Almost Spring!

It is almost spring, really isn't it? Here is some proof we found on an afternoon walk.

Daffodils

Frog Eggs

A Full Clothes Line

Lambs

Chicks

A Goat Who I Can't Believe Hasn't Had Her Kid Yet!
Poor thing.

Powerful Google

I got an email yesterday from M.R. (Martha) Not an email from her through the adoptive agency, but an email directly from her. She Googled some of the information she had about me. Found this blog, and my email. Crazy isn't it.

I'm glad she did. In fact, I had tried Google to look for her before, but did not have enough information to work with. She informed me that she had been told the process to open the adoption file could take eight months! Not exactly a surprise, but it just seems crazy when we both want the information to be available.

I'm not sure exactly, if anything this changes, except for the fact that it makes communication faster.

Google is a wonderful thing!

Spoke too Soon

The other day Heather posted about how they were getting snow up her way, and I left her a comment to the effect that I would stop my whining about our weather. Yes, it was rainy. Yes, it was gloomy, but at least it wasn't snow!

Yesterday, I woke up to snow. It snowed all day. This morning the snow is still there. Now, I'm whining! I am so done with snow!


I know all of you in NE Ohio, who got a foot and a half, or more are thinking I am a big baby about our couple inches of snow. Well, maybe, but I moved South for a reason, and one of those reasons was so I wouldn't have snow in March! Thankfully they are calling for highs in the 40's after today, and the snow won't be here long.

Happy Birthday Vivian (belated)

It isn't possible! My baby is two!

Vivian's birthday was yesterday. We had a simple celebration to celebrate her special day. I always swore that I would not baby the youngest, but I find that I am despite my best intentions. I just can't help it. She is the baby. Surely she is not ready for things like potty training, dressing herself, and talking in small sentences! Yet, she defies me and does all that and more.

She has become quite the little helper. She tries to put her own laundry away, and wants to help with just about anything the big kids do, or anyone else is doing for that matter. The latest example was when we were at the state capital a few weeks ago. The homeschool band played, and there were chairs set up around the area. When the performances were done the workers came and started stacking the chairs on their carts. While we were gathering our stuff Vivian started pushing all the chairs toward the workers.

I went back and read the post from her first birthday. She sure has changed a lot in this last year! Somethings though have stayed the same, like sucking on that knuckle. Below are pictures from the year, starting with her first birthday and ending with one taken yesterday!

On a Beautiful Springlike Day

Yesterday the clouds and the gloom finally broke, and we had a warm, sunny day. It felt like spring! How did we enjoy this wonderful day in the 100 Acre Wood? Did we go for a walk? Did we have a picnic? Maybe we just sat in the sun? No, we shoveled manure!

Our rabbit hutches are on a slope, like everything else here. The two main hutches face each other, and the chickens have done quite the job of scratching much of the droppings into the aisle between the hutches. They are so helpful that way. In addition to the droppings, the rain water runs down the hill, until it gets to the space between the hutches. There it collects creating a wonderful muck that only a pig could love. My oldest daughter, Lydia, however was not so thrilled when her boot got stuck in it the other day, and her foot ended up in the muck.

We took advantage of the weather to shovel that out, and any that remained under the hutches. We also put some boards up at the legs of the hutches to keep the chickens from scratching it all out next time. All told about five wheelbarrow loads of wonderful muck, well, wonderful for the garden that is. Oh, and one load out of the chicken house too. The obliging chickens were happy to scratch around in that muck, again, thus spreading it out nicely in the garden spot. What better way to spend a sunny springlike day?

Today was even warmer, and you'll be happy to know that we enjoyed the weather in some ways that were a little less stinky. We hung laundry on the line. ( I really do enjoy that.) The kids played outside quite a bit. (I enjoy that more!) They even had lunch on the deck.

Speaking of kids, well, of the goat variety, we have two goats who we have thought, for about a week, would have their kids any day. Everyday we are amazed that they have gotten even bigger, and more swollen in the genital area, and still no kids. Twist today just looked miserable. She is huge, we think with twins. She is waddling; slowly. Poor thing. How much longer could it be? Hopefully not much more!

The next few days are to be cooler, and rainy. I am glad we enjoyed our springlike days while we had them!

A little update

It has been quite some time since I've said anything here about M.R. It isn't that there hasn't been anything to say; there has been a lot of back and forth. It takes me awhile sometimes to process what has and is happening, and how I feel about it. In this situation, for the last few months, it seems that as soon as I have processed one bit of news, there is something new that makes need to reprocess it all again. Now, though, there has been less back and forth and more continual motion in the same direction.

We are on the road to meeting each other. M.R. has started the process with the state to open up the adoption records. I'm really not sure what all is involved, but have been told it can be a long process. In the meantime we are emailing, through the adoption agency.

It is so amazing, and slightly bizarre, to get emails from her. Tim has asked several times how I feel about all of this, and the real answer is I don't know. I can't explain it. It is good, certainly, but almost surreal. I feel so connected to her, yet I do not even know her at all. How do you feel when something that you have wondered about and wished for for almost 19 years is happening? I don't have words for it.

I'm not sure how much I will post about this anymore. I like to have a place to record all the events, and writing about it does help sort out the thoughts and feelings, but I also want to respect her privacy. So with that I'll end here.

From an Alien Chicken?

Wordless Wednesday

Back on the Potty and Other Adventures

Vivian yesterday decided it was time to get back on the potty again. Not only did she want to go on the potty again, she wanted to do it all by herself. As in mom was not even allowed in the the bathroom. She wasn't perfect, but did manage to stay dry until after dinner. It is a good restart.

