New family members

We finally did it. We got chickens! The weekend before spring break, we decided on a whim (okay nothing is really on a whim in our household, but for us it was spontaneous), to go to the farm store and surprise the kids with chicks. Kyle had researched the breeds we wanted ahead of time (see? not totally spontaneous), and so he let each kid choose from a bunch of bins (funny to me how these little creatures cost no more than a handful of change, and are piled in like sardines, and yet become such attached pets... more on these "pets" later from Marin). So they each picked a chick and named it. 

Here is the rundown:

Marin picked a Buff Orpington, named Goldie Popcorn

Madeline picked a Red Sexlink named Lucky Clover

Max picked a Rhode Island Red named Bumble Bee Ketchup

Marcus picked a Barred Rock named Zebra (it really is black and white striped too, ha ha!)

We really had no advance preparation (see? this is out of CHARACTER)... Most people I know build a coop outside, then get the chicks. But no, we get our chicks, tape together a couple cardboard boxes, get some bedding, food and a heat lamp, and then decide on a coop. Kyle did lots of research at this point, decided on a design, and the kids and I marched our chicken feathers right down to the City of Hillsboro and got our permit. We were pretty proud of ourselves. 

For the last 6-8 weeks, Kyle has spent every spare minute building these four beauties a chicken palace. Our hens are more like queens and they will have the mansion to prove it. The man does nothing half baked, and well, if the chicken thing does not end up working out, he will have built himself a pretty nice man cave (ulterior motive perhaps? one cannot know...). Pictures are below to document this very exciting adventure!

(<(<(Side note... Marin is at it again with her precious little poems and essays... This one has no title, but I will type out her words... be still my PRECIOUS mother's heart!! She is profound.

I think a chicken or chick would be the perfect pet

A chicken would be the perfect pet because it would have a good use: laying eggs.

It is a good pet because it is inspirational sight to see it grow through it's life cycle also.

And it is a cute and adorable pet that makes you happy.

Finally, a chicken can change your life in many ways by giving you more emotion.

I told you why I think a chick is a good pet.)>)>)

Mom bringing the chicks for a show and tell at school!

Marin's message to the school on the entryway white board

We tried to get Marcus to put Zebra on his head, but no dice :) So Daddy filled in

Easter celebration

We went to the Saturday night service at church this year for Easter, and that was so refreshing. I loved being able to worship & reflect without the pressure of hosting a gathering immediately after. Sunday we had our friends and family at our home, complete with a smoked Traeger ham, easter egg hunt, and lots more food and fun. Matching family pictures, of course :) I wonder how many more years "they" will allow me to do matching outfits? So far, "they" still like it! I swear I'm not pulling any arms... Love my family, I am blessed to be surrounded with so much love. Thank you God for your indescribable gifts.

He is Risen - He is Risen indeed!

Little mommy and little daddy helping the baby along :)

Days with Marin

Poem by Marin

Title: Nature

I love the way
the daffodils sway
I love the perk
of a chick's chirp
I love the  nondispare (i do not know this word)
of the cool air
I love the spring
of a pine needle
I love the relaxation of nature

Lights, camera, action

For the last two years, Marin's class has been involved in a grant from the Oregon Zoo. The kids raise salmon in their classroom, as part of their major salmon unit, and then at the end of the cycle, they release the salmon into the Tualatin River to begin their journey into nature. It has been really, really cool to have a zoo expert involved in the process. Here is the most exciting part... She and I were invited by her teacher & the Oregon Zoo to be the focus of a video the zoo is making to promote programs like this in the public schools. They will use it for public awareness, and at fundraising events to get more money for more schools. Right now, I think our school is the only one doing this program! So the cameras followed us around on a recent field trip, and interviewed the two of us on camera. The final product should be out this summer, but let's just say Marin is passionate and was a natural and her mother was (...in a high voice...) AWKWARD. I don't even care, it was such an awesome experience and one we can remember forever once we have that video in hand :) It was a very proud moment for me and her teacher... It is so rewarding to see one of your students/children just take the ball and run with learning.