Reflection

 My hair is getting silver. My hands suffer from carpal tunnel. I jokingly say I have matured, as my weight has increased over the years.

Yet, I can still climb a tree. Any chance I can, I will play a sport. I can stack hay like no mans business. I can do pull-ups again. I feel I am gaining back some of my strength and vitality that was lost over the last few years. 

I am thankful for my many blessings. It is a privilege to be able to celebrate another birthday. Below is the recount of the day.

This morning I woke to Caecilius climbing into our bed. He wanted to snuggle for a few minutes, before wanting to get up and start the day. I had planned on staying in bed, but it sounded quite loud downstairs. So, I had Caecilius climb onto my back and we trundled down the stairs. There the boys were arguing about who was making breakfast. I decided to go back upstairs. I settled in my room with the book, “The boy Crisis.” Nice, it was fitting that I was reading about boys in crisis, while listening to the loud moments below. 

Breakfast was delicious. Cyprian and Cletus were the chefs. They baked an apple crisp, made with apples from our orchard. Cyprian fried some of our homemade sausages in butter. The eggs were made with mushrooms gathered from the woods, and organic valley cheese melted on top. There was a French press of organic coffee. I had some of our maple syrup with goat milk added to some coffee.

I did dishes after breakfast. That was under the condition that the boys would straighten up the house and do laundry. They did do the chores with some prompting. I was able to braid all my onions and clean some garlic.

We then headed to the Cashton Park for the afternoon. We gathered with several of my family member and their families. It was a beautiful day and the kids all enjoyed playing. I even enjoyed swinging. I got to hold my nephew’s newborn baby. Oh how I love holding a sweet babe. My goddaughter Maire made me a lovely and scrumptious cake. Maire who is my niece, had stayed with us for a whole week during garlic harvest. She made meals, watched little ones, cleaned house, cared for animals (she got really good at milking the goats), and helped with harvest. As part of our “thanks” for the huge help that she was, we got her a decorating kit for baking. Now she is making beautiful and yummy treats. 

When we got home from the park Caecilius had fallen asleep. So after unloading the car I careful took him out and lay him on the couch, and took a short rest with him. Then it was back to garlic cleaning. Nobody was really hungry so Cletus had started push mowing and I decided to do the riding mowing. Franz was harvesting kale all afternoon.

After the milking I did pull-ups on the clothes line, and climbed a tree. Yep, I need to prove to myself and my boys that I am up to snuff. We ate some leftovers from the picnic. After quickly straightening up, we prayed our family rosary on the porch. That way Franz could hear while washing and hydro cooling the kale. Boys are all tucked into bed. I wait for Franz to finish. I may be eating some cake too…

It might seem ordinary and a boring way to spend your birthday. I loved the beautiful day. Ordinary becomes extraordinary when your attitude and heart are in the right place. 

My simple yet not so simple home. 

Life is not always a bunch of roses…

 Though it was not long, you are a human being. Someone that I will not meet in this life, but God willing in the next. I only knew about you for a short time. You are so loved and cherished. Along with your seven other siblings who were not meant for this world. As I let you go, I am reminded of my blessings amidst the pain and sorrow.

I found out I was pregnant in February. We all were excited! We had had Covid early January, so I was surprised when I got a positive pregnancy test. Early March we had sickness go through our house, again. Though nobody was deathly ill, it was drawn out by the fact that it worked its way through the whole family. Unfortunately, when I went for an early ultrasound, because my labs were not showing great results, baby had stopped growing right at six weeks. The one relief was to know that it was not an ectopic pregnancy, which is a whole other level of hardship. I would have been 11 weeks this last Tuesday. Now I am miscarrying physically. As much as this is sadness and heartache, I know God has a plan.  

If I did not have my six beautiful boys here earth side, it could be easy to become bitter. I have thought about this a lot. My first ectopic pregnancy was right after Cyprian. Thinking I would only have one child, I was devastated, Franz's and my dream of a large family dashed. Even with the difficulties of miscarrying, each boy I did carry to term made me realize how blessed I really am. It really started to resonate a note of thankfulness and peace for me after I had Cornelius. He was conceived after I had four early miscarriages in 2016. He was a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. I was struck with uncertainty yet again in 2019, though, with first an early miscarriage, and then an ectopic pregnancy that required emergency surgery. And yet, many graces came about even through the loss of our babies, as I've connected with women in a way that only those who share the experience of similar grief can.

