Bling and Sorrow

Last Saturday, Emry had a fantastic meet. He ran in three relays and the 100.  He got medals for each relay, and he got 7th (out of 200 boys!) in the 100.  He was so happy, and he qualified for state in the three relays.

But he ended the meet in pain, and he showed me these little bumps on his shins that were concerning. I made an appointment first thing Monday morning, and we were sent for x-rays.  He has hairline fractures in both legs, and today we had another appointment, which ended with Emry in a cast on one leg and a boot on the other.

Here he is waiting for the wheelchair. We unfortunately weren't able to get the wheelchair before the end of day today. He can't do much on crutches, since the casted leg can't bear any weight, and the boot leg is supposed to be lightly used, mostly for going to the bathroom and changing.  We don't know yet how long this will take.  We are looking at a long summer. We did make a visit to Hobby Lobby and picked up some crafts. He didn't much enjoy being pushed around in a store wheelchair, but it worked. Right now, Lydia is setting up some ramps on the back deck, so when we get the wheelchair, we can get him in and out. It was not fun getting him into the house today. He is trying really hard to be positive, but it is very disappointing.

 

Elephant and Piggie

Now onto more pleasant news!  Nathaniel bought this elephant for my garden:

while Lydia and I were buying this pig for my mom for the cabin:

I think they are both adorable.  

The hens are doing really well.  I had three broody hens, but that is down to one now.  We are still getting lots of eggs, and they have been staying put in their yard since Elijah fixed it. They are getting lots of greens to eat, and they enjoy that (although they would love more kitchen scraps than they get!).

 

The garden is coming along.  The potatoes are in the back left:

And here they are up close:

I've been busy planting lots of seeds for cantaloupes, corn, watermelon, and pumpkins.  Most of the plants I started have been transplanted out, too.

And I made loads of noodles!  I had so many eggs, and we do love pasta.

Why Did It Have to Be Snakes?

My next post was going to be some delightful garden additions and updates, but that was before I had a most unwelcome visitor yesterday.

Fortunately, my father-in-law was already en route to my house when I discovered the snake, and he escorted it outdoors for me:

It's hard to see, but the tip of its tail is at the top of the front porch, while its head is way down there by the ground. So it was at least 5 feet long.

I admit that I am a bit more alert around the house today.  Gyunay was tickled by the whole thing.  He just kept laughing.  My mother-in-law was more direct about her feelings, "Kill it!  Just kill it!" My father-in-law was very calm and handled it all in stride. Lydia was coming up the stairs just when the snake was gliding out the front door, but she is our resident animal lover, so she wasn't phased, either. Gyunay delighted in telling all of his brothers about the excitement when they got home later on!  I could do with a bit less excitement in the house.

 

April Harvest Totals and Etc

April Harvest Totals:
Eggs - 430

Radishes - 3

We are in full swing for track seasons right now.  My parents came and watched both Emry and Lydia in meets, and Gyunay at swimming.  They got this great shot of Lydia pole vaulting:

I also made a big batch of chorizo:

This is before cooking.  I usually make about 7 pounds at a time, and then freeze most in about 1 lb portions.  We love chorizo. 

Pilot is home from college, and Malachi will be joining us soon, after his finals are done. Summer is near!