DPP '10 - Dec 9

Kate

Busy, Busy, Farm Girls.

Yesterday was one busy day for the "farm girls".  There were rabbits to move, a chicken tractor to be finished, and one very fast rooster to catch.

"Catch me if you can."

Okay so there was more to our day than that but those were the major activities on our "to-do list".

Moving the rabbits was easy, just time consuming.  Finishing the chicken tractor was a task I'd rather not relive.  Maybe it had to do with the cold weather?  Maybe it had to do with the hand saw I had to use instead of the skill saw that was sitting there mocking me. Maybe it had to do with my not so graceful skills with the hammer?  Whatever the reason, it took a long time to finish the chicken tractor.  All most as long as it took Carley J to catch Bogart.  Victory was had though. I wish I would have had my camera as she proudly walked across the field with Bogart under her arm.  She was one big smile.  The hens are easy to catch, but Bogart can really run.  I think he just likes to see how long we will chase him before we get tired and give up.  There was no giving up for Carley J, she didn't quit until she had him in her arms.

I am not sure how the crew likes their new home. I am pretty sure they are not impressed.  Maybe there is a little part of them that understands this is for their own good, someplace safe for them.  Probably not.

A Fine Mess.... (DPP '10 - Dec 8)

Psssst... Over Here

Yes, you!

Can you help a gal in need?

Please?

I don't belong in here.

Someone made a terrible mistake...

Isn't it quite obvious...

This is quite a mess.  

Please send help soon!

Wait, don't leave. 

Woe is me, woe is me....

You're coming back right?

Poor Sophie, it has been a rough week for her.  First all her playmates suffer a series of unfortunate events. Then she finds herself in the Chicken tractor with the "Hen Squad" and  Bogart.  If she only understood that they are just as unhappy about the situation as she is.

I am just glad they are all safe.  Tonight they will all be tucked inside the coop part of the tractor and safe from unwanted guests.  Well that is the hope anyway.

Gifts from the heart

As previously mentioned today was Carley J's 12th birthday.

Rodi and I had purchased her gift earlier this month and knew she would love it. 

What we didn't expect was the gifts she would receive from her younger siblings.

A beautiful portrait drawn by Kate.  I wish you could see the necklace Kate drew on her picture of Carley J, it says "I Love You"

Koen couldn't let the gift giving session go by without giving his big sister his gift.  He wanted to sing her a song on his guitar with 4 strings.

It was a night full of smiles, and laughter.  I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend our evening. 

The Birthday Girl Bakes Her Own Cake... (DPP '10 Dec 6)

She isn't 3 anymore.

Today my Carley J turned 12 and she took over the kitchen. 

I am not going to complain about it, not one bit.  She baked her cake, and made her favorite dinner. I sat back and enjoyed not having to cook.

What was her dinner choice?

Tuna Burgers

Yeah, I know it doesn't sound that appetizing but they really aren't all that bad.

Tuna, Celery, Onions, Sharp Cheddar, and a bit of Mayo mixed together, placed on a sandwich bun, and then baked in a covered dish until the bun is nice and toasty.

K.C. enjoyed leftover pizza.  

Dirty Window (DPP '10-Dec 6)

"Bogart, I will NOT calm down! We get in trouble for playing in the mulch and that big beastly dog gets away with this kind of nonsense?  Bogart!  Are you listening to me?  Do you See this window?"

Caught in the act! (DPP '10 - Dec. 5)

  

Look who I found digging up the mulch.  She of course has her own story about what she was doing.  By the look in her eye though, she is mad at herself for getting caught.

I DID IT!!!!

It took me forever and a year, but I finished it!!!

What?  You don't have a clue what I am talking about.  

How could you forget?  

Now my feelings are hurt.  

Just kidding.

It could have something to do with the fact that I haven't posted about my project of projects since I started it way back in September.

Remember this?

Well, Yippe -Skippy and Tickle Me Silly it now looks like this:

IT IS FINISHED!!!

Too bad it wasn't finished this afternoon when I attended the baby shower.  I had to give it to her with out the red trim on the cuffs and minus the buttons.  I had told her I was working on it so I had to show her the proof right?  I promised her the finished gem tomorrow morning.  

*putting me on a schedule*

Tomorrow I can finally deliver it and be DONE.

Not a bad job for my first sweater.  Too bad the baby won't be able to wear it until he is two (it is a tad big *smile*)

Saturday and The DPP '10 - Dec. 4

I love Saturdays!

Today is no different. We have a baptism to attend this morning. Then I get to go to a baby shower this afternoon. Two great ways to spend time with friends and family.

  

Last night Rodi returned from his "European Adventures" and since he returned with

I thought that the ornament picture was the perfect fit for today's December Photo Project.

I landed this great ornament last year at the annual progressive dinner and ornament exchange I go to with the ladies from church.  I am so excited that the next one is right around the corner, just 10 days away.  Not that I am counting or anything.

