Screech Owls

Our next door neighbors invited us to come over and check out a family of screech owls living in their tree.  They were so beautiful.  When we listened closely, we could hear them cooing softly to each other.  A beautiful family,  momma, daddy, and 4 fuzzy babies.

They blended into the branches of tree.  We could have easily overlooked them.  Another reminder to take the time to slow down and enjoy all of the small blessings.

Butchering Day

Summer break is finally here.  Now the business of summer begins.  We started off by harvesting the meat chickens.  A sad part of farm life.  The children handled it much better than I.  By the time we finally got a routine started we were finished.

It is very satisfying to see the end result in the freezer.

Meat Chickens

This year we embarked on a new adventure.....meat chickens.  It is so important to know where our food comes from.  We have 10 babies.  It is amazing how fast they are growing.  They are so heavy compared to our other girls.

I am sure there will be tears on butchering day.  My little farmers have been taking such good care of the chickens.  We all have a new respect from where our food comes from.

Buffalo and Goats

We have recently discovered how much we love buffalo meat.  It is so lean and has a great flavor.  Ground buffalo with a little onion, salt, and pepper..... topped with goat cheese.  Yum!

What a fun day we had!  We started off at Tuscarora Bison, where we met the sweetest 87 year young man.  He cheerfully answered all of my buffalo questions and shared a few stories.

I like to imagine us as a pioneer family seeing these magnificent creatures roaming the prairie.  They seemed so gentle, but I was quickly reminded that they are wild animals and are NOT affectionate to humans.

He was not a happy camper.  He is going to the butcher next week.

Next up was a visit to Wayside Goat Dairy.  We were met with many baby goats and some farm dogs who were looking for a belly rub. 

Then there was this crazy goat that looked like he was dancing.  He was actually eating pine limbs.

I can't wait to go again!

Simple Pleasures

The simple pleasures of life.  How many tiny wonders do I pass over in a day?  One of the simple pleasures is line dried clothing.  It forces me to stop, breathe in the fresh air, and listen to the sounds of nature. 

A simple sewn project.  A clothing pin apron.  A quick little project that makes hanging out laundry, even more enjoyable.   This was one of many projects I have wanted to make in the MaryJane's Farm Ideabook.

 The simple pleasure of hearing the cackle of "the girls" as they lay another egg, or of Gladys' sweet head.

The beauty of the opening of the long-awaited tulips.

This is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalms 118:24

She Really is a Princess

Oh, Princess............everyday you woof and poof, spin in circles like your tail is on fire, and bark from 3pm on because the alarm clock in your belly is telling you it is time for dinner!  Now it is payback time!

Down on the Farm

What a wonderful weekend!  Saturday was spent cleaning up the yard and burning brush in our campfire.  The children roasted hotdogs over the fire.

Today we went to church and grabbed a quick lunch.  Hubby cut firewood and the kiddos and I stacked it.  Stacking firewood is one my favorite things to do!  I cleaned up the flower beds and burnt more brush.  There was lots of time for cuddling Sammy and the chickens. 

The Big Old Rolling Turd is back in the driveway ready for our 1st camping adventure.  ( If you haven't seen the movie RV, it really is a "must see".  It will get you ready for camping!)

It sure smells like a farm here today!  In order to try to live an organic lifestyle, Hubby decided to try liquid fish as a fertilizer.  Well as the name implies, it stinks like rotten fish.  Oh well, this country air is part of country life! 

Hubs spreading the rotten fish!

87

What a nice day we had yesterday.  My grandma, "super granny", turned 87 years young.  She spent the day with us.  She is such a blessing in my life.  The children adore her.  She is so patient with them.  We celebrated with a beef roast, quinoa, sauteed squash and carrots, peas, and a carrot cake.

She is such a great sport.  She held Sammy and the chickens, and gathered eggs.  We love you so much, Memmy!

There's One In Every Crowd (Sometimes Two)

Usually my morning routine goes smoothly.  I got hubby sent off to work, had quiet devotion time, bounced on my rebounder, and just then I heard footsteps.......Down the stairs came the two littlest farmers.  Oh, no!  I didn't need an audience while I excercised.  I finished bouncing and started pilates for  legs.  Just then farmer #3 piped up and said, "Mom, why are you doing that?  Your legs aren't fat anymore."  Farmer #2 added, "Yea, now you are little Mama instead of Big Mama".   This was followed by lots of giggling.

It progressed to worse when the pilates instructor used the word "booty".  In my house that is close to potty talk.  I knew that would be the topic of conversation today.  Boy, what I wouldn't give to have quiet time to exercise without a crowd.  I think I am going to start a rule...No one allowed out of bed until 7:30!

