Travel up our driveway...

Here is the trek we call our driveway!! Bear with the first few seconds, I turn it around.

How Do You Know Spring is Coming...

You can take a visit to the Cottle farm and feel it in the air. This past week the sun has come out and with it brought the feel of Spring!!!

Around here we are getting ready by...
Watering our fruit trees and grapes vines!! These pretty ladies are almost ready to be planted. Until then they are staying nice and warm in the garage. We have ten trees total and 20 grape vines. The trees include...
2-Nectarine
2-Plum
2-Cherry
2-Pomegranate
2-Pear

Also...
This lovely rock brought out the tractor full force!! Not only was Todd determined to get it out of the ground, but he also wanted to move it. I think at one point my neighbors (2 miles away) were nervous for us because of all the screaming. Todd was up on 1 of his back tires while the other 3 were spinning in the air. Not so fun to witness...what is it with men and the confidence boost they get once on a HUGE piece of machinery??
I never get tired of that view behind him...who am I kidding, I never get tired of his view either! Hubba hubba Mr. Cottle!!

And last but certainly not least....THE CHICKS HAVE ARRIVED!!!
All 31 chicks have arrived. We lost 2 in the shipment process, but either than that we are happy campers. They are so stinkin cute, and awfully lovable. We have 5 different breeds...
Auraconas, Americanas, Buffs, Barred Rocks, and Pear White Leghorns!!!
If you live in the area get ready for some farm fresh eggs in oh 5 months or so. I dont know what I am going to do with all those eggs!!


I hope you are all enjoying the warm weather as well, and getting ready for spring!! Its going to be a good year!!

I woke up and saw.....

Is it...could it be....underneath that snow was...
A little bit of green!!! Yay!! Armed with the camera, the dogs and I took a Saturday morning stroll.
The future tree orchard! The order has been placed, the shipment has arrived, and now we wait on spring. Eight lovely fruit tress will grace these already gorgeous six's presence!
The wet winter has destroyed our 1/2 mile long driveway. More gravel needs to be ordered.
My future garden! It is the size of a 1/4 acre lot. I think behind the garden (where the dead grass is) is where the future honey bees will live! Dare I do it?
Wait...Is that the...Oh NO!! The neighbors horse might be calling for a visit. Quick dogs run, hide!!
What...Why are we getting closer?!
Be kind..this is pre-shower, pre-picture time! I just couldn't resist, I am terrified of these animals, and finally one was restrained and behind bars. I could finally get close enough to take a pic with the both of us!
And finally back to the chickens!! I love living here!! I just cant wait until it warms up a bit, and the grass turns completely green again!

Our Wildlife...

When Kaylee and I look out our window these days we mostly see...
There is a family of about 10 deer living in our woods and pastures. They have been here since they were babies, so its fun to see them growing. They have gotten used to the dogs for the most part. Kaylee and Lulu will chase them a bit, but half way down the pasture they will both stop and just watch each other. Super cute, I love our wildlife!!

Seriously....

I cant believe it, but it has snowed once again!! I am having a hard time with winter this year. I like a good snow storm like the rest, but three in one year is too much. I moved from Utah with the anticipation of mild winters in my future. Instead I have been graced by three winter storms that have iced me in. Two storms ago I was iced into my rural surroundings for an entire week...an ENTIRE week!
Yes, it is pretty. However, the gloomy gray sky in this picture...is in actuality snow continuing to fall. I am over the snow...I am thinking a move to Arizona might be needed.

Reflection

I sit in the hotel room with ample time and not many distractions. I could turn on the TV and watch movies or take a long nap, but instead I have been thinking. I have never been one to do resolutions with the New Year, but for some reason this year is different. When thinking about what it is I want to work on this year, I have come to a few conclusions. To sum it up for you....

I AM NOT PERFECT. I AM NOT CLOSE TO PERFECT. I WANT TO BE CLOSER TO PERFECT.

I say that with confidence. I look at this as a challenge, and it helps to motivate me. I took a step back, and asked "If I could be perfect in any one area, what would it be?". I realized I want to be a perfect saint, and a perfect sister to my loving Savior. I want to know him more personally, more deeply, and more perfectly. To do that I have set a goal to read the New Testament cover to cover, read Jesus the Christ completely, and also read The Mortal Messiah completely.

My hopes are that as I read and study about the Saviors time on earth, and inspired words written by Special Witnesses about Him, I will gain a deeper understanding of who he is. Both while He walked the earth and who He is today.

I am hoping that with this I will become more perfect in other aspects of my life as well. I want to be a better YW leader, a better friend, a better sister, and a better wife. I have a lot of growth to do, but I know that with the help of my elder brother, Jesus Christ, I can do anything. And one day I will be able to recgonize my Savior not by His teachings, not by the glowing white around Him, and not by others pointing Him out. I want to know Him by feeling our personal connection to one another.

Wish me luck!

Yay!!

Today is a Big Day on the Cottle farm!! We got our very first ....wait for it....egg!!
We have been waiting for quite some time and it finally came. We arent sure which hen is responsible, but I think it might be this beauty!!
Yay for our very first egg!!