a chicken coop ever crosses their mind. Having established that, let me return...Read More