Owning animals is quite the drama. It is like having your own backyard soap opera. The latest is a goat, Patty, gone missing. We have searched, and have seen no signs of her. They have access to basically all of our woods. We are guessing she may have wandered off to kid. The weather has not been very favorable for that scenario. We really don't know what to think or do.

The lambs are so much fun to watch. They run and jump and play. The male, who was much bigger at birth, is growing like crazy. He is significantly bigger than the female. She still seems healthy and very active, but I'm concerned that she isn't getting enough to eat. I'll be happy when they are able to be outside more and she can forage more. They are just starting to nibble at hay, grain and grass. I am also thinking of setting up a creep feeder of some sorts, but have to figure a way to keep the male from hogging it all.

Kellen and Lydia are so excited for tomorrow. They are driving to Florida with Mamaw and Papaw to pick up a van purchased on eBay. Kellen got out the Atlas yesterday to map the way. I'm sure Papaw will appreciate the navigation skills of a nine year old. It will be a quick trip, but the van is in the same town my parents used to live so they are going to stay a few days with friends before heading back. Forecasts there are calling for 80's! I'm so jealous, but will be content to enjoy the relative quiet with half the kids gone for a few days.

Life is never boring around here, and it never waits for me to catch up. The children and animals just keep growing and doing their thing regardless of whether I am ready for the changes!

Still Here

Wow has it really been a week since I posted?

We have been battling the same bug that half America seems to have. Lydia is the only one who hasn't been sick. The rest of us have been battling some sort of fever, cough, sinus, or fatigue for the last week. It is getting old, but I think we are all on the mend.

One side unexpected side effect of all of this is Vivian has regressed in the potty training department. Between her being sick, and then I was sick, she was in a diaper almost all of the week. As you may recall she started all this potty training business. I was planning to wait for warmer weather. She really was doing well. I hadn't been brave enough to take her out in underwear yet, but she was wearing it all the time at home with almost no accidents. It may not been the timing I had planned for, but washing a lot less loads of diapers sure worked for me.

Now she isn't doing so well. Lots of accident. Lots of me getting frustrated. I did have her go bare bottomed yesterday for awhile, and that worked really well. She went in the potty every time, but it is chilly, and I hate for her to freeze her bottom, so I guess we will just keep trying with pants on. I know she will get it back, and we can always use diapers a little longer if we have too. What's a few more months after six straight years of diapers?

The lambs are doing great, and are so fun to watch. I'd forgotten how playful they are. I can't wait until the weather is a little nicer and we can let them out to romp a bit more.

In other animal news, I think we may have another hen sitting on her eggs. If so that means we will have more chicks in about a month!

Well this was just a quick catch up, now to get back to the laundry and school!

More on the Lambs

We are just a little excited about these lambs! They seem to be doing well, but after reading stats about 20% of new lambs dying in the first few days, I am trying to be cautiously optimistic. The little ewe is significantly smaller than her brother, but she is eating and active. It is kind of funny when I am checking on these lambs I'm looking for the signs you look for with a new breast feeding baby. Are they swallowing? Do they pee and poop? Their poop is even yellow like a baby's! Do their bellies feel full? Are they alert and active? Who knew being a mom would prepare you for caring for animals! A few more pictures from yesterday:







So far we have only had them in the shelter separated from the other animals. This afternoon if the weather cooperates we are going to take them out in the yard a bit. Should be fun!

TWINS!

This morning I went out a found that Maggie had twins!


We have been putting her in a separate pen over night for the last few weeks. I knew she was getting closer because her milk sack was just huge, but last night she showed no signs of being in labor. Imagine my surprise to find these cute things this morning!



She was a little nervous this morning, so I didn't go in with them, but from a distance I think we have a new ram and a ewe. Both seem to be doing well. They are nursing, and are up and about. I plan to keep a close eye on them today. I will try to get some better pictures and keep you updated!



New lambs sure are a great way to beat the blahs!

Blah

Blame it on the week of rainy weather, blame it on the time of the month, blame it on my husband who is leaving me until Saturday so he can stay in a fancy hotel and eat fancy food for three days. Yes, technically he is working, but still. Maybe it is the financial set backs that keep coming despite our best efforts. Maybe it is my long to do list. Perhaps it is just an adjustment day after seemingly endless days of busyness and running. It could be any one of those things, or it could be because they have all fallen together, but today I just feel blah. I don't feel like doing anything I really need to do, and am finding myself going from one half completed task to another.

I know that none of those things listed above are really that important. I know I could make an equal or bigger list of all the good things. I know that the blah is purely flesh and emotion. I know that we are to live by the spirit. There we find life, joy, peace, and the blah's are nowhere to be found. Why is it so hard to die to the flesh, and live by the spirit?

You make my day

Crystal at Backyard Academy gave me this award. Thanks! Crystal always keeps me laughing, and makes my day too! Now to spread the warm fuzzies, I nominate the following for the You Make My Day Award.

Adventures in the 32 -Aker Woods

Mommy Mommy Land

A Blustery Day

Woody's Rocky Ridge

Two Frog Home

Pass it on!

Rain also tagged me for the six unimportant things meme. Just list six unimportant things about you, and tag more people to play. Easy enough.

1. I found my first gray hair at about 16.
2. My husband is five years younger than me.
3. In high school I dreamed of seeing the world. I'd still like to travel, but for now this corner of it is fine by me.
4. I'm not a big fan of eggs. Funny since we raise chickens.
5. I haven't worn my wedding ring in over six years. It doesn't fit.
6. I've only ever owned one brand new car.

