tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494301391096557772024-03-14T02:49:50.816-05:00Making it our home while here.....Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-65257798951770662372012-01-16T17:41:00.006-06:002012-01-16T18:34:53.614-06:00All about Chickens and their eggsWe have learned alot while doing this whole homesteading thing. One lesson has been about these little beauties. I wish I could relay to you how much I really like chickens. I love the different varieties, shapes, and sizes. I am really getting interested now in the different shades of color their eggs can be. I am looking at adding Lavendar Orpingtons and Marans to my little flock to get some more color variation in my eggs.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IC73Sic2FE0/TxS5RbQ10YI/AAAAAAAABLE/M3dlYemFsnc/s1600/chickens2"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698383137557827970" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IC73Sic2FE0/TxS5RbQ10YI/AAAAAAAABLE/M3dlYemFsnc/s400/chickens2" /></a> Speaking of eggs.......<br />I really like it when we are getting eggs. However, for the last 2-3 months we have not been getting a <strong>SINGLE</strong> egg. I was ready to throw the whole batch out and start with new chickens. Our first problem was that I got a whole new batch of chickens in Nov. 2010. They and my older chickens all started a serious <a href="http://poultrykeeper.com/chickens/general-chickens/chickens-moulting.html"><em><strong><span style="color:#000066;">mol</span></strong></em></a><em><strong><span style="color:#000066;">t </span></strong></em>in about October. That slowed down egg production. Then came the shorter days and my egg production STOPPED. I wanted to scream. The whole time my husband was telling me it's ok, this is natural but all I could think is I am paying for feed. <br />We made the decision when we first started with chickens, about 6 years ago, that we would not use an artificial light. We just think that if God wanted them to have a break then we should give them a break. Chickens need <strong><em><a href="http://shilala.homestead.com/notlaying.html"><span style="color:#000066;">14 hours of daylight to lay</span></a></em></strong>. <br />I tell you though when you hear from other blogs and friends that they are eating farm fresh eggs in December it makes you want to go stand in the coop with a flashlight for a couple of hours. ha ha <br />But then all of a sudden it's like God flipped a switch in these little beauties and you go out to the coop to see this......<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6UsGW-iPZK4/TxS5LH-5k7I/AAAAAAAABK4/97pLMYvnRuY/s1600/chickens"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698383029303088050" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6UsGW-iPZK4/TxS5LH-5k7I/AAAAAAAABK4/97pLMYvnRuY/s400/chickens" /></a> On, Jan. 9th, we got our first egg. I was singing the praises.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gpQipQOgzbo/TxS46kTSjUI/AAAAAAAABKs/3yXBpVQrLMY/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698382744847027522" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gpQipQOgzbo/TxS46kTSjUI/AAAAAAAABKs/3yXBpVQrLMY/s400/002.JPG" /></a> The next day we went out and got 4, and then 5, and then 6 and so on and so on. As of today, a week later, we have gotten 44 eggs. I still stand in amazement of the working of the hands of God through His creation on the farm. I am giddy with excitement at the site of this full egg basket. I am also going to try and keep a calendar record of how many eggs the girls lay and when. So that next year, I can reflect and know that it wont be long until my girls start laying.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jF07CqO8tg/TxS4fAoqV3I/AAAAAAAABKg/oWVZRlKxw3Q/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698382271416522610" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jF07CqO8tg/TxS4fAoqV3I/AAAAAAAABKg/oWVZRlKxw3Q/s400/004.JPG" /></a> How could I have ever doubted them?!!<br /><br />By the way I want to leave a link to my oldest daughter's blog. She amazes me daily and I hope that she can encourage you too.<br /><a href="http://pressingonphil314.blogspot.com/">http://pressingonphil314.blogspot.com/</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>"He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing. He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. He covers the face of the full moon, spreading his clouds over it. The pillars of the heavens quake, aghast at his rebuke. By his power he churned up the sea.... By his breath the skies become fair.... And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! How then can we understand the thunder of his power?" Job 26:7-9, 11-14<br /><br />I am linking this post up to the <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/01/barn-hop-45.html"><span style="color:#000066;"><strong><em>Barn Hop #45<br /></em></strong></span></a><br /><p><a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/signature.jpg" /></a> </p></div></div></div>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-6906660137768031432012-01-07T19:34:00.006-06:002012-01-09T21:25:39.744-06:00When and Why did you decide to "homestead"/farm?<p>This was the question that was posed to a group that I am in on Facebook. I have quite a long answer, so I decided to blog about it......<br /><br />My husband and I have been married for almost 22 years. The first 5 were tough. We were so young but we made it through. We were <a href="http://www.godssimpleplan.org/gsps-english.html"><span style="color:#000099;"><em>saved by the grace of God</em></span> </a>when our oldest daughter was about 2. We then proceeded for the next 15 years to live the "American Dream". You know the one where you make more money to buy more stuff. That was us. My husband was a local building contractor and he built the best, most beautiful houses for others and for us. We would build a house, sell it and then build a better one. We always had a nice house, in a nice neighborhood, with the best car in the driveway. Then May of 2004 hit us......<br /><br />Let me start here by saying that my husband joined the Army at 17 years old in 1986. He served 3 years in Germany and then came home and joined the Ms. Army National Guard. Even though he was making plenty of money he still stayed in the following years, one, because he loved it and two, because he always felt we needed the retirement plan. Well, in 2004 his number was called. We always knew it could happen. He was called up for an 18 month deployment to Iraq. For most that means you go in and tell your employer you'll see them in 18 months and they have to honor that. Not so, for the self employed.</p><br /><p>For us this meant he had to hurry to finish the houses he had started and then figure out what to do. We were some of the few families who made more at our real job than we would during deployment. So we ended up selling our really nice house, selling my husbands really nice truck, and down sizing big time. We rented a small house out in the country on 10 acres. All I can say is the bug got a hold of us big time......<br /><br />While my husband was gone both of us started reading about all of the things we could do with this land. Neither one of us had ever lived in the country. It was freeing in a sense and so peaceful. When he came home from Iraq, we weren't quite sure what we were going to do for a job. He really didn't want to start from scratch in the building trade (it was so tough the first time) and about that time the housing market took a nose dive. </p><br /><p>God was so good to open up a position full time with the Guard and it has been a blessing for our family. We moved about an hour and a half away from our home town and bought a small house on about 8 acres. It's not quite the beauty that we had become accustomed to but it is my favorite house!! My children say really??? when I say that but it's true. We have done lots of work to it and have lots to go. </p><br /><p>Soon after coming home, my husband bought our children their first horse. Then came a handful of chickens. With the chickens, came the desire to live a more self sustained existence. It has been a slowwww process but it is a process nonetheless. Now, we grow a huge garden, ofwhich, we can and freeze the surplus. We have 27 chickens and 2 roosters. I get to gift friends and family with a ton of eggs in the spring. We raise 2 feeder pigs every year for our freezer. We cull our extra roosters for our freezer. We have just gotten our first cow, MaeBelle. She, Lord willing, will be our milk cow in about 18 months. We have our first St. Croix ram and hope to get him a couple of ewes in the Spring. The men in our family took a bee keeping class last spring and added 2 bee hives to our little farmette. Hopefully, we will be harvesting honey this spring/summer. We hope to add meat chickens to the homestead this year and a couple of steers. We also hope to add a rotational grazing system. The new challenges and experiences here on the homestead are never ending and we love every minute of them.</p><br /><p>It may not be the "American Dream" but it is the dream we never knew we had until the unexpected happen. We are so thankful for the unexpected!!! </p><br /><br /><p>*****I will be linking this post up to <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/01/barn-hop-44.html"><em><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Barn Hop #44</strong></span></em></a>*****</p><br /><p><a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/signature.jpg" /></a> </p>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-45475485035312654872011-12-24T17:18:00.003-06:002011-12-24T17:20:52.534-06:00XOXOXO<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lvpzwSH6jM/TvZeAg0u0KI/AAAAAAAABKU/2Gsxk5_J_Dg/s1600/Christmas.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 527px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 373px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689838542133317794" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lvpzwSH6jM/TvZeAg0u0KI/AAAAAAAABKU/2Gsxk5_J_Dg/s400/Christmas.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"></a></p>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-46864079694766109842011-12-13T11:09:00.017-06:002011-12-13T13:59:37.274-06:00It's been over 2 months and......Things have been crazy busy around here the past couple of months. We have been dealing with a rather personal medical issue and then it just seemed like one thing after another and here we are.<br />The farm animals have been growing and life is just moving along.<br /><br /><br /><div><br />Out of 15 turkeys we had 5 to live. I just could not imagine processing any of them after having such a hard time keeping them alive. We ended up sending one gobbler and 2 hens to my mother's and keeping 1 hen and 1 gobbler. However, we have decided to go ahead and process the one gobbler and take the remaining hen to my mother's. We are just not turkey people. One thing is they will not stay in confinement and we do not have fences high enough to keep them in. The other thing is they are a huge mess when they get on my porches. I know that sounds petty but it is what it is and I like clean porches when I rock in my rocking chair and overlook my little farm. :)<br />They are beautiful though!</div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EIXDvXHUW94/TueYWY6N7SI/AAAAAAAABJo/q6zHldNV_RU/s1600/055.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685680564989717794" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EIXDvXHUW94/TueYWY6N7SI/AAAAAAAABJo/q6zHldNV_RU/s400/055.JPG" /></a> Here's Phoebe. She is still our favorite farm animal and we love her!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGivB6GmVqM/TueYWKAryCI/AAAAAAAABJY/ZWmf8_HjAKc/s1600/081.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685680560990308386" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGivB6GmVqM/TueYWKAryCI/AAAAAAAABJY/ZWmf8_HjAKc/s400/081.JPG" /></a> Ramsey is doing his funniest move here. He is sniffing the air. Cracks me up everytime.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gQtVEYMAluU/TueYVBbiCgI/AAAAAAAABJQ/BOF6Ur8O6vI/s1600/084.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685680541507127810" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gQtVEYMAluU/TueYVBbiCgI/AAAAAAAABJQ/BOF6Ur8O6vI/s400/084.JPG" /></a> MaeBelle has been growing by leaps and bounds. She is still just as tame and loves us. Don't you love the hot pink halter?<br />And there's a snippet of one of our little pink pigs. They seem to be filling out overnight. They are still just sweet, sweet, and I can't imagine processing them but Lord willing, they are going to get nice and fat and we will be ready for them to leave. :)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NRA1jDK1tD4/TueYU1PxcFI/AAAAAAAABJA/q8NVMIyGd50/s1600/082.