Going Private

We wanted to give a heads up that we have decided to set our families blog to private.

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There are certain people who are not able to deal with the reality of our lives and our current situation. We have tried to be positive and depict things as they are in our family without trying to offend. Some continue to choose to continue to be offended, whether or not conditions are in the best interest of other people involved. Which is sad, because we know we were giving a perfect opportunity to keep updated on events and a view into our lives as a family. Me, John, and the kids have decided this is best. We don't want our family hurt due to people's criticism, and negative thoughts, while we are tying to help other people's lives become a little better.

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For those of you that enjoy checking out our blog, and want to remain on our private list. Please email me, and I will be happy to add you. Thanks for every one's support.

New Photographer

I have begun to tutor Shannon in the art of photography. She seems to have a knack for taking good pictures, and poses with the kids. I am going to try and let her take more pictures from now on, and become our new photographer. Shannon asked me if she could use the camera for a while, and this was one of her first pics. Very Cute!!

Animal Friends

Not only do we have our own farm animals running around the place, more recently we have had some new visitors--exciting stuff for 13 kids. We had a cute little black bear come and visit us for a couple of days. We had tried to scare him off, but the open chicken food in the run was too inticing for the bear dispite the gunshots over his head. Although the last shot scared himpretty good, and we haven's seen him or his footprints since. This is a relief. But it was fun to see, we haven't ever seen one here near the house, in the 5 years we have lived here. Although we know there are most likely some up near the black berry bushes up younder over the hill. And I suppose last year there was one near, as our corn field had been all rolled around in, and didn't produce any corn. I hope the bears liked it all, at least something got a good meal from it.

We have also had a mother moose with her baby hanging around in the back field, and the long driveway. Sometimes we have to park the car and wait for them cross the road on our way to school. They don't seem to understand that you are in a hurry to make the Middle School bus. They just take their pokey slow time and enjoy life. (Wouldn't that be nice!)

We had taken a picture of the bear, but it turned out really dark, I will try to get it lightened and posted. And as for the moose, I never seem to have the camera when they hop into the road.

Middle School Track Meet

Zachery and Shannon decided this year to follow in Elijah's footsteps, and join the fun of running track. We tried to convince Caleb to do it also; he would be good with his long legs. But to say the least we couldn't get him to overcome his shyness. So, the Middle School finally held their first track meet after a month's worth of practice and anticipation. Both were extremely excited for this. Bumber part, was that we found out the day before that Zachery could not participate in this due to him being already 15. He went and supported his teammates still the same though--he was a good sport.

Shannon participated in 4 events. She got first place in the long jump. Second place in the high jump. In the 75 yard dash, she placed 2nd, and in the relay (which I should add, that she ran twice because they were short a team member) their team placed 1st. She was proud of herself, and what she was able to accomplish. Her efforts have paid off. We are happy that she stuck with something she wanted to do. The coach was proud of her as well, as said she is at the level of most high school track people. WAY TO GO SHANNON! (Now we will work on her distance a little, and lower her mile time.....she's got all summer!)

Hannah even surprised herself too. The team was missing an 11 year old girl that didn't show up. So they asked Hannah if she would pretend she was "Shelby" and do the long jump. Of course she didn't place, since this was her first time ever trying it. We was pleased she did it period. She was so embarrassed because everyone was looking at her. She's funny.

At the end of the meet, they did a free for all mile run, which Elijah came in first, Zachery second, and Joshua fourth. How cool is that?!?! All the rest of the kids made it around the mile, just a little slower.........lol. Our next upcoming track stars.

All these track meets are becoming a fun family outing each weekend. It is fun to cheer on the kids. While Shannon was doing the high jump, we were encouraging her to jump really high to grab those maple donuts that were hanging up. Each time she ran, we raised the donuts there. She got a kick out of that..........and personally, I think it helped. Next meet, I might just have to buy some maple donuts, and give her one for everytime she makes it over that bar without knocking it over. We are excited to attend their next meet, and see how they do again. Especially to see how Zachery does, since we have not yet seen his skills.

