That is what we have been calling it. Cupid is due we think any day, honestly I don't think she can get
any bigger! So through out the day I walk out to the barn and check on her. "Wait she is away from
the others, she is laying down differently!" I think to myself. Then she gets up and comes over to me
acting just as normal as the last time I came out to check on her! Ugh! so we will have to just
continue to wait and be patient for the first arrivals on our homestead ! I was hoping she would kid
while Tom still has off from work, but it isn't looking that way. So I may have to help her out solo if
she decides to kid during the day.
On a sadder note, one of my mom's goats named Annie. Was acting very strange for a few days. She
would try to pee and only a little would come out. Then she would get wobbly and her balance
thrown off. So my mom and I thought it would be a good idea and call the vet just to check she was
okay. We thought maybe a stone or bladder infection. So the vet came out the next morning around
10 am. She looked her over and thought she might be pregnant so got the ultrasound machine to
check it out. Well I really wished she was pregnant, but the vet found infection all in her uterus. The
only cure would have been surgery which costs a lot of money. So my mom made the difficult
decision to have her euthanized. Annie was a sweet goat, very spunky and wasn't afraid to show
Elijah ( my mom's whether pygmy goat) who was boss. So that was a sad day for us, but knowing
she was out of pain helped a little.
Trying to think of anything else new on the homestead.... Oh I know! Tom put up my Amish
wash line! yay! So excited about that it goes from our deck across our yard and attaches to the barn.
Love it! that will help not using the dryer as much now! Was ready to start saving money on that
again! Do any of you have an Amish wash line? Do you have a normal one? How often do you use
yours?
Well, I have to finish organizing the office and get things set up for Tom and I, we are going
over our personal financial goals for 2015, our business/ homestead financial goals and the
homestead goals of things we would like to build, make , animals to get, etc.
Are you working on any goals for the new year? I would love to hear them!
~Katie
Monday, December 29, 2014
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Our girls
Just wanted to do a quick update on our girls : Today we had the vet come out and check on our girls. Everything is great with Cupid, who the vet said will be kidding probably within this month or the beginning of next. Yay! We can't wait for babies!
Clemmy had an okay check. We have been worried about her a bit. She kept getting gunk ( like scabs) in her nose and we would go out and moisten them off. Poor thing. And 2 days ago noticed her limping on her front leg. So the vet took a look and said she seems to have a upper respitory cold. So she is now on penicillin for 5 days. Her foot has an area that has foot rot. UGH! ( it has been so wet and yucky out here) So the penicillin should help take care of the infection and we will be putting some Kopetox on it to help dry and heal the hoof. She has to also be separated from the rest of the goats and off pasture,till it is healed. I felt so bad for her. So just to see if she was pregnant , which we didn't think she was, the vet did an ultrasound. And guess what.......SHES PREGNANT TOO! She is due around or a little after Cupid!
We are so excited! There will be babies coming soon to Daisy Hill Homestead and we can't wait!
Well sorry for such a short post! Will be getting our 2015 goals typed up and ready! Then will try to post about the garden and the animal additions we will be adding!
~Katie
Clemmy had an okay check. We have been worried about her a bit. She kept getting gunk ( like scabs) in her nose and we would go out and moisten them off. Poor thing. And 2 days ago noticed her limping on her front leg. So the vet took a look and said she seems to have a upper respitory cold. So she is now on penicillin for 5 days. Her foot has an area that has foot rot. UGH! ( it has been so wet and yucky out here) So the penicillin should help take care of the infection and we will be putting some Kopetox on it to help dry and heal the hoof. She has to also be separated from the rest of the goats and off pasture,till it is healed. I felt so bad for her. So just to see if she was pregnant , which we didn't think she was, the vet did an ultrasound. And guess what.......SHES PREGNANT TOO! She is due around or a little after Cupid!
We are so excited! There will be babies coming soon to Daisy Hill Homestead and we can't wait!
Well sorry for such a short post! Will be getting our 2015 goals typed up and ready! Then will try to post about the garden and the animal additions we will be adding!
~Katie
Monday, November 17, 2014
The time we have...