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685680538236579922" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NRA1jDK1tD4/TueYU1PxcFI/AAAAAAAABJA/q8NVMIyGd50/s400/082.JPG" /></a> Our chicken who had <a href="http://makingitourhome.blogspot.com/2011/07/busy-days-of-summer-and-rendering-lard.html"><span style="color:#000066;"><em><strong>babies</strong></em></span></a>, have all grown up. Six out of the seven babies lived and 3 of them were roosters. Needless to say, we needed no more roosters around here. So 3 of the roosters were processed for our Thanksgiving dressing. They served our family well.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uHsCFx8kWa8/TueSE82fvoI/AAAAAAAABI0/Ag7FIi_QfcY/s1600/087.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685673668330372738" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uHsCFx8kWa8/TueSE82fvoI/AAAAAAAABI0/Ag7FIi_QfcY/s400/087.JPG" /></a> Here's the main man getting the water ready to plunge the chickens in to loosen their feathers.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oXqNVomxXwQ/TueRq-pcGgI/AAAAAAAABIo/8CIJDxuqj2Y/s1600/197.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685673222135880194" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oXqNVomxXwQ/TueRq-pcGgI/AAAAAAAABIo/8CIJDxuqj2Y/s400/197.JPG" /></a> This is our "make do" killing cone.<br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nKG8oZOvYk/TuePxoO5mdI/AAAAAAAABIc/ls5vmuaRCLI/s1600/201.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685671137354815954" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nKG8oZOvYk/TuePxoO5mdI/AAAAAAAABIc/ls5vmuaRCLI/s400/201.JPG" /></a> One thing that is taking up a big chunk of our time is our little local homeschool group started a boy's basketball team. We were looking for something more local for our son to participate in sports wise. We feel sports are very important for him. Learning to be part of a team and leadership skills are invaluable but we will still want to keep the integrity of our homeschool lifestyle. This has been a blessing.</div><br /><br /><div align="center">The Scott County Flames<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TcIuX60tjZM/TueOVDfpIxI/AAAAAAAABIU/EQc20rSN6eo/s1600/143.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685669546944963346" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TcIuX60tjZM/TueOVDfpIxI/AAAAAAAABIU/EQc20rSN6eo/s320/143.JPG" /></a> Our Peyton is #4. They aren't winning lots of games but they are having a great time. :)<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QFe8vSdFqzQ/TueOU1ulj6I/AAAAAAAABIE/vZSGvsdEynI/s1600/111.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685669543249547170" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QFe8vSdFqzQ/TueOU1ulj6I/AAAAAAAABIE/vZSGvsdEynI/s320/111.JPG" /></a> Here's a snippet of our Christmas decorations.<br />Our Tree</div><br /><div align="left"><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7A7HqepV5e4/TueK2kd9TTI/AAAAAAAABH4/EwcVH_TTImk/s1600/Christmas%2BTree%2B2011.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685665724685438258" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7A7HqepV5e4/TueK2kd9TTI/AAAAAAAABH4/EwcVH_TTImk/s320/Christmas%2BTree%2B2011.jpg" /></a> And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care......<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dkI2qW9wgZQ/TueJ1d7LCsI/AAAAAAAABHs/BRGn-WDja7E/s1600/Stockings.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685664606237428418" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dkI2qW9wgZQ/TueJ1d7LCsI/AAAAAAAABHs/BRGn-WDja7E/s320/Stockings.jpg" /></a> This would be my all time favorite nativity scene. I love it!! It sits on top of my grandmother's original singer sewing machine. I need to put that thing to use.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B_C6TGVEX8I/TueJ1H-xaOI/AAAAAAAABHc/mNVXg5yf4Sw/s1600/Nativity.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 185px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685664600346945762" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B_C6TGVEX8I/TueJ1H-xaOI/AAAAAAAABHc/mNVXg5yf4Sw/s320/Nativity.jpg" /></a> The kids got together with some of our local homeschool friends and made gingerbread houses. It was a ton of fun and we all had a great time.<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 339px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685692837235923074" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4DQnBYUK2g/TuejguluGII/AAAAAAAABKI/0Q62PQDZI9M/s400/Gingerbread%2Bhouses.jpg" /><span style="font-size:180%;">I am linking this post up to <span style="color:#000066;"><em><strong><a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2011/12/barn-hop-40-great-holiday-event.html">Barn Hop #40</a></strong></em></span>.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 509px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 148px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685690289722198930" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5f5VXCzQyI/TuehMcXHi5I/AAAAAAAABJ8/SWBucKk2n-Y/s400/Christmas.jpg" /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-971593056079347932011-09-28T16:03:00.001-05:002011-09-28T16:06:07.780-05:00Very inspiring girl of mine......<p>My 19 almost 20 year old daughter writes some of the most beautiful and awe inspiring notes. This is her recent work that she has been working on for about 3 months. I would love for you to read it. I only wish I had her maturity and wisdom at her very tender age.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/notes/katherine-leanne-spencer/do-not-conform-be-transformed/10150332000308232">https://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/notes/katherine-leanne-spencer/do-not-conform-be-transformed/10150332000308232</a></p><br /><p><a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/signature.jpg" /></a> </p>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-86601913315201835612011-09-19T06:31:00.004-05:002011-09-19T07:02:24.804-05:00......MayBelle.......<p>Here's a quick video clip of our...... drum roll please....... MayBelle. It took us a while to come up with a name but it's perfect for her. She is just the most fun cow. If there could be such a thing. We are currently working on halter and lead rope training. She is not loving the halter but she does tolerate it. :) </p><br /><br /><p><br /><embed height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" wmode="transparent" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fvid38.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe103%2Fspencerschool%2F002.mp4"></embed><br /></p><br /><br /><p>I also want to tell you about a great giveaway over at <a href="http://georgiafarmwoman.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#330099;">Life on A Southern Farm</span></a>. They are giving away another <a href="http://georgiafarmwoman.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#330099;">3 hole Hen Pals</span> </a>nesting box. We currently have the <a href="http://makingitourhome.blogspot.com/2011/03/finishing-up-coop.html"><span style="color:#330099;">6 hole nesting box</span> </a>and love, love, love it. I hope I win the 3 hole, as well. :)</p><br /><br /><p>I will also be linking this post to the <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2011/09/barn-hop-28.html">Barn Hop</a>.</p><br /><br /><p><a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/signature.jpg" /></a></p>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-36617330381129899872011-09-03T20:04:00.012-05:002011-09-03T20:52:18.654-05:00Sometimes Dreams and Plans do Come to Fruition.....After years of research and careful planning the day has come.......
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<br />Checking things out.
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<br />The horses were quite curious as to what we have managed to bring home now.
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<br /><div>My honey brought the kennel in the barn and you would have thought the little girl would have run out after her long ride but no. She was timid.</div>
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<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KvfQomMpuA4/TmLRz9705oI/AAAAAAAABGs/8xMONsemRzs/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648307573405050498" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KvfQomMpuA4/TmLRz9705oI/AAAAAAAABGs/8xMONsemRzs/s400/003.JPG" /></a> </div>
<br /><div>Here's the man of my dreams trying to coax our new little addition out of the kennel. I tell you that kennel is getting quite the work out and it has yet to see a dog. :)
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<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0gn54DmItA/TmLRPA4wsgI/AAAAAAAABGk/YNj1u7S60Uk/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648306938542338562" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0gn54DmItA/TmLRPA4wsgI/AAAAAAAABGk/YNj1u7S60Uk/s400/004.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><div>Whew, she finally came out and immediately started sniffing out her surroundings. She is a curious little thing. So far she seems very bright eyed and energetic. She is only 5 days old but was with her mom for 4 full days. Lord willing, she has gotten a good start and we will have no problems. </div>
<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EDStg6T1QWw/TmLQzkG7m8I/AAAAAAAABGc/zRj382Zq11o/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648306466960677826" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EDStg6T1QWw/TmLQzkG7m8I/AAAAAAAABGc/zRj382Zq11o/s400/005.JPG" /></a>
<br />If you look real closely you can see the sweetest little tongue. Oh, she just melts my heart. By the way, she doesn't have a name yet....... Any suggestions? I always wanted a Jersey Cow named Butter Bell but she doesn't look like a Butter Bell. Our short list right now is Heidi, Bell, Elsie, and Anna Bell.</div>
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<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqw7Eyil6Y4/TmLQOjek9JI/AAAAAAAABGU/E6sIrp361CI/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 334px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648305831136261266" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqw7Eyil6Y4/TmLQOjek9JI/AAAAAAAABGU/E6sIrp361CI/s400/007.JPG" /></a> </div>
<br /><div>Oh, wow, isn't she just beautiful? I can't tell you how excited I am about this little missy.</div>
<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DdGF5i8gV_o/TmLPxxMYCQI/AAAAAAAABGM/coIeTA6Q3V0/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648305336601807106" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DdGF5i8gV_o/TmLPxxMYCQI/AAAAAAAABGM/coIeTA6Q3V0/s400/010.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<br /><div>As many of you know, we are all into self sufficiency and preparedness. Well, most of the animals have been things that my husband has been really excited about. For the last 2-3 yrs. I have been researching keeping a family cow. I have really wanted one, but for a good tame family cow, they are quite expensive. So it has always been on the back burner. Then today, we drove about an hour away and picked up this little beauty. She is half Jersey and half holstein. She will eventually be our family milk cow. It will take probably 2 yrs. but in the mean time we will be training her to be the best most gentle milk cow ever and I could not be happier!!! This little farmstead is really starting to take shape.</div>
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<br /><div>***** Don't forget to give us your name suggestions******</div></div>
<br />Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-10843589342944103572011-08-22T15:44:00.009-05:002011-08-22T16:45:31.575-05:00Castrating our little piggies....I really debated long and hard over doing this post. I would much rather be doing a post on new window coverings or something but this is real life on the mini farm. We are what I am calling Google farmers. We have no real knowledge of this life but are winging it all with the help of lots of Google searches.
<br />As many of you know, we are all into raising everything we eat. That includes animals. We have been raising pigs for the last two years. However, in the past we have always made a point to get females because we didn't want to mess with castration. This go round we could not find a single female feeder pig. What a dilemma!!! My honey, Mr. I wanna be a real farm man, decided I can do this. So we brought home two of the cutest little pink pigs that were MALE.
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<br /><div>Well, today was the day. After, much research the boys dug in. The pictures aren't great because I didn't even go out there. My Lindsey took all of the pictures. She is a girly, girly, girl but will get all in the middle of anything the boys have going on. It's too funny. </div>
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<br /><div>First, they caught the little pigs and put them in the pet carrier to hold them while waiting. They then laid one little pig in an old wheel barrow and held him tight. They cleaned the sac with soap and water. Little pigs are dirty, dirty and we do not want infection.
