I AM THAT MOM

 I have a soft spot when it comes to children and animals, and I believe in choice and freedom and happiness, especially where my kids are concerned.


When they wanted a rabbit to live inside I said sure and Chestnut became part of the family.


When they wanted chickens, and our first flock arrived unexpectantly early one winter, before a coop was built and the ground  still frozen, they lived in a bedroom. I was ok with that..sort of.


When they wanted a duckling and wanted it to live in the great room, of course it did...for awhile.


There was a day we had no dogs and the next day we had two dogs, and one was a puppy. The sweet grandbaby had allergies, and of course the dogs could come live with us.


And just recently, when they wanted a kitten I said yes, and instead got two kittens. I don't know how that happened, but the kids couldn't be happier, plus what's one more?


I am that mom that believe in my children and their choices and their happiness. I believe that animals and people belong together and caring for other living beings teaches us alot about our own selves. 


I am that mom that values people over posessions and believe a house is meant to be lived in and used to its maximum potential by the people who reside in it, whether a duck is waddling across the wooden floor or a kitten is knocking over a lamp.  It's the connections and the happiness that matters. I am that mom. 

This post is part of the impromptu Blog Carnival "I am that Mom" started by Ronnie  and inspired by Flo.


  Go HERE   to read more. and be sure to read all the links in the comment section.

SUNDAY STROLL - Animals

 The day is cloudy, and the ground is damp with rain. My mood mimics the weather today, a bit somber and  in slow motion, as I still nurse my cold.  It is really a do nothing day, nothing really productive that is,  but obviously the kind of day I need. We all need to take advantage of those days now and then.


The only Stroll that was happening today for me was one to check on the animals. Of course, a brisk walk around the property would have probably been the most beneficial, but I was pulling out the lazy card today.

I think my partner was wondering what was taking me so long.

The horses greeted with their usual nickers and neighs and were probably wondering where I have been all day.

The ducks were pacing the fence, getting ready to fly over, but I was not in the mood to be bitten by male ducks, so I hurried on.

I need not fear though, as my *protector* was at the ready to herd those ducks away should the need arise.

The rabbits were vying for position as they heard my footsteps, always dreaming of the luscious dandelion greens I often pick for them. Today was no exception.

Some of the hens were resting under the pines . . . 

while others were looking for snacks in the grass.

I was finished outdoors and noticed some cool mushrooms on the way to the house.

Inside,the kittens were just waking from a nap.

The rabbit was fine and was just hanging out

 .

And most of the chicks were resting.

 REST? Sounds like a perfect idea :)

 happy day!

Check out who else is strolling today at Aisling's The Quiet Country House !

TIME TO REST

This house is usually a bustle of activity at this hour of the morning but not today. The children are still asleep and all events have been cancelled for the day as we take time to rest and nurture ourselves back to health.


There is not a sound heard inside only the joyful symphony of birdsong coming from the outdoors through closed windows.


Napping is good and even our animal friends (who are all in the great room) agree.

As for me, after witnessing the antics out the kitchen window in the garden with a squirrel, two chipmunks, a  cardinal, and a hare,  I have had my daily dose of laughter and need to slowly but surely make my way to the barn. Animals still need care no matter how we feel.

And perhaps I will come back to the house and take a nap.



Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down on our blankets for a nap. ~Barbara Jordan

EIGHT PLUS

 I did not take pictures today. I wanted to be present in the moment , and not behind a camera lens. But try to picture in your mind the glorious connections the children were making with the natural world as you read. This is DAY 9 of The Great Outdoor Challenge.


 There were eight plus children here taking full advantage of Nature. It was orientation day of my Earth School today and families came to walk the land and see the animals and get a feel for the environment their children will be in each Tuesday for the next ten weeks.


 Boys played basketball. Girls cuddled with large, fluffy angora rabbits. Most all children interacted with Rocco, the bulldog ,in some way.

 Children leaned against the paddock fence and Lilly,one of our Haflinger horses, immediately came to greet them. 

The nine hens milled about here and there among the children scratching the ground looking for snacks.

 Gracie, the female Pekin duck kept a low profile and waddled back into her run as the children came near. She waited until they moved farther away before she came out again. 
Gilligan, the male Pekin duck, jumped out of his run ( Pekins are domestic ducks and domestic ducks cannot fly!) . I screamed. It was a reflex action as I have been bitten by him numerous times, too many to count. He was quickly returned to his run and all was well .


 We took a walk down the driveway to the pond and children ran and scampered everywhere. They crossed the narrow bridge of logs to get to the small island, a special treasure for make believe. 


 Children ran through the meadow that is still awaiting the new growth the warmer weather will bring. Two young children filled their arms to the brim with daffodils to bring home. Joy radiated from their faces. Some others picked a flower or two to hold or to put in their hair. 


 The children crossed the bigger bridge to the grassy knoll and ran and chased each other. It is  a glorious respite on hot summer days with the tall pines shading the whole area. 


All of a sudden we saw him in the sky! It was the Mallard drake!


 The duck was circling and circling, coming closer and closer to the ground until he landed in the middle of the pond. The children witnessed this and watched him swim around the pond quacking his *soft* quack ( It's the female ducks who have the loud quacks!). He didn't seem to mind the onlookers one bit.

In all things of Nature, there is something of the Marvelous. 

                           -Aristotle

VISIT the others who play the challenge.