I read an article/ post a friend posted on Facebook yesterday and it really hit me. It is called How 936 Pennies Will Forever Change a Parent. It really got me thinking about how we don't have a lot of time with our kids as they are small. The time goes so fast and we have to make sure we use all that time to love them, teach them, play with them. It makes you think of how you have been spending your time or those days you feel like running outside into a pasture and yelling at the top of your lung, because they ask you the question "why" after everything you tell them.
I need to still cherish those moment no matter how much right now they may not be a moment I want too. Before we know it, they will be going off to college and I don't want to have the thoughts did I spend enough time with them, did I teach them everything I needed too, did I pray for them enough.
I'm definitely going to challenge myself to do more of this and to remember to love every moment I have with my boys, because before you know it they will be men and the pennies in the jar with be gone. I hope to challenge you to do the same with your loving children!
Here is the post if you would like to read it :
http://erynlynum.com/how-936-pennies-will-forever-change-how-you-parent/
What are your thoughts? As moms of little ones can you relate to this? Moms of older kids/ adults I would love to hear your thoughts on this too.
~Katie
Saturday, November 15, 2014
When winter begins...
In the mornings when the sun is starting to rise and you can see your
breath as you make your way to feed the animals. Where you are
greeted with ice covered water( which you try to fill with the hose
that has frozen over night) and hungry animals looking out of their
barns. These are a few signs winter is here. Or when you go to let
the chickens out and they insist on sitting on the roost instead of
journeying out the into the cold.
But also the beauty of when you are walking back to the house and the sun shines off the morning frost that is over everything. It makes you stop and thank God for even these type of beautiful moments. What a blessing it is to see the land you hard on, being so beautiful.
Though winter is not my favorite season, it is still a beautiful and time to relax ( as much as you can when you have a homestead), before the planning of gardens, livestock, etc. So as winter is just beginning make sure you take the time to just enjoy the little moments of God's beautiful creation.
Updates on the homestead: We are starting to feel more settled in on our homestead. The animals are all doing well. Cupid our one doe is still Very pregnant, is still not showing any signs of laboring anytime soon. I am hoping she does before a really bad snow comes. I think either way we will be thrilled just to have our first birth on the homestead and the start of our business! We have a new animal on our homestead , it is my mom's pet pygmy goat Elijah. He is a real sweetie and Kyle especially are enjoying having him here. We are picking up my mom's other goat, a female, who had yet to be named on Friday. So Elijah will have a friend. Our girls are not big fans of having him on the homestead so hopefully the girl will help.
We are also anxiously awaiting not only the first birth on the
homestead , but also the first egg. The girls still haven't started
laying yet , so hoping they start next month! I am looking forward to
some fresh homestead eggs!
That is all that is new on the homestead so far, this winter there is
a lot of planning and maybe even expanding going on for spring! I
will keep you all updated as things happen! Hopefully I can get on
here more often then I do now!
What is your weather like around you guys? What do you do to prepare for the winter with your animals and your homestead? Is anyone planning their garden for next year yet?
~ Katie
Monday, September 1, 2014
Our two new additions to the homestead!
We are excited to show two new additions to our homestead ! Meet Lady (gray striped) and Stephen
(black) , the boys wanted to name them after trains from Thomas the Tank Engine. We are hoping these two
will grow up to become great mousers and companions. We are already getting alot of laughs from them, as
we watch them chase their tails and each other. The boys also like playing with them, with the toys they have
made them. String, aluminum foil rolled in a ball. We are also enjoying some loving snuggles!
Lady
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
A mini Tour of our homestead
I went around the homestead this chilling morning and took some pictures of our homestead to share.
This is our front pastures:
We have really settled in here. We have introduced 6 Easter Egger chickens to our homestead and will be also getting two kittens on Sunday to have a home here :) Still amazes me that we went from a small house in town with a dog and two rabbits, to now having a bigger house, yard and 11 animals! God is so Good and we surely do give HIM ALL THE GLORY for all He has given us! I hope you have a wonderful day!
~Katie
This is our front pastures:
Our Driveway
Standing in the middle of the pasture into the backyard
Concord Grape vine
Grapes!
Our Garden (with fall crops)
backyard
Chicken coop (left) Goat shed (middle) Tom's workshop(right)
Back of house, deck , pool , temporary laundry line
~Katie
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Modesty
I know this is a touchy subject for a lot of people. But I am wanting to know your input on this. What is modesty to you?