 I hope and pray we have more little Kleins. I have a stronger sense of peace about God’s plan for our family, whether it be that we have more babies, or whether it be adopting, or whatever else God has in mind. Though I may have sadness and disappointment, I am always excited and rejoice for those who carry a baby. So, I offer this cross for those who have not been able to carry to term.

Marcellinus Patrick Klein, pray for us! Remembering also and asking the intercession of our Klein army: Cosmas James, Anastasia May, Andrew Joseph, Agatha June, Caspar Marion, Cyril Hughs, and Gianna Marie.

Mug shot

 I have this propensity for cups. Not just random cups, but mugs. Over the years many have broken. Between the boys and accidents. They get replaced by ones that I find, or are gifted. 

This mug was given to me by Caecilius godmother last summer. It reminds me of our patron of our homeschool, "St. Therese's Little Flowers." Also, she is my middle namesake. I am greatful for her, "little way," and the roses she sends our way.

This mug was gifted to me by Franz and the boys. The boys call it the magic mug. When you pour hot liquid into, it blossoms into color. The cat is Siena. She was the matriarch of "Kleinshire." Being one of two kittens we started with on our little farm. Siena made the move with us from NC. to WI., along with her daughter and granddaughter. In Wisconsin, Siena was a fierce ruler, making her daughter cower under her authority. Well, nature has a way. Siena met the hay baler, and she lost. After that, Catherine"Cat," became a loving family pet. Notice the correlation Catherine of Siena. Our parish back in NC was St. Catherine of Siena in Wake Forest. 

This lovely mug was won by throwing a cast iron skillet at Franz. Yes, that is right. Our little country parish has a pan throwing contest, during their community picnic. Whichever lady throws the very heavy large cast iron pan the farthest at her husband, wins. Not sure the origin of this contest, but it makes for gasps of entertainment. I love the rose depicted and the blue on the background of this. It holds more than the average mug too.

Bonds.

 

I found this gem at the local thrift store. My first thought was of me and my sister Rachel. We both have wild curly hair, and seem to more often than not be walking frazzled through our day. The sentiment is something I I hope me and my sisters, blood and related by marriage, always hold onto.

This mug has a twin. It comes from a thrift store in Texas. These two mugs may not have any specific meaning. But, for me, it reminds of many "Texas memories." We have been so blessed by our years in Texas and North Carolina. I like to remember the good. Also, surprisingly both mugs are still intact. That in and of it self is a note worthy existence. 

Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved horses. Though I have not done as much with them as I would like, they are my girlhood dream animal. This was another thrift mug. the boys broke the handle off. So, now the mug has been relegated to holding a plant of oregano, in my kitchen sink window. Little reminder of my past dreams.

Okay, so this has me stumped. I may have owned this mug since before Franz and I were married. Blue is a favorite color of mine. The style is simple, but sturdy. Sometimes we need a simple, solid, old standby.

My sister-in-law gifted me this for my birthday. Oh so pretty! I am a tea drinker and making a hot cup of comfort in this mug is delightful. 

SSo, here is a sampling of the mugs in my life. Many have been, and I am sure more will come. Each piece has a story and memory to tell. I hope you have some story telling mugs in your life too. God bless!

Caecilius' birth

It always surprises me how each birth is unique... 

I did not go to Mass on Sunday as I felt uncomfortable and did not want to leave home. Franz still took the boys and had his phone on him. I watched Mass, took a nap, and wandered around our place checking animals and plants. It was a nice break for a change. 

Monday Franz and the boys worked hard in the fields. He also got two full loads of hay in. We still have a third of our hay field to cut for first cutting. There are about 500 bales in the pole barn. This is the first year we are actually getting the hay cut on time. The quality is much better.

