It’s hard to believe that November is here already… The last 10 months have gone by so quickly, and I know I’m not the only one experiencing the “time flies” phenomenon.

As we approach the upcoming busyness and somewhat frantic pace of the “Holiday” Season, my hope and prayer is to simply slow down.  Slow myself in my thoughts, to do list, and all the other day to day happenings that grab for my attention.  To intentionally pause throughout the day, refocus and slow down, and remember to give thanks – after all, doesn’t thankfulness and gratitude put things in perspective, help to rethink priorities, and renew our purpose?

As I write, I am pondering these past 10 months of 2012… all the monumental moments as well as the wee little bitty moments… each one I am grateful for.  I would like to share just a few for each month along with some photos.

January:

My grandmother reading to her great-granddaughter

 

Warm potato soup on a chilly winter day

 

 

 

 

February:

Seeing early glimpses of spring

 

Snow to play in!

 

 

 

 

March:

My Grandma went to her eternal home…We lost our “DD” March 1, 2012

Trip to Florida for a funeral – another loss in our family, Ian’s father, Jerry, passed away.

New life on the farm – reminding us of the circle of life – baby chicks!

 

Family gathering at the farm to remember and honor our Matriarch: Marion “DD” Beaver

 

 

 

April:

Our first annual Easter Eggstravaganza!

Helping hands checking for eggs

 

Earth Day Roanoke!

May:

Visiting a friend’s family farm… great fun!

 

First chicken processing for the season!

Playing in the creek with the kids

 

 

 

 

June:

Dinner and a Movie at the Farm: “Fresh!”

Our youngest daughter turning 3!

 

Sunflowers in full bloom

 

 

 

 

July:

Surviving 5 days without power – courtesy of the Derecho!

Having a foreign student and new friend stay with us

 

Jersey calf born early on a Sunday morning

 

 

 

 

August:

Good friends visiting from FL

Pastured Poultry season in full swing

Garden harvest (and harvesters)

 

 

 

 

September:

Anniversary hike at Peaks of Otter

Bees arriving at our farm

Canning loads applesauce with good friends

 

October:

ALL of our customers and their continued support for a wonderful farming season!

The colors of changing leaves

Piglets arriving at the farm

 

Kids playing with old ashes

 

 

 

 

There are many more moments during this year that I am grateful for…  And truly, it is worth the time to reflect back on what we have to be thankful for.  May we all take the time to simply slow down and remember thankfulness as we enter the season that tends to frazzle and dazzle and make it one of gratitude.

What are you thankful for?