For me modesty is for me to dress covering everything nicely. ( not saying long sleeves dresses). But I have two sons and even though they are young. I want them to respect me and the way I present myself and I hope one day they will want to find a girl who does the same.
Today's styles I can honestly say, are NOT my styles. I am not a mall person, I will gladly stay on my little homestead and be very happy. But the last time I went to the mall I was shocked at a lot of the clothing. I couldn't believe how short the skirts and shorts were, how low the shirts were cut! Any one else feel this way??
A lot of people who know me, know that I am a tomboy. But I am still a girl who likes to dress up when I can. I was searching for a company who was feminine but also modest, this company hit the mark! She has beautiful clothing and other things for not only women but girls as well. I would recommend checking her company out.
Also, if you have time she writes a great blog as well! Go here to check it out! Every Monday she has a Modest Monday , where she shares a picture of what she wore a day that week. Also has some great things about homeschooling as well.
Just a thought on my mind and was curious what your thoughts were!
Katie
For me modesty is for me to dress covering everything nicely. ( not saying long sleeves dresses). But I have two sons and even though they are young. I want them to respect me and the way I present myself and I hope one day they will want to find a girl who does the same.
Today's styles I can honestly say, are NOT my styles. I am not a mall person, I will gladly stay on my little homestead and be very happy. But the last time I went to the mall I was shocked at a lot of the clothing. I couldn't believe how short the skirts and shorts were, how low the shirts were cut! Any one else feel this way??
A lot of people who know me, know that I am a tomboy. But I am still a girl who likes to dress up when I can. I was searching for a company who was feminine but also modest, this company hit the mark! She has beautiful clothing and other things for not only women but girls as well. I would recommend checking her company out.
Also, if you have time she writes a great blog as well! Go here to check it out! Every Monday she has a Modest Monday , where she shares a picture of what she wore a day that week. Also has some great things about homeschooling as well.
Just a thought on my mind and was curious what your thoughts were!
Katie
Monday, August 4, 2014
We have finally made it!!!
Well we are here on our little homestead in the country!!!! We have been a week now and wow has it been busy. We have moved all our things into the house and the boxes are lessening, thank goodness!
It is starting to look like a home.
We have begun somethings on our homestead to get back ready for animals. We have planted pasture grass in the front yard which will be used for rotational grazing the goats. We will have about 4 paddocks. so we are hoping it grows well. We have been having some wonderful rain showers to help the seeds along and beautiful sunny days as well.
The chicken coop is underway! My husband built a stand for our nesting boxes , the set up look like something like these nesting boxes. We wanted something simple and easy to clean out, which these looked the best. We are going to be using an old ladder to make their roost out of as well. Thank you Pinterest! haha We will be getting some Easter Eggers chickens in 3 1/2 weeks. These types if you don't know , lay a pastel colored eggs. We thought these would be a nice kind to have for when we start selling them. Next spring we will be getting some Black Australop,Buff Oprington, and some Rhode Island Red. We still have not decided what type of meat chickens we are going to get, we are still researching that.
This week/weekend I am hoping to plot out the area for our garden next year. So we can plant rye and field radish to break up the ground. ( Plus using the chickens).
Only things left that we have done are hang temporary laundry lines till we can go and get the poles for the permanent line.
Other then that we have been just enjoying the quiet and beautiful sounds of the country, ( and the gun shots from the shooting range every once in a while ) haha. We are so amazed and blessed that God has put us here and pray everyday we use it to His Glory! This Homestead is not ours, but His , we are just the managers of it. We hope to use this homestead as a place of fellowship, love, comfort, friendship, and to bring Glory to His Name!
~ Katie
It is starting to look like a home.
We have begun somethings on our homestead to get back ready for animals. We have planted pasture grass in the front yard which will be used for rotational grazing the goats. We will have about 4 paddocks. so we are hoping it grows well. We have been having some wonderful rain showers to help the seeds along and beautiful sunny days as well.
The chicken coop is underway! My husband built a stand for our nesting boxes , the set up look like something like these nesting boxes. We wanted something simple and easy to clean out, which these looked the best. We are going to be using an old ladder to make their roost out of as well. Thank you Pinterest! haha We will be getting some Easter Eggers chickens in 3 1/2 weeks. These types if you don't know , lay a pastel colored eggs. We thought these would be a nice kind to have for when we start selling them. Next spring we will be getting some Black Australop,Buff Oprington, and some Rhode Island Red. We still have not decided what type of meat chickens we are going to get, we are still researching that.
