The Americal Dipper

Just another spring day to head to the woods. We seem to get into the Rocky National Park weekly. Our favorite place is Cub lake. Today we were thrilled with all the animals and springtime colors but nothing seemed to beat the dark grey bird playing in the creek. He would pump his legs, a sort of bounce, play above the water on logs and then disappear for a bit under water! The kids laughter was contagious and we couldn't help but come home and identify this little bird. The American Dipper. Cedar wanted to journal about this and the Robin as they were pleasantly bathing in some run-off puddles farther down the trail.

We were also excited to be greeted by a coyote as we entered the trail today. He was calm, beautiful, and slow but steady.

At the lake we spent plenty of time playing near this beautiful creek filled with bright colors and the last signs of winter ice.

We are excited for the springtime changes and welcome the sunshine and deep creeks that were snowy last time we visited.

heartaches

The reality is it doesn't make sense. These are the moments where it all falls apart. The grey day. The cold rain. It's funny I can over analyze life away and get nowhere. And then realize all is well....today I  am a spoiled  mother.

 I, the social network person I am, can't help but hear about a gazillion peoples day, lives, work habits, kids stories, the things that make us tick. Then I come across it..and it freezes me, drop tears I can't control...a mothers loss. I sit in silence. I read and listen to the songs posted about a mother, and her new born son, who didn't survive what seems all too normal the first weeks of life Instead fought to stay alive, wrapped in cords and wires. I don't want to know how that feels because I am shocked by the depth of instant depression I feel for her, a stranger, a friend of a friend, a mother. I sit with this all day. The rain falls harder, the sun never shines today. I hold strong this moment and pray that strength and love can really truly help in this darkness. And in the end it just doesn't make sense. It never will.....I kiss my kids and go to bed with a deep sadness for a mothers loss.

The new farm!

For the past 11 years Jody has cocontinued to say one thing. "I want to know where my food comes from, and if I can raise, hunt, kill to provide." And so to keep this Jody remained a vegetarian for 10 years. Last summer everything changed. We decided to dive in grass fed beef, and other locally raised meat. We were done with the chemicals encompassing out "fake" meat foods and dyes and knew real, well raised foods would be healthiest for our family. We have raised chickens for 3 yrs and consume an amazing amount of eggs. We have attempted a garden for 2 years and have high hopes that this  year will be even better. So the next step. Livestock. We've decided to begin with chickens. With the help of friends we have a chicken tractor prepared and are ordering our broilers tomorrow. I am confident we can do this, but know there will be some pain involved in the process.  The boys are excited about raising their meat, and seem at peace with killing them for healthy food. I on the other hand will probably be the last to celebrate the day of processing and hope this gives us a true reality on blessing and being able to be one with our meat.

Dave and Jody building the chicken tractor

Cedar and Kahill test out their muscles to see if they can move it! Orien and Chase watch!99//*

gathering spring

We've been busy outside. Between forest wandering, beaver ponds, and Little Fox Walkers the kids are constantly noticing spring. We welcomed the mountain blue bird. Caught the first worms, and bugs in the dirt, raised another family of chicks in the coop. We've noticed green grass popping up, buds on the aspens, rain out the window and many more birds at our bird feeders. Springtime always feels so alive. Inside we have been busy felting birds nests and eggs, cleaning out the gnomes winter scene on the nature table and digginf for shorts to wear!

Truthy and her new frind Elliot playing while their siblings have fun at Young Fox Walkers

Kids gathering around Simone and Kat at Young fox walkers

Cedar excited by his new nature trasures. Wind blown aspen buds and a soft beaver cut

pure signs of peace

After long days. Once in a while I just have to capture all of the kids at peace. Dreaming. And I know at that moment how important quiet time is. And my heart re-fuels for another busy day ahead!