Small Steps for a Man, Big Steps for a Baby

Bear is walking...and she knows it! My mom witnessed her first steps between the Hubby and I when she was staying with us after my surgery. Little girl didn't realize she forgot to hold on the couch, so she was unaware of the 3 steps she took.  It has taken 3 weeks for her to realize what she could do, no turning back now.

Channeling Green Acres

We have been discussing moving out of town to the farm. It was always in the 5-10 year plan...well 5 years would be this Summer. I am ready. According to the Hubby he has been ready for years.  We have a floor plan we both like, with almost the perfect mud room/ laundry room. It doesn't have French Doors separating the laundry area off from the mud room entrance complete with a chandelier...but ya can't win 'em all.  It does have lots space and storage.  I was hoping for an office and extra living room area to keep tv/play area separate from sitting/visiting area. The Hubby wants the house on a walkout basement, so the extra rooms/areas could eventually be there. We are still waiting on the quote and will be doing a lot of number crunching.

What has me excited though, is the prospect of helping more on the farm. With the feeding critters, working cattle (in my mind it's great, in reality I am thin skinned and hot tempered...I might be better off cooking for a crew than being on it). Getting to see my husband more. He would be home for lunch, the kids would have more time with him as he could pickup and drop off "helpers". Ooh and even though my Dad questions where he went wrong...I am almost positive I want chickens. The coops are adorable, fresh eggs and something the kids can help with. I'm a believer in chores build responsibility, work ethic, and pride/self-esteem.  Plus Easter Eggers, the ones that lay blue and green eggs, are you still with me? Fun right?

And I have been designing raised garden beds that I want to connect to the runoff from the house gutters into a rain barrel. From there a PVC pipe with holes drilled on top underneath the plants pulling water as needed. I have no actual skill in gardening, it's a miracle I have living house plants. However, the raised beds should have less weeds and beself watering with the collected rain water. Again the kids could help and fresh veggies! It doesn't hurt that my Mother-in-law used to run a greenhouse, so I also will have someone to get advice from. I would love to gain the skill set to raise the a good chunk of our produce.

I am considering getting dairy goats or a milk cow. Though the milking twice a day and being tied down for 9-10 months out of the year is a tough concept for someone who likes to up and go. On the plus side: milk, cream, homemade butter and ice cream in the summer. Also a built in nurse cow for bums. Still debating this one though. I am also looking into goats as I have never been around them. Growing up we had milk cows so I have advice sources. (Dad says milk at the store is a bargain...for that matter, eggs, butter, ect all is). The Hubby looks at me like I'm crazy but if it gets me to want to move he is okay with it. With the understanding that it would be my sole responsibility. I grew up on raw milk....and cream.  Store bought just doesn't compare. 

Another plus. I have started running in the morning about 3 times a week and I don't like running in town-well really public. At the farm it's a mile and a quarter from the highway, so round trip I could add an extra loop and get my 3 miles in easily and out of the public eye. 

Misbehaving Floor

In the shuffle this morning a small accident happened.  My oldest had just left for preschool,  with a sweet Mom who has a son in the same class and has been picking mine up on the way. Baby Bear was laying next to me on the couch and I was trying to persuade the Big D to get dressed for the day (even if morning clothes aren't as green and awesome as pjs). He ran out stark naked and informed me he was out of clean underwear.

So I walked over to the laundry basket of clothes I had neglected to put away and threw him a pair. ..and the baby rolled off the couch.  My little 11 month old climber who has been climbing on and off the couch just long enough for me to let my guard down.

She was more startled than anything but her little crocodile tears made the Big D worried.  After he was all dressed and the baby calmed down he narrated a recap

Big D: I saw the baby and she falled off the couch and I saw her fall and cry and cry. And that made me sad. 

Mom: It made me sad too, Mommy should have put her on the floor before she walked away. 

Big D: I'm so angry at, I'm angry at the floor because it bonked my baby's head and hurt her and make her cry. Naughty floor, naughty.

Mom: It wasn't the floors fault,  she just fell on it. 

Big D: Floor don't you ever hurt my baby again.