I was able to finish wheel hoeing my gardens and do some hand weeding. I was having contractions on and off all day. Really I had been having good practice contractions for a month. But, I could tell it was getting more serious. Early afternoon we got a pea hen from the woman who gave us our pea cock (she is a midwife), in exchange for a meat buckling that her son wanted to raise up for meat. I told her I was probably going to have the baby the next day which I had been one of my date guesses for our baby guessing pool. All in all it was a full Monday. By super time I was only able to eat half my meal. I was not sure, but was getting more suspicious that I might have a baby soon.

After we prayed our family rosary Franz and I spent time together talking and just trying to relax watching a show together (it was getting harder for me). We went to bed at 10:30. I thought well if it is labor the contractions will continue. Sure enough I woke at 11:30 because of still having contractions. I didn't want to wake Franz as he had a long full day of manual labor. I decided to try and rest as best I could and see how things progressed. By 2 a.m. I was so uncomfortable, I woke Franz. I texted my midwife at 2:25. I had alerted her earlier Monday evening of the possibility of baby coming. She asked if I wanted her to come, and I said yes. I always have a hard time with telling the midwife when to come. I do not want to jump the gun and have them hanging out for a long time. 

My midwife arrived a little after 3 a.m. I was still able to walk around and talk a bit before each contraction. Then I was working my way through contractions. They were 7 minutes or so apart. Franz and I had set up what we could for birth. Then my midwife set up the rest. She checked me and I was 6 cm dilated. I think this happened at 4 something. When I was laboring Franz was my support and my midwife would check in on us. Franz decided he should get chores done if he could. So my midwife switched places with Franz. He took his phone out with him. At 5:41 I texted him to hurry up. He called and asked if he should come in, or milk? He had done all the other animal chores and had just started milking. I said just hurry. Within a few minutes I asked my midwife to quickly call Franz up to the house. I had the sudden feeling and strong surge of pressure. I was holding back, as I felt my water wanted to break. Franz got in and my midwife left the room to grab something. The back up midwife was on her way. My water broke just as my midwife was coming back into our room. 

I was on my left side on the bed. Caecilius crowned, but I knew I needed to get up. My midwife and Franz had to lift me to my hands and knees, as I couldn't do it myself. I was in the throes of serious pushing and pain. Within a few minutes Caecilius was born. He didn't just shoot out, but came in quick increments. He had quite a bit of fluid on his lungs you could hear and he was kinda purple. But, thankfully they quickly flipped me over onto my back so I could have Caecilius resting on me. The midwife cleared his mouth and nose.Then the champ really started to cry and clear his own lungs. His color and reflexs picked up quite quickly too. He had a little bit of bruising on his forhead and right fingers. I was just so relieved to have him out. I am not going to lie, labor was really tough this time. I had only back labor. Which pretty much felt like my back was going to break. The midwife gave me a shot of pitocin, since I have a history of bleeding and the other midwife was not there yet. The other midwife arrived shortly and helped with cleaning up and checking. I did tear, but thankfully no stitching was required. I also had some clotting but with massaging my tummy a few times, the midwives were able to work them out over the next hour. I felt quite good, not as weak as I had after Cornelius. I think my adrenaline was running high, as the midwives asked what I wanted for pain. I said nothing as the pain was nothing compared to laboring. I did change my mind that evening and took one Ibprofen so I could sleep. 

So, I don't know if you wanted to hear my birth story, but I myself find it fascinating and helpful to hear others' birth stories. 

Caecilius is definitely showing a strong personality. He loves snuggling. After nursing he seems to really enjoy Franz holding him upright and gently burping him.

I am happy to announce the birth of our sixth son. Caecilius David Klein, born at 5:58 a.m. on June 9th, weighing 8 lbs 13 oz.

