tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66748679929484022662024-03-06T12:00:41.100-08:00Sanctae Familiae VillaHomesteading, Family Life and FaithAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-3887548330859797332016-05-20T10:03:00.000-07:002016-05-20T10:03:07.363-07:00The Making of a Homestead Luxury Bathroom<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Homesteading is pretty intense; add homeschooling, starting a business and let's not forgot renovations! Which brings me to the subject of this blog post. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Framing, sheet rocking and creating space</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPl3K4n6-Lz2dBlHdUGtKTe56AVUARw0hSLEKc0-C8UghHR-UGQOf-ELdHx4uiZ8Z6929F2chNVwRhyphenhyphenZLYQ5z7QOjn8oJTJoh90eoqhD_-fp6gfGcuO2a3tt2wFaRYiuHSrVthpOZXIk/s1600/2015-07-06+19.24.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPl3K4n6-Lz2dBlHdUGtKTe56AVUARw0hSLEKc0-C8UghHR-UGQOf-ELdHx4uiZ8Z6929F2chNVwRhyphenhyphenZLYQ5z7QOjn8oJTJoh90eoqhD_-fp6gfGcuO2a3tt2wFaRYiuHSrVthpOZXIk/s200/2015-07-06+19.24.08.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New windows</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1_rRcW92AO8aO9wZQQF0YaLPfFepbwfEzqSdlgfc92aNoa4X8z0lNa0zsbNTKdfN0u1-9Rfr-ZOC6cp41-vCfwcdoUt4EonTsWe0YnPQCkor3CtVMV06RDhh4OGb6KkVJ-i-esppUI8/s1600/DSC08144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1_rRcW92AO8aO9wZQQF0YaLPfFepbwfEzqSdlgfc92aNoa4X8z0lNa0zsbNTKdfN0u1-9Rfr-ZOC6cp41-vCfwcdoUt4EonTsWe0YnPQCkor3CtVMV06RDhh4OGb6KkVJ-i-esppUI8/s200/DSC08144.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Adding shelves for storage</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When we bought this 1890 farmhouse, we knew it was in need of a total, overall redo. Everything needed to be done and I mean everything.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Last summer we started renovations on the main family room. All of the work came to a halt, when my hubby had to travel across the country for work. He would be gone for the 3 months. While he was gone our current bathroom shower pipes froze and burst. It left myself and the children to travel to the community center to shower. I know this may sound like a huge deal, but we dealt with it. We are the new pioneers, I mean at least I had a place to shower, and it wasn't a watering hole or stream.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnAIlWcqT1RuCcIPT41nFpO4e3xNfMnAVM7WlS7CHFe-x8h1fYfr3mpIy6Z4nEfU5T8u5n_wu9KeR_lF6nKFggsfOt8EdX9erRTJ51yXW3_ALP-5u19VUdGzXKbi0tY2U_iydep0cojA/s1600/DSC01563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnAIlWcqT1RuCcIPT41nFpO4e3xNfMnAVM7WlS7CHFe-x8h1fYfr3mpIy6Z4nEfU5T8u5n_wu9KeR_lF6nKFggsfOt8EdX9erRTJ51yXW3_ALP-5u19VUdGzXKbi0tY2U_iydep0cojA/s320/DSC01563.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> It wasn't pretty, but at least I had a shower. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTPexAwGHygjYB5CeeanEzQl81mw2xcYzDS540keSlksxaX0EVXME1bePwdNHu4ADES8zJEmbMkk33riglhmR1KjpEn6p5mTwmsbci_iHQTRsi8YrpCg3OKRy3EgcUV4NkXPJR_n-5O4/s1600/DSC08027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTPexAwGHygjYB5CeeanEzQl81mw2xcYzDS540keSlksxaX0EVXME1bePwdNHu4ADES8zJEmbMkk33riglhmR1KjpEn6p5mTwmsbci_iHQTRsi8YrpCg3OKRy3EgcUV4NkXPJR_n-5O4/s320/DSC08027.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glass tile above the shower being installed.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My husband returned from his work trip only to jump right into a total bathroom replacement. There was one thing though . . . our plan was for the new bathroom to be on the other side of the house. We had to do do this because the old bathroom was located the slab part of the house. We were to move the current bathroom to where there was a basement, so we did not run into any more problems. And of course with an old home . . . once you start tearing things up you find all sorts of bad things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We planned on stealing 1/2 of the kitchen (which at some point will no longer be the kitchen at all) to make this 8' x 9' small bath to contain all the luxuries I wanted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our plan was not an easy one.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is what I required in my tiny bathroom space:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Stand up shower stall. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. A private changing area</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. plenty of storage</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. A soaking tub. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS__y9khXn3CufKhjMN7T9cKjG62ZfJYc-22pkf5W4ybjeJx60yWbOPjjU-rXye39DVuDt5zdVTc8EgvJbVzKNJwBt9vFq7HArmHlPRdpmufDoB9_5lbYHmC_VvUPjtB4lquIPrxRNApY/s1600/IMG_20160326_153836136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS__y9khXn3CufKhjMN7T9cKjG62ZfJYc-22pkf5W4ybjeJx60yWbOPjjU-rXye39DVuDt5zdVTc8EgvJbVzKNJwBt9vFq7HArmHlPRdpmufDoB9_5lbYHmC_VvUPjtB4lquIPrxRNApY/s200/IMG_20160326_153836136.jpg" width="111" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">laying out tile</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n7_ESiZohrXk0BswjBUC5s3-4o1iV5O9AaJft1sijfnP4XEwrVA4dZbuD6TmY_4GrUpSxx9zkl5BvyoZqMeFAo2txD_kGQ1OSqh_KVis5fEGVTTK_GQ7jvZ4fUFZsLn_IX5yY4UrCaM/s1600/IMG_20160421_193108557_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n7_ESiZohrXk0BswjBUC5s3-4o1iV5O9AaJft1sijfnP4XEwrVA4dZbuD6TmY_4GrUpSxx9zkl5BvyoZqMeFAo2txD_kGQ1OSqh_KVis5fEGVTTK_GQ7jvZ4fUFZsLn_IX5yY4UrCaM/s200/IMG_20160421_193108557_HDR.jpg" width="111" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">grouting</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yeah that is a lot of requirements for a small space. But what I have learned from previous home remodels is that put in what you really want. Our other hard task was to do this with out getting into debt. We drew up our plans, started the work and were patient. It took sometime longer than I wanted and some days it was not fun showering in a unfinished bath. And we seemed to run into problems constantly. The outside walls had lots of rot and no insulation, the floor had to be built up and leveled before it could be tiled. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqEcTZHnVQGQ2PkWYjXpSONA-GMZx5j_z6oSKU0bh-WiIILSEmY6Qh9sNDhnywvGgNyQOY94G_rm4ORMzH5ZhhXA5x4XcQ60sgVkgyCj3utwnzpsnm_H7BwOn-4L91rj5_PClqNHiA1o/s1600/DSC08931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqEcTZHnVQGQ2PkWYjXpSONA-GMZx5j_z6oSKU0bh-WiIILSEmY6Qh9sNDhnywvGgNyQOY94G_rm4ORMzH5ZhhXA5x4XcQ60sgVkgyCj3utwnzpsnm_H7BwOn-4L91rj5_PClqNHiA1o/s200/DSC08931.