Winter Days

The weather had been so crazy.  We had freezing temps, snow, and then a 60 degree day, followed by rain and cold.  Lots of reading and crafting has been going on in our house.

I have always love the Little House On The Prairie books.  I especially love to read them while curled up next to the fireplace.  I have been reading a biography about Laura Ingalls Wilder.  We have also had some read alouds about Daniel Boone, Paul Revere, and George Washington.  I am "sneaking" in some learning during our Christmas break.

Long evenings are perfect for finishing projects.  I started this cross stitch kit last year.  I am beginning to see the end.  It takes such a long time to cross stitch.

My favorite Christmas decoration.  This was given to me by Super Granny.  When I was little I loved putting it under her Christmas tree every year.

I have so many ideas of things I want to make in the coming new year.
- Finish the bear paw quilt
-Make little M.'s butterfly quilt
-Finish the Nancy Drew quilt
-Finish my rag rug

I guess I need to finish these projects before I start something new.

I'm dreaming of a white day after Christmas?

Well, we didn't have a white Christmas, but we did have a white day after Christmas.  About 3 inches of fluffy snow.  It sure is beautiful and not too heavy to shovel.

Nobody wanted to step a hoof, or a claw outside of the lean-to.

Christmas 2013

We had a wonderful Christmas at home.  Although Daddy was sick, we still had a great day.  Christmas started a few days early with a visit from Uncle Forry.

Christmas morning the kiddos woke us up at 6am.  It's funny how no one can get up early any other day!

A very Merry Christmas indeed.

Why do they have to grow up so fast?

When all 3 kiddos were little, I never thought I would see the end of diapers.  But now, I would give anything to have them all little again.  I took a picture of my oldest daughter today, sweet 16.  How can she be so grown up soon?  I hope you never stop needing your Momma.

More Venison

Day 3 of deer hunting brought more venison.  This time Hubby shot a large doe.

What Flippy Wants, Flippy Gets

Flip (my gentle goat boy), demanded Christmas lights in his barnyard.  He said Lilly wanted lights.  So as my husband always says, What Flippy wants, Flippy gets.  He has me wrapped around his hoof.

Don't worry Flip, as soon as I find the stockings they will be hung!

The Deer Hunters

Our boy wanted to hunt with his Dad.  Hubby has not hunted in years but he couldn't say no to "the boy".  Yesterday they were up early.  I sent them off with a packed lunch and a hot breakfast of bacon and eggs.  Around 11 am I received a call that they were successful.  Adam shot his first deer.  I am happy for him.  He was so excited.  I tried to be a good mommy and went out to look at his deer.  I must admit it was hard to see.  Such a beautiful creature.  I understand the reason for hunting.  If not hunted many would die of starvation.  I guess I just love animals so much that it is hard to see anything hurt.  Anyway,  these are the pictures of his day.

I am so thankful the "boys" are spending quality time together, getting exercise, and enjoying nature.  It was special for Adam because he was with his dad and his Pappy.

A Peaceful and Productive Day

Although it is a little sad when it gets dark at 5pm,  I am enjoying snuggling in in the evening and working on crafts.  On Saturday I got up early and Little M.  helped me with the animal chores.  Thankfully there was no frozen waterers.  I love letting our "big girls" out of their coop in the morning. Once the door opens they run as fast as they can out the door.  I should learn to start each day with such gusto.  Then we sprinkled some scratch on the ground for them, fed the "little" girls, and made sure Pepper, our rooster is out of the coop.  Next we gave Petey a strawberry treat (Thank you Mary), and fresh food and water.  Finally it was time for the goats to greet the day.  We have to wait to let them out until everyone else is fed or they will eat their food!  We opened the door and out comes Flip and Lilly. Before greeting us they hurry to the stall next door to see if there is any chicken food lying on the ground.  Then they come back for some love and treats, of course.

Pepper our rooster.