This week/weekend I am hoping to plot out the area for our garden next year. So we can plant rye and field radish to break up the ground. ( Plus using the chickens).
Only things left that we have done are hang temporary laundry lines till we can go and get the poles for the permanent line.
Other then that we have been just enjoying the quiet and beautiful sounds of the country, ( and the gun shots from the shooting range every once in a while ) haha. We are so amazed and blessed that God has put us here and pray everyday we use it to His Glory! This Homestead is not ours, but His , we are just the managers of it. We hope to use this homestead as a place of fellowship, love, comfort, friendship, and to bring Glory to His Name!
~ Katie
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Update!
Hello everyone! I know it has been awhile, so I thought I would hop on here and update everyone on what has been going on in our lives. In June we sold our little urban homestead and bought our new one. We are finally moving in on July 28th! We are beyond excited! We have been researching, drawing out plans, making future plans on what we would like to do on our homestead.
Some of the plans we have when we move in are:
Turn one of the sheds into a chicken coop and run
Plant and fence in pastures (for goats/chickens)
Till up garden and plant cover radish and rye grass
Get chicks to start our laying flock
Spring:
Start a meat bird flock.
Get goats to raise and sell.
Plant a garden and some fruit trees.
For now I think that will keep us busy enough. I will try to be on here more with pictures and updates once we are moved in and settle.
We would like to thank you again for all of your prayers on this journey!
~ Katie
Some of the plans we have when we move in are:
Turn one of the sheds into a chicken coop and run
Plant and fence in pastures (for goats/chickens)
Till up garden and plant cover radish and rye grass
Get chicks to start our laying flock
Spring:
Start a meat bird flock.
Get goats to raise and sell.
Plant a garden and some fruit trees.
For now I think that will keep us busy enough. I will try to be on here more with pictures and updates once we are moved in and settle.
We would like to thank you again for all of your prayers on this journey!
~ Katie
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
As I sit.....
As I sit down on our couch and finally put my feet up after a long day of cleaning and packing. I look around at our little house and how empty it has become. It is a bittersweet feeling right now looking around and seeing all your things gone. We are so excited about our move to our larger homestead, but remember all the memories at this one. Such as: being our first house when we got married, bringing home our first dogs (Mosley and Rex), bring both of our sweet baby boys home and watching them grow. Lots of firsts and lots of lasts that have happened here. Lots of laughter and some tears were shed in this little house.
Lots of first with my homesteading ...making noodles, butter, canning, pressure canning, raising rabbits, raising chicks, growing fruit trees, gardening, etc.
So many ask me will you miss your house. Oh yes I will miss this little house with all of our memories, good and bad. I will cherish those moments/ memories always.
Now we are excited for this new journey on a new homestead. We are excited for the new memories and experiences we will get to experience as a family. We know there will be hard times and good times, but all we need is to remember that as long as we keep God first and follow His loving Will and Guidance , we will have an amazing journey!
So come along with us as we go on this new journey on our new homestead! Invite your friends to come along as well !
~ Katie
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Giving God all the Control
Sorry I haven't been on in a bit, but wow there has been a whirlwind of excitement around here! So we prayed after we refinanced and just asking God to let us know we made the right decision with this. And just didn't feel completely settled in our spirits, even though we kept telling ourselves we were fine, happy and okay with staying here.
So, we decided to just put our house on the market and see if there would be any interest in our house. We were thinking there maybe a few that would come through and say" aww that's cute but not for us". So we had many showings as soon as it hit the market. And even had a few 2nd showings! So they came and saw the house, so we waited, waited and waited for comments or offers .We continued to pray that God show us if this is what He wanted and that for the first time at least for me, I fully put Him in control of the situation.
We got an offer we couldn't turn down, God truly showed us this is what He wanted. Then we found a house on 1.8 acres , where we can have goats, chickens and a huge garden! They took our offer!
When God is in full control and we hand over the what ifs and but I wants, and let God have it all, AMAZING things happen. Our hearts are so full of Praise, Rejoicing and Thankfulness!! We have learned so much on this journey of 6-7 years. That verse I love so much, ( and the verse to this blog) Jeremiah 29:11 , " I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, " plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future."