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<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p6lavCNa-lM/TlLD02Emy4I/AAAAAAAABF0/vhz3VdfY8lw/s1600/078.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643788595684100994" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p6lavCNa-lM/TlLD02Emy4I/AAAAAAAABF0/vhz3VdfY8lw/s400/078.JPG" /></a> They are proceeding to make the first very small slit in the testicular sac of one of our little piggies. My son has a very tight hold on our little man.
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<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsebGggEHxY/TlLDEo8-aHI/AAAAAAAABFs/dFLv53SjNwE/s1600/079.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643787767528712306" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsebGggEHxY/TlLDEo8-aHI/AAAAAAAABFs/dFLv53SjNwE/s400/079.JPG" /></a> Here they have already cut the very small slit and are pushing the testical through the slit.
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<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63fCcXS6NBw/TlLBnZK359I/AAAAAAAABFk/h5FxtStL60A/s1600/081.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643786165564205010" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63fCcXS6NBw/TlLBnZK359I/AAAAAAAABFk/h5FxtStL60A/s400/081.JPG" /></a> Here's the testical out of the sac. They are about to make a clean cut to seperate the testical. (I know TMI) UGHHH!
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEp4VN4-OHs/TlLMPJd4ulI/AAAAAAAABF8/b6DDj0MV0Cg/s1600/083.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643797843660028498" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEp4VN4-OHs/TlLMPJd4ulI/AAAAAAAABF8/b6DDj0MV0Cg/s400/083.JPG" /></a>
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<br /><div>They did this on both sides of both pigs. After finishing with each pig, they cleaned the whole sac with iodine to ward off infection. </div></div></div></div>
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<br /><p>A few notable things about the whole process were, our pigs did not squeal much like we had seen in videos. My son even wore ear plugs just in case but they really weren't that bad. I don't know if it's because ours are more tame or what. Also, there is little to no bleeding and now the pigs are back in the pasture running around like usual. One is a little slower and stiffer but I am amazed at how well they are doing. Praise the Lord!! God is merciful!!</p>
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<br /><p>~~~O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting. 1 Chronicles 16:34 ~~~</p>
<br />Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-747805682417206762011-08-13T21:55:00.012-05:002011-08-15T18:38:13.225-05:00Old McDonald had a farm......Today, we added the second of two pretty pink pigs (Large Whites) to the farm. We got the first one last week. The big draw back on these little sweeties is they are male...... Which means one day this week my honey and my boy will be castrating little piggies. They have never done this themselves before and I will be doing some serious praying!!
<br />In the past we have kept our pigs in a pen and have fed them out before processing them.
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kJt3izHqcfA/Tkc8ad1YqwI/AAAAAAAABEc/0mLvmAyfNi0/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640543483687643906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kJt3izHqcfA/Tkc8ad1YqwI/AAAAAAAABEc/0mLvmAyfNi0/s400/005.JPG" /></a> We are excited to have this portion of pasture fenced in and our little piggies are now out rooting it all up. Our goal is to have everything we raise here and everything we eat, to be free range grass fed. Here are all of the reasons why: <span style="color:#000066;"><a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainable-Farming/Grass-Fed-Meat-Benefits.aspx"><span style="color:#000066;">The Amazing Benefits of Grassfed Meat</span></a> </span>
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<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f0FK4lD5ga0/Tkc7viR8skI/AAAAAAAABEU/mCuOLx-caAs/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640542746146812482" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f0FK4lD5ga0/Tkc7viR8skI/AAAAAAAABEU/mCuOLx-caAs/s400/004.JPG" /></a> And here's our little Ramsey. He is definitely becoming all male. I don't really like that part but I guess that's what you have to have if you want to breed sheep. UGH......
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<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDS-411St-k/Tkc7RwxUo5I/AAAAAAAABEM/BQlr7iwf4sc/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640542234640425874" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDS-411St-k/Tkc7RwxUo5I/AAAAAAAABEM/BQlr7iwf4sc/s400/006.JPG" /></a> And here is the true Old McDonald had a farm or what we affectionately know it as, Mr. Ronnie's farm. We love it!!! We fenced in a pasture right behind the garden area and we now have the turkeys, pretty pink pigs, Phoebe (pot belly), and last but not least Ramsey our St. Croix ram living back there.
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<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HP1jKJXNZFM/Tkc6vRq7FRI/AAAAAAAABEE/maJ5OHEsQfU/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640541642176533778" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HP1jKJXNZFM/Tkc6vRq7FRI/AAAAAAAABEE/maJ5OHEsQfU/s400/003.JPG" /></a> We don't intend on keeping them all together forever. We plan to put the pink pigs in their own pasture behind the barn in a few months. Most of the turkeys will be making it to the freezer in October/November. Ramsey will also get his own little pasture, as soon as we get the ewes in the Spring. However, having them all together right now really works, not to mention, it is so entertaining out there. You can see our Retriever/ Lab mix, Daisy, wishes she could join in on the fun. We have been giving them all of the rotting left overs of the garden. They are loving it. This evening they got some watermelon, pears, and muscadines. As soon as I get everything I want out of my garden, which is going to be real soon, I hope to put the little pigs on the garden spot for a couple of months. I want them to root up all of the weeds, to their little hearts content. I am hoping that will help out our weed problem, which has been TERRIBLE this year. </div>
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<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yHuEm1uMdFU/Tkc6IbeVPGI/AAAAAAAABD8/FntmITaon8o/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640540974793178210" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yHuEm1uMdFU/Tkc6IbeVPGI/AAAAAAAABD8/FntmITaon8o/s400/007.JPG" /></a> I plan on linking this post up to the Preparedness Challenge and the Barn Hop over at <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000066;">Homestead Revival</span></a>, one of my all time favorite blogs.</div>
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<br />Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-77645352417487427052011-08-08T17:58:00.003-05:002011-08-08T18:09:29.165-05:00Getting prepared<a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/44058141"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638624152448500066" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jces5hU9zE/TkBqyryhgWI/AAAAAAAABD0/2zNjtwCW4HQ/s400/CNBC_market_avg_080811b.gif" /></a> If there were ever a reason to get somewhat prepared for things to come this might be a good one. We have been on a track of getting ourselves more and more self sufficient and more and more we see that it's the right track to be on.
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<br />~~The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. Proverbs 22:3~~
<br />~~ The sluggard does not plow in the Autumn; he will seek at the harvest and have nothing. Proverbs 20:4~~
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<br />Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-84511726796179714792011-07-29T10:34:00.012-05:002011-07-29T12:10:32.966-05:00Busy Days of Summer and Rendering Lard<span style="color:#660000;">Rendering lard, why would anybody in their right mind do this? Well, when we process the pigs they always send us home with nicely wrapped packages of lard, such as below. In the past I have promptly thrown it in the garbage, not wanting to tackle this project. However, the more I read about "</span><a href="http://westonaprice.org/making-it-practical/taking-the-fear-out-of-eating-fat"><span style="color:#000066;">Good Fats</span></a><span style="color:#660000;">", I thought why not give it a try. I have to tell you it is a long process. I should have started earlier in the day. I just did not realize. </span><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDAMF6V9YEw/TjLW89W99uI/AAAAAAAABDE/VBV_9AiebRQ/s1600/001.JPG"><span style="color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634802426545305314" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDAMF6V9YEw/TjLW89W99uI/AAAAAAAABDE/VBV_9AiebRQ/s400/001.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;"> The lard starts out a nice white and pink color when first going in the pot.<br /></span><br /><div><span style="color:#660000;">You put little chunk pieces in a stainless steel pot on the lowest stove setting. Stirring often the lard will slowly begin to cook down. </span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr4waveI-z8/TjLWGWsn01I/AAAAAAAABC0/gFaF4-qMUn8/s1600/002.JPG"><span style="color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634801488454210386" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr4waveI-z8/TjLWGWsn01I/AAAAAAAABC0/gFaF4-qMUn8/s400/002.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;"> Then it starts to turn a grey color as it is rendering down. You will be left with small pieces of cracklin. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634801846488952418" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-My7GA-H5IPk/TjLWbMewbmI/AAAAAAAABC8/4NoVHJ0J6mk/s400/003.JPG" /> The end result of hours of rendering. I could not wait on it all to render down so I finally just filtered out what I could and ended up with 3 pint jars. I poured the lard through a cheese cloth several times to ensure a clear end product. The jars sealed themselves during the cooling but I still think I am going to run them through the canner for a little while. It's beautiful and I can't wait to make a pie crust!! Today, I am rendering more lard. I am starting wwaayyy earlier and using a smaller pot. I hope that speeds up the process.<br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpuR8otPvII/TjLVeYm_ixI/AAAAAAAABCk/30Mn7tb5YrA/s1600/004.JPG"><span style="color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634800801772702482" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpuR8otPvII/TjLVeYm_ixI/AAAAAAAABCk/30Mn7tb5YrA/s400/004.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;"> The turkeys are now 12 wks. old and are just so interesting looking. I thought they might be bigger by now but they aren't. Lord willing by Nov. they will be a good size. </span><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07tEz6iekWM/TjLVHqaw1NI/AAAAAAAABCc/aFR9AsYf9f8/s1600/005.JPG"><span style="color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634800411416253650" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07tEz6iekWM/TjLVHqaw1NI/AAAAAAAABCc/aFR9AsYf9f8/s400/005.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;"> Here are the turkeys walking across the backyard during a good downpour. They just absolutely refuse to stay in the acreage that we fenced in for them. We need to clip their wings but I don't know that that will help. </span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WH_pn6fxusY/TjLUcUHRioI/AAAAAAAABCU/d8xyTEv52Mo/s1600/002.JPG"><span style="color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634799666694556290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WH_pn6fxusY/TjLUcUHRioI/AAAAAAAABCU/d8xyTEv52Mo/s400/002.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;"> Our days are full right now on the mini farm. We have been canning pickles, freezing peas, squash, and zucchini. We are also really busy with all of the animals around here. </span></div><span style="color:#660000;">***~~~*** </span><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#660000;">I will leave you with this last little snippet of happenings around the homestead. We have a small game chicken, who we lovingly call bird, because she looks like a bird up next to regular size chickens. Anyway, we had not seen her in weeks and thought that a predator must have gotten her, as she comes and goes as she pleases, out of the pen. Well about a week and a half ago we found her and 7 baby chicks in the barn. We promptly put her in the chicken tractor. I would have loved to let her walk around the yard with her babies but from </span><a href="http://makingitourhome.blogspot.com/2009/04/outdoor-wednesday.html"><span style="color:#000066;">past experience </span></a><span style="color:#660000;">we knew that she would be too vulnerable to predators. Lord willing, when the babies get bigger, we can let them out to run around together. I am thankful that we have some chickens with the natural instinct to set and care for babies. </span><br /><span style="color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 354px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634815766680791458" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pvW7tP25QjU/TjLjFdPHaaI/AAAAAAAABDU/ts7JWpoVl80/s400/007.