Caecilius David Klein, shortly after birth

Edit to note for myself as I look back: I prayed a lot of Hail Mary's and Our Father's during my contractions. I really tried to remember to breathe my way through the painful parts. Franz did catch Caecilius. Cyprian was awake and downstairs when I had Caecilius. The other boys all slept. We had before bedtime explained to the boys not to be worried if they heard Mommy yell. That it is hard work to have a baby. The other thing I did was drink a whole pot of red raspberry tea. Then I switched to water. I was well hydrated. I weighed the most I ever have at the end of pregnancy. Caecilius is not my biggest baby, and there was a lot of fluid. I was so relieved when I had Caecilius, and Franz was a bit distracted as he had just rushed up from the barn, that we didn't even know we had a boy at first. After I held him in my arms for the first time, then I thought to ask. It may surprise some not others, but I really am excited to have another boy. We may be a family of only boys and that would be fine by me. Who knows, maybe there will be a Klein girls someday. That would be okay too. When asked the silly question of "are you trying for a girl." The answer is,"no, a healthy baby." I am thankful for the blessing of a another healthy baby. What is funny is that we have been spelling Caecilius name wrong. I followed what Franz put down. Apparently he was so tired he did not realize that he put two "ll'. It is just one "l", now I have to make sure it is right on the birth certificate and insurance.  

Anticipation

I have had my fears and doubts. After 7 miscarriages, 2 of them ectopic, and the last requiring emergency surgery, I have at times anxiety which can be crippling. As we get closer to the due date with this time, I am praying for peace of mind. Labor is hard, but it is even harder when you are afraid and scared. I pray, but I sometimes lose it and lash out. Whether it is to snap, or to become withdrawn. I am feeling for the most part excited. With the warmer weather and spending more and more time outside my mood is much improved. I did not use to love gardening to the extent I do now. I can happily sit out in the garden pulling weeds for an hour. Then I like to take meandering walks and periodically check things over for growth, issues, etc. My garden is planted except for my celery starts, and sweet potato slips that will come in the mail in a week or so. Weeding is the big project. I just finished my potato patch, and now working on the strawberries again. Yes, I already weeded the strawberries once this year. The bugs and the weeds seem to be prolific. If I can manage to keep up till baby comes, then maybe I we will not lose so much to weeds and pests. I will have to take advantage of some the rainy days to go over the house again. The never ending cleaning!

We have an abundance of milk! Franz has been making chevre and cottage cheese. I make raw goat kefir, puddings, and custards. We use some of the whey and the rest goes to the pigs. We have enough milk for family members to get some too. So thankful, as this is the most milk we have had coming at a time. Alpine babies are weaned. Nigerian babies are either sold or being seperated at night for morning milking of mom. We have sold all the kids we had available except one Nigerian buckling. We are keeping the two Alpines we wethered for meat (they are quite large). We have two Alpine doelings who will be replacement future milkers. I have one black beauty Nigerian doeling named Flower (like the skunk in Bambi)that we are keeping. Her brother is appropriately named Bambi as he looks like a little deer. The kids we have left on meat moms are all doelings that we will evaluate and keep if looking to be good breeders. We have one adopted meat buckling that we will raise for meat with the two Alpines. We have maybe seven does to kid in the next month or two. Goats are out on the big pasture. Franz was able to make the Nigerians their own pasture this year. Bucks and weanlings are kept in large pens. We would love to get the buck pasture put in.

The horses have a sacrifice area off their shelter that Franz built with some help from me and the boys. We seeded their pasture and now they are back out on it. They are getting fat and sassy. The boys still love hopping on Thora's back, and she is pretty tolerant.

Dogs, Leche is in with the Nigerians. Lilly is out on the big pasture with the meat goats. Max who is  a big puppy is in the buck pen. He has a lot of energy and wants to play a lot. He does not bother the bucks, but can not be trusted with kids. He is sweet, but very much in throes of teenage puppyhood. I have started to try and leash train him. It ends up looking like a rodeo. At least he loves people. Snowy has been diligently running her rounds and chasing things in the woods.

Cats are doing well. Cat and Georgie have a truce. They sometimes rub each other and then other times hiss. Georgie is due any day. The two male cats we are looking to get rid. The boys are hoping to keep a kitten or two.

Chickens in the coop, there are 16 layers with George our rooster and Andy our male peacock. Recently Andy has started fanning his tail feathers and calling. He has been settling in nicely and we are talking about getting him a girlfriend. We have a new batch of meat chicks in the meat tractor/brooder. I might get ten layer hen chicks with our order of turkey poults.

Six piglets are growing like the weeds they like to eat. We have two males and 4 females. We will decide if we want to try breeding one of the females and keeping her over the winter for piglets in the spring. Otherwise 4 for sure will be butchered this fall.