And I tag....
Choice Central, Frenchy Addict, Chocolate Crayons and More, Kentucky Hollers, Hidden Haven Homestead, and Little Blue School.

We Have Chicks!

Since posting about The Persistence of Poultry, Tim and I candled eggs for the first time, and found that little Henrietta was indeed sitting on eight eggs that were growing chicks. There were also eight that weren't any good. We decided to let her sit on the good ones, and see what happened.

It is a beautiful day here; almost 50! I went out to put a little feed and water near where she was sitting. You can't see her unless you lay on the ground, and normally you don't hear her either. Today, though, I heard a little clucking that sure sounded like a momma hen.

I got down to look at her, and used a stick to push her off the nest a little. All I saw were eggs. A few hours later I was in that area again, and heard the distinct sound of peeps! It was hard to get a good look, but we saw at least three chicks. We could see four eggs too, so either there is another chick or another egg that we couldn't see.

The weather is nice so we are going to let her stay where she is for now, and see if some more hatch. Then we plan to move them all down to a box in the chicken house!

Since these eggs were laid around the time we switched roosters, it will be interesting to see if these are little red chickens or if they are a red/Orpington mix, or maybe there will be some of both. Always something interesting here!

Billy Bob is Growing Up!

He even has a goatee!

Wordless Wednesday

Girl Power?

The other day I was clicking through links and came upon a site for girls. The premise of this site was a good one, "Encouraging Successful Girls." I am all for encouraging my daughters to be successful, but what does that mean?

The site doesn't contain images, ideas, or role models that are all done up, that have a "spoil me I'm a princess" attitude, or that I found annoying in any other way. The role models presented there are four young girls who are very intelligent and dream big. Sounds like a great concept doesn't it?

Well what bothered me about this site wasn't specific to this site alone, but an attitude that I felt as a student myself, and that seems to be almost everywhere. What bothers me is what is missing here. The big dreams involve being a brain surgeon, a computer expert, the leader of the free world, or a rocket scientist. Can't a women reach her full potential by being a mom and a wife? Have I squandered my intelligence and potential because I am a stay at home mom?

The whole world tells our daughters that they must reach their full potential. That if they have any brains they should spend many years (and many dollars) in college, and develop an important career. There is nothing wrong with that path, but I know a lot of women who have taken that path, or at least started down it, and found themselves with a dilemma. When it is time to have children, they find it hard to balance the demands of the path they are on with the demands of being a parent. In the worst cases they find they find that first path really isn't that important them, but feel stuck on it due to financial pressures. It is a hard place to be.

I believe in girl power. I believe that my daughters can be whatever they want to be. I don't believe their success should be measured by the title by their name, or the size of their paycheck. I want them to know if they want to become a brain surgeon, I will support them all the way. If they want to be a wife and a mom, I want them to know that is a big dream, and an important one. I will encourage their success in any path they choose. That is girl power!

The Persistence of Poultry

Our new hens are performing quite nicely. They go to roost where they should. They lay where they should. The other hens were following along quite nicely. Roosting where they should, and laying in the boxes, or so I thought.

Chatterbox hadn't been laying before we got the new hens, and I was convinced Henrietta was laying in the boxes with the other hens. Then she went missing for two days. I really thought she hadn't been eaten, and was concerned for the rest of the flock. Then we caught a glimpse of her at the water.

After some hunting around we found her nest; a rather large one. Wouldn't you know the darn thing was setting right where she was hatched! Like mother like daughter I guess. We're not sure if the eggs are any good. While she was building that nest we had some very cold weather and changed roosters. We've been reading up on candling the eggs, and will be doing that soon to check the eggs. I'll keep you updated.

As I mentioned Chatterbox hadn't been laying. It had been quite some time. A few days ago I was out in the goat shed, and what do I see, but two eggs. The nest was squeezed in between a gate and the wall. I knew they were Chatterbox's because of the size and color. I collected them.

Then the other day I walk out of the door, and see her in our storage area up on the top shelf where the rabbits' hay is. I could tell by her clucking that I had interrupted her. Lo and behold she had made another nest between the two bales. With one egg in it. Today she was in the same general area, and threw a fit every time I went outside. I have yet to find today's egg.

Anyone know anything about ducks? Our ducks were given to us, and I really should do a bit a research or some more careful observation. It seems they lay for about a month and then don't lay for about a month. They hadn't been laying, and then I found an egg about a week ago, and then no more. Odd...

Earlier this week I spied the drake and one hen off eating. The other hen was nowhere to be seen. Knowing this means that she is off laying somewhere I kept an eye and an ear out for her. Soon I heard her calling to the other two, and saw her coming out from the general direction of the goat shed.

A later inspection of said shed revealed that both ducks were making nests under the shed. They are making them in a place that I can see, but can not reach. I could see though that several eggs had frozen and cracked, and been pushed away. There were not many eggs in the nest. Should I break up the nests? Maybe I should just shove some straw under there for the nests?

Now I certainly appreciate the persistence of these hens, and their desire for off spring. I am all for a natural growth of poultry here, and there isn't anything much cuter than newly hatched foul, but these hens just aren't on my schedule! New peeps in February? It just doesn't sound like a great idea. My plan was to wait and let them sit in March or so. I suppose if they do hatch out any this winter I will need to bring the peeps in. Maybe that would be a good use for that garden tub we never use? That wasn't exactly my plan though.

A Blessedly Normal Day

After seemingly countless busy days and a weekend filled with company, activity, and unexpected events, this morning's cancellation of activities due to icy roads was a welcome relief. Well, for me anyway. The kids were exactly thrilled, but they got over it.

