Because I'm never satisfied with the order (or complete chaos) of the Back 40, we're always moving fences and performing general construction. Two or three days before Christmas you would have found the kids, with the assistance of Miss Lilly Ann, and myself pulling up fencing and driving new posts. Good times! I think I'm happy with the new layout, for now. Whahhhahwhahhaa
I realize I'm posting a bunch of photos this go 'round, but there's just so many wonderful things to see about now! To the left here, you'll see a photo of Jack Thomas. Isn't he just stunning??!? This photo was taken when Jack clocked in at just 5 hours old. And already a looker! Born into a wonderful family with great hopes for the person he'll grow to be.
So down to the nitty gritty... Christmas. The kids hauled and got everything they've ever wanted and more, thanks in part to our wonderful community. Thank you Sasa and Aaron, thank you Grandma and Grandpa, thank you everyone that worked to make this holiday into a wonderful memory for Joshua, Jason and Stella. And what did we as parents get, you may ask. Nik got books, a fireplace poker set, shirts, underwear, alcohol, lots of good stuff. And me? I got 27 laundry baskets and a box of laundry soap. Sounds pretty chinsey, eh? Oh but no, it was the best present I've ever gotten! The kids and Nik did every stitch of laundry in our house, including boxes of old clothing shoved in the back of the closet that needed to be cleaned in order to pass them down the line. They spent one whole day at the laundromat (why the laundromat, you may ask. Read on my friends, all will be explained), washing, drying and folding laundry. Yay family!
Although Santa and Mrs. Santa remembered all of the animals at Christmas by filling each of their stockings with alfalfa pellets and whatnot, we wanted to sweeten their Christmas experience and so cruised the tree lots the day after Christmas and grabbed all the trees we could find. I think we must have gathered over 30 trees for their enjoyment. The goats promptly built a fort out of the deciduous fodder. No joke. I think bears must like the smell of evergreen foliage because just the other night, a terrifying bear broke in our front door! Really broke up the door and door jam too, that horrible bear did. Thank you, Ike, for running to our aid like a man in tights and cape! 
So, now on to the laundromat explanation. Our washing machine has been on the fritz for awhile now and we've been doing laundry in the shower. I've often marveled at folks that take advantage of their shower water by cleaning their clothes at the same time, but have been too enabled by my plug in, easy as pie washing machine to conserve water by washing by hand. The trouble with the machine now has forced me to put my words into action. We've been doing laundry almost every day in the shower now. Each person does his or her own laundry, which means the kids clean their own. They've done an amazing job! And it's been a fun experience. It also really makes you look over each piece of clothing and make sure it's really dirty before going through all the effort that is required to clean it!
Greetings Y'all! What a busy month we've had! It seems like babies are poppin' out of our ears and we're having parties every night. They're not and we're not, but there sure is an abundance of both this holiday season! One of our dearest friends welcomed a baby boy December 22nd. Welcome Baby Jack! 
