dankel farm life

BABY

anyhow that is the current feeling.  I have felt a little nudge to get things rolling for baby girl.  i am currently getting my order together for some new cloth diapers.  I prefer the indian prefold diapers ($1 each) and pro wrap covers (7.00).  Today my 1 1/2 yr. old was able to wear only 1 pro wrap cover which is so nice.  All you have to do is wipe out the cover and put it back on the new diaper.  I have started sewing my own wipes so that is so nice to not be buying wet wipes.  I  am looking for an easy sewing pattern to make some of my own diapers also.

SCHOOLING

Schooling is going well.  After 8 years of using Abeka I have switched to the Weaver Curriculum which is much like the Charolette Mason style teaching.  So all my 6 students are learning the same thing and how much fun it is to be with them all at once.  No going from book to book and my eldest going to his room to school because he can't concentrate with all the excess noise of other studies.  The children are enjoying it and I feel as though a great groove is under way.  Which is so nice!!

ANIMALS

The animals are doing well.  My dad is building me some new nesting boxes for my rabbits.  I have one ready to kindle next week and one 2 weeks from now.  They are doing very well.  Hoping to end up with atleast a dozen to put in the freezer.  For other rabbit raisers is it ok to keep a doe from one momma and a buck from another momma but they have the same daddy and use them as another set of breeders?  Just wondering.  Trying not to purchase more rabbits if I don't have to.  My very large lop eared rabbit is absolutely beautiful.  She is very large and so very nice.  hoping to end up with a nice buck from her to breed back with the other mommas doe.  how would it fair to breed son to momma?  Too weird?  I really like the LE line I have right now.

Anyhow I must be off to bed.  I have an OB apt. with my mid wife in the morning and another US.  I have placenta previa again so they watch it carefully.  Anyhow it will be nice to see little Christi Cae again.

God Bless, Dawn

I must say this past summer took our household for a loop.  My husband loosing his twin to suicide and pregnancy number 8.  This all played on our marriage which seemed to be an up hill battle.  The devil dove right in and new exactly what to say.  It has been weary and exhausting sometimes trying to get through this but the Lord has promised me peace and I have chosen to seek His face that much harder.  Some feel I have gone overboard in my beliefs but I know the Word is true and the Lord does not change.  I wear ahead covering not all the time because I feel funny at times because I know some of my household deems it silly.  I have been studying the scripture about family sizes and more children and cannot help but see that the Lord has no desire for us to limit the number of children we have.  He is the deciding factor to what happens in our lives.  I have been reading the book "Be fruitful and multiply"  which gives wonderful advice all backed up with the bible.  There is not a reason why anyone can tell me or convince me that as a christian we should limit our numbers in children.  The Lord may very well have no more children for this household but who am I to put a number on it when the Lord may have different plans.  I am seeking hard to be that proverbs 31 wife but I know I struggle with it at times but I am trying.  With so many children, homeschooling and trying to live as self sufficient as possible I do know I struggle in keeping the house.  I know the Lord is a God of order so I will work till I get things right.  There seems to be so many outside influences on the children.  It is too easy sometimes to let things slip by for the sake of one less argument.  A teenager and a preteen can sometimes work circles around you when they know your worn down.  So once again I will gather the "troops", regroup and circle around to do what needs to be done. 

So anyhow on that note I must be off there are children needing help and pancakes are calling me!!

Have a blessed day, Dawn

I knew it had been awhile since I had last been blogging but I had no idea it had been 2 months.  I have been really busy with homeschooling and working on getting things ready for winter.

I am now 23 weeks pg. and we have found out it's a girl!!  My husband has chosen the name Christi Cae.  Cae should be Kae but he would like it spelled Cae so he can call her CC.  Very cute I do believe.

We had a nice Thanksgiving.  We went to my parents house with all my siblings and their spouces and children.  Which makes for alot of children.  My neice has 3 boys plus 2 step sons so there is alot of little men running around there.  Her 5 all range in my childrens ages so they have play mates for one another when they all get around one another.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving  the girls and I prepared another meal and my parents came for supper.  We had a nice time as well.  My chldren are waking and I must be going!!  Have a blessed day!!             -Dawn

This is our family at Thanksgiving.  Not sure if the picture is there or not!!                                                                           

I have hit 13 wks. and my energy and maybe even my sickness seems to be better.

We have started back homeschooling and all seems well thus far.  Nice to get back to a fall scedule.  There is always so much to do and so little time.  This weekend seems like it will be nice so hopefully things can get done outside.

I battling a sickness in my rabbits and can't seem to figure out their problem.  Tried new food and dandelion greens but once they start getting skinny they failand I am unable to save them.  My rabbits have gone from 6 down to 2 and now my big momma is getting skinny.  The farmer sprayed around the field and around our fire wood and that is near our outdoor rabbit area so I have wondered if they got sprayed or injested the spray.  So anyhow I hope to get the rabbits back inside and figure out their problem as I only have 2 left so I will once again have to buy more. 

