Family Update

Hello all family and friends! I like to periodically throw random posts on here to see if anyone still looks at it, as I am incredibly inconsistant on posting. So, here is the most recent random post.
God is putting us through what we feel is a bit of a trial/learning phase right now. At times it's very challenging, but also very rewarding. We've both felt challenged to step up many areas of our lives in intensity. Seeking God, exercising better (mainly Joe) and being more purposeful in interacting with the kids on a quality level. That is the "big picture" update.
One random event from our home was the slaughter of our flock of chickens. Unfortunately not by us, nor for any useful purpose. A skunk got into the coop through a weak area in the fence. We woke up this last Saturday morning to the 11 dead chickens. While it felt like a gut punch, it has had a very positive effect in making us think about how and what we value, God's control of all and our choice to have faith in Him. It's also taught us how to construct a slightly more skunk-proof coop...we are young farmers with many more losses and failures to come I am sure. :)
The kids overall are doing well. Josiah is in his first year of preschool and loving it. He is a socialite and loves people in general. It's a blessing to us. Grace is developing a mind of her own and in the last night or two has decided sleeping is something she no longer likes. So we have heard A LOT of crying the last 48 hours or so. Joe was a great husband and got up with her at 4 am this morning. I am praying to not have a repeat of that episode.

In all, as a summary to our lives right now: we are young, with young kids, stumbling our way along with our amazing Lord by our side and learning much along the way. So you more seasoned land owners, animal owners, and parents...please feel free to throw out any valuable tidbits of advice. Hope life is well with you all. I miss those of you I don't see often and Im sure you are in prayers and thoughts often.

Family Reunion!

Joe, the kids and I just got back from a week long vacation to see family I haven't seen for over a decade. What a treat! My dad's entire side of the family was there, including all my cousins and their kids. Just my cousins daughter was missing. I met two new family members and got to reconnect with many! I will be posting pictures in the next week or so. God is so gracious to allow things like this in our lives. The opportunity to have family from 5 states is so awesome!
Aside from that fun event, life is steady and sweet. We are settling into our responsibilities and, speaking for myself, every year the property seems a little less daunting. That said, we are heading into one of the most challenging times of the year...puncture vine control! Goat heads, as they are commonly called, plague us. You can't step outside our door after Spring without getting a dozen goat head seeds stuck in your shoe. So...let the battle begin! :)

Grace's Birthday and Spring Break

Grace's 1st birthday was fantastic. We had lots of great family there and a few great friends. Joe's spring break from work was filled with work around our place, but very rewarding work. Our cows now have roughly 8.5 acres to roam and graze, our property has some beautiful new fencing up, our floor has a newly patched hole (which came with some great learning experience for Joe on carpentry), and our garden space is cleaned, burned and ready to till. There are pictures of Grace's party, floor repair, a firepit first of the year fire up, cows in the newly fenced area and a fun one of the kids.

Growing Kids

Josiah and Grace are both growing and growing. Grace's little personality is really coming out. Josiah loves to tell stories and pretend he is a superhero. It ranges from Batman to Spiderman to Ironman. He likes talking on the phone and telling his grandmas and grandpas what he is doing. It always makes me laugh. So serious and so enthusiastic. Overall I would say this is one of the funnest phases I've enjoyed in my parenting "career" so far. Both kids are such joys and such blessings...most of the time, of course. 
Here are a few recent pictures.

Sledding Day!!

So we finally got to take Josiah on his first sledding day ever! We discovered that our home is a pretty decent sledding spot. Josiah had so much fun. He wanted to push us down the hill about as much as he wanted to ride on the sled. He LOVES to be a helper. What a great day!

Grace and Josiah

This is a general video of the kids. I was trying to capture Grace pulling herself up on the crib rail, which I did do...just not as the center subject of the video. And yes, there is evidence on the video of big brother abuse. He throws giant Pooh bear at Grace. Good thing she is quite used to being hit by flying objects. Really though, he is generally very careful around her.
Hope you enjoy the clip!

December Already?!

It's been over a month since I posted? Where does the time fly these days? I figured it is time for an update. Grace is officially 8 months old going on 9. She is crawling around like a champ. She is very stable and is starting to take steps with us holding her hands. She is very close to pulling herself up. I can tell she wants to check out what's above eye level from her hands and knees. She is still a mellow, sweet joy. She still takes quite a shining to her brother as well.
Josiah is talking more and more like a "boy." He is role playing with his cars, which is a big step to me. He still has the sweetest, snuggly personality he's always had. He loves helping us, learning new things, seeing new people and seeing people again. He is VERY excited for Christmas. Right now he thinks Christmas is presents and doesn't understand it is a day in the future. He had a hard time looking at wrapped gifts and not opening them. Of course, what 3 year old doesn't.
We are looking forward to a holiday at home and possibly some snow. This winter has been a bit harsher than the last few.
We hope all is well with our family and friends! Many blessings!