We would like to thank all of our friends, family and you all here for the encouragement and prayers! Things might get even more busy while we back and get things moving on our settlement on our little urban homestead. But as soon as we are settle at our in laws for a few weeks I will try to get on and blog some more on where we go from there :)
Happy Homesteading!
~ Katie
So, we decided to just put our house on the market and see if there would be any interest in our house. We were thinking there maybe a few that would come through and say" aww that's cute but not for us". So we had many showings as soon as it hit the market. And even had a few 2nd showings! So they came and saw the house, so we waited, waited and waited for comments or offers .We continued to pray that God show us if this is what He wanted and that for the first time at least for me, I fully put Him in control of the situation.
We got an offer we couldn't turn down, God truly showed us this is what He wanted. Then we found a house on 1.8 acres , where we can have goats, chickens and a huge garden! They took our offer!
When God is in full control and we hand over the what ifs and but I wants, and let God have it all, AMAZING things happen. Our hearts are so full of Praise, Rejoicing and Thankfulness!! We have learned so much on this journey of 6-7 years. That verse I love so much, ( and the verse to this blog) Jeremiah 29:11 , " I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, " plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future."
We would like to thank all of our friends, family and you all here for the encouragement and prayers! Things might get even more busy while we back and get things moving on our settlement on our little urban homestead. But as soon as we are settle at our in laws for a few weeks I will try to get on and blog some more on where we go from there :)
Happy Homesteading!
~ Katie
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Jesus Calling
This is the name of the devotional book I read. Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. I was given this by a wonderful Friend Shannon. She thought I would enjoy it and I so, do very much!
On days I am feeling frustrated or discouraged the devotional for that day always seems to match up. I thought I would share two of the devotionals that I read on days I was frustrated about not finding a homestead for us.
" Stop Trying to work things out before their times have come. Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today's agenda. If it isn't, release it into My care and go on about today's duties. When you follow this practice, there will be a beautiful simplicity about your life: a time for everything and everthing in its time. A life lived close to Me is not complicated or cluttered. When your focus is on My Presence, many things that once troubled you lose their power over you. Thought the world around you is messy and confusing, remember that I have overcome the world. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have Peace."
" I am taking care of you. Trust me at all times. Trust Me in all circumstances. Trust Me with all your heart. When you are weary and everything seems to be going wrong, you can still uttter these four words: "I Trust You , Jesus." By doing so , you release matters into My control, and you fall back into security of My everlasting arms. Before you arise from your bed in the morning, I have already arranged the events of your day. Every day provides opportunities for you to learn My ways and grow closer to Me. Signs of My Presence brighten even the dullest day when you have eyes that really see. Search for Me as for hidden treasure. I will be found by you. "
Those were some words I really needed to hear the other days. I hope maybe these helped you today , to remember God has it all worked out, just ask for His help and He will take it from there. Have a wonderful day!
Happy Homesteading!
~ Katie
On days I am feeling frustrated or discouraged the devotional for that day always seems to match up. I thought I would share two of the devotionals that I read on days I was frustrated about not finding a homestead for us.
" Stop Trying to work things out before their times have come. Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today's agenda. If it isn't, release it into My care and go on about today's duties. When you follow this practice, there will be a beautiful simplicity about your life: a time for everything and everthing in its time. A life lived close to Me is not complicated or cluttered. When your focus is on My Presence, many things that once troubled you lose their power over you. Thought the world around you is messy and confusing, remember that I have overcome the world. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have Peace."
" I am taking care of you. Trust me at all times. Trust Me in all circumstances. Trust Me with all your heart. When you are weary and everything seems to be going wrong, you can still uttter these four words: "I Trust You , Jesus." By doing so , you release matters into My control, and you fall back into security of My everlasting arms. Before you arise from your bed in the morning, I have already arranged the events of your day. Every day provides opportunities for you to learn My ways and grow closer to Me. Signs of My Presence brighten even the dullest day when you have eyes that really see. Search for Me as for hidden treasure. I will be found by you. "
Those were some words I really needed to hear the other days. I hope maybe these helped you today , to remember God has it all worked out, just ask for His help and He will take it from there. Have a wonderful day!