Well my littlest is in need of nursing and maybe I can get another hour in or so of some sleep.

Blessings, Dawn

Just a quick note as I am so very tired again.  I am now 9 weeks pg. and was thinking I may just get throught he first trimester without being sick but oh well nice thinking anyhow!!  Not only am I soooo tired I am sooooo sick!!  Today I was able to eat crackers with milk and sugar and potatoe soup broth with crackers and some carrot sticks.  It was lunch before I could eat anything so I was shakey by 12:30 and could only stomach crackers with milk on them.  Sounds gross but oh so yummy!!

So anyhow it is way past my bedtime so I am off!!  God Bless, Dawn

Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin
The Trumpet by Bill Burns -- July 16, 2007: I say unto you, My people, arise! These are the days of the restoration of all things. Do you not know that you are the Elijah's of the end of the age? You are those who bring the freshness of heaven to the earth. You are those that defeat the enemy wherever he is found. I call you now to a place of redeeming the time -- the times of sickness, heartache, depression and the times of unrighteousness. I call you to redeem all of these so that you may be well, healthy in body, soul and spirit. Redeem that which the enemy has stolen, the days lost, the days of sorrow, and let them become days of great joy. I am restoring My people to greatness and the demonstration of My power. So, I say again, arise and shake off the dust of weakness and the power of the enemy against you. Come forth in the fullness of the power of My Spirit, says the Lord. Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns-- July 16, 2007: Exercise your voice, for that is your weapon against the enemy. Many of you, My people, have been silenced through accepting condemnation and rejection designed to intimidate you and shut your mouth. But, now you must arise and use your voice as a sword, your weapon of choice. Speak against the devil and his devices. Resist him and refuse to allow him to violate your spiritual boundaries, and he will be defeated, says the Lord. Ephesians 6:13-18 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. This seems to always touch my life.  The Lord is so very good!!  Rise up, have hope and be not ashamed.  Jesus Christ is the Lord now and forever.  He changes not.    Blessings, Dawn

The Lord is so very good!!  We must daily lift up our voices and praise His name!  There is such peace in His name.  The very thought of His love for me brings me to my knees. 

Thats all!!  Have a wonderful rest of the weekend.  Blessings, Dawn

June 27, 2007: I have set before you an elevation in the spirit realm, and you can now take a step up. Your obedience to My directives has made this possible, for surely I reward those who are diligent to seek Me and obey My commands. This step up will be mind- boggling in many ways, for much of what you encounter at this time will be beyond your scope of expectation or understanding. Rejoice in knowing that I have brought you further than you ever thought possible, says the Lord.
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

This is a daily insperational e-mail I get from Marsha Burns.  it always seems to ift my life and give me strength.

Blessings, Dawn

Thanks everyone for the prayers.  This has been a very hard 24 hrs.  My husband ( Chads twin) had to set down and write up his obituary today.  Something a twin should never have to do for their brother.  It broke my heart intwo!!  The Lord is very close!!  He is so very comforting.  I must remind myself this when I feel at a loss and overwelmed at the past few days.

I stopped home today for a short bit to love up the children and drop my littlest off to my parents.  And my oldest had suprised me and got the other rabbit hutch put together.  What a lovely child!!  It is better than I had hoped for. 

Anyhow I must be off and feed the little ones that are here hangin out with Aunt Dawn!!

Blessings, Dawn

The Lord is forever at work.  We had quite an experience with church camp last week.  We have been going to the Awana group and to the church for the last 5 yrs.  The group of people there is a little diff. because they can be VERY cold but other times be very loving.  A couple of families have decided to choose my eldest son as a punching bag.  They are our 2 closest family friends.  At first I thought they were just being overly protective trying to make sure that he made no mistakes.  Now I have found out lies they have told about him and he was treated very badly while at camp by one of the fathers.  I have found myself a little lonely not talking to my best friend in the Lord but also a good friend.  I just found out other lies tonight that really helped me to see that it is so important to have a strong family that serves the Lord and is not afraid to stand up for one another.  This faMILY RIGHT HERE REALLY IS THE ONLY THING THAT i NEED TO BE WORRING ABOUT.  Not what others may think or what they want to blame on others for their childs mistakes.  We all answer to God for what we have done not to man.  We have all been given the free will of making our own choices.  I cannot blame others for my eldests mistakes and I cannot blame others for any strife that may leak into the house.  Wiht all this said it seems the Lord is working on moving us out of here.  Either the church groups or to a diff. area all together.

I am torn, I love this house and the friends we have made.  This old house is in definate need of some upkeep.  We could use another bedroom and more animal room.  So anyhow, I am just praying and waiting on the Lord for the next step.  Rather it be moving, or just a new church we will see.

So anyhow!!  My lids are heavy and there's still much to be done before bed.

Blessings, Dawn

GOAT

I am in need of some goat info and rabbit info!!  We were given a goat by someone who found a lost goat.  He looks like a nubian but has ears that stick out to the sides.  Lovely colors dark red/brown with the front of his legs black a few white areas(very small) and a white star on his forehead.

