Half of Yolk Does the Trick

Old Wives' Tales & Farm Remedies

I grew up hearing all sorts of “Old Wives’ Tales”:

• Plucking gray hairs will make two grow back in.
• If you swallow gum, it stays in your belly for seven years.
• Pee on a jellyfish sting.
• Eating carrots will give you better eyesight.

In the farming world, I’m not sure what “tricks of the trade” are officially called, but I love when that knowledge is passed down!

The most recent one that worked wonders was for our lamb who had scours (…very loose stool…). A friend told us to mix half an egg yolk with 4 ounces of milk. We gave that combination to RaeRae, and she was back to normal in no time!

I’m always amazed at these tips that seem so random yet pack a powerful punch. It seriously makes me stop and think— Huh? I wonder who the first person was to put a raw egg yolk… I mean, HALF an egg yolk… in milk to help a lamb’s belly?

Even though haired sheep are known to be very hearty animals, they still require care, tending to, and attention. We are constantly learning something new.

Right now, one of our lambs has sores around her lips. Unfortunately, it’s a virus that just has to run its course.

We’ve also learned how to help a lamb with bloat by mixing a small amount of baking soda and water.

Not only do our farm animals keep us on our toes with their random health needs, but so do our kiddos at times!

A Scary Morning

One of our boys gave us a scare the other morning.

Our two older boys are early risers—always have been! As soon as their eyes open, they pop up, get dressed, and head outside for chores.

(We homeschool, and most days we are home ALL DAY, so there’s really no rush to get to the chores early, but that’s just how they are wired.)

That morning, as my son was watering the pigs, he suddenly felt exhausted. His heart was racing, so he took a break by the pig pen. He tried to shake it off and come up to the house, but still wasn’t feeling well. By the time he made it to the back steps, we knew something wasn’t right.

After talking with our family doctor, we decided to get his bloodwork checked. Thankfully, the results came back quickly and showed his blood sugar was low. It’s something we are continuing to monitor, praying it’s nothing more serious.

Of course, my son downplayed the whole thing—until bedtime, when it was time to shower. Then he suddenly said:

"Oh, I better not! What if I have a heart attack in the shower?"

He knows how to work the system. Ha ha!

Finding Peace in the Chaos

When things don’t go smoothly, I can feel unwelcome anxiety creeping in. My mind can spiral into worst-case scenarios so easily.

But in those moments, I remind myself of the words a friend once spoke to me:

“What you worry about the most is what you trust God with the least.”

Ouch. That hit my heart hard the first time I heard it—and every time I repeat it.

We never know what tomorrow holds, but I am filled with joy to the brim knowing WHO holds tomorrow.

Living a Life Set Apart,

- Rach

Scripture:

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." — I Peter 5:7

Quote:

"The happiest people don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything." — Unknown