After enjoying the animals,  I came back inside and cross stitched for a while.  I was happy when my two youngest started working on their latch hook kits.  When it warmed up a little Hubby and A. cleaned out the barn and coops.  More fertilizer for the garden!

Little M.  has been interested in sewing.  Two weekends ago we started her Nancy Drew quilt.

We can't wait to read our Nancy Drew books while snuggled under a quilt.  I'm looking forward to the longer evenings to spend time together and create.

Space Dog!

Jonah doesn't have very much fur, so we decided he need a doggie coat.  He looks like he is ready to take off into space…….Astro-doggie!

He is fine once he gets it on.  

He has such a dear little face.  Oh, we do love him.

All Dressed Up

On Sunday morning, before church we were able to snap a few pictures of the kiddos all dressed up.  It seems like they grow up right before our eyes.  Little M. is 10, A is 12. and Big M. is 16.  Where does the time go?

Sarah………….

It is so painful when we lose an animal.  It is never easy.  Animals have such a special place in our lives and hearts.  On October 2, we lost our Sarah.  She had such a sweet personality.  Due to an overbite, she was always smiling.  We miss her.

A Hunting We Will Go…….

Well, the day has come when my son decided he wants to hunt.  In February, Hubby took him to a hunter's safety course.  Last week was youth hunting.  They hiked through the State Game Lands for 2 days and saw a few deer, but did not shoot at anything.

I stayed home and prayed for safety.  The girls and I made applesauce, ran errands, and Big M. practiced driving.  She is getting better every time.  I only had to use my "imaginary " brake one time!

Pumpkins

We were blessed with some pumpkins from Auntie Kay and Uncle Bob.  Little M. wasted no time in painting hers sparkly.  She was painting for hours outside on a beautiful fall day.  We were also given a neck pumpkin which I cooked down for puree.

Crafting

I finally did some crafting this weekend.  A quick easy sewing project, I made envelope pillow covers for my old couch cushions.

Birthday Girl

Our youngest girl has turned 10.  The years have gone by so quickly.  May you always stay so very kindhearted and quick to help.  You bring joy and happiness to our family.  We love you!

Our tradition..breakfast in bed for the birthday girl.  You were woken from a sound sleep to the sound of Happy Birthday.

Birthday meal of your choosing.....steak tips, sauteed onions, green bean casserole, and of course ice cream and cake.  We had a special dinner guest, Super Granny!

Poor planning on my part, I didn't have your present in time.  It came in the mail 2 days late.  Sorry!
It was a rainbow bracelet loom.  I'm so glad you like it.

Love you Honey.  I'm so glad you are mine!

Look Out.....Here She Comes!!

Well.  I knew it would happen someday.  I just didn't think it would happen so soon.  Our first born passed her driver permit test.  My how time flies.  She is good at driving me crazy.  So maybe she will be good at driving a car too.

So far she has driven with Daddy out of the driveway, down to the end of the road, and back.  That was enough for one day.

All kidding aside, we are very proud.  I think she will be a responsible driver.  Love you Honey!

Gladys

In April 2010 we got our first chicken.  Beautiful white frizzle Gladys.  We also welcomed her baby, Daisy who looked just like her.  We brought her home from Uncle Bob' farm......

To our very own farm.  She was our 1st "farm" animal.  Uncle Bob kindly gave us more babies, some that were Gladys' that he hatched out in an incubator.  Gladys was the "Queen" of the barnyard.

Our babies grew.  We added more to our flock...barred rocks, red sex links, and then Gladys went broody.  She sat on her eggs 21 days and then 3 hatched out.  Fluffy, Pepper and Mel.  

We had a long stretch of extreme heat and humidity and Gladys succumbed to heat stroke.  Her passing was devastating to us.  You may not think that a chicken can have a personality, but it you take the time to observe and watch.  She was calm and gentle,  didn't mind being held, often.  She was such a good Mommy.  So watchful and protective of her babies.  Yet she didn't mind if we picked them up.  She will always be missed.