Sisters, Sisters....

Little lambs are often born as twins. Triplets are not uncommon, though, in the sixteen years we've had sheep, we've never had triplets. (I'm still waiting for that day!) So watching little lambs grow up with their siblings is a pretty common pastime. 

Having twins is preferred over just one, because it means for smaller lambs at the time of delivery, so the ewe has an easier time. Plus it's just doubles the cuteness! Siblings will chew on each other, walk over each other, fight each other for the teat, cuddle with each other and best of all, fall asleep on each other. It's quite priceless to watch their interactions! 

I've watched many lambs cuddle in close to their twin and rest their head on their back while dozing to sleep. There is nothing quite like that in the world! You know they are content and safe and love the little one they have been brought into the world to be with. You know it is a special bond, and even as they grow up, they will still stick by their siblings' side. 

I hope if you have a special sibling, you will take the time to show them some love today. Time and distance makes it harder today to stay close to those we love. It seems like so much gets in the way. We remember those times when we were close, when we chewed on each other, walked over each other, fought each other, cuddled with the other and even feel asleep on them. Take a moment to share a memory with them today. Even if it is just the picture of these two little lambs dozing on each other, share with them how much they mean to you. Life passes too quickly for us not to share those precious thoughts! 

Fresh from the farm

It has been a whirlwind! The last month has been filled with so much excitement on the farm. My creative work has an ebb and flow, and during spring, my energies are focused on the new life emerging on the farm. 

Little lambs! 18 of them! We have truly been blessed this year. Our Cheviot ewes are wonderful mothers, many of them birthing on their own with little assistance, and nurturing them so lovingly. There is no bond like that of a mother and child, whether human or animal. It is so sweet to watch the love and devotion and outpouring of dedication of these ewes. And the look of gratitude on the lambs' faces,  their sweet baa's echoing throughout the barn, serves as the best applause a mother could ever wish to have. 

I feel a little bit a part of that as a Shepherd. We watch and nurture and take care of the ewes, and they graciously in return, endow us with their trust. I have spent so many precious moments in the barn. One such moment captured this image of a mother and lamb, and it speaks volumes. The bond they share and the preservation of a precious moment in time are captured by the lens of the camera. How precious!