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 365px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634817863402290082" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PrEj3r2ylws/TjLk_gIee6I/AAAAAAAABDk/F-XBy33uj4o/s400/006.JPG" /></span><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color:#660000;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#660000;">Have a great weekend!!!</span></div><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/signature.jpg" /></a> </p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-51339075123308719602011-06-28T08:21:00.003-05:002011-06-28T08:28:57.080-05:00TurkeysMy daughter is turning into quite an awesome photographer and she tooke these amazing pictures of our turkeys. I love this one.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60xqIM57ut4/TgnV7qpzpcI/AAAAAAAABB8/x3cPvf7k3gw/s1600/turkeys1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623260830787413442" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60xqIM57ut4/TgnV7qpzpcI/AAAAAAAABB8/x3cPvf7k3gw/s400/turkeys1.jpg" /></a> They are growing so nicely. I am amazed at how much more friendly they are than the chickens, who we also raised from day one.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JR5KjTZXcmU/TgnVzzN0kbI/AAAAAAAABB0/SnfYBitLmOc/s1600/turkeys2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623260695646998962" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JR5KjTZXcmU/TgnVzzN0kbI/AAAAAAAABB0/SnfYBitLmOc/s400/turkeys2.jpg" /></a>And Ramsey just loves them. They are buddies.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxWA21acbus/TgnVpgtnM0I/AAAAAAAABBs/2S2vMPxoMNM/s1600/turkeys3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623260518881375042" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxWA21acbus/TgnVpgtnM0I/AAAAAAAABBs/2S2vMPxoMNM/s400/turkeys3.jpg" /></a> Have a great week.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/signature.jpg" /></a> </p></div></div>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-18819237187624532062011-06-19T16:56:00.007-05:002011-06-19T18:39:20.301-05:00How do you spend Father's Day on the mini farm......You drive 3+ hours to Louisiana to bring home a 3 month old sheep in a pet carrier. ha ha<br /><br /><br /><div>This is the beginning of our St. Croix sheep breeding program. He is a registered St. Croix sheep. His name is Ramsey and he is finally home. He is just another step in our overall plan to be as self sufficient as we can. We hope to breed for selling and whatever we can't sell, process for our freezer. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9g40zm3oFtg/Tf6A4O9QHvI/AAAAAAAABBc/nxd06N7JNj8/s1600/183.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620071088580992754" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9g40zm3oFtg/Tf6A4O9QHvI/AAAAAAAABBc/nxd06N7JNj8/s320/183.JPG" /></a> We decided to go with <a href="http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/stcroix.html"><span style="color:#660000;"><em>St. Croix sheep</em></span> </a>for a number of reasons but mainly we were looking for a <a href="http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/stcroix.html"><span style="color:#660000;"><em>heritage breed</em></span></a>. Heritage breed animals do not have a lot of their natural instincts for breeding and mothering bred out of them. The St. Croix is also on the threatened list. So we feel good about helping to conserve the breed. They are also extremely parasite resistant, which tends to be a big problem with sheep. We want to do things as naturally, as possible and would prefer not to use commercial wormers. They also thrive on pasture.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620072713180577922" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qffepNj0t9U/Tf6CWzD-gII/AAAAAAAABBk/cteLMGTIAPM/s320/162.JPG" />We are really hoping these two become fast friends. That is until we get Ramsey a girlfriend or two or three. We did not realize at the time that St. Croix sheep are such a rare breed. There are no breeders in Ms. and the ones that we found in Louisiana had already sold out of all of their ewes. So it looks like it will be next Spring before we get our ewes. We are on the waiting list now for next Spring. However, after we get our ewes, we will be the only breeder of registered St. Croix sheep in Ms.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5Nn1ju948M/Tf5-maz8JZI/AAAAAAAABBU/jiQDYyf_15A/s1600/179.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620068583502259602" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5Nn1ju948M/Tf5-maz8JZI/AAAAAAAABBU/jiQDYyf_15A/s320/179.JPG" /></a>I couldn't leave you without a picture of Phoebe. We got her her own swimming pool and she spends a good bit of time wallowing in it. This is one spoiled pig!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69IGGuh4w58/Tf58rsvgpwI/AAAAAAAABBM/YBepV3F-rug/s1600/184.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620066475191609090" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69IGGuh4w58/Tf58rsvgpwI/AAAAAAAABBM/YBepV3F-rug/s320/184.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/signature.jpg" /></a> </p></div></div></div>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-25557670635858198422011-05-28T12:19:00.009-05:002011-05-28T15:48:28.586-05:00The end of May already, here's what's been keeping us so busy<strong><em><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#660000;">~~Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. 1 Corinthians 3:8-9~~</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span></em></strong><br />This is the biggest cause of our busyness. Our very large garden. It rained and rained and rained and we were about 2 weeks late even getting our garden planted. Now that it's in the ground, it quit raining. UGHhhhh So for now we are water sprinkling it. It's not coming up great but my tomatoes look really good.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xWXVu0MD_YE/TeFY95EZFxI/AAAAAAAABBA/wmotMHXfN0w/s1600/051.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611864430994855698" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xWXVu0MD_YE/TeFY95EZFxI/AAAAAAAABBA/wmotMHXfN0w/s400/051.JPG" /></a> We are doing a lot of this......<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7xeAZsREuU/TeFY9rADMII/AAAAAAAABA4/2TR2tzQLShc/s1600/041.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611864427218546818" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7xeAZsREuU/TeFY9rADMII/AAAAAAAABA4/2TR2tzQLShc/s400/041.JPG" /></a> My girls are doing their fair share of weeding, as well. Lord willing, we will have a bounty for all of this work. Working in the garden and putting up the harvest is one of my favorite parts of homesteading. Oh and by the way, the outfits below are not something we would ever wear outside of the garden! We like modesty!!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IZVZKWOEBg/TeFY9JymZRI/AAAAAAAABAw/PkK84SRzaPI/s1600/046.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 324px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611864418303763730" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IZVZKWOEBg/TeFY9JymZRI/AAAAAAAABAw/PkK84SRzaPI/s400/046.JPG" /></a> Our newest advenuture is beekeeping. My husband and son took a beekeeping class a few weeks ago. My son is hoping this will be a little side business for himself. He is so excited about it and loves his bees already. He has been in his hives every other day so far.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--eh1_gVf7gA/TeFVkmx-r7I/AAAAAAAABAo/yTg3pXWvUiI/s1600/048.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611860698054176690" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--eh1_gVf7gA/TeFVkmx-r7I/AAAAAAAABAo/yTg3pXWvUiI/s400/048.JPG" /></a> Here are the girls working hard.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7V8N-dEZ0BI/TeFVkX5zFnI/AAAAAAAABAg/Teh3jAmOyfo/s1600/056.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611860694060439154" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7V8N-dEZ0BI/TeFVkX5zFnI/AAAAAAAABAg/Teh3jAmOyfo/s400/056.JPG" /></a> My boys in their bee suits.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlTbOayU_-o/TeFVkMTFlII/AAAAAAAABAY/tXqRF3C5dsM/s1600/055.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611860690945283202" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlTbOayU_-o/TeFVkMTFlII/AAAAAAAABAY/tXqRF3C5dsM/s400/055.JPG" /></a> Smoking out their bees so that they can release their queen.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acaKwUZCJ-g/TeFVj4kVtnI/AAAAAAAABAQ/UCvOqrcz7n4/s1600/053.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611860685648934514" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acaKwUZCJ-g/TeFVj4kVtnI/AAAAAAAABAQ/UCvOqrcz7n4/s400/053.JPG" /></a> Another major project at the Spencer Family Farm is raising 15 <a href="http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/bourbon.html"><span style="color:#660000;"><strong><em>Bourbon Red Turkeys</em></strong></span></a>. We have had them about 3 weeks and let me tell you, it has not been easy. We did not realize that turkeys are not the smartest of animals. We got them as day olds and thought it would be like the many chickens that we have raised in the past. However, turkeys we soon found out will starve to death standing beside their feed. They have to be taught to eat. Which we did for over a week. It has been tough and we have lost 3 but they are all eating well now and it seems they are doing good.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KFLBZmzhukY/TeFS0cBD7NI/AAAAAAAABAI/7eLhU_Bib_8/s1600/043.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611857671507668178" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KFLBZmzhukY/TeFS0cBD7NI/AAAAAAAABAI/7eLhU_Bib_8/s400/043.JPG" /></a> We plan to keep 3 hens and 1 Tom for future breeding. We are giving 2 to my mom and will process the rest for the freezer. They are so cute but aren't growing as quick as chicks either.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BysvnNGkwO4/TeFS0LsyJmI/AAAAAAAABAA/hiYmtxHsJ6k/s1600/043.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611857667127649890" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BysvnNGkwO4/TeFS0LsyJmI/AAAAAAAABAA/hiYmtxHsJ6k/s400/043.JPG" /></a> Here's Mrs. Phoebe. We have moved her to the big pasture to free range too. She has lost so much weight since having a bigger area to run around in. We are so crazy about this little missy. She gets two eggs at the end of everyday and now she is in the habit of running when she sees me heading to the chicken house. Who would have known that a pot bellied pig would be so much fun?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8B0i5zsbb8/TeFSzyCMr8I/AAAAAAAAA_4/VSIFSN50UJA/s1600/042.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611857660238147522" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8B0i5zsbb8/TeFSzyCMr8I/AAAAAAAAA_4/VSIFSN50UJA/s400/042.JPG" /></a> <br /><div>The girls are busy laying in their new <a href="http://georgiafarmwoman.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#660000;"><strong><em>Hen Pals Nest Box</em></strong></span></a>. I have to say I love this thing and the girls do too. We are getting about 20 eggs a day. </div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hXztv6Oc0zg/TeFOjVw-n0I/AAAAAAAAA_o/hjQ64E5l2EI/s1600/049.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611852979725311810" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hXztv6Oc0zg/TeFOjVw-n0I/AAAAAAAAA_o/hjQ64E5l2EI/s400/049.JPG" /></a>They also love the big new area that we have fenced in for their free ranging. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--76vaTb-OVE/TeEySYmWxII/AAAAAAAAA_g/J6yiVPzMwOA/s1600/047.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611821902102709378" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--76vaTb-OVE/TeEySYmWxII/AAAAAAAAA_g/J6yiVPzMwOA/s400/047.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day and remember those that have given their lives so that we could have freedom!!</div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/signature.