Now that Spring is here and the rain is at a minimum, it seems that every spare moment is spent working out in the yard! A few weeks ago, I decided it was time for a break!
At the last minute, we signed up for a 2 day, 1 night "Outdoor School"
an hour from home with a bunch of families we used to go to a co-op
with. Believe me, it was hard to pull away with so much to do around the
"farm", but it was so perfect and I knew that it would be a great
experience!
The kids loved learning from the older teens and being mostly outside, even with chilly winds. They played and ran and hiked and had a great time learning lots about science! It was during the week, so it was nice that it was close enough for Patrick to drive from work to meet us for the night. We loved the cute little basic cabin....with a heater!
With a bunch of happy kids who didn't want to leave and an exhausted mommy, we headed home.
On the way back, we stopped by a friends house to get some elk she had to spare since her family didn't like it and she thought we would enjoy it. Boy did we ever! YUM! She also gave us several huge bags of clothes for Devon!
Closer to home we picked up our weekly goat milk that is dropped off by the farmer at a friends house! While there, she generously shared some kale starts from her plant that had gone to seed, extra egg cartons, sprouting potato seed and even a comfrey plant...which I have been wanting for some time!
As I was getting packed up, I just had to stop and take a picture!
With the camping stuff plus all of the gifts, my van was filled. I
couldn't help but think of it as a small window into my life.
Just
like the van, life is full of crazy wonderful things...even if it is quite chaotic and a mess in general. I am so blessed by the bounty the world has to offer. When I think about fitting another baby into my life...or my car for that matter, it's hard to imagine how it will all fit, but with the Lord's help, I know it will!
When I was a kid, my dad was a bee keeper and so was my Grandpa Snyder. I still remember the corner of the yard where their hives were. I remember getting stung now and again, but I'm sure it was worth it. There was always dark, delicious amber honey to be had. That desert honey is still delicious to me.
Thanks to his influence and a greater understanding of nature and the world of food, I've wanted to keep bees for years. I still remember sitting at my friend Eve's table with another mom who keeps bees. Our conversation peaked my interest and at that time, I put it on my list of things I wanted to do, for a number of reasons. The more I've learned, the stronger my desire has become, but it just wasn't time.
When we moved here my desire was rekindled by having a small garden of my own AND the high price of good quality raw local honey. I longed to notice honeybees pollinating my vegetables. We avoid sugar, so honey is one of our sweeteners of choice because of it's many virtues. We buy it by the gallon, and that can get expensive! Naturally, I decided to figure out a way to produce our own honey.
Last summer, I started looking for resources in our area and realized that there were some wonderful classes offered by bee keepers. I read this article about Jaquline. I was really drawn to her philosophies about bees. I took a class from her and was so impressed by her great reverence for bees, in a spiritual way even. I've been privileged to rub shoulders and learn from her.
In her class, I learned how doable natural bee-keeping is. I also learned that I could even catch my own bees?!?! There is a ton of wonderful information on the internet. I read another great blog post and watched a great video that solidified my desire to catch
my own swarm of bees!!!
I would have to wait for the spring, but that gave me time to learn. Last month I decided to put my name online offering FREE removal of bee swarms. I was doubtful I would get a call, but within two weeks, someone had called and needed a hive removed. I was gone and missed the call, but it was just the motivation we needed to get our hives built!
Thank goodness we did because this past Thursday, just 3 weeks later, I got a call from a man a couple towns away that had some bees he wanted me to rescue! I was thrilled and said I would come get them! He wanted them taken care of that same day. I asked him where they were, and I cringed! I felt confident in catching a docile swarm, not an established hive of bees!!!!They were an established hive of likely to be UPSET bees that lived in the wall of an old, old small town church they were renovating and tearing the wall boards off of. I remained composed and asked him when he wanted them picked up. They wanted them gone that day! I made an appointment for that evening and got the information. I hung up the phone, then I put my brain in order. I was in NO WAY prepared to cut out a hive of bees from between wall boards!!!
I immediately called Jaqueline, told her of the mess I had gotten myself into and asked for advice. We both agreed I needed to call for reinforcements! She had a bee list. A list of people that have gathered bees before. I can't believe it still, but one gentleman, Berry said he would help me, and for no charge! He had been helped in the past and was passing along the favor! Plus, he had done it before and had 2 bee suits! I still can't believe how wonderful it was how things fell into place.
We decided to meet and assess the situation to see how long it would take. Apparently he's had jobs that lasted well into the night, and he wanted to start the next day if that was the case. When the kids and I arrived, he said we could get them right then! I was thrilled. We had just picked up a huge basket of books at the library so the 3 younger kids stayed in the car and had entertainment and Justin came to help out a bit. We got right to work.
The man doing the construction took down a couple boards and this is what we saw.
I just could hardly believe it.
What a beautiful, remarkably healthy hive it was!
We could do it that night! No only was it an easy hive of bees to cut out, but they had built their hive exactly where there was a landing we could stand on!!! Truly amazing.
