The Ranch: Where Boys Become Men

We said more good-byes today. While we knew our old sheep Job was probably not going to see the year end, we were not ready for his sudden demise. Yesterday seemed fairly normal - regular chores in the morning and evening. We didn't hear anything or sense any distress from the animals. We even hosted friends, so people were out and about in the back. But sometime in the afternoon, there was a coyote attack. We didn't determine that until this morning.

I took the girls to their Keeper of the Home session along with mascot Joe at 6:30pm. With the majority gone, Paul and the boys had the opportunity to fish. In the twilight they spotted Job floating in the pond. He was gone. We almost lost a goat to the pond in May; I suppose this is why these animals are referred to as the "stupid" ones. They like to step out into the grasses and reeds where it "looks greener" literally and they lose their balance and get over on their sides. Without a steady ground they are unable to right themselves and are vunerable. Hannah and Naomi spotted the goat earlier in the summer and we were able to rescue her - basically pull her up enough for her to get her footing and tear out of there! But with Job, we assumed the poor old man just couldn't right himself in time.

This morning provided different answers. Josh and I took the boat while Paul and Jon took the land. While paddling out to pull Job out we spotted another pond victim! One of the white ladies (we call the three white sheep who always stick together the "white ladies") was on her side and tangled. With the help of the four of us we got her up and out - but there was blood and wounds. While Paul attended to her, Josh and I went to pull out Job. That's when we realized he didn't just lose his footing. Poor Job had been attacked and killed by a coyote(s). The markings were undeniable. We've come to recognize the work of various villians now living out here. What parts the racoons take versus the fox or the coyote. Even a cat will leave a unique way of dissection.

We lost Tina, our faithful Alpaca, to old age last year. It's hard to lose her best friend Job. Death comes on the farm more than I'd care to meet it. It's difficult to lose an animal. It's man-making to have to put one down. We worked on the white lady all morning. I never thought I'd be tending to sheep wounds. At first, it appeared that she was responding fairly well given the shock of her attack and pond experience. As the day went on, we had to make the tough call. She was unable to move her back legs and it appeared that her neck was broken. It was time. My boys have become men out here on the Ranch. In the past three years I've seen them rise up to do the hard things Ranch-life demands. They have buried many an animal, nursed many an animal, and now put one down (and not for eating - there is a difference). I'm thankful for young men who are learning the value of life and the mercy of death.

Still, it's been a hard day. I suppose the girls are learning life lessons, as well - they just aren't present during the difficult parts. Now, sons, it's time to kill a coyote.

(Don't worry, no one 10 and under is allowed out back without an adult.)

Welcome May!

While the weather is heating up, it's still beautiful out here on the farm. There is always plenty of hard work to do, but there is always time to play!

Enjoying a new boat from Uncle Sam

Who says we don't welcome Canadians? Enjoying the new family on the lake

Having a jet ski cracks me up, but it is a fun way to churn up the water and keep the moss down.The big kid doesn't seem to mind, either.

I love this shot! Miriam in PJs and bottle enjoys an evening ride. Josh is a super great big brother.

We enjoyed an extra girlie this week, as Hannah's friend stayed with us.

Those are our four baby ducks behind Naomi.

eggselent

Corny, I know. We love fresh eggs, but even this family of 11 is struggling to keep up with our chickens. Live close and have a carton? Bring it by church and we'll fill it up with farm-fresh organic eggs - no charge. I have no desire to get into the egg-selling business, but we do need some more egg takers. Please.

Yep, that's about 228 eggs right there.

Make pretty Easter eggs. . .or natual, too

If you don't want eggs, please drop off your cartons. . .

March Monday Morning Surprise

This morning as we set out on our First Fruits walk, we opted out of the longer mile route in order to take the shorter backyard route. I'm not sure we saved time this morning! As we rounded the first bend and started by the bridge, we noticed there were no longer three billy goat gruffs living on the island - but 5! Yep, one of the mama goats had twins sometime late last night or early this morning (umbilical cords were still attached).

Mama goat watches in the background

Bek cuddling with one of the new twin boys

Joey doesn't smile much for the camera - but this morning he was all smiles

So was big brother Jon, who was excited to have a new baby to replace Tebow

Two makes it easier to share!

The name game began as we resumed our walk around the lake. We've already had Jacob and Esau (former dogs) and our new pup is Jake. Jael wanted Paul and Silas, because everyone else is a Bible name. Jon threw out a candy option - Mike n Ike. Sarah thought Phineas and Ferb (some kind of new cartoon show) might fit the pair. Paul encouraged them not to get too attached - they are meat goats. So, I thought we could name them Yum and Yum. Yum yum. Ok, maybe not.

Personally, I'm not crazy about goats in general. They eat the plants you don't want them to and can get out of any fence. However, they have remained trapped on the island and are doing a nice job eating the weeds down. And, I would like to see about milking the mama goat because I hear fresh goat's milk is delicious. Despite my lack of love for goats - baby goats are precious. I love babies and spring continues to be my favorite season partly for that reason. The farm fills up with baby kittens, chicks, ducks, gooslings, and some goats! 