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Focusing on some of the small<br />details adds character to your space.<br />Here is an antique cabinet I restored.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurp4akhLc2O5bVDh7Cxqm-vSyKeQBMMWzhcOvx0w42dJYrPILwwTX20QzUN2HpzuMgiCOwwVCLLtCtYhqwRaP_MBhBgZJf51eOAX4MdlMtTOXZs9noMEJ7wg7yTJwEwjPtioLMUFWMAY/s1600/DSC08936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurp4akhLc2O5bVDh7Cxqm-vSyKeQBMMWzhcOvx0w42dJYrPILwwTX20QzUN2HpzuMgiCOwwVCLLtCtYhqwRaP_MBhBgZJf51eOAX4MdlMtTOXZs9noMEJ7wg7yTJwEwjPtioLMUFWMAY/s200/DSC08936.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipes for a towel rack.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YAjWJinxzSdQkmFuZRl3eKsUkBL26gT5fFKgRFdsYvXz4M2So41hBdUd83MJbbQXgPNeq5ChRhyyctRGAPg-DMAgmJMj0-WxuSGWzinXl8LM07GIs41-6G9rNbsQ7gMUr9jHBAum7zo/s1600/DSC08934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YAjWJinxzSdQkmFuZRl3eKsUkBL26gT5fFKgRFdsYvXz4M2So41hBdUd83MJbbQXgPNeq5ChRhyyctRGAPg-DMAgmJMj0-WxuSGWzinXl8LM07GIs41-6G9rNbsQ7gMUr9jHBAum7zo/s200/DSC08934.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding pretty things make it an oasis.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I learned to have fun along the way. Have fun creating a great space. I would go shopping for colors, tile, antiques. I would go on pinterest and pin ideas. I had to search hard for an affordable soaking tub that would actually fit our space and our budget. I had to be patient and I can't say that I always was . . .but in the end we survived and our whole family is so happy with the results.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7svPV5zamXtGXaXS0c-Z2tUsYk6zFaJTvcCS01KTl3n1s0Xf8_JA-pYhhSK5XfgUrEjlvVtsMMJ9obLHFZY08_WNwNLA7GdPIuyQUGc-yo7tQ1mRnuTG_UTss0A1Mr5AQpoPDhBy2NOY/s1600/DSC08950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7svPV5zamXtGXaXS0c-Z2tUsYk6zFaJTvcCS01KTl3n1s0Xf8_JA-pYhhSK5XfgUrEjlvVtsMMJ9obLHFZY08_WNwNLA7GdPIuyQUGc-yo7tQ1mRnuTG_UTss0A1Mr5AQpoPDhBy2NOY/s320/DSC08950.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barn style door built by my husband. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTcD34xhtA0NVLbAhaZzDL1-sdfk2Z01FdB7cFoXjQkjp_b1afSX1g2eTTX5OnAhx7dhnAUKdOm3-MrZMk46ZhFazPg_eggrd8Qn-b5UUwIGIbRDqz5hu-Po3xGZXz9GSRe_Xi4UrfzA/s1600/DSC08951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTcD34xhtA0NVLbAhaZzDL1-sdfk2Z01FdB7cFoXjQkjp_b1afSX1g2eTTX5OnAhx7dhnAUKdOm3-MrZMk46ZhFazPg_eggrd8Qn-b5UUwIGIbRDqz5hu-Po3xGZXz9GSRe_Xi4UrfzA/s320/DSC08951.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is small but deep. It certainly does the job.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-48233052336120152922015-09-23T06:46:00.000-07:002015-09-23T06:46:44.486-07:00Canning with Kids<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte age 14 canning apple butter</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always practice cleanliness while canning.</td></tr>
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Another season of canning and I realized that I have 3 teenagers and 1 preteen that all know how to can. Many adults do not know how to successfully can or don't even attempt it. So, how, in a day in age of this almost lost art, did I successfully teach my children how do this?<br />
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It wasn't a conscience decision to teach my children the art of preserving. It just sort of happened and now I realize what a great skill it was that they have acquired.<br />
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Since it wasn't a conscience decision on my part I had to think back. I also had to question my children. How did their skill develop and at what ages did I start allowing them to do more and me less?<br />
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First, let me start with saying: allow your children to surround you in the kitchen. DO NOT KICK THEM OUT SO YOU CAN DO THINGS EASIER. Even as babies allow them to watch you and play with flour or dough or the pots and pans.<br />
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Here are a list of ages and jobs I think you can allow your children to do to introduce your children them to canning. *<br />
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<b><u>2 yrs. old and up</u></b> - Take them produce picking. Either in the garden or a Pick your own trip. Let your children always know where there food comes from . . . they are more likely to eat these healthy foods. Teach them the importance of hand washing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2c4Zd8XFBRkDNDmvQcu5tsiNsXuT_aGfcBB0WF4IWfI1gYstlbKI6g-j15dmENtYYJXIMferBV8CVpv0aOee7Bgy4sb7_TU-68V4ZIciKVXtNG6tHXfZZg3YviZtYgl7pMTRFtQvA75M/s1600/DSC04243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2c4Zd8XFBRkDNDmvQcu5tsiNsXuT_aGfcBB0WF4IWfI1gYstlbKI6g-j15dmENtYYJXIMferBV8CVpv0aOee7Bgy4sb7_TU-68V4ZIciKVXtNG6tHXfZZg3YviZtYgl7pMTRFtQvA75M/s1600/DSC04243.JPG" width="320" /></a><b><u>4 yrs. old/5 yrs. old and up</u></b> - Allow them to rinse the fruit out. Wipe the counter. Help you pour cool ingredients into pots. Teach them the importance of cleanliness.<br />
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<b><u>6 yrs. old/7 yrs. old and up </u></b>- Peeling, sorting, rinsing. Assist with stirring. Wiping the tops of the canning jars. Observe the full canning process. Teach them importance of safety and cleanliness.<br />
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<b><u>8 yrs. old. to 11. yrs old and up</u></b>- Cutting the produce. Actually making the recipe to be canned. Stirring. Assisting parent with preparing the canning area. Allowing them to fill the cans. Remember you are dealing with boiling water so please take caution when allowing them to help. Remind them to be really careful. Review the importance of safety and cleanliness.<br />
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* REMEMBER YOU KNOW YOUR CHILD BETTER THAN I DO. THESE AGES ARE JUST WHAT I DID WITH MY CHILDREN. AND NOT ALL MY CHILDREN WERE READY AT THE SAME AGES. KNOW WHAT YOUR CHILD IS CAPABLE OF AND USE YOUR BEST JUDGEMENT.<br />
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HAPPY CANNING!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-26911620547445151382015-09-11T04:43:00.000-07:002015-09-11T04:43:00.948-07:00Bittersweet 9/11*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A young Rob and Mickie</div>