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-7859670253074620572011-05-03T09:45:00.015-05:002011-05-03T12:07:52.318-05:00Spring Around the House and CampingSpring has sprung here on the homestead...... With it, has come some terrible storms and some of our family and friends have been effected. I encourage everyone to pray for those affected by the recent <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/topics/mississippi-tornadoes"><strong><span style="color:#660000;">tornadoes</span></strong></a>.<br />~~ Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16~~<br /><br />Around the homestead, we are seeing everything start to bloom and green up. Here's a swarm of bees who were attempting to make one of my muscadine polls their home. The day after we took pics. of them, they left. I can't wait to have our own bees here on the mini farm.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRlhqfNi2oQ/TcAy2RHc4HI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/YHE_IdrzHI8/s1600/095.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602533844337877106" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRlhqfNi2oQ/TcAy2RHc4HI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/YHE_IdrzHI8/s400/095.JPG" /></a>Here's a beautiful purple Iris. They didn't bloom much last year but are beautiful this year. I hope to dig up some more from my mom's house and plant them.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgDJ4E4crQg/TcAw08-aJdI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/46iy-BX7-Nc/s1600/089.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602531622728115666" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgDJ4E4crQg/TcAw08-aJdI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/46iy-BX7-Nc/s400/089.JPG" /></a>This is our "new" to us camper. We camped about 20 mins. from our house because we were trying out this new pop up camper. We have always tent camped and even though we had air mattresses, our girls hated the tent. So this is a step up. A friend of mine was wanting to get rid of it for next to nothing. It has some things wrong with it but I am married to a "Mr. Fix It". So for us it's not a big deal. We love to camp. There's nothing like getting out to the woods and having no phone, TV, etc.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvskACM002E/TcAuVjywH9I/AAAAAAAAA_I/GDtiLBjUwo4/s1600/237.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602528884369137618" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvskACM002E/TcAuVjywH9I/AAAAAAAAA_I/GDtiLBjUwo4/s400/237.JPG" /></a>Setting up our outdoor table. This is our prep area for meals.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxPPArQANsY/TcAtAMTwbhI/AAAAAAAAA_A/ZzuHPmB3ZUE/s1600/236.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602527417776238098" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxPPArQANsY/TcAtAMTwbhI/AAAAAAAAA_A/ZzuHPmB3ZUE/s400/236.JPG" /></a> The love of my life walking his little dog. Snicker Snicker. This was supposed to be Katherine's dog but oh, how he loves Ronnie.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M3fmDbUeh2o/TcAr8cfhsgI/AAAAAAAAA-4/ZZVFv-0abXo/s1600/244.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602526253889466882" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M3fmDbUeh2o/TcAr8cfhsgI/AAAAAAAAA-4/ZZVFv-0abXo/s400/244.JPG" /></a> The girls had the occasional photo shoot and waded in the water. I love this one.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2UGFU5cRaA/TcAqM1pmJXI/AAAAAAAAA-w/2ZpwoV6SyR0/s1600/263.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602524336497239410" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2UGFU5cRaA/TcAqM1pmJXI/AAAAAAAAA-w/2ZpwoV6SyR0/s400/263.JPG" /></a> I loved watching the kids play cards for hours on end. There is some serious family bonding going on over a game of peanut butter and jelly or spit. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zhxqS97myA/TcApcZg3FSI/AAAAAAAAA-o/7gktmgZ0syM/s1600/267.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602523504310687010" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zhxqS97myA/TcApcZg3FSI/AAAAAAAAA-o/7gktmgZ0syM/s400/267.JPG" /></a> <strong><span style="color:#990000;">Ro</span></strong><a href="http://www.theultimatecampingguide.com/campgrounddetails2.php?pstate=MS&siteType=-1&agency=MS&parkId=154848&parkName=ROOSEVELT%20STATE%20PARK"><span style="color:#990000;"><strong>osevelt State Park</strong></span> </a>has a White Tail Deer Research Facility. The sign said not to stick your hand in but you can't keep the deer from sticking their heads out. Haha<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3ezTFmfFFU/TcAn5BLCBXI/AAAAAAAAA-g/NoTCryencxc/s1600/272.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602521796969629042" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3ezTFmfFFU/TcAn5BLCBXI/AAAAAAAAA-g/NoTCryencxc/s400/272.JPG" /></a> We took a long hike to see the goslings swimming with their parents. It's interesting to know that <a href="http://www.canadageese.org/faq4.html"><strong><span style="color:#990000;">Canadian Geese</span></strong> </a>mate for life.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxcNTsJrAp4/TcAm5Dc22jI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/1OGTQM-FHx8/s1600/281.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602520698069637682" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxcNTsJrAp4/TcAm5Dc22jI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/1OGTQM-FHx8/s400/281.JPG" /></a> We love cooking over an open fire on this little grill. Then we sit by the fire and eat smores.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NievS7XwxPM/TcAmGV3hnvI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/ROTmk5tNwR8/s1600/287.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602519826840002290" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NievS7XwxPM/TcAmGV3hnvI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/ROTmk5tNwR8/s400/287.JPG" /></a>The fishing was not great needless to say, but Peyton enjoyed the catching and releasing.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QGXQEVGUyKQ/TcAkwuqczvI/AAAAAAAAA-I/0Qtm77ATXMg/s1600/296.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602518356027297522" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QGXQEVGUyKQ/TcAkwuqczvI/AAAAAAAAA-I/0Qtm77ATXMg/s400/296.JPG" /></a>This is a miracle (smiling), considering this sweet girl doesn't really like camping. She took one for the team!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ngmyupMnir4/TcAj845Y7EI/AAAAAAAAA-A/lqUFbqm9YcU/s1600/298.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602517465421114434" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ngmyupMnir4/TcAj845Y7EI/AAAAAAAAA-A/lqUFbqm9YcU/s400/298.JPG" /></a> Our friendly visiting duck came by all through out the day to eat bread or peanuts. :)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ek8sOKclrcE/TcAjFe7eP_I/AAAAAAAAA94/usV0U7haWtw/s1600/299.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602516513557725170" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ek8sOKclrcE/TcAjFe7eP_I/AAAAAAAAA94/usV0U7haWtw/s400/299.JPG" /></a> We hope to have a couple of camping trips this summer in between all of the work of the garden. </div><br /><div>Have a great Week!!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em><span style="color:#660000;">Trixi</span></em></strong> </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-35332133971020597212011-04-24T03:41:00.004-05:002011-04-24T04:07:08.165-05:00Resurrection Sunday<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xa5D83l1pSU/TbPil0gr06I/AAAAAAAAA9w/8Q7bkFhBiRk/s1600/Jesus-said-to-her-I-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599067901130429346" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xa5D83l1pSU/TbPil0gr06I/AAAAAAAAA9w/8Q7bkFhBiRk/s400/Jesus-said-to-her-I-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life.jpg" /></a>For this reason the father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my father. John 10: 17-18<br /><br />And Jesus said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that the repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Luke 24:46-47<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599067757298186882" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCDf1vP_bQY/TbPidcsZ-oI/AAAAAAAAA9o/BmtOmfYfsb0/s400/Jesus%2Bpaid%2Bit%2Ball.jpg" /> But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. Isaiah 53:5</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thank you Jesus!! <br /><p><a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/signature.jpg" /></a> </p></div>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-84759667841467156732011-04-10T08:14:00.003-05:002011-04-10T08:36:01.333-05:00Newest member of the Spencer Family FarmHere is Ramsey. He is a 15 day old St. Croix ram and he is beautiful. He will be one of the stars of our breeding program and we are so excited to get him home. We will pick him up around the middle of June.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtF2YDtqWts/TaGvrZ9VlBI/AAAAAAAAA9g/wS1lv5qThQY/s1600/Baby%2BRam%2B007.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593945372408255506" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtF2YDtqWts/TaGvrZ9VlBI/AAAAAAAAA9g/wS1lv5qThQY/s400/Baby%2BRam%2B007.jpg" /></a> There are many reasons why we decided to go with the St. Croix breed but the main reason is their ability to thrive on forage and their resistance to parasites. Here is some other info.: <a href="http://www.stcroixsheep.org/"><span style="color:#660000;"><em>St. Croix sheep </em></span></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNcT_FzeU-s/TaGud3MqR2I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/Jtzu260JrAI/s1600/Baby%2BRam%2B009.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593944040227358562" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNcT_FzeU-s/TaGud3MqR2I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/Jtzu260JrAI/s400/Baby%2BRam%2B009.jpg" /></a> Our intention was to breed 100% registered St. Croix sheep. Well, during the planning process, we did not take into consideration that it would be very difficult to acquire a St. Croix ewe. They are rare in our area. So we are #1 on the list for one next year but this year we may have to get a Katahdin and have a St. Croix Katahdin cross. It will work out fine. Once we get our St. Croix ewes we can always sell the Katahdin if we want to. <br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1PGTH-C2kng/TaGudXgOeII/AAAAAAAAA9I/AA7qB1Mk370/s1600/Baby%2BRam%2B004.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593944031719487618" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1PGTH-C2kng/TaGudXgOeII/AAAAAAAAA9I/AA7qB1Mk370/s400/Baby%2BRam%2B004.jpg" /></a> Oh, those eyes. They are just magnificent. <br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593944027292591314" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--K356MtnVRA/TaGudHAxZNI/AAAAAAAAA9A/rOjM54yHCrY/s400/Baby%2BRam%2B001.jpg" /> This is just another step towards us growing and raising all of our own food free of chemicals, antibiotics and growth hormones.</div><br /><div><a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/signature.jpg" /></a> </div></div></div></div>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-79695664017663216192011-04-04T06:10:00.010-05:002011-04-04T07:25:59.157-05:00Barn Hopping.....How does your garden grow?<a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 250px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591686557606863698" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qW6nguZQuYg/TZmpTFF741I/AAAAAAAAA8o/dKF3vgaZS1w/s320/Barn-Hop.jpg" /></a> I am barn hopping again today. I think I have said it before, I really like the barn hop and getting to see what other homesteaders are doing. Such fun. <br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Today, I want to focus on my garden..... If you have read around here very long, you know that gardening and preserving the harvest are my passions. I love the garden!! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591686319992267122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u7Wlonyrwyw/TZmpFP6M4XI/AAAAAAAAA8g/LhCU6o9rmFs/s320/squash%2Bblooms.bmp" />I love the squash and tomato blooms. They just make you happy.</div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBRIeP-zZvs/TZmpFKwKBgI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/tVm9PWMO0bA/s1600/squash.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591686318607959554" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBRIeP-zZvs/TZmpFKwKBgI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/tVm9PWMO0bA/s320/squash.bmp" /></a> I also love a prolific bounty. </div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-LA9ycY6Z0/TZmqoB884TI/AAAAAAAAA8w/7XruV0dubp4/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591688017052754226" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-LA9ycY6Z0/TZmqoB884TI/AAAAAAAAA8w/7XruV0dubp4/s320/001.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div>If the Lord wills it, my garden table will look like this in July. I will have tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, etc. coming out of my ears. There will be 5 gal. buckets of fresh produce everywhere. Oh, I love it......