The weekend began with a house full. My niece and nephew were here with their mom. Jake and his family were here too. It is always fun to have everyone together, but with nine kids around, it does get a little crazy. Saturday we decided to go to Hillbilly Hot Dogs, and to a movie. We left the 100 Acre Woods, 16 people in 3 vans, and headed to the restaurant.

This is a local establishment here that celebrates hillbillies and hot dogs. It is hard to explain unless you've been there, but it is an experience. The website does have quite a few pictures, and I think Delilah will probably post some too. The dining room is an old school bus. It is heated with a gas heater. I didn't think much about it. The kids were playing, and Vivian burnt both of her hands on the heater. She cried the whole meal. Tim talked to the owner, who felt really bad she had gotten burned. He said he was going to build something around the heater. I hope he does.

I didn't really realize how bad the burns were until the next day. Her one hand especially blistered up pretty badly. It is healing nicely, but still a bit sore.

We then all piled back into the vehicles. We had a bit of time to kill before the movie, so Mamaw and Papaw were going to give Amy a little tour of Huntington, and our van , and Jake's planned to walk around a shopping area near the theater. Mamaw and Papaw left a few minutes before we did. We drive maybe two miles down the road, and see Mamaw and Papaw's van off to the side, kind of attached to the front of a little pickup.

Quickly we pull over, as people are piling out of the vehicle. The horn of the truck is going off. Broken pieces of lights are everywhere, and fluids are running out of the vehicles. Tim calls 911, and soon there is a fire truck, squad, and sheriff on the scene. Everyone was okay, shaken, but okay. The man that gets out of the truck is old, very old, and frail.

He was turning left to go to the little store there, and turned right in front of my parents. Dad tried to stop, but there just was no time. The man is well known in the store. They have been asking the family for two years to not let him drive. He has had several strokes, one right in the store, a couple of heart attacks, and earlier in the week had pulled out in front of a semi. The accident was avoided only because there was no traffic coming in the other direction and the semi was able to get around the man.

After an accident, any normal family would probably head home. Our family is not normal. We all waited there for sheriff interviews, checks by EMTs, a tow truck to take my parents' vehicle, and for someone to bring back a different vehicle. Of course, by then we had missed our original movie time, so we picked up with the original plan, did a little shopping, and went to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. I know, we aren't quite right.

The rest of the weekend was busy, though thankfully, not quite so eventful. Everyone went home yesterday, and today we were supposed to have co-op, and roller skating. Thanks to the icy roads those events were canceled. The kids did school, and whined, and fought. I did laundry, cooked, cleaned, assisted with school, and broke up fights. Ah. . . a blessedly normal day.

Footprints in the...

dust? Yikes!





Wordless Wednesday

Lydia's 6th Birthday

Yesterday was Lydia's birthday, and her first friend birthday. We had a great time, and even got to meet a blogging friend, Catherine, from Kentucky Hollers. Isn't there a term for that? (when you meet a blog friend in the real world?) I thought there was, but can't think of it! Anyhow here is the party, in pictures.

Winter Rabbit Care

In our limited homesteading adventures, I'd have to say that I think the rabbits have been the most rewarding of the animals we have. They are fairly easy, and can produce a lot of meat in a hurry. They are great animals for urban or rural homesteaders. Like any animal, though, the require a bit of different care in the winter months.



Shelter
Our rabbits are in wire hutches outside. They get a nice thick coat of fur in the winter, but we provide them a little extra shelter. Tim made them some small boxes from scrap wood we had. He also took old feed bags and stapled them to the frame of the hutches. This helps cut the wind. We decided to not put any on the front of the hutches, but that could be done also. We talked about stapling the bags at the top, and using Velcro or something that could be easily undone on the bottom to provide easy access for feeding.



Feed & Water
Feed requirements really don't change. We give them as much as they want to help keep a layer of fat for warmth. I have noticed though that they eat less if water is not plentiful. Water really is the issue in the winter. The nozzles on the water bottles freeze quickly, and it can be a challenge to keep an adequate water supply.

Our solution is to alternate water bottles with bowls. The bowls do not freeze as quickly, but they get dumped. Ideally, we would purchase heavy crock bowls, but right now we mostly use recycled food containers. In the morning we bring in the frozen water bottles to thaw, and put out the bowls. In the afternoon we switch them. You can purchase heated water bowls, but they are quite expensive. If we are really having trouble keeping the rabbits' water thawed, I will put a handful or two of snow in the hutch.

Breeding
We have chosen not to breed during the winter months. Kits are born with no fur, and mother rabbits do not lay with their babies to keep them warm. Kits are susceptible to the cold for about the first ten days. After losing an entire litter in a late frost last spring, we are hesitant to try again in the cold. When we have a our new building I hope to set up a rabbit nursery of sorts in there with one pen for kindling and new litters. By using a heat lamp, we could probably raise litters all winter outside, but we have decided not to try this.


This has been our experience thus far with rabbits in the winter. Keep in mind we are in West Virginia. We do get cold and snow, but it usually doesn't last for long. For an example when I started this post the first week of January our highs were in the lower twenties with lows around zero. Then earlier this week temperatures were reaching 76! Today the low is near freezing and highs are in the 40's. It is crazy weather. If we lived some place where the temperatures remained below freezing, we would have to either have the rabbits in a building or purchase the heated water bowls.

We enjoy raising rabbits. They do require a little extra work when the weather is cold, but I think you find that with most animals.

I know, but it is driving me nuts!

