Picture post- serenity/drama

Today, Father's day officially was dramatic, and peaceful all kinda rolled around in a ball. My father has some health issues that he let go on longer than he should have and it is taken some time to get to the bottom of it all. This being said after church, delivering and sharing lunch with Daddy (that including an interruption twice regarding above mentioned) I was required to be involved. A VERY dramatic ordeal, then an assist by Aunt Linda perfectly timed led to him heading to the hospital. At this point I am not sure whether it was worth it but after tomorrow and some more tests the hospital couldn't complete there should be forward motion.

Once he departed and I rested a bit, littlest 2 napped sidekick and I headed outside to manage the "farm". I love my crew but they are loud, kids in groups are just plain loud, fast and rambunctious. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that but it sure makes it hard to hear from God and be blessed by the sanctuary that is our property. I don't know the right words but something special happens deep within my soul when I am in the mist of it all and still.

My sidekick and I first made our way to the ducks. They are my favorite of all pets. Steadily we are incorporating more and more things with them so they trust us as their protectors and want to be near. It takes little effort to get them to come to my voice, I often have to sneak away from them so they do not follow me inside. We changed their water and figured out a new way to interact with our feathered friends. I can't wait to show the big kids. See below:

After that we moved a little to the left and handled the chickens. This is #4's favorite past time because they are easy to catch and hold. I am a bit more concerned my husband's original suspicions are correct and we in fact have at least one rooster. This is NOT at all what we were hoping for and I am not quite sure what the plan of action will be. Right now we are taking it day by day and praying the other similar chicken is not becoming the same. The jury is on the fence. But as you can see it is looking pretty clear for #1's, stormy. It had to be his too, the others are far less attached and I think #3 never even settled on a name.

Once our animals were taken care of, babysitting dog Sugar walked etc we made our way to the barn. There my little Miss Queen becomes alive. Actually half way there listening to her waiver between useless chatter and quiet reprieve while riding on my back I cherish the time alone. We observe frogs jumping out of the puddle that gathered in the yard, and barn swallows dive bombing our heads. If only they would stop building so many nests in and around the barn. Once inside we dumped grain in bins and let the 2 girl in to their stalls. Enamored with Foxy we stood and became engrossed in the workings of the big and little horse bodies. She commented on the similarities and differences through smile yet intelligent child eyes. I snuggled her just a bit closer constantly aware of fleeting age.

Finishing our animal chores by feeding Bear (G-ma and G's dog) and corralling Sugar we made our way ever so slowly back. In an attempt to stop and smell the roses sort of thing we sought out the noisy cicada that flew past our heads. Since they are dying out and less obnoxious with their mating songs than before it was the perfect time. I do not remember these things 13 years before but I assure you I will never forget now.

Wouldn't you know it but nearby there was one of the many rabbits that call our land home. #4 said, " I wuv bunnies. I will take care of them, feed them and pet them all the time. Can I put him in my bed?"

Notice his fluffy white tail as he scurried away from little hands who wanted nothing more than to love him. Thank you dear rabbit for being too wild to know that you did in fact make the right choice.

Last but not least we strolled down to the pond/lake. On any given day you can find turtles both snapping and box, bass and blue gill, a white crane and even a dreaded muskrat. Hubby spent the better part of 2009 I believe hunting the first one down since they dig holes in the dam (man-made pond hence dam). Yesterday it was brazen and taunting him because it was out in the middle of the day watching us dig the duck pond hole I believe. I am pretty sure I heard it cackle " You can't catch me a time or two at my husband as well." But then again maybe that was just family bonfire talk that spurred such thoughts. Either way as her and I stood in awe of all that we call ours I tried to soak up God's serenity for the drama well it will be back tomorrow. More than likely I will not be directly involved and instead a prayer warrior but well every family has some mess. Do me a favor and commit your prayers that God's favor is with my father and his employer, the doctor's have wisdom to suggest and impart the specific needs swiftly and without delay. I would much rather honor all the good my father has brought in my life with new memories not these kind. Thanks ya'll for reading and making me feel a little less alone in this crazy world!