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at Charlotte's baptism.</div>
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Today is the 14th memorial of the 9/11 attacks. The flag flies half mast today at Sanctae Familiae Villa. But today is also the 14th birthday of my daughter Charlotte. I suppose we all have a story to tell about where we were on that frightful day. Here is ours. I woke up around 6am to my water breaking. My husband, Rob, at that time was working 3rd shift; so knowing he was already on his way home I called my neighbor. "Hey Patty, could you come over I think my water broke" She came as quick as I called. "So what do you think . . . do you think my water actually broke?" I asked. "I don't know, you've done this more than me and more recent." she replied. I told her I was pretty sure it was my water but I was wondering why I wasn't having any contractions. I thought that contractions would come soon so I suggested we feed the boys and ourselves while waiting for Rob to arrive home from work.</div>
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Rob arrived home, ate quickly, and we prepared to leave for the hospital. Patty would stay with the boys until my parents made the 2 hour journey from Massachusetts. While we preparing for another beautiful family memory, planes were being boarded for what people thought was just another ordinary day in their lives. While we arrived at the hospital, flight attendants tried to contact FAA to signal that they were hijacked. I was hooked up to a fetal monitor, my water had indeed broken, but there were still no signs of contractions. The doctor figured I should just rest a bit. So hubby and I decided to turn on the television. We were watching Good Morning America when it suddenly broke in live with the first plane crash into the World Trade Center. "What is going on?" I remember saying. Our nurse became curious as well and turned to see the t.v. I remember Rob saying "that is a lot of fuel for a small plane, it must be a commercial plane, why was it flying so low?" Since my husband works in the aviation field I considered this thoughtfully. What if this wasn't an accident? Were we being attacked? Scary. I thought about my brother who lived so close to the towers. I was just there at Christmas time the boys took a photo on Santa's lap (right in the World Trade Center). As soon as I thought those thoughts the second plane flew right into the other tower. Why would someone do this?</div>
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Charlotte was born bringing in the harvest.</div>
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I called my home to tell Patty. "Your brother just called, he sounded crazy, he was looking for you, said he couldn't get in touch with your parents. I told him they were on their way here because you were at the hospital having the baby, she's having the baby now? he blurted out . . . but he said to assure you he was okay. I've been watching Bob the Builder videos with the boys. What's going on?" I explained to her what was going on.</div>
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My parents arrived at the hospital too sit in front of the t.v. in shock. They tried endlessly to reach my brother only feeling little assurance from the call to Patty. Things got more emotional when the pilot name was release John Ogonowski. My mother burst into tears she had watched his children for years. I had no words for her. And I still had something to do. I had to have a baby. I began pacing up and down the halls of the hospital. I knew if contractions did not come on their own they would chemically make them come . . . and I wasn't cool with that. It was a little to late for thoughts of why I was bringing a child into this crazy world. But those thoughts lingered. I finally kicked everyone out of my room, demanded the television be shut off, and that I was going to have this baby. And I did.</div>
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The little blondie, so different from her</div>
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darked-haired brothers.</div>
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I had the most beautiful, blondie, tiny, baby girl. She was so different from her dark haired brothers. She was a blessing from God.</div>
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Enjoying the snow with</div>
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her little sister Gigi.</div>
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Later on we found out a boy from school was on one of the planes, Brian Kinney. My brother lost the building where he lived. Many people lost so many loved ones. Sadness. I call it bittersweet because I had joy on such a day and actually felt guilty. This has been my reflection for many years. Why sadness for some and joy for others? A mystery. I do know this however, the world may be crumbling around us but a baby is sure to bring a huge smile across our faces. There may be sadness and death but there is also life. Choose it! One and a half years later we had another little girl and we will accept more if God wills it. And even if I knew of all the terrors I would still have my children. I will try to raise them with love and no fear. Heaven is our goal.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNi1w-EdDK0mI-dVijHr1j-JgKmE4pK0n6c0XJcIHu-cJmPCYvNieIINsOszkQpxhmrB3bd5-WQn7hKNRHu5Jf2MFfWUWY_de7Q0W0eszqabfYbjveCGuvTD7v5GTLU-RBah0jkSG0LUU/s1600/DSC00111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNi1w-EdDK0mI-dVijHr1j-JgKmE4pK0n6c0XJcIHu-cJmPCYvNieIINsOszkQpxhmrB3bd5-WQn7hKNRHu5Jf2MFfWUWY_de7Q0W0eszqabfYbjveCGuvTD7v5GTLU-RBah0jkSG0LUU/s1600/DSC00111.JPG" width="320" /></a>The newspapers did a story on her birth and every 5 years they contact us to run an article on the local girl born on that dreadful day. She is used to the looks she gets when she shares her birth date and always repeats "yes, that day". When she was younger she did not really understand, but as she grows older her understanding grows. When I asked her how she feels about being born on this day. This beautiful 14 year old replied "I think I was born to try to bring joy to the sadness of the world". And that she does. We are so proud.</div>
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Thank you God for giving us Charlotte, our little beacon of light, on such a dark day.</div>
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Here is a link to one of the newspaper articles:</div>
