Our Farm

The kids are constantly asking when we're going to build a barn so we can have a farm and be farmers.  There are three things wrong with this...

1.  I want them to be content with what we have.
2.  I'm tired of them asking.
3.  We already have a farm, right?

So, today, I asked them to define farm and the definition that we agreed on, although not totally accurate in the dictionary, was that "a farm is place where you grow things."  Ahhhh, now, the question, "What do we grow?"  Well, we had a good time listing everything and came to the conclusion that we do have a farm.  I enjoyed coming up with the list and the kids enjoyed searching for the pictures on the computer.  So, here you go...a summary of harvest from the Martin Family Five's (soon to be Six) little Markleville homestead :)

About 9 of our 10 acres is a hay field, and one of my favorite views from the back porch is just after the hay has been cut and these round barrels sit in the freshly cut pasture.  

Chickens, of course!  Our ladies not only give us eggs, daily, but also have taught us many science lessons!

Cats.  We have two outdoor felines that often remind us how badly they'd like to relocate to indoors and no matter how adorable, we're holding strong.  This is the only situation in which I'm thankful for allergies :)  I. Don't. Do. Litter!

Dogs.

Blackberries, rasberries and mulberries.

Strawberries.  Although I've never been able to do much with them because as quickly as we pick them, they are gone!  We planted a few more plants this year, so next year, hopefully, our crop will be bigger.

Frogs...yes, frogs.  The window wells to our basement is like a breeding ground and nature preserve for frogs and toads of all kinds.  It makes for pleasant sleeping when the windows are open and fun times for the kids if they need something to do :)

 Zucchini, zucchini and zucchini.  I can name it three times because I love it that much!  And as of this week, we have began our zucchini harvest.  I have enjoyed the delectable vegetable at almost every meal since!  Also, in the garden this year are tomatoes, peppers of many kinds, onions, cucumbers, and ASPARAGUS!  Asparagus runs a close second to my favorite veggie and after our wild asparagus didn't make it's appearance last spring, we replanted a new variety.  Next spring, we should be getting some nice stalks!

Also something new, we tilled and planted a melon and pumpkin patch this year.  It's small and we're just testing our abilities to grow these little treats, but so far, so good!  

Per Adri's request...sunflowers.  

And last but not least, my favorite thing to grow around here are these little Houdinis!  Our blessings are plenty and I am content with this precious life on our little farm.  There you have it, kids...you're farmers :)