RABBIT

A 3 month old rabbit was given to us in April said to be 3 months old.  She is white with a brown band around her belly and a little brown on her face.  Trying to figure out type and age of breeding.  Was told small to med. breeds at 5 months.  Is a rex rabbit considered a med breed?  They are only 7 wks right now.  We are enlarging our rabbit production so I was just wondering.  Is there a way I can figure out  Jettas age?

Off to bed now.  We had a long week of bible camp.  Children had fun but oh so tiring!!

Blessings!!  Dawn

It is so nice to be able to work outside and get some fresh air in the house.  We got our wood area all cleaned up and reorganized.  The barn is getting cleaned out and our piglets arrived yesterday!!  They are cute little girls.  One has an hurnia but was told she would still be ok for the freezer come fall.

All is going well here on the farm.  My husband took his nursing boards and graduates this Thursday.  So glad to have the schooling over!!  Well I must be off I have a little one calling me!! 

Blessings, Dawn

My daughter Cassidy and went out this morning for a walk while the cherry cobbler was baking and oh how wonderful spring is!!  My sedums and iris's are up and the grass is turning green!  I was concerned that the liloc bushes would be ruined as they were covered with ice not so long ago.  They look good and are covered in buds .  We had our first litter of kittens born this past Thursday and oh how cute they are.  My girls are more than ready to get moving on the gardening so I will now be getting the potatoes and greens in the ground within the next couple weeks.  First we need a good drying out.

My chichens are enjoying there first really nice day out and about.

My lovely old farm house but everything I have always wanted in a farm house.  I prefer old homesteds to the new ones.  There is just something about old farms and out buildings.

Have blessed weekend!  Dawn

We just got a new batch of baby chicks in yesterday.  Very short notice I still have nothing ready for them.  They are at the present hanging out in our living room by the heater waiting for their home.  We have dental appointments today so it will still be later today if not fri. before we get to their area.  My children love when we have baby chics though.  My oldest boy told me he woke up around 1 a.m. and the girls had out about 10 of the chics.  So my son put them back and also put my daughters back to bed.  He is alot of help.  I don't think our house slept very well last night.  My 4 yr old slept with me last night and he had a fever.  The baby was restless and would only sleep if lying on my chest.  My husband had no trouble sleeping!!  As for myself, well....... extra coffee today!!

I will hopefully be getting a new buck rabbit today and a new doe also Lord willing!!  Heading into town and will hopefully make to their place for the rabbits.  I will also be heading into the nursery for tom. seeds.  I like to have them going by now so I am afraid they won't do well.  I like my garden going early.  I'll just have to wait and see.  I must be off I have the childrens school books spread all over the table and floor.  It seems I am always going through all their school and reorganizing their school items.     Blessings, Dawn

My day is basically over.  Only myself and the radio is still up.  Three of my children have an itchy throat and a cough to go along with it.  So they were put to bed with a TBL of honey and a vitamin c and a little bit of warm tea with more honey and LOVE.

This has been a rather busy day.  It went as follows:

Up at 5:30

Hubby leaves at 6:00

A little computer

Children up at 7:00

Start baking bread

Make a ham loaf for lunch

Start beef roast

Keep working on bread

Washer broke down no laundry

Nurse Dora much needed break!!

Morning Snack of popcorn and juice

I call this a home ech schooling day

Girls and I work on noodles

Lunch

Quiet time for the littles

Reading

Everyone up and running again

Hubby calls to say his work is putting him up at the hotel:(

           No warm hubby to cuddle tonight

Girls and I finish noodles with them taking turns rolling and cutting

Look over lesson plans for the first grader.

Go over babysetting time sheet

Supper

Quiet time??

Kitchen clean up

Beds made in living room(cold upstairs tonight)

Children in bed

Myself at computer

Sweet Silence

I still need to look over the boys and girls spelling books and poems for tommorow but I am feeling tuckered out!!  Eyes heavy and bed sounds so good I can already feel it. 

Sweet Dreams to all and the Lords hands upon you, Dawn

  I really love this picture.  Not sure I want to know where the baby came from but how much more of a baby can it get? Lovely, just lovely.

Another day posing the risk of going without electricity.  I feel a little more prepared this time with more water on hand and I have been baking bread all day.  My husband will be staying in town tonight so he won't have to drive on bad roads today and tomorrow a.m.  We always miss him when he's gone from here.  Lord willing he will be able to come home tomorrow after work.  He works 12 hour shifts so that makes for long days away from home!!  He also works evenings 3times each week doing home health care. 

IN THE GARDEN

Heirloom Tomatoes

  -Beefsteak

  -Roma (for canning)

  -Cherry

Snow Peas

Potatoes

Onions

Zuccini

Cucumbers

Radishes

Corn

Peppers

  -Yellow

  -Red

  -Green

Other veggies I pick up at the farmers market.

Well my little one is needing me and I must return to baking!!

Blessings, Dawn