Probably the biggest hurdle in parenting thus far has been potty training. What is it about potty training that just drives parents nuts. Perhaps it is the hassle of cleaning up messes that previously had been at least contained. Cleaning up a dirty diaper is a lot easier than cleaning the carpet. Other things take babies time to learn too like walking and talking, but the process is a whole lot cleaner than potty training.

Vivian will be two in March, and she is interested in the potty already. I am happy about that. She has yet to go on it, but she seems to know what it is for. She tells me when she has gone in her diaper, when she has a diaper on. She doesn't want to keep her diapers on. I must put her diaper back on twenty times a day. She takes it off, sits on the potty, does nothing, and then wants to run around the house bare bottomed. I've used the three days naked method before, and it does work, but I've always used it in the summer. Ya know, when it is warm outside, and any accidents can happen in the grass.

I know this running around with cute baby cheeks showing to the world is a step toward potty training, but I'll tell you it is driving me nuts!

About Them Eggs

Happy New Year to all!

We had an enjoyable weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's over the weekend, but after a busy and loud weekend, we decided to spend a quiet night at home for New Year's. We played some of Kellen's new video games, ate some treats, watched a movie and the ball drop. We put Nolan and Vivian in bed well before midnight, but were letting Kellen and Lydia stay up. Lydia tried so hard, but about 11:45 could not take it anymore. She laid on the couch with a blanket and was instantly asleep. As Tim carried her to her room she says, "Daddy, I'm sorry I couldn't stay up. I'm just so tired and cold." Cute huh?

So the answer to Whose Eggs are Whose:

The store bought egg is the bright yellow yolk in the upper left of the picture.

The free range chicken egg is the bottom one that has the white pieces floating by the yolk.

The duck is the dark yellow yolk with the white that is clear in the upper right of the picture.

Good guessing all!

Whose Egg is Whose?

The new chickens are being so good! They go back in their house just like they should. The rooster is much quieter than our other one, and it is so nice to not have to worry about him chasing the kids! Even our other hens are starting to get it, and go into the house.

We will be leaving for the weekend, but before I go I thought I'd leave you with a little guessing game. In the bowl below there are three eggs, one from a free range chicken, a chicken egg from the store, and one from a duck. Can you guess whose egg is whose?

Lydia's Got Hillbilly Smile

Mere weeks before her sixth birthday Lydia has lost her first tooth.

Do you think she is proud?

Merry Christmas!

We had our family Christmas over the weekend. It was a good time with some typical 100 Acre Wood stories from when the Miller's are together. Delilah will probably tell them as most of the funny stuff involved her family! Tim and I are looking forward to a quiet Christmas Eve and morning. We will be heading to Ohio on Friday. Just wanted to take a minute to wish you all a Merry Christmas!

New Chickens

We have had a lot of ups and downs with chickens. There have been issues with predators, getting the chickens to roost where they should, and never being able to find the eggs because the hen keeps moving them. We have a temporary chicken house that our chickens won't use, and a more permanent one in process. Just when I swore we would not get any more chickens until the chicken house was done, an acquaintance offers us free chickens.

Well it is hard to pass up free livestock, especially when they are only one season old. They are beauties. Most of them are Buff Orpingtons.



There are two Light Brahma hens, and a mixed black hen, and a New Hampshire Red rooster.


We got these chickens Saturday, and today found their first eggs! We also found eggs from our little hen that hatched this spring!


For now the new chickens are only in the temporary house. We do want to free range them though. Since there are more Orpingtons than we have Rhode Islands, and because the Orpington rooster is very gentle, and our red (Alpha) is not, we've decided to get out the stew pot for a few roosters, and incorporate our other two hens with the rest. The stew pot is waiting for Alpha, his male offspring that got away the last time we butchered, and the new red rooster.

After the extra roosters are gone we will let the others free range. We have a light on a timer in the chicken house, and are hoping that will draw them in to roost where we want, and that our other hens will follow. Think it will work?

Christmas Cactus

Blooming On Cue

Wordless Wednesday

Contest for Homeschoolers

Homeschoolers are always looking for free stuff! There is a contest going on that could earn you $50 gift certificate for homeschool estore. Head over to Just Some Stuff for the rules and details.

1. How many children do you have / homeschool? - Four, but only two are school age.
   
2. How long have you been homeschooling? This is the fourth year.
   
3. Have they always been homeschooled, or did they ever go to public/private school? Always been at home.
   
4. Do you plan on homeschooling until graduation? Not sure. It seems that way now, but I am open to other possibilities.
   
5. Do you belong to a co-op? Yes, we really enjoy it.
   
6. Do you school all year long, or use some other schedule? I'd like to say year round, but I did find last summer with the homesteading projects we did very little book work, but there was lots of real life learning going on.
   
7. Do you use textbooks only, or do you like to supplement with other materials? We use very few text books. Unit studies are working well for us now.
   
8. Are field trips included in your school plans, or are they just family time? Both.
   
9. Do you and your kids do crafty stuff together for school time? Sometimes. I am not that crafty, but sometimes I try.
   
10. Would you consider everyday household life stuff ‘home ec’? Sure, I guess.
    
11. Do you have any advice for new homeschoolers? Relax. Concentrate on the basics, and let the rest come. Lower your standards for the rest of your household duties. (cleaning?)
    
12. Do you have advice for homeschoolers with little ones under foot? Encourage older children to be self learners. Once they are reading well, there really is a lot they can do with out you. Give them partial responsibility for their education.
    

There is my contest entry. Head over and enter too!

Seven Random Things

Crystal tagged me for the Seven Random Things Meme. I have also been tagged for this at my other blog, so look for one over there soon about money type things. This list will be more personal.

1. In grade school a friend and I would dissect chickens for fun. A neighbor would give us their sick or recently dead chickens to use.