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<a href="http://windham.htnp.com/tag/charlotte-loucraft/">http://windham.htnp.com/tag/charlotte-loucraft/</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><i>Dedicated to my husband's grandfather Gerard Atkinson died on 9/11/13 and to all the victims and families of the 9/11 attacks. You are always in our prayers.</i></span></div>
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* I originally wrote this on Charlotte's 13th birthday. I edited it and added a recent photo as an update.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-14951809362663995302015-06-05T05:28:00.003-07:002015-06-05T05:28:56.586-07:00Friday Morning Surprise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahPg4AOqsOTHXDxDKl7IrL13Gac32rdWnU_3rzFp1gg49ye_D2h2scjNInqulmAHiubouDmyz3m_09MiFvfBxehML4gyVQsbN3d9b58QpCZvnOi2YL5saHbHBrceUo6dlU_5vmdlClH4/s1600/DSC00394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahPg4AOqsOTHXDxDKl7IrL13Gac32rdWnU_3rzFp1gg49ye_D2h2scjNInqulmAHiubouDmyz3m_09MiFvfBxehML4gyVQsbN3d9b58QpCZvnOi2YL5saHbHBrceUo6dlU_5vmdlClH4/s320/DSC00394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMFkqIGIjscl_8lCfgumQ0tBEF8TpPTzq9CK0D82lvx5TOxGYbGZe3VxM3TQeBGH4rilcSx89zMjenW8bgKO9CdZsroDdm7REnpDf6MaVc17trqphD9I56iQQx61-dWgWgQ2PiW1255s/s1600/DSC00392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMFkqIGIjscl_8lCfgumQ0tBEF8TpPTzq9CK0D82lvx5TOxGYbGZe3VxM3TQeBGH4rilcSx89zMjenW8bgKO9CdZsroDdm7REnpDf6MaVc17trqphD9I56iQQx61-dWgWgQ2PiW1255s/s320/DSC00392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> A homestead that has free range chickens makes farm life interesting, often times frustrating. For instance they love to lay eggs in strange places, scratch for bugs in pretty gardens and mess up the goat areas. It is a constant chore just to try to keep them in their chicken areas. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqOviS6-PFx_kGMGesU1tO_tm0KyOZpYx_oj1IqFtn-56she4GYY9OBdCGheC16vIiejryDkTZXGPjkNp80fwhv2ReFhnWoQncNgCF6bndnZt25MKBTwonZDvb42YxwXNKG0oEsAW7W0/s1600/DSC00390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqOviS6-PFx_kGMGesU1tO_tm0KyOZpYx_oj1IqFtn-56she4GYY9OBdCGheC16vIiejryDkTZXGPjkNp80fwhv2ReFhnWoQncNgCF6bndnZt25MKBTwonZDvb42YxwXNKG0oEsAW7W0/s320/DSC00390.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">All of the crazy difficulties of free range chickens felt all so worth it this morning; when we walked out to our buck yard to find a momma hen with 5 little chicks! Oh, how I love the life of a homesteader!</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-54930654944284307512015-06-04T09:23:00.002-07:002015-06-04T09:37:34.094-07:00Busy Days<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0QMs_RifvFP_sAJsN_Z0-IqkgNksTKFllYNVIEacEixbBCSpdfxvEOJ_HZ12Np_N8P8Z4eYt2wFDodcXQAaIgsF1DS6lURyQDtmUSMaiMiHzd0zLoseo-TYxI_nXAIZyuFt7godmZp4/s1600/DSC09920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0QMs_RifvFP_sAJsN_Z0-IqkgNksTKFllYNVIEacEixbBCSpdfxvEOJ_HZ12Np_N8P8Z4eYt2wFDodcXQAaIgsF1DS6lURyQDtmUSMaiMiHzd0zLoseo-TYxI_nXAIZyuFt7godmZp4/s320/DSC09920.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our lettuce patch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyksaViDWka_ZMF9sw9HwF2anwqBhKUxKDNe9IEMqqUNH-qIG8h6CX4kY7S3PE5MZ36oEM5SxVlhah_BFIr7NREJrc22YK9_ldMqlHbzodvEw-Gmde8FeaVlBa4BYC3LnVB9ahDukwZwA/s1600/DSC00016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyksaViDWka_ZMF9sw9HwF2anwqBhKUxKDNe9IEMqqUNH-qIG8h6CX4kY7S3PE5MZ36oEM5SxVlhah_BFIr7NREJrc22YK9_ldMqlHbzodvEw-Gmde8FeaVlBa4BYC3LnVB9ahDukwZwA/s320/DSC00016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making new friends.</td></tr>
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I know most people this time of year are busy<br />
with graduation parties, weddings, school ceremonies and the many other things that keep us busy. The same applies to us here but we also have the added hectic schedule of our homestead.<br />
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On a homestead late spring is quite a busy time. It is the time for kidding, selling kids, bringing in new ones, bottle feedings, garden work, farmers market and did I mention garden work.<br />
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Here are a few photos that capture our hectic but wonderful days.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1TASnDhD-scInwGJyle4VPVh-BO1MYrzqLknI8vhCG6nw6gzIu2753xpXECplaYhEL0DW1O0fpVkNNDBEBp-43OXy2S2cUSturduaPvVERvSIgCWaxuCXGxZLploFE7o7kM-pyoRO8Q/s1600/DSC00335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1TASnDhD-scInwGJyle4VPVh-BO1MYrzqLknI8vhCG6nw6gzIu2753xpXECplaYhEL0DW1O0fpVkNNDBEBp-43OXy2S2cUSturduaPvVERvSIgCWaxuCXGxZLploFE7o7kM-pyoRO8Q/s320/DSC00335.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nim our new buckling</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiGsCr6Y_WbDeD6cqGJTCCuHR8gebq2SWht65d9e2GBsRmUQAVvyDiAov1kQRqFMwGxdpDtBzl3NZD6JfFAjdcgm4PM7pMHguNuOo4QAuRBsaB3b5nfxKexlwazxFINq305a6mpleGh8/s1600/DSC00030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiGsCr6Y_WbDeD6cqGJTCCuHR8gebq2SWht65d9e2GBsRmUQAVvyDiAov1kQRqFMwGxdpDtBzl3NZD6JfFAjdcgm4PM7pMHguNuOo4QAuRBsaB3b5nfxKexlwazxFINq305a6mpleGh8/s320/DSC00030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Nice to meet you"</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqaDRRv1I_bd_MhD0B6VCeLC6lSwxDUGbaUdcuc2bW2gu-KbYCWNCDoDSVeB55jol9-HVcAqSfPgf-sQ86ZI9SUMdQ1e1kwsFBhZsXiWck4_Vwh4-z0LZ-7GpFwD88zEyygfIVZr-0Uk/s1600/DSC00348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqaDRRv1I_bd_MhD0B6VCeLC6lSwxDUGbaUdcuc2bW2gu-KbYCWNCDoDSVeB55jol9-HVcAqSfPgf-sQ86ZI9SUMdQ1e1kwsFBhZsXiWck4_Vwh4-z0LZ-7GpFwD88zEyygfIVZr-0Uk/s320/DSC00348.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Cleaning time</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Managing a growing Herd</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Mommas and Their Kids</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRg6oDmmUfRV2dGlDQ2BOqFvciC4mfRumtlwMj3nbVaPV3_XCsuvGLtPYTB7GBrLObBNM8O-jz3CYuvhwCep5TJcAt0Uk8G_3BaQSPZUDp-y9ZNQrko_BLrwUbT1DK9FpeqyF2x3AWtxI/s1600/DSC00021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRg6oDmmUfRV2dGlDQ2BOqFvciC4mfRumtlwMj3nbVaPV3_XCsuvGLtPYTB7GBrLObBNM8O-jz3CYuvhwCep5TJcAt0Uk8G_3BaQSPZUDp-y9ZNQrko_BLrwUbT1DK9FpeqyF2x3AWtxI/s320/DSC00021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Play time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPM4qeeZatNXzqcq5XYkaXT5hL28RPtOimN2wy8Fe4x_DAx89wYABbC-ed9RYcgwpP68ob7aEDXELTcS1NOHl-b3zNjtlp459LtGZmJY_8pxAMuy8eFjtUwYSwpX6ZJHZI9hJG7rtnUQ/s1600/DSC00034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPM4qeeZatNXzqcq5XYkaXT5hL28RPtOimN2wy8Fe4x_DAx89wYABbC-ed9RYcgwpP68ob7aEDXELTcS1NOHl-b3zNjtlp459LtGZmJY_8pxAMuy8eFjtUwYSwpX6ZJHZI9hJG7rtnUQ/s320/DSC00034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_kG1tNt6Ny2Lzbt2dVPe1RvC0a_TOaUvcJ_WBzCim1yhRiE9ptYR_sUhvolCbW_WicSQLj-R1ThPnOEwZcKBiOTKStaA_0LKo3WDA3-3q-vtbL18IJnnETbuKj0Jf8Kv-4o0akwIeyQ/s1600/DSC09968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_kG1tNt6Ny2Lzbt2dVPe1RvC0a_TOaUvcJ_WBzCim1yhRiE9ptYR_sUhvolCbW_WicSQLj-R1ThPnOEwZcKBiOTKStaA_0LKo3WDA3-3q-vtbL18IJnnETbuKj0Jf8Kv-4o0akwIeyQ/s320/DSC09968.