(((hugs)) you did the right thing, even though it was a very difficult thing. I had to do something very similar a few years ago, but it was with a baby Phoebe. There was a nest of 5 baby Phoebes. One had died in the nest, one fell and didn't make it. Two were very healthy and the 5th one had a strand of horse hair tied around it's leg, making it unable to walk. My daughter and I noticed that the mother was no longer feeding it. She knew instinctively that it wouldn't make it and that nature would take its course. I knew I couldn't let it suffer but I couldn't do what you did in quite the same way. Instead I wrapped the baby up, put it into a small bag and rolled over it quickly with my car tire. I knew it didn't feel a thing and that it was quick. I have a neighbor who has had to take care of a couple of my very sick chickens in the way that any farmer would. If I were the only one who was available to do it, I'm not sure I could. You are brave and did the honorable thing. Bless you.

Loss is not an easy or joyful experience, and no matter how much we know it is a part of the circle of life, the pain and heaviness loss creates is no less. It is good you are surrounded with the love and support of your family. Time does eventually mend our wounds, as longs as you fill your time with love. xo

I am so so sad to hear this, Stephinie! Holding you in my thoughts, surrounding you and your family with healing prayers.

Yummy! Now I'm hungry but don't have time to bake right now!

What a beautiful find! Yes, next time snacks and water! The end to your story made me smile :) Wanna see my growing ducklings? Ducklings, ducklings, DUCKLINGS!

Stephinie, Here's a link to my friend who created an outdoor sanctuary for over 100 rabbits. She no longer has that many, but if anyone knows anything about rabbits, she does! http://www.rabbitatsforhumanity.org/index.html

These bunnies are soooo adorable! I had bunnies once upon a time. I started out with a rabbit my friend gave me. He was an indoor rabbit, potty trained, a bit on the older side. I knew nothing about rabbits, and apparently she didn't know enough either. Less than a year after we inherited Ziggy, he died in my arms. They have very sensitive digestive systems. The one thing I didn't know is they HAVE to have hay all the time. Lettuce is not good for them, especially in large quantities. It's important that they get plenty of room to run and play. They love to dig burrows so providing them with a big pen and a couple of bales of hay to make tunnels in is one way for them to live. I did that in the barn. The best thing to do if you can predator proof a place outside, is to create an outdoor pen with a rabbit hutch so they can be locked in that at night. They can withstand the New England winters as long as you provide them a place to get out of the wind, plus keeping their water freshened up because it will freeze. But if you are keeping them indoors and letting them roam in the house, be prepared for a lot of gnawing. Provide them with sticks to chew on. They are like beavers in that their teeth continue to grow so they need to chew on things, which helps to grind their teeth down. Good luck and enjoy those little loves!

Rachael, I just ordered my copy. Thank you! We live in Maine and I think it would be rare to have an F5 tornado tear through here, but we do get strong winds. Nothing even close to 200+ mph, but still I know what you mean about huddling in close with your children when a storm rages. My daughter is 18 and she still jumps into my bed if we have what we consider a strong storm.

I LOVE your sunroom! I would live only in that room if I could. And all your little trinkets lined on the window sills are so pretty. It's perfect to have the toys in their as well. It looks like such a peaceful, happy room. Such a rainy week we're having, but we oh so need it. Was going to do a photo session this afternoon but looks like it will be postponed till Friday, when we supposedly will have drier weather. Hope you and your little one feel better soon!

I love the glass balls and stones. Reminds me of when I lived in Washington state my sister and I would look for glass balls whenever we were at the ocean. p.s. I have my ducklings! I put a couple photos on my blog :)

What beautiful photos, especially the unfurling fern! There's nothing like fresh rain in the spring time, and this year it is so needed. You have a lovely patch of earth to call your home!

I love your new home, especially all the windows and wooden floors! It definitely takes forever and a day to unpack and settle in, but before you know it you'll be finished. Just do what you can, but save time to relax and breath.

Happy Mother's day in your new home!! I hope you are taking a day to be pampered :)

I love the expression on both of their faces! This must be your moving truck. It will be fun unpacking and settling in. Just take breaks to enjoy your property when the task becomes unending :)

Yay, you are home!! How touching that the previous owner gave you welcome hugs. I'm sure it warms her heart to know a young family will love this place as much as she did. Can't wait to see photos of your new space. The few you included in this post show what a beautiful location you have found. Enjoy your settling in time!