So much to blog...so little time!

So sorry I have been neglecting this blog lately. I honestly cannot find much time or energy right now. Things are crazy...and I mean insanely crazy busy. So busy, I hardly have time to think, much less write a blog. Having 5 children 5 and under is unreal. I recently heard Michelle Duggar say that she felt overwhelmed when she had 5 under 5 at one point. That's an understatement. I have a sweet homeschooled teen girl who comes and watches the kids while I clean for a few hours once every two weeks. That has not even helped me put a dent in all I have to do. I don't sit down much during the day. I am always meeting the needs of one child or another. All the while trying to nurture each individual child in the area they are growing in. Miranda started 4-H and is enjoying learning much more about her pony, how to train it, and how to ride her. She tried to breed her rabbit again, and this time it died on it's due date. Such is life on the farm sometimes. Lily is loving her tap and ballet class. She is a sweet little ballerina, and Lexi Joy is following in her footsteps right behind her. She refers to herself as a princess. Speaking of Lexi, she is an absolute Joy to parent. She is incredible, and such a special gift from the Lord. She is only 2, but surprises me with her above average language skills, and her intelligence. Tonight I was reading her a little critter book, and she saw a hidden shape on one of the pages. Out of the blue she said, "Little sister is eating a hexagon"! When I looked at it closer, it was in the shape of a hexagon. Amazing. And when did I teach her that shape? I didn't. She's just that smart! And cute...the cuteness just ooozes out of her. 


Laney is too cute for words as well, but continues to be my biggest handful. Wow. There are not words to describe this little fireball. Thankfully her cuteness and sweetness gets her out of a lot of trouble. And then there's Austin, her brother. He is such a super sweet little boy with so much love to give. And baby Riah. He is growing and changing at a rapid pace now. He has a neurodevelopmental appt. in Seattle this week, and maybe it will give us a bit more insight into his current issues. He is doing so much better, and I continue to pray for healing. 


We have new chicks on the farm, and are in the process of looking for a new home for Spring, the baby pony. There is yard work to do, barns to paint, house projects to get done, and so much more. One thing that really amazes me is the amount of laundry, dishes, food, and more that a family of 8 can go through in a day. Just managing those basic tasks can take up the entire day. 


One thing I can say for sure is this: Life is full. And one thing I know for sure: We are blessed. 
Stay tuned for some updated pictures! 

God answers pony prayers!!!

Yes He does!!! When we first visited our little farm over 17 years ago, when we decided to purchase it,  I envisioned children running around with chickens, farm animals of all kinds, and of course, a pony! Well, it only took 17 years, but the pony is finally here! What an answer to prayer!

We have been learning so much. Never owning a horse before, we didn't have a lot of experience, so jumped into this endeavor a little blind. Miranda has taken two seasons of pony classes, so she does have some experience. There is always so much to learn though, and you have to get to know your pony, as your pony gets to know you. We have been learning how to deal with the added element of the foal, which brings a lot more to the table. The other night, we learned that our cute little filly is starting to become a bit behavioral. Each evening when we go to put them in the barn stall, she usually follows her mama right in. Well, she has now decided that she is NOT going to be going in, and she walks up to the barn, but a moment before she steps in-she darts off back out into the pasture! Now, we are handling her and trying to get her used to us, however, she is still hard to catch. We have had to be very proactive in problem solving different scenarios, and for the most part our ideas have worked.  One night we weren't having a lot of luck, and I realized I had not prayed. I stopped for a moment, said a little prayer, and I swear, the baby turned and walked right into the stall! Yes, God does answer pony prayers! And I am sure there will be many more prayers we will be sending up as we work with these two! We are loving them. The mare is very sweet, and Miranda is loving all she is learning as a pony owner.

We have ponies!!!

Meet Diamond Dee (Dee Dee), and her filly, Blackberry Spring! We brought them home monday, on Dee Dee's 9th birthday! The filly turns one month old today, as she was born on the first day of spring! This is right after we unloaded them from the horse trailer, and they were checking out their new pasture.

Molly, Cocoa, and Buttercup were literally frozen in their tracks! They just stood there, across the pasture staring at these two who were now entering their territory.

Miranda made herself comfortable, as she watched them the rest of the evening, allowing them to get comfortable with their new home. Her and Lilyann are so excited. Caring for ponies takes a lot of work but is also a lot of fun! We will share more soon, as we get to know our ponies better. Thanks for sharing in our excitement!