Preparing for having a baby in a time of uncertainty

After having five boys, I am finding many things we started with for a baby have bit the dust or rag bag. My sister after having her daughter almost 13 years ago, gave  me her newborn clothes for Cyprian. Each boy has worn these newborn clothes. Most are worn and stained. I still have a few I am going to use. Other family and friends have generously given clothes and things over the years. But, as I took out the tote of little baby things, I realized it would be nice to have some decent things for baby Klein.

Over the last couple of months I have slowly started scouting and gathering what I feel we need and want. First, was a Bob stroller. I have always wanted a Bob stroller, but they are really pricey. So, I have always held off. Now I started looking at used. Even used these strollers are not cheap. Too, most being sold are in the cities a couple hours away. Well, I found one posted on craigslist in EuaClaire. It was barely used the tires still had the little rubber spikes, it came with a tray, carseat adaptor, and rain cover, all for 150. It just so happened that my nephew his wife and little son had just moved to EuaClaire. I had a gift I was wanting to get to them for their sons baptism. Lo and behold the guy selling the stroller worked at Sacred Heart hospital. My nephew and his family were five minutes from the hospital. I along with my Mom and the boys were able to pick up the stroller at the hospital and then go visit with my nephew's family. The stroller is awesome! Cornelius loves the rides he has had in it.

Now the stroller's adaptor is for a Britax infant car seat. We needed to get new car seat anyway. Britax is a more expensive brand of car seat, as it has good ratings and is pretty heavy duty. Through extensive looking and researching I finally was able to purchase a new car seat. Britax new cost 199.00, or more. There happen to be a new one with opened packaging marked down to 134.92. I also had a promotional extra 50.00 dollars I could take off. So I ended up paying 84.92 for a new Britax infant car seat that connects with our Bob stroller. It is so exciting to find a deal.

Next which is something I was really insistent that I needed, was a Moses basket. When I was pregnant with Clement in Texas I found a new Moses basket at a thrift store for 3 dollars (man I miss some of those awesome thrift stores). It is what I have used with the last four boys for the first few months for sleeping space around the house and even outside sometimes. After use with four boys the sides are coming undone and it is pretty beat up. So, I was determined to find another one for baby Klein. I scoped out Amazon, Etsy, Bloomingdales, Walmart, etc. Bloomingdale's has a simple Badger basket for 20 dollars plus shipping. Etsy has some beautiful ones, but I couldn't justify spending a lot of money right now. Amazons all seemed to be marked a little more than everyone else. Walmart happen to have a simple tadpole organic palm leaf one for 21.74, and free shipping on orders over 35 dollars. I went with Walmart and ordered a few other things to get free shipping. The first Moses basket that came was mildewed on the bottom. Franz was able to return the basket easily to Walmart and I went ahead and ordered another one. I thought if the next one came with mildew or something wrong, I would just go somewhere else. I was pleased upon recieving the new Moses basket to see no mildew and it is smelled fresh and clean. The first had that off smell that comes with mildew. So, now we have a basket. I was able to take the old liner which actually is still in decent shape from our old basket. Washed and sundried it now sits in anticipation for baby Klein in the new basket.

Normally I get clothes and stuff from family and friends. Or, I go thrift shopping to fill in what is needed. But, now with all the social distancing and quarantining, I have not had these sources for stocking baby things. My sister-in-law wanted to have a baby shower for me and baby Klein. That will not happen because we are keeping to ourselves as most others we know are. So, instead I put together a registry with Amazon, link is https://www.amazon.com/baby-reg/1WLHRE0VUFK3V
Now I put this together to give ideas of what I like and would use. We are more than happy to use gently used clothes and things. In fact pretty much that is all we have ever used. It is a very rare occasion when something is purchased brand new. The last time we had so many new things was right after our wedding.