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Sometimes we are the momma!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ud3DFkHAFwpdmu-a6oEVLL5Pt0Hu_t1G4ua8Cvq1xRRJ1NqfkqaaiNuX02Ic52Qwq9vrpSje6FdqLdUrxv5If45bMvow53zqoi4Azc6f03gj-fYEdtsigIfL_GiO1rmmAw8_bTSz2lk/s1600/DSC00374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ud3DFkHAFwpdmu-a6oEVLL5Pt0Hu_t1G4ua8Cvq1xRRJ1NqfkqaaiNuX02Ic52Qwq9vrpSje6FdqLdUrxv5If45bMvow53zqoi4Azc6f03gj-fYEdtsigIfL_GiO1rmmAw8_bTSz2lk/s320/DSC00374.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything in the garden green.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Grateful for a Thriving</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Garden</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNseyvK7LqnCwBTqflnTFOaTLsvOrMs0qRNlZJXLnMoy1NF4Ha-NW71fxHNAoCqf_Uc9mS8AgqsGvt-yhl9gD7DR-jE2woSBnIdxrSDGN7oTwJr-cgm0wutzGJy9MhBgyS_Bk33DiFEk8/s1600/DSC09937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNseyvK7LqnCwBTqflnTFOaTLsvOrMs0qRNlZJXLnMoy1NF4Ha-NW71fxHNAoCqf_Uc9mS8AgqsGvt-yhl9gD7DR-jE2woSBnIdxrSDGN7oTwJr-cgm0wutzGJy9MhBgyS_Bk33DiFEk8/s320/DSC09937.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eMiq8MavNod_OE3StVlZEowetIqennF3S9vQyNc5UwHEXtGCbhw-BDFZcGALOMj-pSYIH3URo8_qkoDyb_RV6Efg7_OqhGzL1FqEPdmlPjuelcl0T6FBZnjpv7Eq6ovV90lDU6wWElU/s1600/DSC00213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eMiq8MavNod_OE3StVlZEowetIqennF3S9vQyNc5UwHEXtGCbhw-BDFZcGALOMj-pSYIH3URo8_qkoDyb_RV6Efg7_OqhGzL1FqEPdmlPjuelcl0T6FBZnjpv7Eq6ovV90lDU6wWElU/s320/DSC00213.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handmade signs at the market<br />
give things our personal touch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFHV-WEumi-Xztx8h_i66gb1U_fVForlNWw25LabUgCANBJAOnzKVqioLKQm_wuSSyscdCTDZXJ7MS77O_wUPzu3uxhLD7oxAlhqAlBLtxN2ym0vK9JeVfe7Xkoeqz3mVSfGXmCAwvh8/s1600/DSC00130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFHV-WEumi-Xztx8h_i66gb1U_fVForlNWw25LabUgCANBJAOnzKVqioLKQm_wuSSyscdCTDZXJ7MS77O_wUPzu3uxhLD7oxAlhqAlBLtxN2ym0vK9JeVfe7Xkoeqz3mVSfGXmCAwvh8/s320/DSC00130.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing a baby goat gets lots of attention.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOAfGEOE_RltfXng4bhXU4ADanPgwYR2O0aWZpn04qdU-ngCMdM0UPi5lqHVU1agjdEEj8D55mkH3X3t6F237wB8FDCApqT0rZQVy-QJpuLxDAg2QpzbXDDapmow808834I9lSTrGiSw/s1600/DSC00131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOAfGEOE_RltfXng4bhXU4ADanPgwYR2O0aWZpn04qdU-ngCMdM0UPi5lqHVU1agjdEEj8D55mkH3X3t6F237wB8FDCApqT0rZQVy-QJpuLxDAg2QpzbXDDapmow808834I9lSTrGiSw/s320/DSC00131.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A display of herbs for sale.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEAnsbfIroM5pk6GRdFNu4vo3QVbgJGzynK9bFwOzxf9orikrZqA7YkCVNDO5aVsn0ZAXYubP1S7xzqVIEBta7qthzBNQKt0n8L3igliuNIdk3zaIbD5KUXS5jECcgKqCM7pgNOYWEx4/s1600/DSC00175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEAnsbfIroM5pk6GRdFNu4vo3QVbgJGzynK9bFwOzxf9orikrZqA7YkCVNDO5aVsn0ZAXYubP1S7xzqVIEBta7qthzBNQKt0n8L3igliuNIdk3zaIbD5KUXS5jECcgKqCM7pgNOYWEx4/s320/DSC00175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who could resist buying from this smiling face?</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>At the Farmers' Market</i></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-25312100409278740662015-05-28T08:24:00.001-07:002015-05-28T08:24:39.666-07:00***WINNER IS BUDDING ROMANCE *****Sanctae Familiae Villa: Spring Soaps ***SOAP GIVEAWAY***AND THE WINNER OF THIS CONTEST WAS SYDNEY WITH BUDDING ROMANCE. PLEASE EMAIL ME YOUR SHIPPING INFORMATION AT LOUCRAFTYSOAPS@GMAIL.COM<br /><br />
<br /><br />
ALL OTHER ENTRIES WILL RECEIVE $1.00 OFF OF THEIR NEXT SOAP PURCHASE<br /><br />
<br /><br />
THANKS EVERYONE!<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<a href="http://sanctaefamiliaevilla.blogspot.com/2015/04/spring-soaps-soap-giveaway.html?spref=bl">Sanctae Familiae Villa: Spring Soaps ***SOAP GIVEAWAY***</a>: Spring is in the air and so is love and some beautiful scents. I have been spending most of these nice days in the garden and have...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-18373661329042668582015-05-09T05:58:00.001-07:002015-05-09T05:58:09.038-07:00Mama Mickie's Rhubarb Muffins<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKl9cMpJy0GnfJzr2gJsQLYk0ZGR3AKIZCHkKr-OIiE2_Gmf8gb05NV-IlDys4OR8M2LfkHw1KYh2UGs6-HDo84EluRAkOG745efkhNBVeDl-xsw5s6wFd1C7c7Ce8mLBSYn1qTg0WWI/s1600/DSC09703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKl9cMpJy0GnfJzr2gJsQLYk0ZGR3AKIZCHkKr-OIiE2_Gmf8gb05NV-IlDys4OR8M2LfkHw1KYh2UGs6-HDo84EluRAkOG745efkhNBVeDl-xsw5s6wFd1C7c7Ce8mLBSYn1qTg0WWI/s320/DSC09703.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhubarb Muffin</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWD5FK0vrC4M5_NOtuOdJzz1EiXFiPGdUU8C9SgBRAKmuoiNy63W3TKlcxQEyE7nwq2EWySliBOECu9syUMJLj34X5Q7hK8_nZgaGNYVFgoFL1hbpx-JDKbW9jGk_QXfHhmoCjJOc7jg/s1600/DSC09693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWD5FK0vrC4M5_NOtuOdJzz1EiXFiPGdUU8C9SgBRAKmuoiNy63W3TKlcxQEyE7nwq2EWySliBOECu9syUMJLj34X5Q7hK8_nZgaGNYVFgoFL1hbpx-JDKbW9jGk_QXfHhmoCjJOc7jg/s200/DSC09693.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhubarb in our garden</td></tr>
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<br />
