What came first?

This week our family has had a very serious babysitting gig. Serious in this case is synonymous of New, Important and Eye opening. Our disclaimer is this: We are not country folk. I grew up around horses and fields and grandpa grew a garden. Our family heritage is that of cattle ranchers and horticulturists, and I love me some dirt, big time. But I knew nothing of the improvisation and the constant labor of blood, sweat, death, and love that comes from taking care of many animals and watering systems and crops and weather... Since moving to our new digs, 3 1/2 years ago, so many things have been new and eye opening. Not the least of which has been living next to a farmer who is welcoming to our family learning from this totally foreign and fascinating way of life. Things that are completely normal and mundane for our favorite farmer show me daily that my kids were so sheltered before coming here and being afforded this amazing learning curve. So this has been a science unit indeed for my kids. Admittedly, they mostly try to keep up with me as I move them along through the routine that is keeping many animals large and small alive, but they help sometimes and learn little things here and there. The most important lessons we are remembering right now are: "Don't chase that (insert whatever animal it is)...", "You can't hold it if you're scared of it, because you'll drop it", and "If you're going to come in here, you have to learn to be bossy with the dogs."

These are some of our babysitting subjects:  

 

Bart is a tender heart who is often mistaken for a bully. If he looks huge to you in this picture, he's about 3Xs as big as you think. And 3Xs as sweet. He's in the truck waiting for his boss, who won't be home for some time.

Molly begs for treats, because that what she does.

Howard the shy burro ate out of my hand today. He doesn't know it yet, but we're going to be best-buds. I bet he's a really good listener as long as you make no sudden moves.

 

The biggest learning curve of the week has been with these little babes. They are a-hatchin like hot cakes. This morning we spent most of our homeschool time watching one of them break through his shell through the window of the incubator. Then we came home and watched lots of Youtube videos to make sure we can keep them alive for the next few days.