The DPP '10 - Dec. 3

"Wonder and Awe"

I know, I know... there are so many things "wrong" with this shot.  At the same time there was something very gripping.  This was one of those accidental shots, one I almost deleted. Something stopped me.  It begged to be put on the big screen of my laptop.  The tiny screen on the back of my camera just wasn't doing it justice.

Continuing with the holiday theme, I just couldn't help but choose this picture.  

It is as if you can feel the warmth of the light, the love of His spirit as Husker gazes upward with complete 

"Wonder and Awe".

Feeling ill? Deck the Halls...

Our big welcome back to the county schools came in a big way.  

Don't be jealous, it came in the form of a germ invasion.  

All 4 kids have been hit hard.  Carley J does not find it humorous one bit.  She has reminded me that she is still homeschooling, she should not have to suffer such consequences because of her siblings choices. 

Oh that girl of mine, she makes me smile. 

I could tell she needed a bit of a "pick-me-up" today.  

She looked pretty down and out.  Once again reminding me that it wasn't fair that she was getting sick too.  Poor thing has it worse than the others too.  

I looked at our tree, and it was obvious something was missing...garland.

I put her to work, hoping to distract her from her debate on germ fairness with me.  IT WORKED!  

In a few hours we had a lovely, long strand of popcorn and Trix cereal garland.

She was glad to be done and happy with her work.  We promptly added it to the tree and like magic in a matter of seconds it looked better.

We are quite certain it needs more garland but we decided her thumb didn't need to endure anymore needle pokes today.

I love how diving into something Christmas can just boost your outlook.  It sure helped Carley J forget those nasty germs, even if it was just a couple of hours.

The DPP '10 - Dec. 2

Just to prove I can focus on things other than Bogart and the ladies....

Memories of one very good trip to Poland.  This dish and blown glass ornaments were only a tiny part of that trip.  The baskets, pottery, more pottery, and great friends made this trip unforgettable.

The December Photo Project- Dec. 1

What a great way to get in some extra camera time this month!  


I know you would expect me to post a picture of an ornament or something screaming HOLIDAY. On second thought, no you wouldn't.  You would think I had lost my mind if my first picture of the month wasn't 
"Something to Crow About"

That's right folks nothing says "picture this" like Bogart sounding off with an afternoon crow session.  

I just love how the feathers stand up on the back of his neck when he sings his song, it makes me giggle. 

Say it isn't so...

Bogart deep in thought about the meeting he is about to call together.

Poor guy, no one likes to be known as the "Bad News Rooster".  Lately though it seems that is the badge he has been wearing.

The hens reaction to the news about Annette almost brought a tear to my eye...

Poor Josie the shock was just too much, she just stood there with that look of shock and disbelief.

Hazel could tell that Josie was in no shape to pull the troops together so she took the reigns and organized...

the search party.  

Last look they were still searching.  

They might just be searching for bugs, but I see them as a tad more sentimental than that.

A Case of Mistaken Identity

This morning brought us rain, wind, and....

LIZETTE!!!

It was a case of mistaken identity last night when I was counting the hens by the dim glow of my trusty flashlight.

Sadly it was Annette who fell victim to Harley's evening walk hunt.

Poor Josie, who will she share her secrets with now?  

Time to start working on the second Chicken tractor.  I wasn't as worried about the lil' bantam chicks as they stay put on our little square of land. I didn't account for the unannounced visitors.

*sniff-sniff*  You will be missed Annette.

The Phone call...

Sometimes I should just let the phone ring.  Tonight is no exception.  I don't like hearing sad news when I am trying to get everyone ready for bed.

I looked at the caller id, it was my neighbor P.W..   I had no clue where this conversation was going when I answered the phone. Occasionally  Husker goes visiting their yard and causes some issues with their dog Harley.  Harley loves other dogs, just not Husker.  Husker being the lovable lab that he just keeps going back in hopes that Harley will have a change of heart.  I knew P.W. wasn't calling about Husker since he was safe and sound in the front room with the kids. What could P.W. possibly be calling me for?

Apparently Harley had the need to show his need to be the "Big Dog" while on a walk with P.W. and his son tonight.  Why Harley has it out for our animals I just don't understand.

  

Poor Lizette, she never saw him coming. 

P.W. called to say that there was an unfortunate meeting tonight between Lizette and Harley.

P.W. said he saw Lizette walk away and that he didn't think Harley had .... taken her life.  

I grabbed the flashlight and headed back to "the harem's" headquarters. 

Once I got there I counted... "1, 2, 3.... please let there be a number 4... please." 

No such luck.  I looked high and low, no sign of Lizette.

Such a sad way to end the day.  I am hoping when the sun is out tomorrow I will find Lizette happily chatting with Sophie, teasing her about that "Queen" comment.

I have that rock in the stomach feeling that won't be the case though.

Time to surf through some of my favorite blogs, they tend to cheer me up.

Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Thanksgiving is here and the chickens are still not convinced we are having turkey for our dinner.