It is hard to believe my rhubarb bed is in full production. We have already harvested quite a bit with much more on the way. I couldn't resist jumping in right away and experimenting with some new ways of cooking up one of our family favorites. My family loves rhubarb and they also love muffins . . . so I decided to put the two together and came up with with yummy recipe!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWVLglBulibxwGDu6cNqsH_NAKB3FnK9fUpBBhN3dkZzJXp-AUvsrhOROAWWXjDB0prVm4aUE99KFAeFeL3VVDBLkPf4fPfVG8tGK_OhD6g1VotP1X3zVFHtOkdv7B5bQfv554P_-Cag/s1600/DSC09692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWVLglBulibxwGDu6cNqsH_NAKB3FnK9fUpBBhN3dkZzJXp-AUvsrhOROAWWXjDB0prVm4aUE99KFAeFeL3VVDBLkPf4fPfVG8tGK_OhD6g1VotP1X3zVFHtOkdv7B5bQfv554P_-Cag/s320/DSC09692.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how beautiful<br />the stem of the rhubarb looks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzvCoEbkT4oFdzqIEgaZvWPwyrKVJBph_VJgktQidmOxfxbFHoFPbRj_snkRTPna33Cxmr3YHaG5kuX3HDToYZVQ_OhT-U_CJAlLnOjsIq8-yc0e9_ERh6DZ3pGq90HdACuoMaSnjwJQ/s1600/DSC09689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzvCoEbkT4oFdzqIEgaZvWPwyrKVJBph_VJgktQidmOxfxbFHoFPbRj_snkRTPna33Cxmr3YHaG5kuX3HDToYZVQ_OhT-U_CJAlLnOjsIq8-yc0e9_ERh6DZ3pGq90HdACuoMaSnjwJQ/s320/DSC09689.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><u>Mama Mickie's Rhubarb Muffins</u></b><br />
4 1/2 cups of flour<br />
6 teaspoons of baking powder<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons of salt<br />
1 1/2 cups of sugar<br />
3/4 cup of oil<br />
1 1/2 cup of milk<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 1/2 cup of cut rhubarb<br />
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. I use silicon muffin cups but if you do not grease your muffin tin. Mix all dry ingredients and then add beaten eggs, stir in milk and oil. Your mixture will be lumpy. Fold in rhubarb. Fill muffin cups 3/4 of the way. Sprinkle with <i>Sugar in the Raw</i>. Bake until golden brown or fork comes out clean. Makes 24 muffins.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-XrlH-nnAo8wfCgNBS0wOs-xDW2LFoJW19Fo5RpX7RMhOjoQwHABQ6uCh7lyjuzjQr4yMwQpRKJ7DhepeevNN2X1Zu2cDyi4u13cm6imrFiGD_lzNkAYZn_Eyn1I4WYKJ29qteJml2s/s1600/DSC09697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-XrlH-nnAo8wfCgNBS0wOs-xDW2LFoJW19Fo5RpX7RMhOjoQwHABQ6uCh7lyjuzjQr4yMwQpRKJ7DhepeevNN2X1Zu2cDyi4u13cm6imrFiGD_lzNkAYZn_Eyn1I4WYKJ29qteJml2s/s320/DSC09697.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-67540314819399664182015-04-22T11:33:00.000-07:002015-04-22T11:33:07.680-07:00Spring Soaps ***SOAP GIVEAWAY***<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2R6gBcOpfEKpcF_OBPLcF6v5oLkgS5EwrPapXH8nlU8vrF8Se8wPScPmCUh9fGCfBQCRfSU3I77YOP-G89YgQ2I3WFSCqbcy1uuBuEBgzRsEjevQWNpn3YqcoIUPMm9Od1bLCH5IUUs/s1600/DSC08952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2R6gBcOpfEKpcF_OBPLcF6v5oLkgS5EwrPapXH8nlU8vrF8Se8wPScPmCUh9fGCfBQCRfSU3I77YOP-G89YgQ2I3WFSCqbcy1uuBuEBgzRsEjevQWNpn3YqcoIUPMm9Od1bLCH5IUUs/s1600/DSC08952.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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</div>
<br />
Spring is in the air and so is love and some beautiful scents. I have been spending most of these nice days in the garden and have been spending my nights making some great soaps. BUT I NEED YOUR HELP! I have whipped up some beautiful batches: a Lavender batch, a peppermint swirl batch and a beautiful batch that has no name. CAN YOU HELP ME NAME IT? This pretty batch Has essentials oils of patchouli, ylang ylang, rosewood and sweet orange and is delicately sprinkled with rose petals and topped with the sweetest rose buds.<br />
<br />
Comment your name idea below . . . if I pick your name you will get a bar free.<br />
<br />
YOUR COMMENT MUST APPEAR IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW OF THIS BLOG NOT ON OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA.<br />
<br />
***CONTEST CLOSES 4 WEEKS FROM NOW***MAY 20<br />
<br />
LOUCRAFT-Y SOAPS WILL PICK THE NAME WE THINK FITS BEST. YOU CAN ALSO SHARE THIS POST WITH FRIENDS. BE CREATIVE, HAVE FUN AND MAY THE SOAP BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy0QB55LBOPQUdoew8E840w6AScb7aDToUxqtqPJyjRJnJR1b73pIGhSRkurdLgoBeLxU_jYd3LaQVlOkmeWNM9gYzyce5mdk3Sbwmw_qlMN9h83BYkxDqK4UCjWbXQA1ahjaOP4As4g/s1600/DSC08959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy0QB55LBOPQUdoew8E840w6AScb7aDToUxqtqPJyjRJnJR1b73pIGhSRkurdLgoBeLxU_jYd3LaQVlOkmeWNM9gYzyce5mdk3Sbwmw_qlMN9h83BYkxDqK4UCjWbXQA1ahjaOP4As4g/s1600/DSC08959.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peppermint Swirl</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbwsgtlvn6kgGnxzCpTm5oyimkWcKPJ-8wh5ASXlQKH-AxG_nts_5jCA23_Jkfg878U0MxNLEFNeS8oZp8DCIb7sc6PGlCiaK1L6oDnX3Qm6URkgzCJep-bv4wsBMbmPj_Yv_1RyR5Lo/s1600/DSC08949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbwsgtlvn6kgGnxzCpTm5oyimkWcKPJ-8wh5ASXlQKH-AxG_nts_5jCA23_Jkfg878U0MxNLEFNeS8oZp8DCIb7sc6PGlCiaK1L6oDnX3Qm6URkgzCJep-bv4wsBMbmPj_Yv_1RyR5Lo/s1600/DSC08949.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J_AaTeruIxQdKSnRK0M5U4JS4T4nHy7m5AjPyDLEZqU3P5rCSz6RSyV4xkM45734cNXyxxoD_bC171aiXzmgwlwUtW3VxHHbJQ_0d6HpfjUyTumcw5g7ZsUpBlp6DszR1vRclFe31AI/s1600/DSC08948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J_AaTeruIxQdKSnRK0M5U4JS4T4nHy7m5AjPyDLEZqU3P5rCSz6RSyV4xkM45734cNXyxxoD_bC171aiXzmgwlwUtW3VxHHbJQ_0d6HpfjUyTumcw5g7ZsUpBlp6DszR1vRclFe31AI/s1600/DSC08948.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too pretty to not have a name.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40wKKpQ7HuhGAdVFvVx9wjJVXi0S-UPUuWNzGGaKw7FkyE0hOQXeGuMdybbzAgO11ZtTsso0NJhQe41LpN1q9uT-yMK66IDqRpr0EGSuc5y3Vo9BYpGKzXIeuEJskndxEs7LqN1QFfkE/s1600/DSC08962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40wKKpQ7HuhGAdVFvVx9wjJVXi0S-UPUuWNzGGaKw7FkyE0hOQXeGuMdybbzAgO11ZtTsso0NJhQe41LpN1q9uT-yMK66IDqRpr0EGSuc5y3Vo9BYpGKzXIeuEJskndxEs7LqN1QFfkE/s1600/DSC08962.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Name this soap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuYvmPSV8ftMytDgDx1s4jMFeIyi1eSF9c8RTQKsN5a9v9QhpgpGBeof6fWAWzYwuD5zC1Fl2wqhuuHHCJOVkE_kzGOC7j4kmhXzkYd0RAM2MSAJA5lLhxE1Wl4PKxv-mzywn8r1QvhA/s1600/DSC08963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuYvmPSV8ftMytDgDx1s4jMFeIyi1eSF9c8RTQKsN5a9v9QhpgpGBeof6fWAWzYwuD5zC1Fl2wqhuuHHCJOVkE_kzGOC7j4kmhXzkYd0RAM2MSAJA5lLhxE1Wl4PKxv-mzywn8r1QvhA/s1600/DSC08963.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will you be the winner<br />of this beautiful soap?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-46724899429597683922015-04-18T05:34:00.000-07:002015-04-18T05:34:33.033-07:00Spring Happenings on the Homestead<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EKDcAF6TAxCJTLHOdZEVqJkbznuyJLkqQ5GnuTh2H1PDtuZx7OOIxG06WjZY1-PO82voOOqzoOwlEP5kP2Ce4H2Zmvgs9lIoXOXEmaffQ4UFRMQXOvjyRD1q1otX3jHGIJ0Qd6RS9ug/s1600/DSC08862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EKDcAF6TAxCJTLHOdZEVqJkbznuyJLkqQ5GnuTh2H1PDtuZx7OOIxG06WjZY1-PO82voOOqzoOwlEP5kP2Ce4H2Zmvgs9lIoXOXEmaffQ4UFRMQXOvjyRD1q1otX3jHGIJ0Qd6RS9ug/s1600/DSC08862.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet-Pea one of<br />our newest additions.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6W4-QONnQGM4LUPlARCx2ZvdCMaiiHI-0_FLgKqXEvqc6j4KXi4M3aP7mDM2Eips7PfhwbeI_NKLduQiEK6BSc8VIXRYB_FHrL-LM4HUAHJGSz5EDphkPQpq7Vc6iP3zw9s21nMamZs/s1600/DSC08787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6W4-QONnQGM4LUPlARCx2ZvdCMaiiHI-0_FLgKqXEvqc6j4KXi4M3aP7mDM2Eips7PfhwbeI_NKLduQiEK6BSc8VIXRYB_FHrL-LM4HUAHJGSz5EDphkPQpq7Vc6iP3zw9s21nMamZs/s1600/DSC08787.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearing and cleaning the raised bed area.</td></tr>