Happy Homesteading!
~ Katie
Monday, March 24, 2014
Cheddar Crackers
I made Cheddar Crackers yesterday. Now I have made a decent amount of different recipes for these but nothing seemed to great. Well I stumbled on this recipe in the Lancaster Farming ( a farming newspaper around here), and these are by far some of the best crackers I have ever had. So I thought I would hop on here and share it with you. These are a lot like a puff pastry type cracker.
Cheddar Crackers
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper ( I still used black pepper)
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
3/4 cup butter, chilled
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
6 Tablespoons cold water, or as needed
In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, salt, white pepper and mustard. Cut in butter with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the Cheddar cheese. Stir in water one Tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together. Press the mixture into a ball, wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 mins. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a rectangle that is 16x12 inches. The dough should be about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 1x3- inch strips. Place the strips onto the parchment baking sheets spaced about 1 inch. apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden and crispy. Cool completely before storing.
I hope you enjoy these as much as I did. I recommend them with tomato soup instead of saltines. YUM!
Happy Homesteading!
~Katie
Cheddar Crackers
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper ( I still used black pepper)
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
3/4 cup butter, chilled
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
6 Tablespoons cold water, or as needed
In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, salt, white pepper and mustard. Cut in butter with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the Cheddar cheese. Stir in water one Tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together. Press the mixture into a ball, wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 mins. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a rectangle that is 16x12 inches. The dough should be about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 1x3- inch strips. Place the strips onto the parchment baking sheets spaced about 1 inch. apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden and crispy. Cool completely before storing.
I hope you enjoy these as much as I did. I recommend them with tomato soup instead of saltines. YUM!
Happy Homesteading!
~Katie
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Saturday, March 22, 2014
The chirps of baby chicks
There is nothing like the chirp of baby chicks to bring a smile to your face. I love the way they all look up at me, when I'm out in the kitchen making the morning coffee , and they do sweet quiet chirps as if to say good morning. It makes my heart happy when my boys talk to them like they are old friends and tell them about their days. They make us laugh as a family as they try to learn how to fly!
We have had 6 chicks be part of our family for a little over two week and they have certainly stolen our hearts. The boys have named them all ( after their favorite Nascar drivers, of course). They keep me company as I do the dishes at night and sometimes my alarm clock in the mornings. But I wouldn't trade any of it!
We got these chicks so our family would have the chance to raise them , even though sadly we can't keep them when they get older. ( Its against our borough's rules ) So when they are to old to stay inside they will be going to a wonderful lady from our church , who was in need of more chickens. So we are glad they will be going to a wonderful home. Yes it will be sad and probably very hard for the boys and I to say good bye. We are sure going to make the best of the time we have with them.
The chicks do bring the dream of living somewhere , that we can keep the chickens we raise. But that time will come in the Lord's timing. For now I will enjoy the company of hello chirps they give with my morning coffee, the escapees who flew the coop and we have to catch, the smiles and laugh of my boys, and the dream that one day we will have ones that can stay.
Do any of you have chicks/ chickens? What breeds do you like? We have Black Austrolp and I think they are beautiful, even as babies!
Happy Homesteading!
~ Katie
We have had 6 chicks be part of our family for a little over two week and they have certainly stolen our hearts. The boys have named them all ( after their favorite Nascar drivers, of course). They keep me company as I do the dishes at night and sometimes my alarm clock in the mornings. But I wouldn't trade any of it!
We got these chicks so our family would have the chance to raise them , even though sadly we can't keep them when they get older. ( Its against our borough's rules ) So when they are to old to stay inside they will be going to a wonderful lady from our church , who was in need of more chickens. So we are glad they will be going to a wonderful home. Yes it will be sad and probably very hard for the boys and I to say good bye. We are sure going to make the best of the time we have with them.
The chicks do bring the dream of living somewhere , that we can keep the chickens we raise. But that time will come in the Lord's timing. For now I will enjoy the company of hello chirps they give with my morning coffee, the escapees who flew the coop and we have to catch, the smiles and laugh of my boys, and the dream that one day we will have ones that can stay.
Do any of you have chicks/ chickens? What breeds do you like? We have Black Austrolp and I think they are beautiful, even as babies!
Happy Homesteading!
~ Katie
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Happy First Day Of Spring!!!!
