Working on the Lots at the Farm 4.19.10

For a few years now, Stephen has had some plans drawn out for the lots and just recently we have been able to put them to reality.  It is to difficult to say what was done, I will just say that it is wonderful.  He has worked so hard, and watching the cows go through just super smooth was a great feeling of accomplishment.

Martin exploring as he climbs up the leaning stack of 8 foot boards for the lots.

Keith and Kevin and Stephen worked together as they built a chute, gates, moved the squeeze chute, cut down a tree, and whatever else they needed to do to get the area ready to work cows.

It is so exciting to see the ideas Stephen has dreamed up for years now actually come into place and work so smoothly and efficiently.  I am so proud of him.

Stephen gave the 3 big ones a ride in the bucket of the tractor.  

They loved it!

The actual working of the cows and re-ear tagging all of them went very smoothly.

Here is Mrs. Herzog as she is gathering the next ear tags for the ones in the chute.

Paige and Sharla and Lane played with the kids while I was pre-occupied with working the cows.  Thanks y'all.

A Truly Dirty Day 4.18.10

Some days start out nice and orderly, but before you know it, someone has made a mess.  I guess it is inevitable with so many little ones running around.  That morning, James found a little Tupperware of left over pea salad and decided to help himself.  I had gotten it out earlier to munch on, and left it on the counter where I thought it would be safe.  I think he had some help getting it, but once he got his hands on it, he was in a sea of peas thoroughly enjoying everything that made it into his mouth.

Later on that afternoon it sprinkled enough to create a little mud puddle in the driveway.  Mud puddles and kids are like magnets.  To give them the benefit of the doubt though, they did ask if they could play in the puddle.  I said yes, knowing it would be so difficult for them to just play around the puddle as they were going back and forth on the driveway riding their scooter and bikes.  I guess I don't have the exciting mind of a child though, because I thought they were just going to splash a little as they ran back and forth.  Nope, who wants to just splash when you can take a mud bath?  Needless to say, they had a blast and it kept them occupied for quite some time.

The only one who didn't get dirty that day (well, not exceptionally dirty) was Bella Jane.  She is the more conservative type and likes to stay neat an clean and not take any risks of getting to dirty or have things be out of order.  She had a good time watching her brother and sisters play and was perfectly content doing just that...watching.  It is so much fun seeing all the differences in each one of our children.  I am so glad they are all so different.  It always makes life an adventure.