I have some really sweet extended family members who have already taken it upon themselves to get things for baby Klein. As we recieve the wonderful gifts, it helps to build the anticipation and to brighten our day. The other fun thing we have going is a guessing pool. I think this time it will have the biggest pot of money for the winner. If you are reading this, you can join the fun and enter the guessing pool. You need to guess the gender, birthdate, weight, and time. The guesses can be sent by mail and a dollar for each set of guesses included to be entered. The cutoff date for getting guesses in is May 15th 2020. Baby's due date is June 15th 2020. Previous childrens weight are 8lbs, 9lbs 4oz., 8lbs 6oz., 9lbs, 8lbs 10oz. First three were a week early, fourth was two days late, and last just shy of due date. Granted I took progesterone with the three previous. This time I am not taking progesterone. I am still active, but really large and waddle around. I have just started to experience food aversion again and the smells are really getting to me. After eating I need to be up for awhile, or I have some acid reflux. Overall my energy has been good. I have been able to eat quite well, just picky sometimes. The baby's heartbeat was in in the 150s at the last check up.

Our address is: 4327 County Highway H
                         Cashton, WI 54619 

   

Springing into long days with an update on the farm and animals

Second parking lot Mass.

When the boiler is turned off for the year.

Meat chicks

Lilly with her charge Max

 The days are getting longer. Things are sprouting, turning green. Mamas have babies, and the milk is flowing. The ground is awakening. Spring is finally here! Amidst all the change in the outer world, our little farm is plugging along in it's own fashion as is the way it works.

Yesterday Franz used his "new" tractor to spread manure over my gardens. I have spent my time mulching new elderberry bushes I planted a few weeks ago. I pruned the raspberries and cleaned out dead canes. Franz pruned the orchard trees. The boys and I gathered all the branches into piles to pick up with a trailer. I weeded around my 12 rhubarb plants. Franz has been cleaning animal pens.

We have had 6 does kid. 4 are dairy, 2 meat. With a total of 13 kids so far. We are still waiting on Hyacinth to kid. She must not have taken the first cycle. So, any day now with how wide she is. She will have to let those babies out. Rosie a first freshner meat goat is the next in line for an April kidding. The older 3 meat does, and 4 first freshners meat girls, will kid this summer. Milcah and Ruth our older Nigerian girls, will also kid this summer. Matthias our Nigerian buck, and Baloo our Kiko buck have thoroughly enjoyed their living arrangement with the girls. Soon they will be put back together in the buck pen. And, the meat does and dairy does will be put in their respective pastures. Mamas are kept with their babies till weaning. Two months for bucklings, three months for doelings. Unless the babies are sold as bottle babies. 

Meat chicks arrived this morning, and last week our hen chicks came. The mature hens in the coop are laying lots more eggs. We will be getting turkey poults in June. Meat chicks will come in small batches every two months for three more batches being raised this year.

The plan is to get 5 piglets again later this spring. We barter turkey and chicken, for piglets and grassfed beef. I love the bartering system that we use with fellow farmers and friends. The pigs will be raised for our own use and family. Maybe someday when we have all our pastures in place we'll raise our own beef. Right now it is nice to get good grassfed beef in our trade.

We booted our house kitty Georgie outside. She has happily taken up residence with the farm cats. At first Georgie went wild, but now she affectionately comes when we call. Cat our fixed outside female, is the queen. There seems to be a truce of the females avoiding each other. 

Max our LGD puppy is doing well under the watchful eye of Lilly. Lilly seems to really have accepted her charge, and even saves him a bone. Yet, she will correct Max when he is getting out of line. Leche is still in charge of her pen. Being that she is an Alpha, she is not allowed near Max, but still eats with Lilly. Max has his own eating time and space in a stall by himself. Snowy our farm dog is happily in a routine of running her rounds and barking at anyone who pulls in the driveway.

Our inside birds Louis and Zelie are as chirpy as ever. They are happy to see spring coming in. We still have a fish tank with two fish. 

Tarcy Franz's horse keeps pushing and finding ways through the fence. We are going to be making a sacrifice area where the horses shelter is. They will get let out to pasture at intervals. Franz has spread seed in the goat pasture, and yesterday in the horse pasture. Cyprian has started working with Thora. As it warms up we will be brushing out their winter coats. I would love to see the boys riding Thora this summer. I am proud of Franz, as he trimmed Tarcy's hooves himself while I held Tarcy. I trim the goats hooves, but horses are big and intimidating to me for trimming. 