Berry was experienced and knew what was going on! He did most of the cutting out of the comb after calming them by squirting them with water. I was still a bit timid but tried to help where I could, placing the comb into the box I had brought.
The comb was mainly attached to the top 2*4 and it was easy to remove, even if the bees were NOT thrilled about us tearing apart their home! They were surprisingly calm considering the situation though!
This is what it looked like when we had removed it all.
We got all of the comb and were feeling successful at gathering the bees. We assumed the queen was buried below the mounds of bees, so we transferred the bees into my hive. By that time, I was confident in handling the bees and was totally enjoying my experience.
As we were packing up to leave, I noticed several groups of bees huddled around on the lights and fixtures. I wanted to loose as few as possible, so we got containers Berry had brought and started gathering clumps of bees to take home also. I was just about to wrap things up, when I had the thought that I should go up and see if there were any bees that stuck around their old dwelling. There was a mound of them , so I gathered them. Then just as I was climbing down, I noticed a board with a small clump of bees on it. I grabbed that too. When I got into the light, I studied it and the bees. Then I noticed a larger bee beneath the others. It was the queen! We had thought she was with the comb and hadn't even wondered if she wasn't in with the others!!
It was a miracle that I even thought to go take one last look. I'm just glad that I did!!! God is involved in my life...and he cares about bees too I sure. I'm just thankful I followed that prompting!
In 1.5 hours and only 1 bee sting from a bee that got trapped in my waistband, and a few stings on Berry's leg where the went up his pants, we headed home with the hive in our trailer. Now I just need to buy my own bee suits so I will be ready if I get another call!
Just so I remember...some things we had with us:
suits including gloves
saw
pry-bar
box cutter
several boxes
spray bottle
If I ever have the chance again, I am going to bring a few more supplies with me.
A flashlight
Rubberbands for my pantlegs and to attach comb to the bars.
Shoes OTHER THAN FLIP-FLOPS...I forgot real shoes????
Duct Tape (of course!)
Smoker
We are so excited to care for the bees, and perhaps, one day, try some of their honey!
I guess we are bee keepers now....or bee guardians as the video says! We are really enjoying watching them as they busy themselves with re-building their hive! Bees are such amazing creatures!
And to think Patrick had to work and miss all of the fun! He'll still get to have honey though. :)
It's official!
The peas are planted and the official planting season has begun around here!
My goal: TO GROW FOOD!
As much as possible!
And it might just work.
I am hoping so at least!
I am taking a monthly class that teaches what I should be doing in the garden each month.
Sofar, so good!
Plus, I've got seeds!
And there will be lots more.
I am soooo excited for spring to be here!
In other news....last month I found my camera with a puddle of water welled up in the lens thanks to poor placement on my part when I took it with me in the car and a certain 2 year old with a mason jar full of water. It's back to camera pictures for a while...Arg!
This year, we are assigned to go to church at 9:00!
I LOVE IT!
And it may also be the end of me!
Oh sure, it's only 1 day a week, but for a homeschooling family that only leaves the house before noon 1 other day of the week at 9:30, it's quite a challenge for us!
The first two weeks of the year, we were on time half of the time even!
Then, I was asked to speak in church!
On the same day I was to teach the children Sharing Time in Sunday school!
AND they wanted me to be there at 8:30!
Gasp.
I was tempted to have me speak the following week, but I decided I may manage.
I did my best to prepare in advance for my talk and lesson with prayer and thought and I felt directed, but my talk just hadn't jelled.
I set out the younger boys outfits out the night before.
When the alarm (which I NEVER use at this point in my life) woke me, I got ready then tied up the loose ends for my talk while Patrick tried to rally the troops, which is no small undertaking!
They pushed us to the limit and there was weeping and gnashing of teeth, but we survived and we were on our way!
We made it to the church at 8:50, and were greeted by a kind (perspiring) bishop, I sat down and let out a sigh of relief then continued to gather my final thoughts.
I delivered my talk on Temple work and was so grateful to have the help of the Holy Ghost to fill in the gaps.
I felt good as I sat down, knowing I had shared what I was prompted to and that I had learned what I needed at this time in my life!
As I sat while the next speaker spoke, I felt grateful for my children seated below.
I was even more grateful for Patrick and his composure as he tried to keep them under wraps.
I felt such joy and shed a few tears as I looked at my family from a different viewpoint!
All thoughts of the tumult of that morning vanished, and I savored the moment.
After the feelings of mommy joy flooded my body....I noticed Devon's hair.
Then Dallin's, Anna's and Justin's. I next noticed the dirty ties, dirty faces and wrinkly dress.
Not a single one was groomed...
and in that moment, it just didn't matter!
When I got home from church, I documented their hair-do's (or the lack thereof) and their cute little faces.
Next week, when there is not so much on my mind, I will hopefully notice them BEFORE leaving the house!
Now that I don't complicate things any more than needs be for birthdays, making a two year old happy on his big day is a cinch!
I made a cake, had the kids wrap a few gifts, threw up the trusty pennant, lit some chopsticks on fire (not a tradition...I couldn't find the real candles), and we sang him a happy song!