Oh I thought this day would never come with all the cold weather and snow we have been having! But it is here! Today is suppose to be 58 and partly cloudy! Yay!! I will definitely be outside!
Okay so on this first day of spring it would be a great day for a giveaway! I was asked to try out Purex Crystals the limited edition fabulously fresh! Wow this stuff is wonderful and really makes your clothes smell amazing as well!
For anyone who has never heard of these they are a fabric softener that you can add into your laundry to enhance the smell of them and keep them smelling fresh longer! I add these to my homemade laundry soap just to give it a little something special. So I would definitely recommend you try this product and see what you think!
For two lucky people, they will get to try a bottle for free! Yep that's right I said Free! I will be giving away two coupons for a free bottle so you can try it out! Okay all you have to do is put your name and a neat tip you use when doing your laundry ( like making your own laundry soap, etc.) and you are entered. The winners will be picked randomly on the 28th of March. So get entered now !
Have an amazing day!!!
~ Katie
**** The Purex Brand provided me witha a sample of Purex Crystals Limited Edition Fabulously Fresh in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own****
Okay so on this first day of spring it would be a great day for a giveaway! I was asked to try out Purex Crystals the limited edition fabulously fresh! Wow this stuff is wonderful and really makes your clothes smell amazing as well!
For anyone who has never heard of these they are a fabric softener that you can add into your laundry to enhance the smell of them and keep them smelling fresh longer! I add these to my homemade laundry soap just to give it a little something special. So I would definitely recommend you try this product and see what you think!
For two lucky people, they will get to try a bottle for free! Yep that's right I said Free! I will be giving away two coupons for a free bottle so you can try it out! Okay all you have to do is put your name and a neat tip you use when doing your laundry ( like making your own laundry soap, etc.) and you are entered. The winners will be picked randomly on the 28th of March. So get entered now !
Have an amazing day!!!
~ Katie
**** The Purex Brand provided me witha a sample of Purex Crystals Limited Edition Fabulously Fresh in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own****
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
A hard decision
Tomorrow my husband and I make a hard decision that will put our dreams on hold for a couple more years. We will refinancing our current house to be able to pay it off. That way we can use all the money on the sale of this house to put a large down payment on the next house. This was a very hard decision to make for us because we have been wanting a homestead for almost 8 years now. So it is a bitter sweet time for us, especially me. When spring hits like this and it's almost time to garden, dreams of a big garden, goats, chickens, a cow and beautiful land come to mind. My heart aches for those things, but for now they will be put on hold again.
I know this is a good decision and when the time comes to sell with no debt and the money from this house we will be glad we did it. But right now the decision hurts and and makes me go , "really that long". Though knowing in 2 or so years will go by quickly and then the chance to have the Homestead we always wanted will be ours. I would like to ask for your prayers tomorrow as we sign the papers to refinance that we would continue to have peace about this decision and know that we are working toward our future that won't be that far off on our homestead. :)
Thank you all who read my blog, I know I don't say that enough. You guys are an amazing group of people and I am blessed to know you!
Hope you all have an amazing day!
~ Katie
I know this is a good decision and when the time comes to sell with no debt and the money from this house we will be glad we did it. But right now the decision hurts and and makes me go , "really that long". Though knowing in 2 or so years will go by quickly and then the chance to have the Homestead we always wanted will be ours. I would like to ask for your prayers tomorrow as we sign the papers to refinance that we would continue to have peace about this decision and know that we are working toward our future that won't be that far off on our homestead. :)
Thank you all who read my blog, I know I don't say that enough. You guys are an amazing group of people and I am blessed to know you!
Hope you all have an amazing day!
~ Katie
Saturday, February 22, 2014
The feel of spring
After many cold days of snow and rain, the sun came out and warmed our little homestead. It got up to 57 degrees today and oh did it feel good!
The sun melted the snow which caused the green grass to peak through , which of course gets my gardening mind going! Thinking about this years garden and getting in the dirt to start planting. I will be sitting down next month to go over my seeds and what I will be planting so stay tuned for that.
Since our yard continues to get shaded more and more every year it is becoming a challenge plant a large amount of things. But it hasn't stopped us yet from trying so that is what we will continue to do this year. Do any of you have your gardens planned out yet? I would love to hear what you are planting!