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It was a tough winter but we made it through. Spring comes forth with new life, warmth and beauty, but it also brings forth many projects! The homestead is in full swing with kids, repairs, clean up and garden work. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpI0AwN-f0SD67xamqQdrGSXFr7ijRdFfnbx2oGomwoTJIqehpFvDCy42NkyLZJ4BYAl0UWpvzvWTbSinCcHFrMnsttxydPhEUEHsNOu8pALispYVEp2AUPCERf-oOG_DNkjNfOmyHYc/s1600/DSC08851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpI0AwN-f0SD67xamqQdrGSXFr7ijRdFfnbx2oGomwoTJIqehpFvDCy42NkyLZJ4BYAl0UWpvzvWTbSinCcHFrMnsttxydPhEUEHsNOu8pALispYVEp2AUPCERf-oOG_DNkjNfOmyHYc/s1600/DSC08851.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob gets busy fixing<br />the fences that the snow<br />and goats damaged.</td></tr>
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It is a whole family affair. It is a lot of work but many hands makes it feel light. We all feel a sense of accomplishment and pride at the end of the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDwQRKCH01GFSIV8u5x2f1lilzv50WeD_uKr6JSyU1Gzz2qKV99PBO-PaUM4yy2O3TNfio8B2lqSPumJvDAXt5z2AapsGm2Gl8zIHzR4JJTcInAY-MKN_3BUeiOfgmBPhxYT8FWiSgo8/s1600/DSC08854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDwQRKCH01GFSIV8u5x2f1lilzv50WeD_uKr6JSyU1Gzz2qKV99PBO-PaUM4yy2O3TNfio8B2lqSPumJvDAXt5z2AapsGm2Gl8zIHzR4JJTcInAY-MKN_3BUeiOfgmBPhxYT8FWiSgo8/s1600/DSC08854.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kolbe helps dad.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yW6WGXNHGo9nMhEF3E0MGJh_RYGmfCgo5e0y8VfMrMRDuiTyh5s8GZ9x19_ZYa-U7yhNIcWnsh8fKAl6GX49b1ru9iAx0s1p8vit2I797e2DHTVvcUKSkCUvHFlUS6O-8NXpvICF9C4/s1600/DSC08825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yW6WGXNHGo9nMhEF3E0MGJh_RYGmfCgo5e0y8VfMrMRDuiTyh5s8GZ9x19_ZYa-U7yhNIcWnsh8fKAl6GX49b1ru9iAx0s1p8vit2I797e2DHTVvcUKSkCUvHFlUS6O-8NXpvICF9C4/s1600/DSC08825.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also added fencing<br />to give us some more garden<br />area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The goats watch us work on<br />the other side!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTfsVQIGXd10bIZsBmMTyq6Tx8VLALys4Dq9KEaZKMPqMr8h4vdx_85vDe0qyxhve1PvZaxj2VyFt_eZKOTCGTB1sovDtMreACj3MA7shb2-EO2sb406YGhooth8WKu0EEpkNZ0u__ps/s1600/DSC08806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTfsVQIGXd10bIZsBmMTyq6Tx8VLALys4Dq9KEaZKMPqMr8h4vdx_85vDe0qyxhve1PvZaxj2VyFt_eZKOTCGTB1sovDtMreACj3MA7shb2-EO2sb406YGhooth8WKu0EEpkNZ0u__ps/s1600/DSC08806.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donovan got busy making some<br />more raised beds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2qkMY-NNb7vyj8ugNoN_ErfYbPanQaK4tqJEXW7-NOalUPAPPqcqfCbq1XdJVbbhWhf_IGSyFYbU7ZXZRLlhCyXFcyoh5YQZ0NhlDc8ui4P3SvvNvbRc9O03l8XzuDXUzjzUSwVzAxc/s1600/DSC08829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2qkMY-NNb7vyj8ugNoN_ErfYbPanQaK4tqJEXW7-NOalUPAPPqcqfCbq1XdJVbbhWhf_IGSyFYbU7ZXZRLlhCyXFcyoh5YQZ0NhlDc8ui4P3SvvNvbRc9O03l8XzuDXUzjzUSwVzAxc/s1600/DSC08829.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He did a great job.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0MPSUmjxBNc-BUSmIBHWa4yl95yTDiXzgzMhw84ZpJk5YicIxva3r3fiwg6mytCC80l82ek2RPEYruv2zAXZhRjCkYC-7Ks2BD_CEPzrDK2GIz4J5Mel97IiPSn9-murpYqBO8j8W1k/s1600/DSC08873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0MPSUmjxBNc-BUSmIBHWa4yl95yTDiXzgzMhw84ZpJk5YicIxva3r3fiwg6mytCC80l82ek2RPEYruv2zAXZhRjCkYC-7Ks2BD_CEPzrDK2GIz4J5Mel97IiPSn9-murpYqBO8j8W1k/s1600/DSC08873.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peas planted<br />in their new bed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry</td></tr>
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Plants are sprouting everywhere!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ72qIZIKLTNC87uzU7y531vGAbKIs_85wRlcLej8Wv-2dE0t3f6BshW9NRgR6dFiHWjcsiICgTcQIZCwNnG3517BRTQWgvlQOHhQy1sCnxHvksjfr_hQ4aPPU8kgvbPbscdvjLIeO14g/s1600/DSC08877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ72qIZIKLTNC87uzU7y531vGAbKIs_85wRlcLej8Wv-2dE0t3f6BshW9NRgR6dFiHWjcsiICgTcQIZCwNnG3517BRTQWgvlQOHhQy1sCnxHvksjfr_hQ4aPPU8kgvbPbscdvjLIeO14g/s1600/DSC08877.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhubarb</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3RGHjFLkUsGgxgSJ0tebCD25Ze209rPg0e8-JioNKDY8df55pnn_EDcoiStR58LCDxBUFu8MDZzoPyltwQqfr1hOdv8_mu6bUfMbrE9qtmcrdd8-ghVmCfaFPDpSjZbkLZL48ikbwBQ/s1600/DSC08875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3RGHjFLkUsGgxgSJ0tebCD25Ze209rPg0e8-JioNKDY8df55pnn_EDcoiStR58LCDxBUFu8MDZzoPyltwQqfr1hOdv8_mu6bUfMbrE9qtmcrdd8-ghVmCfaFPDpSjZbkLZL48ikbwBQ/s1600/DSC08875.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garlic</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte and Kolbe<br />clean the area and<br />discuss what is to be done.</td></tr>
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The human kids thought it would be a good idea to clean up an old fire pit in the new garden area. They decided to make it into a grotto with a rock flower garden.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls working<br />hard on their project.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjn6XNmZwqFO9vOC7ohD-pmKaXTOHiGOhdAVmUyfyUIMx86Ii7TZWnXcVkEfwMil4ax3u9g9Jo7Vr-4mrqBXcTO0vzHSdoMVXGl9YUmO0FFdQ6CYAHYwgF0VLSF_5HPxay9qPx3BYcJ4/s1600/DSC08849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjn6XNmZwqFO9vOC7ohD-pmKaXTOHiGOhdAVmUyfyUIMx86Ii7TZWnXcVkEfwMil4ax3u9g9Jo7Vr-4mrqBXcTO0vzHSdoMVXGl9YUmO0FFdQ6CYAHYwgF0VLSF_5HPxay9qPx3BYcJ4/s1600/DSC08849.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A job well done!<br />It looks beautiful.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmV0wnKP64KXdhZsEgdo1HwlfOaKwzylVxqR3ICTk3cAwu5ajNWlO3c7avIkVb5242ULjkchCO0UZR_q9JjLSFqfNthT-aCB13HrKgC-02FVyBfH8nTgXjXNEzT4NBuuzdMXQlmafhKY/s1600/DSC08455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmV0wnKP64KXdhZsEgdo1HwlfOaKwzylVxqR3ICTk3cAwu5ajNWlO3c7avIkVb5242ULjkchCO0UZR_q9JjLSFqfNthT-aCB13HrKgC-02FVyBfH8nTgXjXNEzT4NBuuzdMXQlmafhKY/s1600/DSC08455.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Questions I always seem to get each year around this time : "You raise your own chickens right? The eggs are not white . . . do you have to go out and buy white eggs? Can you really dye brown eggs?"</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7yFQldcfTvK7AcGWd_SIp6IegUrZ2c2yYN26_8cYDUpkckqzcZZXoMTp7EFSbPJmoIo02EQYChr_w62qCmUx6B4T9P0fSzHW-RL3rF4H46Tf8fhJPQPwCGy7N2OSIZaQx7bTdQmwWvI/s1600/DSC08452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7yFQldcfTvK7AcGWd_SIp6IegUrZ2c2yYN26_8cYDUpkckqzcZZXoMTp7EFSbPJmoIo02EQYChr_w62qCmUx6B4T9P0fSzHW-RL3rF4H46Tf8fhJPQPwCGy7N2OSIZaQx7bTdQmwWvI/s1600/DSC08452.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What our eggs normally look like.<br /></td></tr>