Fearless Miriam was also not so crazy about the goats! :)

Probably the most favorite memory of 2012, definitely one of the craziest...

This morning the kids and I were trying to put a date on the following favorite memory and we are all pretty sure that is was early in 2012. I'm fairly sure that it is one of those "you had to be there" kind of memories, but perhaps you can catch a glimpse of how things go at the Micu house.

One of the blessings of ministry is coming in contact with other believers and having an instant connection in Christ. Of course, you don't have to be in paid ministry to experience this, but opportunities abound in full-time ministry. Another blessing is having others become part of the family, so to speak. When those kids get married, we get even more added to the fun.

It was one of those times. Two families gathered at our home; they, connected by marriage but all three families connected by the bonds of brotherhood in Christ. What I love about this particular group is they are so out of my league intellectually. (I promise I am slowly getting to the favorite memory part.) Anyway, I'm pregnant (what's new) and our little ones are running around loving that we have company. We have both families plus girlfriends/boyfriends and the house is buzzing with laughter and fun. Multiple conversations abounded as you traveled from one corner of the kitchen to the dining room. On top of that it was a cool and rainy evening, keeping the kids of all ages inside to have their fun.

Sometime in the midst of all this Paul starts sharing about our new llama, Astro and his acclamation to the farm. Astro was struggling with his position on the farm and being the only "intact" male in the pasture he was chasing the other animals. At some point the conversation became direct on what needed to occur and the men were rising to put on boots and jackets. Flashlights were found and the buzz around the kitchen took on a new higher pitch. Before you knew it, Dr. Kahn (vet) and Dr. Fujihara (general practice) were heading out back with Paul and kids above age 10 to perform surgery. Homeschool science at it's finest. How many classrooms dissect testicles?! Exactly. Sarah (our future nursing student) even got to administer the injection.

I wasn't exactly out there that evening so someone else may have to add to the memory. But we still laugh at how that dinner party turned out! It was an incredibly enjoyable evening made even more so with a fantastic memory of a supper turned surgery. The glow on my kids' faces is my favorite memory of the evening. I'm pretty sure they rated that gathering as A+.

What I also love about this group - the 12 mixed Asian kids. :) It looks like I have dozen beautiful kids and some with spouses! 

Fall on the Farm

The past few weeks have brought beautiful weather with lots of fall projects.  Most include hauling leaves/branches and pruning, but the kids find ways to make it fun! 

 Cayla (Caleb) had a new batch of kitties.  All of them were tigers and we easily found home for these cuties. 

 Jael and Naomi have fun in the "burn pile."

 After hauling all the branches, the stick throwing competition begins!

 The boys and Paul spent a Saturday cutting and hauling firewood, too.  Hannah, Naomi, and Jael enjoy new play places.  Joey is eyeing the big stick!

 Oh, so cute!

 Bekah helps paddle the boat and crew around the lake, even with her broken foot!

I don't think we've introduced Poppet.  Paul found her out on the corner and felt badly for her.  We love calling "here, Poppet!" in a pirate accent.

Oops

Well, we came home a week ago today looking for out cat, Caleb.  After searching for a bit we discovered him in the planter with four baby kitties!  Oops.  Guess he isn't the Daddy cat after all.  We are changing his name to Cayla:).  The kittens are darling: one blond, one orange, one gray striped, and one calico.  Pictures to follow...

More life...

Paul opened the door early Saturday morning and found a litter of kittens on the door step!  They were still wet and getting cleaned up from Mama Cat, Maachah.  So sweet and little. . .anyone need a kitty?!

Spring!

Spring has come to the farm!  It is lovely here.  With the arrival of spring comes the arrival of babies!  We love babies!  Our (now 9) chicks were joined by two darling ducklings bought by Joshua. . .

 The kids also pooled their money together to purchase three baby bunnies from a neighbor.  Nilla, Mocha and Chip are fun and playful additions to the family.  I like them because they like to eat my pesky clover weeds:) and lawn trimmings.

 Happiness is holding a baby!  Naomi cuddles with Nilla, while Jonathan introduces Chip to clover.

 Sarah and Bekah sharing Mocha.

 Learning to be careful. . .

 Joshua protecting Chip from JJ!

New chicks to the farm

So much fun!

It's a cute contest!

Joey and Jael are loving the little chicks.  . .but have to be watched closely.

Our new brood.

Yum, I like chicken!

New to the Farm...

Jonathan welcomes JJ the alpalca to the farm.  Josh feeds the four sheep in the background.

Not quite the pony that Hannah desires, but it's a start!

We added seven more ladies to the hen house!

Bekah gets JJ used to the farm.  The sheep don't have names, but might be dubbed Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo and Leonardo ...

Farmer Paul home from work and a walk around the lake with kids and animals.

JJ and JJ!

All kinds of waterfowl are making themselves at home out on the lake.  It's a treat to watch.

A local farm is moving and needed to relocate a few of their animals.   We were excited to add an alpalca, 4 sheep and seven hens to our little farm.  If the novelty wears off we are also fortunate to have a niece who would love all of them!  I think the alpalca is a bit old to be good steak....