We will probably continue to do a lot of container gardening and some in the small garden on the side of the house. We will be trying something new with tomatoes this year that my husband found, planting the tomato seedling directly into a straw bale. So we will try it out and see how it works, I'm excited to see the results and will be sure to post the results.
On another note: Our search for a homestead has been put on hold as we have decided to refianance where we are to be able to pay our house off faster and have more money to put down for a larger homestead in a couple of years. Even though this will help us get a bigger place , in seasons like spring and summer , it will be hard for us to not have the things like chickens, bigger garden, pigs, etc. But we have to continue to tell each other it will be worth it in the end!
I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend and have a wonderful week!
~Katie
The sun melted the snow which caused the green grass to peak through , which of course gets my gardening mind going! Thinking about this years garden and getting in the dirt to start planting. I will be sitting down next month to go over my seeds and what I will be planting so stay tuned for that.
Since our yard continues to get shaded more and more every year it is becoming a challenge plant a large amount of things. But it hasn't stopped us yet from trying so that is what we will continue to do this year. Do any of you have your gardens planned out yet? I would love to hear what you are planting!
We will probably continue to do a lot of container gardening and some in the small garden on the side of the house. We will be trying something new with tomatoes this year that my husband found, planting the tomato seedling directly into a straw bale. So we will try it out and see how it works, I'm excited to see the results and will be sure to post the results.
On another note: Our search for a homestead has been put on hold as we have decided to refianance where we are to be able to pay our house off faster and have more money to put down for a larger homestead in a couple of years. Even though this will help us get a bigger place , in seasons like spring and summer , it will be hard for us to not have the things like chickens, bigger garden, pigs, etc. But we have to continue to tell each other it will be worth it in the end!
I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend and have a wonderful week!
~Katie
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
2014 Goals!!
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families and friends, celebrating the wonderful birth of Christ! We enjoyed lots of laughs, catching up and food! I also wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year, full of joy and experiences!
I have been working on my homesteading goals for this year. I am so excited to start them! I don't have to many this year since I will be starting a part time job in February , since my time will be limited with that and all my other jobs.
But I am happy with the list I have come up with and I am sure I will add more as the year goes! I usually do! Haha ( come on I know I am not alone in this).
Okay so here is my list (so far) for 2014:
* Make my own candles.
* Make mozzarella cheese ( didn't get to do it in 2013)
* Can and freeze more produce for the winter. (more meals in a jar as well)
* Make all our noodles, this year.
* Dehydrate more herbs, etc. (So I don't have to buy them at the store, did some in 2013)
* Be more constant on my blogging
* Design and build ( with salvaged things) new compost area
* Learn to crochet a blanket ( for Christmas presents next year)
* Make my own homemade vanilla extract
* Start making our own butter ( not sure if this is a definite yet)
* Make a rag rug.
**** Find a farm for us to move to (thought I would put that on there , but this is on going. Hopefully not for much longer!) haha****
That is my list for 2014 and hoping I will get most of these done.
What are your list like? I would love to hear your goals! Even one or two goals is great!
Happy New Year Everyone!
~ Katie
I have been working on my homesteading goals for this year. I am so excited to start them! I don't have to many this year since I will be starting a part time job in February , since my time will be limited with that and all my other jobs.
But I am happy with the list I have come up with and I am sure I will add more as the year goes! I usually do! Haha ( come on I know I am not alone in this).
Okay so here is my list (so far) for 2014:
* Make my own candles.
* Make mozzarella cheese ( didn't get to do it in 2013)
* Can and freeze more produce for the winter. (more meals in a jar as well)
* Make all our noodles, this year.
* Dehydrate more herbs, etc. (So I don't have to buy them at the store, did some in 2013)
* Be more constant on my blogging
* Design and build ( with salvaged things) new compost area
* Learn to crochet a blanket ( for Christmas presents next year)
* Make my own homemade vanilla extract
* Start making our own butter ( not sure if this is a definite yet)
* Make a rag rug.
**** Find a farm for us to move to (thought I would put that on there , but this is on going. Hopefully not for much longer!) haha****
That is my list for 2014 and hoping I will get most of these done.
What are your list like? I would love to hear your goals! Even one or two goals is great!
Happy New Year Everyone!
~ Katie
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