4H - Grassy Lake

This past winter we opened another chapter in our book of experiences.  This time it was because we joined the Grassy Lake 4H club. I should say Seth joined it, with his dad being his chauffeur and guide.  It seems to be the things to do here, and we were encouraged to try it by some friends from church so since Seth was "of age" we decided to give it a go. It was a big commitment from all of us but turned out to be a whole lot of fun and a worthwhile experience. 
First off was getting the calves.  Since cows are herd animals we needed two so Tristan got a spare. Two is better than one anyways... ;)  Meet Strider (black) and Rook (white).

Andy put together this shed just in time for the bad winter and we were all proud of the great job and amazing shelter he put together.  A wonderful addition to this farm.

From the months of October till the sale in June, the steers were fed a measured 4H ration twice daily.  The boys got up every morning (without complaining) to tend to their cows. They got fed before we had breakfast and before supper time.  Once, at the beginning of the season, we were looking out the living room windows and laughing about our neighbours cows running around in his field - loose.  Turns out, they were our cows *covering eyes with hands* and the joke was on us, they had broken thru the sheep fencing in search of greener pastures.  We had to periodically spend quite some time and energy fixing the fences and making them steer proof. 
Strider had to be halter broken which was a job in and of itself.  The club had monthly meetings and activities, such as highway cleanups, bowling and gathering food for the food bank.  A big event was the speak off, for prepared and impromptu speeches.  

By spring the steers had grown a lot and before we knew it, it was show time!  Very exciting!

Below you can see Seth - third from right.  His steer was monstrous and got a ribbon for club rate of gain, coming in at 1615lbs!  Seth was a little nervous showing him as the cows were a bit nervous and a 75 lb boy dragging around a stubborn 1615 lb steer has all sorts of crazy potential, but thankfully all went well and it was a fantastic experience. 

It was special that Beppe came from Ontario for the event and we could share the fun.  In the end, Strider was sold to Independent Crop Inputs from Taber for $2.10 per lb and off he went.  It was sad, but that was the end goal.
We should especially thank our neighbour Ben Tams for his help and guidance during this whole first year.  His experience and knowledge was invaluable to us.  

Rook ended up in our own freezer and we are thrilled with so much good quality meat. (790 lbs!!)  All in all this created a big sense of accomplishment for the boys, Tristan feels like a champion providing us with all this meat.  He got to have the first bite of the first steak.  What a winner.

Springs arrival and our collection of babies

 Spring came in beautifully this year.  We didn't think the snow would melt till August but sure enough, by late April, it was gone.  April also brought baby animals by the hands-ful and we could not have been more giddy to welcome these fur babies into the family.   A sign of God's covenant.  A token and promise that seed time and harvest will never cease.  Even though we know in our hearts the seasons will always come, this past winter was hard on us, on our minds and spirits as we had to be so often indoors, and boxed up in four square walls with a low cieling on top of our heads.
But then.... SPRING!

First off, a lamb.  Sadly only one of our three sheep made it thru the winter, and on the day she gave birth (April 3), it happened to be -21 outside so one died, but we saved one and it was thrilling and beautiful. 

Next came bunnies.  Again, we had a few batches that froze over the winter but April brought two batches, very much alive, furry and adorable.

Rowan became the luckiest boy around when he was gifted a beautiful little lab/border collie mix puppy. We named him Rocky.  A boy and his dog - heaven on earth.  Rocky belonged to a friend but was sick so they were not able to sell him so we are hoping that with all the love Rocky is receiving he will stay healthy for a very long time.  Welcome to this funny farm buddy. 

We have been here 5 winters already and not once have we been able to overwinter cats. I'm the crazy cat lady that scoops up free kittens at all the local farms. BUT this winter we kept all five adult cats that we had since last summer and lo and behold were given three kittens by one of the females.  Warm weather means lots of cat handling and cat-hair-covered clothing. But that's alright by me. I feel victorious that they lived all winter so what's a bit of cat hair between them and me? 

The kids are keeping busy, happy and healthy running from pasture to barn and back to the pasture playing with all the new life.  Andy also was busy working on fixing fences and building a containment area for the steers. Oh what carefree and happy days the children have. Blessings for sure.

 Lots of imaginative play goes on around here.  Cowboys one minute, gold miners the next.

We memorized this poem at the end of the school year to celebrate and thank God for his enduring goodness. 

 A Prayer in Spring - Robert Frost

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.
Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.
And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid air stands still.
For this is love and nothing else is love,
The which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends He will,
But which it only needs that we fulfil.

Marla is ONE!

 

The Birthday girl...

Our petite and simply sweet little Marla has turned one.  She has been such a joy to us this past year.  With big round eyes and a soft personality we've been smitten.  Marla is easy to have around and loves to snuggle with her Mama.  She is not a big eater though and we often have to coax her to eat anything more than a few bites.  She has been walking since 9 months and plays well on her own in her playpen but also loves playing with the Tupperware or pots and pans while I cook, throwing everything out of the cupboard and walking around with bowls on her head making for lots of laughter and messes.  We all love what she adds to the family and are so thankful to God for a healthy first year with her.  We pray for many, many more years and also she grows in grace and Truth to serve her Lord.   

The saying "Though she be little, she is fierce..."  suits her well.  💜

Snow and Ice

This year the kids were once again super lucky with a backyard ice rink. It was a bit bigger this year than last year, (50'x50'), which turned out to be an amazing size for growing boys and their friends to have hours and hours of pleasure on.  I think Andy did an amazing job of the rink once again! Hours after hour and week after week we used it this winter and I was thankful for it too since these homeschooled children needed to get outside and burn some energy several times a day! 
All three boys played on the Pond Hockey teams in Taber again (Seth and Tristan played on Friday afternoons and Rowan on Saturday mornings) and we really noticed their skill improve with the constant practice.  It's a marvel how many pucks can be lost though.  It'll be interesting to see how many I find back this Spring. 

December was cold with no snow - perfect for making smooth ice

Then came the snow...

More and more snow.  But the smooth ice remained!

I feel like the kids had very good times playing outdoors this winter.  I never knew you could acclimatize to -20.  Balaclavas (or as Abby always called them... Clavabellas) became a constant friend along with layering mittens, thin ones inside think ones, double socks and good Bog boots as well as nice warm winter coats, the kids were good to go.    

 Snow piles everywhere.