</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div>But for now we are still ordering seeds and planning. A good garden needs lots of planning! </div>(This is last year's bounty) </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We already have green beans and onions growing in our raised bed garden. However, Mr. Larry, our very dependable neighbor, comes over every spring and tills my main garden with his tractor. We do not have a tractor with all of the implements and he does. He also loves to be on his tractor. So it's a win, win, situation. We use to till up the spot with a garden tiller. It would take days of back breaking work. Now, Mr. Larry comes down for about an hour a couple of times and we are ready to start planting. He has come and done the breaking up part. So in a couple of weeks he will come back to till and row it up. <strong><em>I can't wait!!</em></strong> </div><br /><div>Until then, we will plan. Here is what my 2011 garden plan looks like:</div><br /><div>Tomatoes (about 60 plants) I love celebrity but will throw in a few others, as well. <br /><div>Cucumbers I put up 30 jars of pickles last year and that wasn't enough. I am shooting for 50. <br /><div>Yellow Squash <br /><div>Zuchinni <br /><div>Cow Peas <br /><div>Green Beans <br /><div>Onions (red) <br /><div>Eggplant <br /><div>Okra <br /><div>Peppers <br /><div>Watermelon <br /><div>Cantaloupe <br /><div>Honey Dew Melon <br /><div>Pumpkins <br /><div>Gourds <br /><div>Zinnias (We planted these last year and they were so amazing!!) <br /><div>Marigolds (around my tomatoes) <br /><div>Sunflowers <br /><div>Catmint (I am planting this to ward off squash bugs. <em><a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2011/03/adding-flowers-to-vegetable-garden.html"><span style="color:#990000;">Here's a great article</span></a></em>.)</div><br /><div>This year I am planning to plant more heirloom varieties, as I want to save more seed this year. Here are some great companies to order seed from:</div><br /><div><a href="http://rareseeds.com/"><span style="color:#990000;">Baker's Creek Heirloom Seeds</span></a></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.heirloomseeds.com/"><span style="color:#990000;">Heirloom Seeds</span></a></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.victoryseeds.com/"><span style="color:#990000;">Victory Seeds</span></a></div><br /><div>Oh, and as a side note, <a href="http://agrariannation.blogspot.com/2011/03/blnk-3.html"><span style="color:#990000;">Herrick Kimball</span></a>, has a new blog <a href="http://agrariannation.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#990000;">Agrarian Nation</span></a>. It is just as good as all of his other writings, go check it out.</div><br /><div></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-om2VmdX9BjA/TZm0sHB7TwI/AAAAAAAAA84/XWIW6szmY-c/s1600/signature.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 75px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591699082251554562" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-om2VmdX9BjA/TZm0sHB7TwI/AAAAAAAAA84/XWIW6szmY-c/s320/signature.jpg" /></a> <br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-87803819248966261822011-03-19T14:01:00.016-05:002011-03-20T09:53:01.176-05:00On being prepared, Preparedness Challenge #1<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWL_JXDQjTg/TYYDXBGWX5I/AAAAAAAAA7s/6Pi8pDTRF2w/s1600/Preparedness-Challenge-Button.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586156081766621074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWL_JXDQjTg/TYYDXBGWX5I/AAAAAAAAA7s/6Pi8pDTRF2w/s320/Preparedness-Challenge-Button.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Amy from over at <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2011/03/preparedness-challenge-1.html"><strong><em><span style="color:#990000;">Homestead Revival</span></em></strong> </a>is doing a preparedness challenge. Well, you don't have to ask me twice. I am all about a preparedness challenge.</div><div><div><span style="color:#990000;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#990000;"><strong><em>Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.'~~ Jeremiah 6:16</em></strong></span></div><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">I believe in lieu of recent events in Japan, it is probably a very wise thing to look to the ancient paths a bit. We have been on a path of self sufficiency and preparedness for quite a while but have probably really accelerated that path in the last few weeks. </span></p><p><strong><em><span style="color:#990000;">For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.~~ Matthew 24:7-8</span></em></strong></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">We believe that we are in these beginning of birthing pains. So if you are to believe what the Word says it might be a good idea to be a little more prepared for those things that are to come. I would say that your first step needs to be knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal saviour. Here is a good place to start: <a href="http://www.allaboutgod.com/the-roman-road.htm">http://www.allaboutgod.com/the-roman-road.htm</a></span><br /></p><br /><p>Next, here's something that we have been doing and I highly recommend it as a first step. We are accumulating a homesteading library. Right now the internet is an amazng wealth of info. in the homesteading dept. but if there is no internet we need a back up. Here are some books that we have and I highly recommend for the prepared minded or homestead minded.<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586146134040821874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dc_4yHyWOEU/TYX6T-7swHI/AAAAAAAAA6c/-yqMAfHSe0g/s200/offoffgrid.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=surviving+off+off+grid"><span style="color:#000066;">http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=surviving+off+off+grid</span></a><br /></div><div>This book answers a lot of the how's and why's of living a life prepared. My husband and I have devoured this book, it is so good. I am going to order several copies for friends and family!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586146133528525890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMhERF7qqhc/TYX6T9BjvEI/AAAAAAAAA6k/NtKwzzE2vkk/s200/the_encyclopedia_of_country_living_by_carla_emery_book_pop.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Country-Living-Carla-Emery/dp/1570615535/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300626398&sr=8-1"><span style="color:#000066;">http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Country-Living-Carla-Emery/dp/1570615535/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300626398&sr=8-1</span></a><br /><div><br />This is a great reference book for everything homesteading or living in the country. This book was one of the first in our homesteading library.<br /></div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586148246366111378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 128px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95ks9bqw-7U/TYX8O79SxpI/AAAAAAAAA68/BwJPRvhXRvg/s200/foxfirecover.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_20?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=foxfire+complete+set&sprefix=foxfire+complete+set"><span style="color:#000066;">http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_20?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=foxfire+complete+set&sprefix=foxfire+complete+set</span></a><br /></div><div>This is an old, old set of books. They were written by a group of students who were interviewing old mountain people of the appalachian mountains. I enjoy them not only for their wealth of knowledge but also for just the plain neatness of them. I only own 3 volumes but hope to eventually own all 11.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586149667627788546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-brdntpzYnF0/TYX9hqke6QI/AAAAAAAAA7E/V359HKzm3VU/s200/homesteading-back-to-basics.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586151032915220274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 163px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMDQEfU2LX4/TYX-xIqX1zI/AAAAAAAAA7M/ED8cCG1IPZg/s200/back_to_basics_book.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_29?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=back+to+basics+readers+digest&sprefix=back+to+basics+readers+digest"><span style="color:#000066;">http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_29?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=back+to+basics+readers+digest&sprefix=back+to+basics+readers+digest</span></a></div><div></div><br /><div>This is another set of books that I just love. They are a great reference tool of everything homesteading.<br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586152471616069346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5AZr8jbtvxY/TYYAE4PYnuI/AAAAAAAAA7U/9JMIEAsTzDg/s200/how_to_build_animal_housing.jpg" border="0" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Build-Animal-Housing-Stanchions/dp/1580175279/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300627379&sr=1-1"><span style="color:#000066;">http://www.amazon.com/How-Build-Animal-Housing-Stanchions/dp/1580175279/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300627379&sr=1-1</span></a><span style="color:#000066;"><br /><br /></span><div>This book is a great reference tool for building housing for all of your animals. We are going to work on a pig hut from this book next!<br /></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586153923094870290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJQ-7Lbdl4k/TYYBZXa5eRI/AAAAAAAAA7c/JToSlH6_e8E/s200/storeys-guide-to-raising-pigs.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_14?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=storey%27s+guide&sprefix=storey%27s+guide"><span style="color:#000066;">http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_14?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=storey%27s+guide&sprefix=storey%27s+guide</span></a><span style="color:#000066;"><br /></span><div><br />These are the Storey's guides. They have a book for everything from raising sheep to raising pigs. They are very informative about each specific animal.</div><br /><div>We have many, many, more books in our homestead library but this is a good start for those who are wanting to get started on the track of preparedness. If you have any suggestions for me, please let me know. I love a good book!!</div><br /><div><a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/signature.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-54141598670172314762011-03-13T07:08:00.014-05:002011-03-14T02:33:59.272-05:00Finishing up the coopLooky, looky, what came in the mail Friday...... <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2vLSaixICs/TXy4Rpvb1VI/AAAAAAAAA5k/J1Iq8s77SwA/s1600/144.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583540251434669394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2vLSaixICs/TXy4Rpvb1VI/AAAAAAAAA5k/J1Iq8s77SwA/s400/144.JPG" border="0" /></a> Oh, is it not glorious.<br /><div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEHR8IRPGNc/TXy4RdVfbqI/AAAAAAAAA5c/ch7oXrR0PDM/s1600/142.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583540248104627874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEHR8IRPGNc/TXy4RdVfbqI/AAAAAAAAA5c/ch7oXrR0PDM/s400/142.JPG" border="0" /></a> It's a brand new, nice and shiny<a href="http://henpals.mybisi.com/products/6-hole-chicken-nesting-box?pagesize=40"> <span style="color:#990000;"><em><strong>6 hole nesting box</strong></em></span> </a>system for my chicken coop. It was made by none other than the <a href="http://henpals.mybisi.com/"><span style="color:#990000;"><em><strong>farm man</strong></em></span> </a>from over at <a href="http://georgiafarmwoman.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#990000;"><em><strong>Life on a Southern Farm</strong></em></span></a>. I can not tell you how happy this little beauty has made me. I have wanted one ever since I first read about them. I love their blog and I love that they make these on their farm. The quality is amazing and I urge you to check them out!!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Rce0MoGjeA/TXy4REYxG1I/AAAAAAAAA5U/mrK5n02CxiY/s1600/146.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583540241407482706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Rce0MoGjeA/TXy4REYxG1I/AAAAAAAAA5U/mrK5n02CxiY/s400/146.JPG" border="0" /></a> Oh, and the farm lady also makes <a href="http://henpals.mybisi.com/products/old-mill-pond-farm-soap?pagesize=40"><span style="color:#990000;"><em><strong>soap</strong></em></span></a>. Look what she stuck in the box with my nesting box. It's her clean linen fragrance and it smells sooooo goooood. You can't really see it but the soap has a chicken on it. I don't think I will ever be able to use it, it's so pretty. Thank you so much.