Woolie Craft

On Saturday Marie and I enjoyed a fun morning.  We went to a pottery open house.  So many beautiful pottery pieces, so hard to choose.  I finally settled on a blue pitcher, a soap dish with wonderful apple scented soap, and a small square dish that fits right in on my window sill. 

We met some fellow crafters.  I think I now have a wool addiction.  I really don't need another hobby, but I am drawn to penny mats and braided rugs.  After seeing so many of Tarrah's beautiful pieces,  I am anxious to begin.

I started a small project.  I shrank a wool sweater and made a cute little birdy.  He looks right at home in front of my pitcher.  Thanks for the great pattern Tarrah!

First Day on the Job

What a gal!  You even shared your chicken wings!

April Fool's Day

We woke to this...

and this..

The only ones that were happy were the puppies.

I'm going to take that as a sign that I should stay inside and work on this.........

Today was also my baby's 1st day of work.  How can she be old enough to have a job?  I told her I was going to set up my quilt frame in the parking lot in case she needed me.  She thought I was kidding!

Sammy

It's a boy!  We added another member to the family.  Sammy.  What a beautiful, fuzzy, little baby he is.
Our dear friends, Pat and Larry, blessed us with this little fuzzball.  They even provided a bunny hutch.  I can't wait to give it a fresh coat of barn red paint.

With spring comes new life, hope, and joy.  Praise God.  We are so very blessed.

Snow! Again!

After this beautiful weekend of sunshine and short sleeves,  we woke to a coating of snow.  Even the children are ready for spring.  Snow has lost its appeal.

One thing that helped to brighten the morning is my farmgirl baker.  She made a healthy version of coconut macaroons and vanilla cupcakes.  She is in her full glory in the kitchen.

There is a piece of her carrot cake left that is calling my name, but I am staying strong.  Hopefully my hubby will quickly eat it and the temptation will be gone!

The Best Weekend!

What a wonderful weekend we had!  Thursday was the excellent news that my tumor markers had gone down by 100 points!  We shopped, ate at Chipolte's, and watched a movie.  Pussycat got her ears pierced.

On Friday I dug in the dirt and planted sugar snap peas, little marvel peas, carrots, beets, kale, lettuce, spinach, and swiss chard.  It was 74 degrees and sunny.  We spent time watching the chickens scratch.  They are laying about 10 eggs a day.  We ended with a delicious meal of grilled chicken sausage, broccoli, julienned beets and squash, and apples with cashew butter for dessert.

This morning I planted brassicas with Annette, Marie, and Kim, my 3 favorite Farm Women.  When I came home Hunk of Burning Love cut up some trees that had fallen over the winter.   The 2 oldest farmers in training and I stacked the wood while Pussycat stayed on chicken patrol diligently watching for hawks.   I found a ton of great flat rocks for building rock walls.  Hubby lovingly calls me "Joe Rockhead".

Cupcake made a great lunch of turkey, beef, and raw cheese roll ups, deviled eggs, and chocolate fudge cookies.  The day ended with a four wheeler ride and a dinner of oven roasted chicken, broccoli, and sauteed beets and squash.

Encouraging Words

I want to always remember how God uses children as an encouragement.
This morning Pussycat was rubbing my head and said, "Mom.  You have 2 big curls.  A big one at your sideburn and one behind your ear."  This sweet little girl is my cheerleader for my growing hair.  She is always rubbing my head and telling me how soft my hair is.

Losing my hair was one of the most difficult things about cancer.  I have always had a headful of thick, curls.  I am comforted by my children.  They are such an encouragement.  It is a reminder to live life as an encouragement to others and try to lift them up instead of bringing them down.  Through the eyes of children we can learn so much.

10 Years Old

My favorite boy farmer turned 10 yesterday.  Where does the time go?  He is such a compassionate little guy.   He is my prayer warrior.  I am one proud Mama!

We started the day off with our tradition of breakfast in bed.  He requested omelet puffs and a pumpkin shake.  The day ended with a healthy version of chocolate cake made by his big sis, Cupcake.

Spring!

Spring is a time of new life and new beginnings.  It has been a rough winter.  In Sept. I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I didn't see that coming.  Life has been a scary blur since then.  I hibernated for most of the winter.

But........now it is spring.  New life and new beginnings.  I feel healthy and strong.  In fact, I haven't felt this good in years.  My hair is starting to grow back.  I have adopted healthy eating habits for myself and my family.  I am finding joy again.  I have started dreaming and making new plans.  I have started quilting again.

This weekend was spent outside cleaning out flower beds and trimming old debris.  It was very therapeutic.  The tulips and daffodils are poking out.  Even our chickens are singing with happiness.  We are getting about 10 eggs a day from our 12 girls.  It is pure joy to hear them everyday.  They bring me so much happiness.

My mind looks forward to summer...dreams of camping and preserving food.  I understand just how important it is to know where your food comes from.