packing up...

We are going on a vacation... we are going on a vacation... we are going on a vacation..

Packing for a big family is a challenge. Actually I don't mind packing, it's the unpacking and the organizing away from home that drives me crazy.

I have to adjust the way I pack since I have two high maintenance kids. It takes sooo much room!

In the past I had each of the four older kids grab a back pack and pack one outfit per day, plus socks and underwear for each day.

I then packed a suitcase with clothes for myself and Nesiah, then I would pack a bag or two of supplies for everyone. It made for the least amount of luggage and no fighting over clothes etc.. at the destination.

However with 2 kids with lots of diapers, medical supplies and special feeding requirements I have to figure out a new plan.
Instead of several small bags, I packed all special formulas, medications, diapers, wipes, swim diapers, chucks pads, and medical supplies into a big tub. This I packed today...

As usual I made a list for each item that my kids need. However, instead of handing each child a list and a  backpack to pack, I am asking them to bring the items to me. I am going to try something new this year.

I will take one outfit per child per day and roll them up nicely and pack it in one plastic bag, repeat it 5 times  then throw them all into a large suitcase.That gives each person an outfit a day plus extra outfit for each child. (35 outfits if you are counting) I also pack extra pants for Nesiah, as she often goes through more then one pair a day. Pj's, swimsuits, and beach towels will get their own tote. Hopefully this new plan will make for less mess in the motel room and less hassle in loading and unloading the van.

I will also take a tote filled with special books, toys, baby dolls, gloves etc.. each child gets to take one special thing for camp and one thing for the ride there.

It is still tons of stuff, but it will hopefully be better organized then in the past! We do ahve the big van but it can be a challenge to pack things in around the wheelchair securement system and the carseats. 

My Girl Graduated Kindergarten

This beautiful princess graduated from Kindergarten today. There was no fun little graduation, no fun little ceremonies at school...
Sometimes it drives me crazy... A year ago she should have been happily walking into her 1st grade classroom with a backpack on her back, new pencils in her bag, ready to join all her giggly girl friends in learning to read and write, in slumber parties and giggle fests... 

Instead she was picked up by a special bus and the aide wheeled her into her spot. She had her backpacked strapped to the back of her wheelchair. She did not understand when I told her where she was going.. with strangers. There was no happy giggles or skipping to class. 

Instead of learning to read and write, she is learning to play intentionally, go to the potty, stand and take steps on her own, and how to eat food by mouth. 

However, despite all the challenges facing her, she was a star student. She was one of the easiest, happiest kids in her class. She is loved by her teacher and her classmates. She made huge progress in her class. She learned many new skills....


Sometimes I want to cry for her. I cry for what she lost. I cry for what she could be. I cry for the lost childhood. I cry for the pain she has endured at the hands of those who were supposed to protect her.
Why God?

But I also see the beauty from the ashes.. The sweet angelic child whose gentle spirit impacts everyone who encounters her. The joy and the blessings she has brought into our lives. The gift of unconditional love she gives all of us...

Chickens 2 Me 1 I will win...

When we first moved here, there was no garden. however there was this really nice, very large, raised flower bed behind the garage. So i decided that would be my garden!

We moved in early winter, so it wasn't my first worry. But I did dump leaves and scraps on it over winter. I also collected shredded paper which I layered on top. I went out to a horse farm and collected several totes of horse manure which I hauled home in my van...

4 tiny pepper plants

The first spring, I tilled it all up and planted. The chickens destroyed everything.

3 small rows of green beans

That second winter I added leaves and grass clippings. The chickens scratched it up year round. 

The worst corner of the garden.. corn and weeds

I planted using the square foot method. I had high hopes..

tomatoes and potatoes. My little potato patch is BEAUTIFUL! 

The chickens attacked again. Total loss.

Peas and weeds.. with some onions intermingled. 

I tried again that same spring... my zuccini and one tomato plant survived the chickens... 

lettuce

That summer I got a new landlord who put up a new fence by my barn. A fence that actually contained the chickens!

Broccoli and weeds

This year my garden is THRIVING!!!!!

my quiet garden corner...

We have a huge amount of lettuce and onions already. The peas will be ready soon, along with the green beans.

I planted everything in small little plots, takes less room and less weeding. I covered everything with wood chips. I think I have at the moment the perfect mix of a garden compost.

I have potatoes, corn, green beans, peas, onions, lettuce, both spring and romaine, radishes, cucumbers, zuccini, broccoli, watermelon, peppers, and tomatoes. I don't have large quantities of anything, but just enough for fresh eating for us. It saves us from running to the roadside stands and it gives the kids unlimited fresh veggies. Yes, they go out to the garden and eat produce straight from the plants.