Has spring sprung on our little Homestead? This year we were teased with unseasonably warm weather in March, and here we sit almost hours from May desperate for spring in all its glory. I think we can safely say spring is here. I may not be a fan of the mud that spring tracks in, but I definitely am a fan of the new life it brings.
For awhile now we have been hearing the chirping of birds and been watching them building their nests. We have roamed the property anxiously inspecting plants, trees, and bushes to see if they survived the winter. The roosters crow and the hens are happily pecking away at the new grass and umm weeds that are growing.
After ending up with too many roosters last year we decided to add some sex links to our flock. We have been selling some eggs and have customers waiting for us to expand. It is nice to be able to cover our chicken expenses and still make a tiny profit. We have not given up on heritage breeds and have decided to try to hatch a few out. The children are counting down the days until hatch day. I sure hope our rooster was up to the task otherwise we will have some disappointed little ones (and big ones). 
The apple trees have all been pruned and the buds are starting to burst open. We are hoping to add a few more fruit trees this year and have already added ten raspberry canes. We decided to try five regular and five ever bearing and see which we prefer.
We need to get moving forward with the garden, between the rain and David’s work schedule we are at a stand still. Around here you can have frost up until the May 24 weekend so we have some time yet but it will be here before we know it. I feel very unprepared. I dream of a large country garden, orchard, a going chicken concern, a few turkeys, some pigs, and perhaps even a dairy cow or goat. Yet reality tells me that as many of these skills are new to Dave and I that we should take it one step at a time, and try and master a few skills before pushing forward.
I can’t help but look at all the new life and new beginnings and reflect on the new Life that Christ brings into our lives. As I reflect on the state of our Homestead, I find myself reflecting on the state of my heart. I guess the wonderful part is if there are any weeds starting to sprout up in my heart they can be pulled and I find that HIS mercies, “They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness.” ~ Lamentations 3:23
Looking forward to an abundant year in both my heart and the Homestead!
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Those chicks are so cute! I love farm fresh eggs. So worth paying more for them than getting them from the store!
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There really is a difference to the farm fresh eggs, we love them!
I just love those chick pics. We have had the weather, but I really need to get out to get another major planting in the ground. Perhaps tomorrow.
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There is always so much to do isn\’t there!!!
I'm looking forward to getting my garden in, too. I tried planting the tomatoes, peppers, and broccoli from seeds indoors but they didn't work out again..oh well…there are greenhouses and nurseries in the area! Love the chicks..so cute
Louis and I would love to have a little homestead one day, but I guess for now I'll just work on my gardening and canning skills 
Hope you have a great week! (Ps. Tobi's been repeatedly asking when he'll see Joel again..you guys will have to come for a visit soon!)
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I think next year I am going to experiment with seeds I was reading an article about the nutritional value of broccoli sprouts makes me want to give it a try!
I love this! Ohhhhhhhhh, don't us girls just love a baby? We could look at a baby anything and get excited. Yes, spring has sprung in your household!
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Marlece We were at the feed and seed the other day and there was the most adorable little puppy and it was all I could do not to bring him home. If Dave had said okay he\’d have come home with me even though it would have been totally impractical. Good thing Dave has a level head because I look at a baby of any kind and go to mush!!
What a beautiful life!! Thanks for visiting the Make My Morning Blog hop I host it every Monday I'm so glad you came by- OH and I'm totally with you on the Captcha I thought I was the only one who had to refresh one million times LOL.
I LOVE chickens. I dream of having two and already have them named – Fred and Fannie.
Loved looking at yours!!
P.S. – Hope to see you at Tea on Tuesday! (a new link up on my blog starting Tuesday!)
Oh I hope you get your chickens some day! I will pop by for tea sounds great!
Cheryl… I love this!! Believe it our not, this city girl would like one day too have a homestead like yours. I can't tell you how long it's been, but I have wanted a pig for the longest time. I know call me crazy!!.. i also would love to have chickens and roosters. However, as you said, we need to take it a step at a time. Blessings.
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These photos are just amazing. Love some little chickens!
Thanks Amber!
Love spring so much! We haven't been able to finish prepping our garden either, the rain has held us back. but my son and I planted seeds in egg cartons so that he could see the process close up. And he got to hold a chick for the first time on the weekend, so cool! Spring has sprung, and I am so pleased
Best wishes to you!
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Your post brought back memories of when I was a kid and we had chickens and all those baby chicks. Sometimes the hens would sit on eggs and sometimes we'd go buy the baby chicks. Such a great learning experience. Thanks for sharing.
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I have always wanted to have chickens and eggs, but here in the desert, they would never make it with all of the predators. I'm still tempted though to try it!
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