Garlic is coming up, so is the rhubarb, and some perrenial herbs. Trees are budding. We pulled out the maple taps over a week ago, and boiled the last batch of syrup. It was a great run on sap this year. We have two organic apple trees, two grape vines, and two more elderberry bushes coming in May. The grape arbor is still under construction, but will have 12 vines once we plant the two new ones. We have a few older ones around the property and lots of wild grapes. We lost an apple tree last year as it tipped over from saturated ground. The orchard is a work in progress as the trees were very overgrown when we first moved in. I will be transplanting some currant bushes from my parents to add to two bushes here. Franz makes excellent currant wine, among others. My strawberry bed is coming alive, so lots of weeding to do. In the fall I will be tilling strips to put down manure and manage the jungle it has become. Raspberries hopefully will produce well. As these are a favorite with us all. We have not utilized our walnuts and beechnut trees. So, another project for fall. We have a Ginko Biloba tree, that I should figure out how to use too.

We would love to add honey bees to our setup. If not this year, then next. Meat rabbits is another project for next year. 

School is going. Though it gets tougher to focus when the sunshine is calling us outside. I am happily able to hang clothes outside on the lines to dry. There is something poetic about seeing the cloth diapers snapping in the breeze and being naturally bleached by the sun. I like our clothes lined dried as well.

The boys love to roller blade on the cement slab by the deluxe brooder. They also explore out in the back of the property finding rocks and random treasures. They have built some scary forts and bunkers. There is a hood from a truck sitting on the incline by the polebarn, that has become a pretty cool slide. Cornelius loves to zip down it with his brothers. Various pots, pans, containers, utensils, are found outside as the boys make mud pies, grass balls, and play in puddles. Bikes are ridden everywhere. We need to get Chrysogonus going on his. He and Cornelius fight over the trike. Cornelius also has a beep car.

The back porch is becoming the greenhouse. We are setting up little green houses to start seeds. So far, lettuce and spinach, four kinds of onions, hot and sweet peppers, and some celery. Soon I will start tomatoes, herbs, flowers, and more celery. I have sweet potatoes and regular potatoes coming. The rest of what I grow will be direct seeded. Franz is starting his zuchinni and brussel sprout seeds this year. I think he plans to direct seed the winter squash and pie pumpkins.

Nelson Agricenter in Viroqua had their annual fair sale. So, we purchased lots of fencing material. We have some major fencing taking place in the next couple of months.

I have been making food even more from scratch as we sit in quarantine. With Franz and the boys it feels like I am feeding an army. The appetites are not lacking here! I need industrial size cooking ware to cook with. I am hoping I can find the energy to preserve food before baby Klein comes. I have been putting together my birthkit, and getting the essential things for baby. Like a new infant carseat, used Bob stroller, new moses basket, etc. I use things till they literally are falling apart. After five boys these were all needed.

My purchase of a Bob stroller has a purpose. I did the "Dam Challenge" 12 years ago in the Kickapoo Valley reserve. The race is 7 miles of canoeing on the Kickapoo river, 15 miles biking the ridges and valleys of the driftless, and 3 miles running an old logging trail. My plan is to do it this fall. With a Bob stroller there is no excuse not to train with baby Klein. I have invited all mine and Franz's family to participate too. It is an awesome race to experience. At least that is what I recall. Though maybe I will

have a different opinion after I run it this year:') 

Franz and I have lots of ideas for our farm house renovations, building a barn, putting up pastures, layout of our yard, and planting and making gardens. We also have a really cool idea for where to put a permanent chicken coop and run that is more ideally located. The list goes on, but we slowly are chipping away at our dreams, to discover the beauty God has in mind for our family farm. 

We are not completely consummed by our own work. We think of all those we know, and pray daily for everyone. Especially those who are struggling. May God bless you! 

Max at attention!

Hen chicks!

First freshner Galadriel with her triplets.

First freshner arwen with her twins.

Our first attendance of parking lot Mass in Wisconsin Rapids.

Picnic in the park by the river.

Grotto in Rudolph WI

The Mass attenders

Milking Amethyst.

Buttercup's rescued triplets.

Princess's twins.

Feeding colostrum to thawed out kiddos.

Kangaroo style wearing and warming.

Our long night.

Franz helping Galadriel clean her babies.