a love story (title by Irene...and very fitting I might add!)

I just saved a life or two, or maybe eight. I was on the computer and heard Petunia barking out on the back porch. I could actually see her from where I was perched. I didn't think much of it because she barks at a lot of little things in the woods, small critters or a neighboring dog who may come to visit. Something made me take notice. I don't know what. A small voice said, "Check it out." I went out onto the porch, slipped on some boots and started to follow Petunia, who lead me into the trees back by the fenced in chicken area. She kept barking when we got there and I noticed one of the chickens was outside the fence, trying desperately to get back in through the small fence holes. She must have gotten out by the gate, where there is a gap just big enough to slip through at their smaller size. I picked up the chicken and brought her back inside the fence. I realized Petunia wasn't barking at the escaped chicken. I looked up and there was a hawk soaring just above my head. The hunter's soar. I quickly got all the chicks inside the coop and shut the door. And said a little prayer. Then I came back inside and called Rob to tell him that we will be busy tonight making a covered area to protect the chicks from hawks. Whew. I feel so lucky and thankful, and amazed at what I prevented by listening to the small voice. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Petunia.

chicken coop

The nesting boxes will be in here, where hopefully we will be gathering lots of eggs.



I gave the kids some old paint and they came up with the design and went to town. I did the stars. The patriotic theme just happened by accident. Reeny's contribution was to paint her own hands. The chickens were running around at the time and are still wearing red, white or blue on some of their feathers.

girls (and dad) on the run '09

Rob, Anna, and Izzy ran together this year

mom and dad visit

I'm posting this photo for my ma. When I showed her this picture right after I took it she said, "Hey, I look pretty good, don't I?" I responded the only way I could. "Yes, you do." And she does. She finally smiles in pictures now that she has her braces off. I hope I look half as good as her when I'm in my 60's. But, what I love most about dear 'ol mom...her humility. Happy Mother's Day mom. You keep life spicy.

hello! dolly

I agree. This isn't one of her better moments. She is after all, quite a looker. But check out that face, the candy necklace and yes, the chest. She not only got all decked out for the occasion, she added two miniature sized bowling balls (part of an easter bunny bowling game) to the top of her dress. Well, let me tell you when someone looks this fine, the paparazzi shows up. Cameras were flashing like crazy. I think we'll be seeing more of this hot, young starlet.

tulip time 2009

charlie meets fish

Hip Hop girl

Can you tell she has really cool big sisters?

chicken puberty

I didn't laugh when you got zits.
We love our teens.
These were taken on May 1. The chicks are about 3 weeks old here.

madelyn jayne

Born to my brother Eric, and sister-in-law Holly, on May 9. She was 6 lbs. 6 oz. Supermom delivered at 1:20 am and home before noon that same day. Welcome and Happy Birthday, baby Maddie. Just so you know, we already love you.

trying new things

"It's good to try new things, Mom", my favorite 3 year old says as she hands me a carrot dipped in red pasta sauce. She is cleverly responding to my, "No thanks" and the grimace I most assuredly made at the first mention of this odd pairing.
"You know I don't like milk, Mom", she continues. Then with barely a pause, "Could I please have some milk?" She's good. I happen to know that she loves milk. But, I don't let on.
She drinks her milk and I happily munch on the carrot dipped in marinara. Not bad. Not good, but not bad.