2. Unless you are family, or I've known you so long you feel like family, I am pretty quiet and reserved in person. I often wonder if people who know me, but aren't in that family category, and read my blog think I have a split personality.

3. My degree is in Economics. I later went back to get my teaching certificate.

4. I found my first gray hair when I was sixteen. I colored for awhile, but have long given up on that.

5. I recently was asked if I was Vivian's grandmother. The worst part about it was I with Nolan and Kellen too. Did this person think I was a grandmother to a nine year old too? I'm 36! Maybe I should start dying my hair again!

6. I never ever thought I would be a stay at home mom, let alone a homeschooling one, but now I wouldn't have it any other way.

7. Tim and I jokingly call our kids Amish Hillbillies. My family heritage is completely Amish, and his is straight from the hills. Where and how we live seems a good fit for Amish Hillbillies.

Per the rules of this game I am supposed to tag seven people, but I'm cheating. If you want to play let me know, and I will put your link up!

December in West Virginia

December 5th



Today



Wordless Wednesday

I'm Blaming My Disorder

MADD strikes again!

This weekend I started wrapping Christmas presents, and making candy. I had to gather photos from the year for two projects. It was fun going through all of last year's photos, seeing how all the kids have changed, and remembering all the things we did. I needed to order some prints for a gift I am working on, and for our Christmas letter.

I went to pick up the prints yesterday. In the car I sat down to look through them again. Even though I had just looked at all of them on the computer, it was very enjoyable to see them in print. Enjoyable at least until I got to the end of the sizable stack where the prints ordered for the Christmas letter were.

For our Christmas picture this year we took a picture of the four kids in front of our Christmas tree, before we cut it. This is the one we chose to use:


This is the one I have 50 prints of:

This is a nice picture of the wreath Kellen made, but it isn't exactly what I had in mind to send with the Christmas letter. Yes, I checked it was not a store error. That is what I ordered. Hey, it isn't my fault. Don't you know I have that mommy disorder?.

Anyone have any ideas of what to do with 50 prints of a wreath?

While you are thinking here are some laughs for you straight from the funniest person in the family, Nolan.

We were getting ready for a 4-H banquet, and I actually put makeup on, including lip gloss. When Nolan saw me he got all giggly, gave be a big smile, and said, "Mommy I like your lips. "

That same evening I was getting Vivian dressed. She was wearing heavy tights. Nolan was watching me and wondered why I was putting "sock underwear" on Vivian.

When we put the tree up, we talked to the kids about Christmas and why we celebrate. When Nolan was asked about why we have Christmas he replied, "So we can eat cake." When asked what Jesus had to do with Christmas, his answer, "Jesus likes cake too. He eats cake on Christmas."

Together we read a children's version of the Christmas story. We talked about the star that led the shepherds to baby Jesus, and explained that is why we put a star on our tree. We talked about the gifts that were brought, and the gift that Jesus brought for us. It was a nice family time.

When it was all done though, Nolan was still not convinced. When asked about the meaning of Christmas, the answer was still about eating cake! I'm not even sure where the eating cake came from, but that is what Nolan thinks. Just try to convince him otherwise!

It is Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Last weekend we went to get our tree. Our family tradition is to go get a real, cut your own tree. There are not a lot of Christmas tree farms in West Virgina, and it is a good haul to our nearest one. Luckily we really like the people there, the trees are well cared for and very reasonable. That all makes the drive worth while.

This year we are putting our tree in a different spot. The spot requires a tall, but not too wide tree. After scouring the tree farm for at least and hour, we finally found the perfect tree.



The three oldest kids took a turn at trying to saw the tree. Then Tim finally brought it down, and we carried it back to pay for it and tie it to the van for the trip home.



The kids did the majority of the tree decorating, I showed you an example in my Wordless Wednesday. Pretty much the tree is jammed packed with ornaments right at the eye level of the three oldest. The rest of the tree is pretty bare. The bottom is especially bare where Vivian continually removes anything that is places there. The middle of the tree is also constantly rearranged by Nolan.


The kids have also put out most of the other Christmas decorations, so just imagine my whole house jammed with decorations in some corners, and completely bare in others. Kellen created our wreath. I've been unable to convince Vivian that all the plush decorations that Tim's grandma has made over the years are really decorations, and not her babies to play with. The kids set out the nativity with the clock as the central point. (I have not idea why.) I'm finding ornaments all over the house. Christmas here is not Martha worthy, but it is interesting to say the least.

We got our first real snow today. We were supposed to go on a field trip today, but the roads coming off the ridge are not good, and I just didn't feel up to the battle. I thought we'd stay home and I could get a lot done. It hasn't happened yet. The kids have played in the snow. We've made hot chocolate and enjoyed the fireplace. Tim did some work under the house this morning (he can tell you that story) , and he and Kellen caught three rabbits that had gotten out. I guess for the morning anyway we are on a snow delay.

When the Kids Decorate the Tree

Wordless Wednesday

A Mommy Disorder

The other day I was cleaning up the kitchen when the washer finished its cycle. It was a nice fall day, and I was hanging the laundry on the line. I put down the dishes I was working on, and unloaded the washer. I took the basket of clothes outside, and was very surprised to see another basket by the clothes line, half full of wet laundry. Now how did that happen?

Hmmm.... Think back....Oh now I remember.

I was hanging up laundry when I heard a strange sound in the front yard. I ran to the front yard, clothes pins in hand, to see what the noise was. I discovered Kellen blowing leaves with the leaf blower. He wasn't exactly blowing them out of the yard, more like in circles around the yard, but he took the initiative to help with the leaves, and that is alright by me.

