Mom, what do we do?

The first week (Of living a country life) was interesting on the kids. Although they seemed to love it, they were often unsure of what to do with themselves. They would wander outside and then come in and ask, "What can we do?" I would give ideas of exploring, playing under the trees or tire swing and so on... I remember the night I realized they got it. I was busy putting the vegetable garden in and Ted, my husband, was away on a business trip. I could hear the kids in the yard, but I couldn't see them. After an hour I went to watch them. Ok, honesty now, spy on them. My son Will was in his underpants crawling on all 4's in grass taller than his big sister. Apparently, from what I could gather, he was the tiger and my daughters were on safari hunting him. My heart sang because it was as if something had finally given way and they got it. Their imaginations cracked open and they were feet first in adventure.

First the chickens, still waiting for eggs

We moved from the "city" to the country and it was as smooth a transition as could ever be, I think as I've never done it before. Our family of 5 hasn't skipped a beat, or so it seems, and yet life looks different. It already seems more simple and peaceful. Within the first 2 weeks, we had 2 hens plus an additional hen and rooster we are poultry sitting for. The vegetable garden is in and most boxes are unpacked. I felt I had earned my super mom cape.

I have learned to make laundry soap, the clothes line I received as a birthday gift last year is now in use. As a side note, hanging laundry is quite the arm workout! It is also slow work, but this I have learned to enjoy.

Our bird feeders are up and as theory would have it, country birds are more abundant than our city bird visitors and much less picky to the yummies they ingest for their tummies. I've started buying seed in bulk from a nearby feed store and they eat it just fine.

Hummingbirds are daily guests, we've had ants in the kitchen and if morning dishes of waffles are not cleaned by lunch they magically re-appear. Where do they go in-between?

We had a field mouse in the garage. I screamed so loudly and left nail marks on my own stomach. I had to explain to my wee ones that mommy was just "surprised" for fear of putting fear in them about such cute lil critters. As a side note, the field mouse was found dead in an empty 5 gallon bucket yesterday am. I had the same "surprised" reaction, as I was first on the scene.

Chicken chores, in theory, is a daily event. The first week the kids loved it and begged to do them multiple times a day. "Mom, the chickens pooped again, we better go clean it up." It has lost some luster, but they are still doing the chores along side me.

The hens have not layed yet. They are 1 - 2 weeks from laying, but it could be anytime now. I am sectretly doubtful it will really happen. It will be like the surprise I get when the the sunflower really does begin to emerge from the soil, from the seed in the ground. I, and Natalie my 5 1/2 year old, belive the hens haven't even sat on their golf balls, which are supposed to aid in their preperations. Hmm... sounds a little silly as what have chickens in time past done?

We all discovered the joys of cracked corn last week. After a 2 day cracked corn trail into the hen house, they FINALLY ventured in. It was quiet a site. Both them peeking in and us watching like eager parents seeing our first born off to school. They made quite a fuss with one another as if to say, "What in the world are you doing? Don't fall for it. Who knows what's in there!" We jumped and cheered as they finally sir came to the cracked corn temptation and went for it. It took a couple days, but Natalie made the discovery which made it extra sweet.

Houston... we have chickens! These beautiful ladies were purchased for a mere $8 a bird at Lattins Cider Mill and Farm. They are called barred rock hens and according to farmer Steve, "They are great layers." Boxing them up to bring home was quite the adventure. Fellow chicken owner Apryl and I laughed our faces off at the seemingly "easy" task. Although my mind knew a chicken could not hurt me, my insides said otherwise and I was suddenly terrified to pick up the hens. In the end we survived and the hens did too. *Technically we have 1 rooster, well Apryl does, but seeing as he hasn't cacka doodled yet, I'd say the jury is still out on "his" gender.

We've moved to the country! From less than 1/4 acre to 43, and we use a non self propelled push mower. Well, my husband does. :) However, we only have a couple acres to mow. The rest is o'natural.