Anna Bethany

Good morning, Sweet Friends.

My heart is absolutely full of gratefulness today, in spite of some stormy weather, both figuratively and literally!

My husband and I spent the week knee-deep in appointments, paperwork, and jobs, as he's begun the exciting process of retirement. I'm not sure how many of you have gone through this stage of life yet, but it's daunting and exciting all at the same time! Along with retirement comes a completely different mindset when it comes to the budget, and that's going to take some getting used to. But we're stepping into this new season together, and that's a beautiful thing.

Speaking of seasons, the literal storm clouds rolled in this week and brought us some much needed rain, filling our rain barrels right up! And with the new season came the sweetest gift of all, six new baby chicks added to our flock! 🐣

It wasn't without its little dramas, though! The first mama hen rejected them. She was a young, first-time-broody girl, and I don't think she quite knew what to do once the babies actually arrived. So we introduced an older, more experienced hen who was also broody, though she hadn't quite finished her own 21-day cycle. She kept the little ones warm through the nights, but didn't interact with them much otherwise.

Then, the moment her 21 days were up, something just clicked in her sweet little brain. It was as if she thought, "Okay, now I can be a mama!" And she took right to it! She's been mothering those babies beautifully ever since, and all six of them survived and are absolutely thriving under her loving care. They're two weeks old today! 🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥

So yes, my heart is full. I'm grateful for the rain, for new life, for this new season my husband and I are stepping into together, and most of all, I'm grateful to my Creator, who continues to bless me with this beautiful life, ups and downs and all.

I hope your week has been filled with its own little blessings too!

Love,
Anna B.