EKjourney Backup

Urban farming at its lowest point. Warning, those with a faint stomach need not read on! Sometime early last week, I notice a bit of blood in the chicken coop. Just by observation, I couldn't figure out where it was coming from so I didn't give it much thought. A couple of days later, I noticed that the coop had an odd smell, a very unpleasant smell. Again, I couldn't quite put my finger on it and I didn't notice anything wrong. Friday morning, I asked Phil if he wouldn't mind investigating. He discovered the foulest (not fowlest) and most disgusting absess I have ever seen and yes, I have dealt with a number of absesses over the years. Our black cochin, had an "orange sized" ball of rotting stinking black flesh and pus. The smell was so horrifically putrid that Phil (who has a iron stomach) was gagging repeatedly. I couldn't even come near!! Phil wanted to off the poor thing right then and there. After consulting with my parents, we decided t...

We surprised Gram for her 87th birthday this past Thursday. Phil had a furlough day from work so we were able to drive up to Seattle and back in one day and take Friday as a recovery day. We left early in the morning and had a wonderful drive up just visiting together. We stopped by Phil's mom's place for a couple of hours and had lunch. It was nice to see her (why don't I have any pictures?). We then picked up Gram at her new place and had a fun visit with family at my Aunt and Uncle's home. We were so proud of our children! It was a long time to spend in the car, they were up past bedtime, and we were in someone else's home. They were so well mannered and obedient. We are really blessed! Gram was expecting someone else to pick her up! Sawyer made fast friends with Wally. Enjoying dessert (I don't know where everyone is in this picture LOL!)

The lovely and talented Gabrielle teaching Phil and Sawyer how to play violin (I wrote guitar originally LOL). I so hope that the children are interested in learning to play an instrument.

This weekend had to have been one of the highlights of my year and I can't think of a better way to usher in my 36th year. First, I was incredible blessed by Nancy Campbell at the Above Rubies retreat hearing Truth spoken and fellowshipping with other believers. Second, my dearest friend, Michelle was at the retreat with her oldest daughter and baby. She stayed an extra day and I so enjoyed that special time visiting with her. We had dinner at my parents to celebrate my birthday and Monday, Phil took the day off from work to be here with me. There really is no better gift than family and friends. The Above Rubies magazine was the first publications that I read about devoting yourself to the noble task of being a wife and mother. Michelle gave me some back issues when I was pregnant with Sawyer and I poured over them. They were a little scary to read at first but they started me on a journey....the most amazing spiritual journey....learning to serve my Lord by raising my chil...

I was so glad the little church that hosted the art lessons held an art exhibit and party on Halloween. It was fun for the children to dress up and fun for our family to be together. I was so appreciative that we had a safe 'family friendly' place that we could go. Some of the yard decor is simply gruesome and the costumes are scary and seductive. We have had too many conversations about some of the scenery as of late!!

The childen enjoyed the art party. Their artwork was on display and there were lots of games to play. After, we went "trick or treating" as a surpised and Uncle A's and Auntie Tina's house.