A perfect birthday for my cute little guy.
Here's some stuff about Devon at two!
Thanks for the idea Melissa. ;) Height and Weight:
30" and 28#
Favorite Color:
Undecided
Favorite
Foods: Apples are his favorite, but Devon will eat most anything!
He loves food, and eats lots of it!
Favorite Treat:
Dried figs, raisins and anything he can get his dad to share with him.
Favorite Toys: Babies, dishes, blocks and cars.
Favorite
Outfit: None at all.
Seriously.
It is sooo hard to get him to keep clothes on...
Favorite Activities:
Lately, he LOVES looking at picture books, just like his siblings.
He has also become rather fond of climbing on tables.
Were trying to undo that one.
What makes him happy:
Animals, especially dogs and chicks, people acting silly and welcoming daddy home! He sure loves his daddy.
He's more of a daddy's boy than any of the other kids.
What makes him
sad:
Until, two weeks ago, it was being in nursery.
He dislikes it when anyone leaves and he doesn't get to go...especially when it is daddy that leaves him.
Personality Traits:
Bashful, rambunctious, explosive, stubborn if asked to do something, reserved in new settings, easy going, easily entertained, loving when he warms up to others, star of the show, and independent.
On the way out the door to go the auntie's house for his first sleepover. He was mostly a big boy. :)
Skills he is mastering:
Copying anything and everything we do. He also repeats us constantly.He was potty trained last month and loves the attention he gets, but is reconsidering his options at the moment. Running with a little waddle. Cleaning like everyone else. Helping out and being a big boy.
Testimony: He loves seeing pictures of Jesus and pointing him out. He loves to pray like us and can repeat what we say. I have even heard him praying on his own once.
All day on New Years Eve we watched the snow fall from the picture window of Patrick's mom's hospital room. It was quite the tender mercy to behold as we sat there during her recovery from urgent gallbladder surgery. We get snow only a few times a year here and this was the first snow of the year so it was a special treat!
It was magical even.
The snowflakes where light and fluffy, clumped together in large bunches.
We got home after dark that night, but the kids were incredibly excited.
That evening, we had a "wild night." After all, 4 kids up past midnight is anything but tame! They all even made it to midnight! They wouldn't dare miss getting their share of the best rootbeer know to man {Virgil's}, a rousing game of Memory Matching, crackers and cheese, some coconut milk ice cream and the traditional beating on pots and pans.
New Year's Morning when we finally got out of bed after a late night, we got to be hold the beauty.
I really enjoyed walking the property with a fresh blanket of beautiful white snow.
Thankfully abnormal below freezing temps even allowed it to stay on the ground for 3 days!
A couple of weeks ago, Shaunna, a friend of mine posted pictures of their Christmas tree.
Lots of people are doing so these days, but this one was different than most I see.
It was unlike my usual Christmas Tree even.
Her tree was decorated by her children!
And I am pretty sure it was ONLY her children.
After I got over the initial shock of that wonderful yet awry tree, I was so impressed.
Soon, it came time for us to put up our Christmas tree!
We live in a part of the world with a Christmas tree farms every couple of miles, but they close at dusk when daddy is still at work so we ended up at the hardware store for a Christmas tree this year! Not so romantic, but it's a tree and the kids were happy.
Next, it was time for decorating it.
I had thought about their tree several times, but it wasn't until the night we decorated ours that I decided.
This year, the Morris family tree would be decorated by the children by golly!
Oh sure, my kids usually "help" me decorate the tree, but you see, I'm usually the tree master.
When we opened up the boxes of ornaments this year, I helped get them out, but I did not direct, order or re-position a single ornament.
Believe me, it was hard to restrain myself as the ornaments starting to gather together in clusters(of the same kind even!!!), some barely hanging on, while others met the floor!
I stood my ground, sat back and watched as they worked their magic.
And it was magical by the way.
I found so much pleasure watching as my bunch of happy children {sans the tree boss} were enjoying the decorating.
They truly enjoyed themselves. I just love the look on Justin's face as he sat and admired his work while the others finished up.
And when their work was done, not only was I content, they were too.
Luckily those feelings lingered because the next morning when I heard the crash and I saw it prostrate on the ground thanks to certain little fella (whom I'm pretty sure didn't mean to knock it all the way down,) I picked up the tree, and they chipped in and decorated it, again.
julie: daughter of God. wife of patrick. mommy to justin 8, anna 6, dallin 4 and devon 1. sister. daughter. friend. member of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. breastfeeder. homebirther. homeschooler. teacher. designer. people watcher. homemaker. laundry avoider. some-sort-of gardener. bee keeper. real food lover. traditional foods cooker. garage saler. scavenger. gleaner. dumpster diver. deal finder. organizer. mess maker. nature lover. wanna-be-photographer. scrapbooker on extended leave. water drinker. procrastinator. enjoyer. list maker. non-fiction reader. blogger. knowledge seeker. life long learner. leader. lover of life.
if i had my own magic genie: he would put the scent of my babies milkebreath in a bottle so i could have it captured forever! he would create matches for all of my lonely socks.
