Adding On

Yesterday we celebrated four years of living in this house, along with the hubby's birthday. It was a good day, and a busy one. We hosted our "Barn Raising- Take 2" day. Barn Raising-Take 1 occurred last fall, with limited success, for lack of labor. Take 2 was much more successful. All told we had eight friends and family helping throughout the day, and were able to get quite a lot done. Decking on the second floor, "nailers" on the first floor, and three walls up on the second story. My two days of cooking culminated with our feast yesterday: smoked turkey, brisket, and lamb, fresh bread, assorted salads and sides, and blueberry pies and cake for dessert. Lots of work, but worth it, along with lots of leftovers!

I should probably put a disclaimer below this picture- I wouldn't recommend my husband's methods of working on a ten foot ladder, balance on two boards on top of seven foot scaffolding, with hard ground and piles of lumber beneath.

We "added on" a bit more in the turkey department this weekend as well. Our turkey hen hatched out four poults on Friday, Nate quickly put a fence around her nest along the garage to protect them from the fox that are still in the neighborhood. Today the boys and I took a short road trip to trade an ewe lamb for 12 half grown turkeys. We'll be eating good this winter!

It's amazing to me when I look back and think of all we have done in the last four years to see how much we have accomplished. Sometimes in the "wanting more" mode I forget how much we have gained and completed. There are SO many things we still want to accomplish. Finishing the barn obviously, fencing in more land for the sheep, more remodeling and work on the house, landscaping, sauna, workshop, the list is endless. I am so thankful for what we do have, and for what I know we are capable of in the future. All with lots of hard work! The help and support of family and friends sure doesn't hurt either! Thanks everyone!