</div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-riOQR62q_pI/TXy3iQS2uvI/AAAAAAAAA5M/5gyVNPQ-oDU/s1600/145.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583539437150059250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-riOQR62q_pI/TXy3iQS2uvI/AAAAAAAAA5M/5gyVNPQ-oDU/s400/145.JPG" border="0" /></a> Now down to the nitty gritty. Here is my hard working man putting the siding on my chicken coop. He did a great job.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-TuNHrX-FE/TXy3HVuDFeI/AAAAAAAAA5E/XwhCvxxM9CQ/s1600/148.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583538974749824482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-TuNHrX-FE/TXy3HVuDFeI/AAAAAAAAA5E/XwhCvxxM9CQ/s400/148.JPG" border="0" /></a> My hard working little man helping to put siding on the new chicken coop. He is learning a lot with all of these farm projects. I just hope he still wants to do them on his own farm one day.:)<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWjXxpWtw0c/TXy3HCO-kwI/AAAAAAAAA48/CsOf-H8GpPc/s1600/149.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583538969519231746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWjXxpWtw0c/TXy3HCO-kwI/AAAAAAAAA48/CsOf-H8GpPc/s400/149.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here the girls and boys are checking out their new spread. They were not sure about all of this.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yYQVpEJLSs0/TXy2X-1wy9I/AAAAAAAAA40/yPKndZqYBOY/s1600/152.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583538161154313170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yYQVpEJLSs0/TXy2X-1wy9I/AAAAAAAAA40/yPKndZqYBOY/s400/152.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's that amazing nesting box in her permanent home. I hope our girls love this little gadget as much as I do.<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583537569150914418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JeWstAf-IIU/TXy11hdJz3I/AAAAAAAAA4s/FAVp3a7vo48/s400/153.JPG" border="0" /> This is the new roost area. Lord willing this will be enough room for all of my many chickens.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHHi_DXdfVw/TXy11VNmw5I/AAAAAAAAA4k/7gnF48UjFRc/s1600/154.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583537565864477586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHHi_DXdfVw/TXy11VNmw5I/AAAAAAAAA4k/7gnF48UjFRc/s400/154.JPG" border="0" /></a> And the almost fisnished coop. I still need to put chicken wire on the front and then some white lattice. We don't have to worry about predators (other than my chicken eating dog, that's a whole other story) so we probably wont put a door on. I would like to add flower boxes to either side and a garden flag. It will be really pretty eventually.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqXRL_s_bos/TXy1WGZWiOI/AAAAAAAAA4c/rwNTOgPxXqE/s1600/155.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583537029311269090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqXRL_s_bos/TXy1WGZWiOI/AAAAAAAAA4c/rwNTOgPxXqE/s400/155.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is what the two beauties did while all of this building was going on.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583540980178883122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSlwdSqgcDU/TXy48EhmEjI/AAAAAAAAA50/oogTOcZWnC4/s400/151.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>They got two of our cars sparkling clean inside and out. They haven't been this clean since probably last summer. They look so good. Thank you girls!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583540976401153858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gVqPUTPoPI/TXy472c6f0I/AAAAAAAAA5s/9bos4XQ053k/s400/150.JPG" border="0" />Well, I am off now to get us all packed up to head down to the Coast for a couple of days.</div><div><br /><p>I am also going to link this post up to the barn hop, tomorrow. I am really loving all of the posts from the<span style="color:#660000;"><em><strong> </strong></em></span><a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2011/03/barn-hop-4.html"><span style="color:#660000;"><em><strong>barn hop</strong></em></span></a>. It's fun to see what others are doing on their homesteads.<a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2011/03/barn-hop-4.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583550314225840898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5D8uFgsFQYc/TXzBbYjzswI/AAAAAAAAA6E/kPF4I3-xFPQ/s400/Barn-Hop.jpg" border="0" /><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/signature.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-26271355500391897872011-03-02T16:23:00.008-06:002011-03-08T04:08:34.610-06:00The Training of a Boy to be a ManWe have this great son, Peyton, who is 14 and he is growing up in a tough world. It's chock full of lazy, self indulging, men. I hate to say that, and I really don't have a great first hand account of it, but my husband is full time Army National Guard and he deals with guys fresh out of boot camp. He comes home with the most ridiculous stories of laziness and self gratification that you have ever heard of. In return, it makes he and I that much harder on this sweet 14 yr. old boy.<br /><br /><div><div>We firmly believe that if you teach a boy to work hard then he will never be unemployed! </div><div></div><br /><br /><div>~~For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 2 Thess. 3:10~~</div><div></div><br /><br /><div>Now, don't get too worried. You can look around our place and know that no one is going without a meal. We do take it very seriously that God says we are to work and work cheerfully.</div><br /><div>~~Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than men. Colossians 3:23~~</div><br /><div>We are still working on the cheerful part. Ha Ha</div><br /><div></div><div>Here are a couple of pics. of this work ethic training in action.</div><br /><div></div><div>We live in the county and our septic tank is one that has the 99% clean water coming out of it through field lines. Well ours stopped in the soon to be chicken/ turkey/ pig and maybe sheep pasture. We needed it to run on out about 70 more feet. My husband could have rented a back hoe for such job but why when we have a 5' 9", almost 200 lb., scrapping, young man who could dig it out. We did pay for this job. We have very few pay jobs around here but this was one of them. We just told him that daddy can pay for a back hoe or he can give you the money for a back hoe. He jumped at the chance to dig it out. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cM8rK1eI3q8/TW7E5MMVtPI/AAAAAAAAA3w/OdeQ9fUQGQU/s1600/047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579613475163190514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cM8rK1eI3q8/TW7E5MMVtPI/AAAAAAAAA3w/OdeQ9fUQGQU/s400/047.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpyKlQV7ROk/TW7EJRSEdsI/AAAAAAAAA3o/O7qDl00w3JM/s1600/076.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579612651895682754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpyKlQV7ROk/TW7EJRSEdsI/AAAAAAAAA3o/O7qDl00w3JM/s400/076.JPG" border="0" /></a> It has taken him about two weeks to get it all dug out and running downhill. It has been tedious at times but he stuck with it!! They will be laying the new field line and covering it up next week.</div><br /><br /><div>I love to see a kid, that could be sitting in front of a TV, doing something that benefits his whole family.</div><br /><br /><div>That is my next point. We are also training, said young man, to <em><strong>TAKE CARE</strong></em> of his family. This is one that hits home for me, as I am the product of a single mom who was left with three small children. </div><br /><div>*</div><div>It is very important for us that our children marry believers. ~~ Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Cor. 6:14~~ </div><br /><div>*</div><div>And also that they marry men who believe in taking care of their family and that we raise a man who does the same. ~~ But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Tim. 5:8~~ That is serious! </div><br /><div>*</div><div>We don't know how all of this will work out but we are praying hard for their hearts and that God will be glorified through our efforts.</div><br /><p></p><div>And on a less serious note, I will leave off with a picture of my new girls mixing in with the old girls. They are doing well. I soon will have more eggs than a person should be allowed to have. Ha ha</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579614474522565058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vhAMqsY5-us/TW7FzXGLmcI/AAAAAAAAA34/U0xI2y2sIUA/s400/048.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579627048730188930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 75px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESCX96oWgac/TW7RPRq5XII/AAAAAAAAA4A/GP_5pNoG5oY/s400/signature.jpg" border="0" /> I am linking this post up to the <a href="http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2011/03/monday%e2%80%99s-homestead-barn-hop-which-breed-of-dairy-goat-is-best/">Barn Hop</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2011/03/monday%e2%80%99s-homestead-barn-hop-which-breed-of-dairy-goat-is-best/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581647650332386946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XPm1B0BYT7A/TXX-9xN0poI/AAAAAAAAA4I/C-ghcyHXUeg/s400/Barn-Hop.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p></p></div></div>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-5160534972429016632011-03-01T07:43:00.004-06:002011-03-01T08:05:29.071-06:00Wow, a blog award.....<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgxuxcn0L68/TWz7re2cGJI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/HLh5GwCU_28/s1600/Stylish-Blogger-Award1-200x149.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579110762839546002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgxuxcn0L68/TWz7re2cGJI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/HLh5GwCU_28/s400/Stylish-Blogger-Award1-200x149.jpg" border="0" /></a> I am usually an award free zone. I just don't like them. I don't like the having to choose other blogs to give them to and all of that. I read some great blogs that write of anything from decorating your house, to living a self sufficient life off grid, to being a homemaker who is passionate about the role God has given them. There is no rhyme or reason. However, this award is a little different. Katherine from over at <a href="http://homesteadgardenandpantry.com/agrarian-life/people/famous-people/granny-miller-gets-stylish-blogger-award/">Granny Miller </a>gave me one of her Stylish Blogger Awards. The reason why this one is so different is because <a href="http://homesteadgardenandpantry.com/agrarian-life/people/famous-people/granny-miller-gets-stylish-blogger-award/">Granny Miller </a>is like the guru of homesteading and self sustaining living. She is a go to source for anything to do with preparedness. I refer to her blog often. So to say that I am humbled that she even knows I have a blog, is an understatement. I still can't decide on 15 blogs to forward the award onto, but if you are in my sidebar, or if you follow me, or even if you are a lurker around here, then please consider yourself a stylish blog. <div><p>Thank you so much <a href="http://homesteadgardenandpantry.com/agrarian-life/people/famous-people/granny-miller-gets-stylish-blogger-award/">Granny</a>!!! You have made my week!!!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orvN49zEtYo/TWz89JwOCSI/AAAAAAAAA3g/jrjbB5FWuJU/s1600/signature.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579112165925587234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 75px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orvN49zEtYo/TWz89JwOCSI/AAAAAAAAA3g/jrjbB5FWuJU/s400/signature.jpg" border="0" /></a></p></div></div>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-65193426839299243052011-02-21T17:49:00.013-06:002011-02-21T20:35:49.650-06:00Wow, we are having some good weather in Feb.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KClsPqiRa3M/TWMTNokgnlI/AAAAAAAAA24/Kv7xsXjKwWU/s1600/Shiloh.bmp"></a>It has been in the 70's this week and we are LOVING it...... The kids are having a blast in the warm temps. and we are getting lots done. I love the comradery here.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ApQYV44LdWY/TWMVYdsaWGI/AAAAAAAAA3A/YJG2pW-nMTA/s1600/057.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576324273646753890" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ApQYV44LdWY/TWMVYdsaWGI/AAAAAAAAA3A/YJG2pW-nMTA/s400/057.JPG" /></a> One of my latest projects is trimming and taming the overgrown muscadines. I got half way down one side today before giving up..... I will start again tomorrow. <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576301815559769282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NuKBFxlbyzo/TWMA9OzOTMI/AAAAAAAAA1o/FbSJMyHDxgA/s400/073.JPG" /></div><div>We are also working on a new chicken coop. The old ugly coop is directly behind the muscadine vines and the newly framed coop is directly across from the old coop. I am so excited about this new abode for the girls. We should finish it up this weekend. We have to add siding, trim, and the tin roof.