be a chicken lady

sweat on my brow and the smell of wet chicken drifting on the breeze

here's a picture for anyone out there

 who might have the {silly} notion that just because I live on a tropical island

 my days are spent lounging on the beach

(Alexis, age 6)

Every 6 weeks we "process" our chickens.  Alexis was my big helper today.  Usually I don't let the girls touch anything.  We don't use hot water in the house regularly so cleaning them up properly is more of a chore then just doing the work by myself.  Today, though, Princess Alexis really wanted to help.  She changed into some old, play clothes and took her place at the outside table.  

She was all brave until the first warm chicken was flopped down on the table in front of her.  I cut open a hole and said, "Pull the insides out."  She studied the chicken, took a deep breath and went for it.....only to pull her hand back at the last minute!  You could just see the little wheels in her mind turning as she tried to tell herself to just touch him, but then she'd pull her hand back again.  Finally she looked at me and asked, "Will you be proud of me?"  "Oh, yes!" I told her with wide eyes.  That's all it took.  With no fear, she stuck her hand in and pulled!  

"Ah-sgusting!"  Princess Eden called from the back ground.  I agree.  It was rather, ah-gusting.  It only got worse.  She stood right by my side and helped mommy clean all 12.  I've seen grown women with a lot less stamina.  I'm proud.

Alexis said, "Mom, I'm gonna be a chicken lady.  Just like you."  I looked her in the eye and said, "Mommy, has higher aspirations for you."  But if it makes you happy to be a chicken lady.  Be a chicken lady, and be proud!

I enjoyed a {rare} long hot, hot shower,