There’s a lot going on in life right now. Work has slowed down, my wife’s cancer treatment has stalled, the kids are growing up way too fast, and we’re making some big decisions about the direction of our family. It all seems to be coming together at once. Tonight called for a small fire, a cigar, and some blues music.

We fixed the front spigot and hose that broke over the winter and we got the garden and flower beds planted. My youngest helped water the flower bed once the we were done up front.

Happy Ascension Day! This year, we celebrated by going camping. I was meant to have the day off, but got called into work last minute, which was a bit disappointing. Still, I’m grateful for what these 40 days represent and the reminder of the hope found in them.

It was a dirty job. Mike Rowe would have been proud. Hours spent blowing down the house from top to bottom with backpack blowers. Then scraping the floors all the way down to concrete. Cleaning chicken houses is not for the faint of heart.

Enjoyed the weekend playing together as a family. So grateful for our kids and the time we get to spend together.

Enjoyed making food for the family in this beautiful weather. Worked just over 70 hours this week, sometimes there are seasons of work you just have to push through. It’s been over a month of long hours, but we’re getting close to the end of the project. Very grateful for this time with the family.

Merry Christmas, we enjoyed the candle light service last night and now the kids are opening presents with excitement and joy

15 years of celebrating the 21st Amendment with the same friends. This year was done over the phone as they were vacationing in Utah, but the tradition continues. Happy Repeal day America. #grownostr #repeal #tradition # friends

My wife made this for my middle daughter’s birthday, she want a ninja themed party. What a cake. #grownostr #food #familyofeight #talentidonthave #loveoffamily

Making Dutch oven monkey bread this cold morning. First weekend off in more than a month and the kids unanimously voted to go camping, glad they did.

Beautiful morning, it just feels the way this photo looks.

Sometimes on the Sabbath you do fun work with your sons. We installed lights on the back of the camper so I can see better when backing in late at night. Checked a project off the list and got to teach the kids a bit about 12vdc wiring. #familytime #grownostr #sabbath #funwork

Got called out to look at a dryer today. The tenant said the walls were dripping with water and it smelled pretty bad whenever they ran it. Turns out the vent had come apart and the lint trap was totally clogged. They thought it only needed cleaned once a week. Quick reminder: clean your lint trap after every use. It keeps your dryer running better, prevents smells, and helps avoid some messy (and even dangerous) problems. #grownostr #willworkforBTC #staysafe

Sometimes you do things simply because of love. My kids absolutely love the beach even though it’s not really my thing. But, seeing their joy fills my heart and overflows my love tank.

Installing vent panels on the front of the chicken house today. Maxed out the scissor lift and keep having to go up and down to move the platform. One of those days you just tell your wife it went fine and leave out the details.

Beautiful day with the family at Dutch wonderland. #family #grownostr #lifewithkids

Good morning! We’re taking the kids out for breakfast on this beautiful morning. Hope you have a wonderful and relaxing Saturday! @grownostr @happyweekend @largefamilyvibs

Working with my kids on different projects is one of my great joys in life. I never knew that would be one when I became a dad. Teaching them basic service skills and then watching them put it into practice.

Game night! Excited to be playing Wyrmspan again with friends. #grownoster #boardgames #family

Happy Monday morning, starting off right with rebuilding an electric motor in the attic of the chicken house. #grownoster #farming #homesteading #farmlife