<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576301819166920242" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k1AdKKLF1Xg/TWMA9cPPDjI/AAAAAAAAA1w/q_HiNpHHrqM/s400/091.JPG" /> Getting everything just right....<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576304936934752818" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kI48dxF8Df4/TWMDy61AwjI/AAAAAAAAA2I/KdInG3aTm0M/s400/049.JPG" /> Oh, it's starting to look like something. To be continued.....<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 529px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 566px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576304930885866530" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mtkW25oP0yU/TWMDykS2FCI/AAAAAAAAA2A/66ly-mDrANU/s400/065.JPG" /></div></div><div>We have been planting trees, like this Little Gem Magnolia. I hope to have every tree and plant here that speaks "Southern". Lord willing, we will get a Live Oak in the ground in the next couple of weeks.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7dARrIozv6M/TWMJ9921HAI/AAAAAAAAA2o/nl85Db6i4Ds/s1600/082.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576311723796012034" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7dARrIozv6M/TWMJ9921HAI/AAAAAAAAA2o/nl85Db6i4Ds/s400/082.JPG" /></a> Here's one of the plum trees planted. We also planted more blueberries and blackberries. Hopefully, one day they will produce!!! Prov. 28:19<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wM3wwRJCtcY/TWMJ9eIxVCI/AAAAAAAAA2g/WnA4KJYLjZ8/s1600/074.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576311715281327138" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wM3wwRJCtcY/TWMJ9eIxVCI/AAAAAAAAA2g/WnA4KJYLjZ8/s400/074.JPG" /></a> Here is the latest member of the farmette. Daisy. She is so much fun. We have had her about a month and she is 11 wks. old. <div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLu3sqSxXCA/TWL81XabDMI/AAAAAAAAA1g/LhqYX7Nx3_w/s1600/072.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576297282386201794" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLu3sqSxXCA/TWL81XabDMI/AAAAAAAAA1g/LhqYX7Nx3_w/s400/072.JPG" /></a> We got her because our beloved Shiloh, died the day after Thanksgiving this year. We had had him for almost 14 yrs. and we are still sad to think about him gone. We needed a diversion and so did Diesel.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KClsPqiRa3M/TWMTNokgnlI/AAAAAAAAA24/Kv7xsXjKwWU/s1600/Shiloh.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576321888564584018" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KClsPqiRa3M/TWMTNokgnlI/AAAAAAAAA24/Kv7xsXjKwWU/s400/Shiloh.bmp" /></a> Now, I wouldn't say that Diesel likes her as much as he did Shiloh but we are all gradually coming to love her.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b07UR7B6adg/TWMSmvpGTPI/AAAAAAAAA2w/qeTSTLV3PP4/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576321220447980786" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b07UR7B6adg/TWMSmvpGTPI/AAAAAAAAA2w/qeTSTLV3PP4/s400/017.JPG" /></a> To add to all of our great happenings, this wonderful young man turned 14 on Monday. When did this happen? Time goes by wayyy toooo fastttt. I hope to cherish the next few years, as I know they will be gone in a blink.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yseNNXTPk-g/TWMHeryUAhI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/380sG5l2mxA/s1600/087.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576308987346027026" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yseNNXTPk-g/TWMHeryUAhI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/380sG5l2mxA/s400/087.JPG" /></a> He loves any kind of gun or knife.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LF3XcUIQd4g/TWL80-mKjfI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/Yl7AQ1xgi4Y/s1600/070.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576297275724566002" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LF3XcUIQd4g/TWL80-mKjfI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/Yl7AQ1xgi4Y/s400/070.JPG" /></a> And what about this sweet girl. We elected this time not to name her and her litter mate. They have been loved on all the same. Her litter mate went to the butcher this morning. This one was the runt and now we know why "real" farmers kill the runt. She has had the hardest time growing and her litter mate would not let her eat. So we decided to go ahead and take her sister and keep this one another month to fatten up. She may even get a name but I doubt it. If you wonder why we raise pigs check out this movie but don't watch it if you don't want it to change your life, and thinking, regarding food. <a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/">Food Inc</a>. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 415px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576302961263481154" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UVmIvLUdhBU/TWMB_64RkUI/AAAAAAAAA14/PY5YaYxtqCo/s400/077.JPG" /> <div><div>And last but most definitely not least, here is Phoebe in all of her splendor. She is the most worthless farm animal we have but definitely the most entertaining. We are in the process of fencing off about an acre in our back pasture for her to roam and root. Right now she is in a pen in the barn where she is quite happy but we want her to have room to roam. Our chickens and turkeys will free range this pasture with her, Lord willing.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wXzXmqHMBKs/TWL80ReexEI/AAAAAAAAA1I/m1GEZRG8oDA/s1600/062.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576297263612740674" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wXzXmqHMBKs/TWL80ReexEI/AAAAAAAAA1I/m1GEZRG8oDA/s400/062.JPG" /></a> We have been told that a diet is in order....<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HFVRGw9bFO4/TWMHe8bODUI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/BN4MZugByZ8/s1600/076.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576308991812570434" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HFVRGw9bFO4/TWMHe8bODUI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/BN4MZugByZ8/s400/076.JPG" /></a>I hope you are all getting some great weather and getting lots done. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>~~ Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.~~ Eph. 5:15-17</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am also linking up to the new <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2011/02/barn-hop-1.html">Barn Hop</a>. I think it will be so much fun to see what is going on on other Homesteads.</div><br /><a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2011/02/barn-hop-1.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576330621652848082" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvtWdfvxVlU/TWMbJ93ATdI/AAAAAAAAA3I/UboSo-cAzZc/s400/Barn-Hop.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/signature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-28715492005359107262011-01-04T22:38:00.006-06:002011-02-21T20:17:38.495-06:00Goals for a New Year.....<p>We don't really make New Year's resolutions but I do want to make a list of some goals, both personal and farm related for this upcoming year.</p><br /><p>Personal Goals for 2011:</p><br /><ul><br /><li>I start to read through my Bible every year and I never succeed. I would like to complete the whole thing this year. I am using a mix of two plans. I am doing a chronological reading of the Old Testament and I am combining a partial of <a href="http://www.challies.com/christian-living/ten-chapters-per-day">Prof. Horner's reading plan</a> for the New Testament.</li><li>We would also like to work on the area of hospitality. We have several people right now who want to come to our house and who we want to come, yet we can't seem to find the time to get together. This is a problem that we are wanting to work on in the coming year. <a href="http://bible.cc/1_peter/4-9.htm">1Peter 4:9</a>, <a href="http://bible.cc/hebrews/13-2.htm">Hebrews 13:2</a>, <a href="http://bible.cc/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a></li><br /><li>I would also like to lose a little weight. I lost 30lbs. last year only to gain it back. I would love to lose it again and resume a healthier lifestyle. Also, I would like to start my daily exercise regime. I did so good last year. I have gotten lazy again.:(</li><br /><li>I also want to work on a Homemaking Binder. I would love to get everything important in one place and have a little better organizational system. Here are some examples: <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/01/creating-a-homemaking-binder.html">http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/01/creating-a-homemaking-binder.html</a>, <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/home-organize">http://www.squidoo.com/home-organize</a></li></ul><br /><p>School Goals:</p><br /><ul><br /><li>I need to get a little more organized with my record keeping and I need to have my children read and write MORE!! They love to read what they love to read but I need to implement more literature.</li></ul><br /><p>House Goals:</p><br /><ul><br /><li>I would like to get the rest of the walls and trim in my home painted. I would also like to get my master bedroom and bath finished. I would like to work on my laundry room. We would love to get our garage enclosed and turn it into a work out/ rec. room.</li></ul><br /><p>Farm Goals:</p><br /><ul><br /><li>Finish the fencing for the back acreage. </li><br /><li>Build the new chicken coop. </li><br /><li>Shore up the garden shed.</li><br /><li>Plant more fruit trees.</li><br /><li>Extend the garden.</li><br /><li>Build a round pen and corral.</li></ul><p>This list could go on and on.</p><ul><li>We would like to acquire sheep and turkeys.</li></ul><p>I hope you all have lots and lots of goals for the new year and I hope you get most of them accomplished!!!</p><p><a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/signature.jpg" /></a> </p>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749430139109655777.post-10992891227547040942010-12-24T20:44:00.002-06:002010-12-24T20:54:45.608-06:00Merry Christmas....<p><span style="color:#000000;">2 The people who walk in darkness </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">Will see a great light; </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">Those who live in a dark land, </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">The light will shine on them.<br /></span><a href="http://bible.cc/isaiah/9-3.htm" target="_top"><span style="color:#000000;">3</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> You shall multiply the nation, </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">You shall increase their gladness; </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">They will be glad in Your presence </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">As with the gladness of harvest, </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.<br /></span><a href="http://bible.cc/isaiah/9-4.htm" target="_top"><span style="color:#000000;">4</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian.<br /></span><a href="http://bible.cc/isaiah/9-5.htm" target="_top"><span style="color:#000000;">5</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.<br /></span><a href="http://bible.cc/isaiah/9-6.htm" target="_top"><span style="color:#000000;">6</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">And the government will rest on His shoulders; </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.<br /></span><a href="http://bible.cc/isaiah/9-7.htm" target="_top"><span style="color:#000000;">7</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">On the throne of David and over his kingdom, </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">From then on and forevermore. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. </span></p><p> Isaiah 9:6</p><p>“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” </p><p>Matthew 1:21</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>★Merry★* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •</p><p>•。★CHRISTmas★ 。* 。</p><p>...° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚</p><p>˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~\。˚ ˚ </p><p>˛˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ | 田田 |門| ˛ ˚ ˛♥ The Spencer family ♥</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/spencerschool/Backgrounds/signature.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p>Trixihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196019426959996853noreply@blogger.com5