Homemade Laundry Soap

This is for my sister-in-law JoAnn. I said I would put this on the blog a while ago, and am just now getting around to it. To explain simply, we make our own laundry soap. We have been doing this for a few months now, the sayings is extraordinary. If anyone is interested, this is how we do it. Remember this is for bulk....it makes 5 gallons at a time. We make it in a camping 5 gallon water thermos.

• In a small pan, slice up 2 bars of soap (we prefer Irish Spring for the smell) and melt them in about 3 quarts water.
• Fill up the 5 gallon container nearly to the top of warm water, leaving room for the melted soap.
• To container next add 2 cups of Borax (found on top shelf of Walmart), and 2 cups of TSP cleaner (found in a hardware store).
• Mix it up good (I use the broom handle).
• Add melted soap to it, and mix well again.
• Then let it sit overnight.
• Before using, you will need to mix it slightly.

The results is a soft gel. And believe me, with 13 kids and stained clothes, I wouldn't be using it, if it didn't work. I have been addicted to ERA for the last 12 years or so. (Because it seems to keep things from getting stained.) I have found that this does the same. I have no complaints, the clothes smell good, and come out clean.

This 5 gallons will usually last us about a month. Each large load of clothes takes close to a cup. The cost to make 5 gallons is just under $3.00. Wonderful savings for something that really does work. The only negative thing, is that I have a 5 gallon container sitting near my washer.....not the most attractive thing I suppose. But I will deal with it.

Try it, you will like it!!!

Elementary Program

The Elementary put on their Spring Singing Program. The kid's had fun with this. I think it is a little strange that they don't sing the old traditional songs that we grew up with. They were singing Hannah Montana songs, and other songs you hear off the radio. And get this, the real singers of the song were in the background, with the kids singing over top. It was still good, don't get me wrong. Just not what I was expecting I guess. The kids had fun be-bopping around on the stage--especially Isaac and Samuel--they seem to be the most outgoing. They like the acting they are doing with plays at school. Samuel got to be the Ugly Duckling once, and Isaac was the Emperor one. We are happy they are having fun with it all.

Pretty Posies

Well, that is what John's dad would call them anyway. Flowers to him were "Posies". Although I am pretty sure that Marigolds were his favorite, or that is what I remember him bring home to the farm every spring. I think every year about planting some in memory of him, but can't bring myself to do it. (Personally I think they smell like skunk for some reason!)

These are the flowers that us girls grew under the grow lights this winter. They turned out really pretty.

This other picture is the other grow light shelf with the spices and herbs. We have already dried and put away one batch of cuttings, and nearly ready to cut and dry again.

With it being warm in the greenhouse now, all the plants are outside enjoying the sun, and making my greenhouse as cute as ever. Now my poor shelfs are bare for a while.

Baby Chicks

About a week and a half ago, hatched out 25 baby chicks. Not to bad considering this was our first time incubating our own chicken eggs. The kids were so excited about every 10 minutes they would look in the small window, and announce that another one had hatched our, and that a couple more were trying to get out of their shell. It was cute to watch their excitement. We have always just bought the 2 day old pullets each year--so this was different for them.

They aren't quite this fuzzy and cute anymore, now that they are getting their true wings. But still cute enough to play with and watch!

We now have our duck eggs in the incubator, so that pic will post sometime soon.

Spring Camporee

Our four older boys (Elijah, Zachery, Caleb, and Joshua) got to go to the Boy Scouts Camporee. This was held in Barre, Vt. Which was wicked cool, because it was the birthplace of boys scouts. Their friend Hunter was with them as they camped, cooked, rode bikes, and from the pictures it looks like the majority of the time they ate. Brother Burkholder, the Scout Master, and John was with them as leaders. I hear they had a wonderful time.

Barre has one of the best biking trails, so the kids had a blast on their bikes. Hunter was the only causality, or his bike was anyway. It didn't look so good after he crashed. They got to go watch a car race. And they participated in a scout relay; which for the first time, they didn't even place in. The boys excuse was that they were to tired from riding bikes all over the place.

The best part was that Zachery was called out that night around the fire to participate next month in the Order of the Arrow camp out. He is stoked about this. Elijah and Hunter received this last year, and will be helping Zachery to obtain this. So cool!