The weather in April was everywhere from summer-like to winter-like and everything in between!
The month started with a severe storm with high winds. Our habitat tree, down by the creek, couldn't hold up to the wind gusts. Thankfully, it fell into the creek not the yard and was the only tree we had come down. We did lose electricity for 3 days which in the country also means no heat or water. We had to keep a fire going in the fireplace around the clock putting the chicks and ducklings close with jars wrapped in old t-shirts filled with boiling water in with them. The chicks would cuddle on the ducklings.
And the month ended with thunderstorms rolling through. Our house got struck by lightening! Thankfully no damage to the structure, but our portable phones, phone jacks and converter box for the tv all got fried. So we went a few days at the end of the month with no phone or internet. And we decided not to replace the converter box at this time since we don't watch tv during the warmer months.
But in between, we had some beautiful days!
And things really started to come alive like my forsythia bush.
And on those beautiful days, Matt and the kids could be found with their fishing line in the creek. They've put 15 trout in the freezer so far.
Easter Sunday was one of those beautiful days!
We celebrated the hope of our salvation in Christ's resurrection by attending our church's outside sunrise service at 6:30am. Enjoyed cooked breakfast afterwards before joining in Easter morning service. We came home taking naps since we were up before 5:00 then packed a picnic lunch and headed out for a family picnic including fishing!
We have been researching colleges and making lists most of this school year.
Nathan has it narrowed down to two. Slippery Rock is number one so we spent a day there visiting.
(really not sure how we got to this point in parenting!)
The kids had their archery banquet where everyone feasted and celebrated the kids' accomplishments. The kids came home with some cool prizes!
And we supported our local volunteer fire department by providing 12+ dozen cookies for them to sell at their corn hole tournament fundraiser.
Have I mentioned that we are getting honeybees?
We are teaming up with a local man who is working with Penn State through a grant to develop queen bees that thrive in the winters around here. So ...we provide an area for the apiary, he brings the bees and everything needed plus takes care of the bees. And we get a portion of the honey and the benefit of our own little pollinators. I'm so excited!
Here is the start of the apiary. We cleared the spot and the electric fence is in place.
Bees will arrive late May when the weather is more steady on the warm side.
(click to listen)
This song by Leanna Crawford has been my heart this past month as I see the spring flowers bloom, the high winds blow down a tree, the world turning green, the warmth of sunshine, help in many things, new life of our ducklings and chicks, the generosity of others, smiles, my family, our church ... HOW CAN WE NOT SEE GOD in every little thing?
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