I gave him a quick tutorial on blowing the leaves out of the yard and into the compost, flower beds, and garden. He wasn't doing a perfect job, but for nine, he was doing a pretty good job, and he was blowing more leaves out of the yard than I was going to get done that day. I left him to blow leaves, and went into the house, clothes pins still in hand.

Walking by the computer, I decided to check my email quickly. I read a couple emails, and responded to some. Then I went to the next room; the kitchen.

Lunch dishes were still on the counter, and the dishwasher needed emptied. I went to work on the kitchen, and was almost done when the washer finished its cycle. Wanting to keep laundry going, I stopped cleaning the kitchen, and went to unload the washer.

Taking the load outside to hang up, I discovered that I had never finished the load I was working on when the leaf blower distracted me from my work. I hung up the two loads, and took down a dry load. I returned to the house with the dry load, walked through my kitchen that still was not completely cleaned up, and past the computer desk where I noticed there were clothes pins lying on the desk. Now how did those get there?!

What has happened to my brain? I normally am a very organized, methodical, efficient type person. I have plans to get things done. I start projects, and finish them before starting new ones. Over the past few years though I've been increasingly distracted.

I've self diagnosed myself with a new disorder; discovered by me. I'm calling it Maternal Attention Deficit Disorder: MADD. Too bad that acronym is already taken! Is anyone else afflicted with this? Do you find projects half completed? Do you forget what it was you entered a room for or what you were doing before the baby started crying? Maybe you have MADD too.

My self prescribed solution to the problem: enjoy it while you can. Someday our lives will return to their neat, orderly methodical ways, and we will miss having little ones pulling us away from the task at hand. At least that is what moms with grown children keep telling me. I'm taking their word for it. Now what was I doing before I started typing this post?

Post Thanksgiving Recovery

We had a great weekend catching up with family we do not see very often. Wednesday evening my aunt and uncle came from NY. Thursday my aunt and uncle from TN came. My Great Aunt Hazel and Terry were here also. We were fourteen for lunch. There was tons of food. We were all so full from turkey and fixings that we didn't even touch the dessert until dinner time, and dessert was all we had for dinner.

Terry and Tim went hunting. Tim had no luck, and later figured out he wasn't sighting the gun right. He is using an antique gun that was my grandfather's. Now that he knows how to sight it right, there should be some more venison coming. A nearby hunter did give Tim a button buck. He felt bad because he thought he took a buck Tim was going to get. Tim tried to tell him that he didn't have a shot on the buck, but the guy insisted.

Terry though, got a 10 point buck. The biggest to come off the property since we've lived here. He was a big one! The roasts are just huge!

There was a lot of sitting around and chatting, eating, hiking, and deer processing over the weekend. The aunts and uncles stayed until Saturday. Tim's parents came Saturday. They had gone to TN for Thanksgiving and stopped for one night here on their way back. Again lots of food. We played lots of games, and had a good time.

After they left Sunday afternoon, I basically collapsed on the couch. Yesterday I had big plans to get things done. School, laundry, Make It From Scratch, a lesson for co-op, and band were all on my list. The kids were tired. I was tired. The day started very rough. Just when we were all starting to get on track again, the power went out! UGH!

We got done what we could and headed to band. Thankfully we when we returned the power was back. I was up late trying to get my stuff done. Laundry didn't even get touched. It won't today either. We have co-op, and then roller skating. I guess we won't be doing laundry until Wednesday. Hope everyone has enough underwear! :)

Cranberry Sauce

It is going to be sooooo good with turkey on Thursday!
Find the recipe here.
Wordless Wednesday
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I Went Hunting

I keep teasing Tim that I'm going to start hunting. It is hard for him to get out during the week because it is usually dark by the time he gets home. On the weekends there are always other projects demanding his attention, and he enjoys sleeping in a bit on the weekends too.

Honestly I wouldn't mind going out to hunt. I mean, c'mon, a few hours in the woods alone that might yield me some Filet Mignon? I could go for that, and I usually get up early anyway. A couple of problems, the first being a weapon. I can't pull Tim's bow, and his gun knocks him back. It would probably put me on my butt. A different gun is on the wish list, but the finances aren't there right now.

The other problem is Tim claims that if I shoot it, I am responsible to field dress (gut) and bring the thing back home. I will shoot the thing, but sure would prefer that he do all the cutting up. I think he is just kidding about that. Aren't you honey?

So the past few weeks I've been seeing a deer or two in Mamaw and Papaw's yard. They only come when there aren't many people around. The other day Vivian and I were the only ones here. I was folding laundry, and I saw a deer in the yard. I started wondering if I could sneak up on that deer, and shoot it. I looked a little closer, and realized it was a pretty small one, and figured it wasn't worth the try.

Then I looked out the kitchen window. I could see the same small deer, but behind it was a nice big doe. Mmmmm. . . My adrenaline was pumping, and I wondered if the adrenaline flow would help me pull that bow. I went and got the bow. First try I almost got. Second try almost there, but then the skin of my hands hurt. I grabbed a nearby shirt to protect my hands, and on the third try I heard the "click" that means the string is pulled into place.

I set the safety, loaded the arrow, and check the position of my quarry. I quickly devised a plan to sneak out the side door, and head around the storage trailer where I thought I could hide behind the bank to take my shot.

Uh, miscalculated that one. I'm way to short. So I crept around the side of the trailer, hoping to be able to lean out just far enough to take a shot. As I reached the corner, I heard the "snort" and realized I was on the wrong side of the wind. I step out to see that my dinner was no longer there.