They have gone into hiding.

I am thankful for many things today, my family, my friends, my knowledge of the gospel, and the love that my Father in Heaven shows me each and every day.  I am thankful to be part of a military family.  I am thankful to have four beautiful and healthy children.  I am thankful for the animals that grace our property each and everyday with their unique and special personalities.

Today I am extra thankful for my husband and the blessing he continues to be in my life.  I am thankful for the hard work he puts in each and every day.  I am thankful that even on this holiday he is working hard to make sure our chickens have a safe place to call home.

The chicken tractor is almost complete.  In this picture he is putting on the wheels so that I can move the tractor with ease.  Now we he just has to hinge the drop down ramp/flooring that will be under the roost and cover the top with wire.  I am such a lucky gal to have a man around like him.  He keeps me happy and feeling loved every minute of every day.  I can only hope I make him as happy.

I hope you are all having a fantastic day!

With a little help from 

Suzanne McMinn 

Our dinner is going to be over the top this year.  I am making the recipe for cornmeal yeast rolls and they are looking as if they will be a hit!  I will fill you in on the outcome of the rolls in my next post.

Our Best Bites: Silhouette Giveaway! {Happy Thanksgiving!}

Our Best Bites: Silhouette Giveaway! {Happy Thanksgiving!}

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Our Best Bites! What a great site. Today they have moved even further up my list of fabulous sites to visit daily. You won't believe the great giveaway going on over there. I encourage you to check it out, and if you are the giveaway winner come back here and let me know. It would make me the happiest blogger ever to know that you were picked. Okay, it would make me even happier if I was picked, but that goes without saying.

Check out the giveaway today!

Good Luck!!!!

Egg-tremely Thankful

We have the best hen squad in the neighborhood!

It took them a while to get the hang of this whole egg-laying thing, but they have it down to a science these days.

All that extra loving from the little farmers must be doing the trick.

There are 4 hens in the "hen squad" and we are blessed with 4 eggs each and every morning.  

The hens are so funny about their egg laying, it is a really big deal.  We know there is a gift for us when we hear the celebratory calls of...

"Look what I just did, come see, come see!"

flowing from the door of the coop.  Once the hen(s) spot us they hop down and continue their little song and dance while we gather the gift(s).  

It really is quite a hoot to watch.

I love my hens!  

I love the gifts they give me, and I never let them go to waste.  

I know I have said this before, but it just can't be said enough, everyone should have chickens!

And then there was one....

That's right folks Ponderosa Academy now has a student body of one.  Of course if you had to have just one she is a pretty good one to have.  Our Carley J has requested that she be able to continue this year at home and return to public school next fall. 

 *I secretly jumped for joy*

I was really only prepared to send KC back, mentally it was all I thought I could handle.  When the younger two heard the news they chimed in with their desires to go to school too.  Ugghhh a mothers heart crumbled in a matter of seconds.  I didn't sleep a wink that night.  I made some calls the next day, made a few appointments and lickity-split just like that the next week the kids were all getting on buses and waving their good-byes for the day.

Carley J and I spend our day in deep conversations about Queen Elizabeth I (her current research project) as we tend to the chickens and other chores.  We both look forward to lunch.  It means we are that much closer to the first round of buses to come our way.

This morning we headed out to the park to fit in some exercise.  I grabbed my camera too, it was a BEAUTIFUL, sunny, fall day.

Our view of Smithfield Station from the park.

With the other kids gone for the day she didn't stand a chance.  Picture after picture, after picture. *Smile*

 She is growing up so fast.  It seems like just yesterday she was two years old.

Now we are home for the day, waiting, talking about Kings and Queens, collecting eggs, studying spelling words, making stew, and waiting for the big yellow bus to bring back the rest of our crew.

An informational gathering of sorts

 Thank you all for joining me on this beautiful day

 Hazel... Do you really think you can just sneak in to the meeting as if you were here the whole time?

 If I could continue....  I have asked you here to day to let you know of some changes that have taken place recently.

Lady McRodi made a decision about two weeks ago that will greatly change life as we know it in Rodiville.  You may have noticed the lil' McRodi's only come out late in the day.  Have you been missing your morning games of hide-and-go-seek with the kids?  The kids are fine I assure you.  They have not been banished from the barnyard.  They still love us all. Lady McRodi has sent three of the four lil' ones to a place they call school.  Only the tall girl will be home during the day.  The others have replaced their barnyard recesses for playground time with other, dare I say it... children.

 SAY WHAT????

That's just crazy talk!

But who will carry me around so I don't wear myself out?  The tiny one treats me like the queen I am. *sniff-sniff*

 A Queen?  Hahahaha that's a good one!

 Hmmph! Jealousy is never a pretty thing Lizette. Not pretty at all.

I think Bogart just lost all control over this meeting.

 I heard that Josie!  And ummmm....I spotted some grasshoppers in the woodpile, meeting dismissed.