I thought perhaps they just went to the other side of the house, that maybe they really hadn't caught my scent, but no such luck. They were gone. Retreated to the safety of the woods.

I haven't tried to pull the bow again. I haven't gone out to hunt in the woods, but now at least I do know that in a pinch, I can pull that bow.

Excuse Me While I Panic

In a week that I should be prebaking pies, freezing dough for rolls, and scrubbing my house top to bottom, I find that it is Thursday and I am still finishing the laundry started from Monday, there are toys everywhere, and my desk is buried. I can't even keep up with the everyday tasks, let alone get anything extra accomplished.

We are hosting the family Thanksgiving next week. Some of the family that will be coming have never been here, and do not have little kids. Can you understand my desire to have the house clean? It has sent me into a mini panic.

Now, this situation is completely self created, I admit. First I set unrealistic goals. This week there were several commitments that were already made. There was little chance of getting any extra work done. Secondly, I added even more to the schedule with some things I just couldn't say no to. Well, maybe I should have.

So why am I sitting here writing this all now, surrounded by unopened mail, while Vivian is pulling all the Kleenex out of the box? I just felt the need to stop running around crazy from task to task and blow off some steam. Whew! I do feel better. Now maybe I can figure out how I am going to check off all the things on my list in one week, or maybe just figure which ones to take off the list because they really aren't that important.

Sleeping Beauties

Too bad they were only faking!
Wordless Wednesday

The Race is On!

Our Sunday night habit has returned! The Amazing Race is back on! We are all so excited! We were kind of late comers to this reality show. This is only the third season we have watched.

We don't watch a whole lot of TV, but Amazing Race is something we all enjoy. It is nice to have something laid back to do together on a Sunday evening. I wouldn't call it the perfect family show, there are certainly elements that we would prefer weren't there. We try to use those as "teachable moments" and talk to the kids about them. I also was a bit disappointed after watching the first episode of the show this season at the amount of swearing that is allowed through the editing. Maybe I'm a prude, but is that really necessary?

So Sunday night we all sat down with a huge bowl of popcorn for our Sunday night tradition; popcorn for dinner and the Amazing Race. Last year we also had apple crisp, but the apple trees didn't produce this year, so much for that tradition. The first episode seemed a bit intense compared to other first episodes, but I think there are some pretty intense personalities this season. It is a bit early to pick favorites, but I have to say I kind of like Kynt and Vyxsin, the goth couple. Surprise you? Though Tim claims the attraction is a throw back to my college days, and Depeche Mode, I'm not sure that is it. I don't think it has anything to do with the way they look or that they are goth (I never was into goth btw), I just like the way they played the game. They just did their own thing, and had fun. We'll see if it lasts.

I can say I was not the least disappointed that Ari and Staella were eliminated. Man, they were annoying. Well mostly he was annoying, but they were my first choice to go. So BYE BYE!

Anyhow, if you are looking for us on Sunday nights, you'll find us glued to the T.V.

Sending Kellen to Public School

Thursday Mamaw and Papaw had an appointment with a lawyer, (his advice - wait and see what happens) and Ashley had a band concert. Since the cousins were coming for the weekend on Friday, Mamaw and Papaw decided to spend the night to save themselves a lot of driving. Papaw thought it might be fun to take Kellen and Lydia with them. And why not let them accompany their cousins to school on Friday? It sounded reasonable to Tim and I.

Lydia was thrilled, and couldn't wait to go with Ashley to school. Kellen was happy to go with Mamaw and Papaw, but was down right nervous about spending the day in a public school, even if it was with Miles. Turns out Ashley's school does not allow visitors due to some past problems. Lydia was only able to eat lunch there. Miles' school was more than happy to have Kellen visit. Reluctantly, Kellen decided going to school with Miles would be more fun than staying home, or shopping with Mamaw, Papaw, and Lydia.

They all went to the concert, which reportedly was quite impressive for junior high band. Then they went around to meet some of Ashley's teachers. It was during this time that Kellen engaged in conversation with one of the teachers, and proceeded to tell her all the reasons that homeschool was better than public school. The teacher did not appreciate the lecture from a nine year old boy. Though I am glad he is proud to be homeschooled, I obviously would like him to express him self with a little more tact.

Mamaw and Papaw had a long discussion with him about being a polite guest in the school, and that sometimes it is better to keep your opinions to yourself. In other words. . . Kellen, Shut Up, and off he went to school with Miles the next day.

About the middle of the day I began to wonder, what if this all backfires? See Kellen really was afraid of public school. Last year when I was thinking of having him test with the public schools he was basically refusing to do it because he didn't want to go to school. It was that fear of the unknown thing. I thought going to school for a day would help him to see that it is not some big evil thing, to see how it runs, and appreciate the differences. But what if he went, loved it and decided he wanted to go to public school? I'm not anti public school, but we do have our reasons for homeschooling, especially for Kellen. I didn't want a battle on my hands.

When he got home that night, we asked him about the day. He gave us a basic run down of how the day went, what subjects they were studying, what he thought was hard, and what he thought was easy. Tentatively I asked, "Did you have fun today?" He responded, "Yes, but I wouldn't want to do that everyday." YES!

When I asked him why, the answer was less than inspiring, "Mom, I'm done with the books by lunch at home. Why would I want to drag it out any longer?" Apparently expounding on the virtues of his individualized curriculum, the real life applications of lessons, or the lack of unhealthy socialization was something more appropriate to tell a teacher he had never met before, but I'll take what I can get. We sent him to public school for one day, and that was enough for us all.

A Mommy Song

Dora sent me this clip in an email. . .

I thought you might appreciate it.