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Yes, I have been keeping chickens for some time now. No, I do not go out and buy white eggs. And yes you can dye brown eggs. My chickens lay a range from light brown to darker brown, from white to blue-green. In some cases it would almost seem silly to dye them at all since they already look to beautiful. But this is a fun tradition I don't think I will ever grow out of . . . and as you will see from these pics neither have my teenagers.</div>
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I have over the years learned a few things about dyeing homestead eggs. </div>
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1. This one may seem strange but when I first starting getting our own eggs I could not seem to hard-boil them. I thought is was me. The whites always stuck to the shell and I would end up with a tore up hard-boiled egg. A friend of mine told me it was because they were too fresh. So I started a few weeks before Easter tucking a few dozens in the back of the fridge to age. (According to food safety rules raw eggs can store in your fridge for 3-5 weeks). These are the eggs I use for hard-boiling and dyeing.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wzJErvxOnhoKLjVqKyOU9esijsSpBzdKDz-2kAAe2tjtknLmZo7m6p7lCqTN6RkFACYW7KqGRdBuHQX-1-NR-sPqFvAK2p1Be1JVD5tWS5xNHn-1_lpxB-b3r81zfSO_PSFSuh0cyD4/s1600/DSC08402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wzJErvxOnhoKLjVqKyOU9esijsSpBzdKDz-2kAAe2tjtknLmZo7m6p7lCqTN6RkFACYW7KqGRdBuHQX-1-NR-sPqFvAK2p1Be1JVD5tWS5xNHn-1_lpxB-b3r81zfSO_PSFSuh0cyD4/s1600/DSC08402.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No matter what color they<br />started as . . . they will be soon<br />be a work of art.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhWcVkpkk0h9wY42XnjYauNygZj-OWC3ibo52JCQULWZef1amPZ3F01ph6y-6eEi7G4_1D-kt0xe6Fz4YTki65Lp4sEZRNmnIXZaUkttnHCg36255U-UEmzoZNL3K_O4_9YAgXB6vf5k/s1600/DSC08435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhWcVkpkk0h9wY42XnjYauNygZj-OWC3ibo52JCQULWZef1amPZ3F01ph6y-6eEi7G4_1D-kt0xe6Fz4YTki65Lp4sEZRNmnIXZaUkttnHCg36255U-UEmzoZNL3K_O4_9YAgXB6vf5k/s1600/DSC08435.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>2. Now, I am usually a big crazy for not using artificial dyes. But, come on now, it is only once a year and we are not really eating it. Besides the artificial dyes come out more vibrant and since are eggs are not white we need more vibrant. JUST THIS ONCE USE STORE BOUGHT ARTIFICIAL DYE</div>
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3. We make up 3 different types of dye batches. One batch the tablet dissolved in just water = pastels. One batch the tablet dissolved in vinegar and water = more bold. And one batch just in vinegar = really bold. </div>
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4. We are not afraid to use any other materials not included in our little dye box. Tape, markers, crayons, markers, paint, nail polish and heat guns. MAKE IT CREATIVE AND FUN BECAUSE THAT IS ALL THIS IS ABOUT ~ FAMILY FUN.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeJDx37RcZCA48kiqxJl3LfR47LdwIguhThTB2LEgnxtF4-ZS6bHK9uwjCG8cxyA6Mo8o-eLtEDvKaPzKU0bjUxC_SUZkWlnjON4zPdSJJYp7d4pgVbzGUqHU8X39GyXG5JwZTq6w_kU/s1600/DSC08433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeJDx37RcZCA48kiqxJl3LfR47LdwIguhThTB2LEgnxtF4-ZS6bHK9uwjCG8cxyA6Mo8o-eLtEDvKaPzKU0bjUxC_SUZkWlnjON4zPdSJJYp7d4pgVbzGUqHU8X39GyXG5JwZTq6w_kU/s1600/DSC08433.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kolbe making a tie-dye egg.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk50MS27fsv2N8a9IG_LVSvuUwXWpUdLjw2yGQpFsyfEFF7j-5wp4KnRDiBWN7-u0LIw8jfOaoMNfQsA9vz-PwiqCd6wByM42Ly_dfxDbI2LhPtl-w-ZoDTCrlG5fHJ2NgNsKcYCmbHJA/s1600/DSC08434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk50MS27fsv2N8a9IG_LVSvuUwXWpUdLjw2yGQpFsyfEFF7j-5wp4KnRDiBWN7-u0LIw8jfOaoMNfQsA9vz-PwiqCd6wByM42Ly_dfxDbI2LhPtl-w-ZoDTCrlG5fHJ2NgNsKcYCmbHJA/s1600/DSC08434.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ-qs2mHVzxrOKPYE8vo5Cq3M3y0h0BDRF6K2J6yLt8nM29xG2pbn8yF1NGrha3Iu9fA885eI-ancgyZ4kvDcoKlt09mr47BJTg-n8iDvXGwuG85Fbcdo11oDrOwKcGXx8RPyTUk27OM/s1600/DSC08440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ-qs2mHVzxrOKPYE8vo5Cq3M3y0h0BDRF6K2J6yLt8nM29xG2pbn8yF1NGrha3Iu9fA885eI-ancgyZ4kvDcoKlt09mr47BJTg-n8iDvXGwuG85Fbcdo11oDrOwKcGXx8RPyTUk27OM/s1600/DSC08440.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Egg to Rule them All</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNv_j71vq_DvJAMcjywzesENCwQzwSggMtBH5dBYE0r_eQGQJbyxDI-VLw7E1pT92HaSICuu07MCNA5ziqA56JmSuQt5HKdTz5i5ZJzEDiy5xu5T2hxLFTvMfr_Ydicnxiujin2YLwkiY/s1600/DSC08429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNv_j71vq_DvJAMcjywzesENCwQzwSggMtBH5dBYE0r_eQGQJbyxDI-VLw7E1pT92HaSICuu07MCNA5ziqA56JmSuQt5HKdTz5i5ZJzEDiy5xu5T2hxLFTvMfr_Ydicnxiujin2YLwkiY/s1600/DSC08429.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donovan gets really<br />into making a Lord<br />of the Rings<br />themed egg.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZZkQxAMvo76GwNFy4k9eOFxCkG164V-fiSFtXnKxBv0mhMErbE2YO_GEyMDCyHpC_zWNx2WLdy0VLGYQs-ar4xZ7S1jEji28Gh6kPP4bgzi_V11wiNRjF__gkx3XehssZf9En7pp4dU/s1600/DSC08441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZZkQxAMvo76GwNFy4k9eOFxCkG164V-fiSFtXnKxBv0mhMErbE2YO_GEyMDCyHpC_zWNx2WLdy0VLGYQs-ar4xZ7S1jEji28Gh6kPP4bgzi_V11wiNRjF__gkx3XehssZf9En7pp4dU/s1600/DSC08441.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Egg-eye of Sauron</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqInaeMkUvkgwXxoJMVJkqWcYF2mUD_rH5SPw5FWCfAx3wMvfz8Wxh-R-PKO1Ef6nqVK8pnmkhdbQa3UGtg_rdvE2FuJgh7h51qKdDPx4-qyM683Vk2UdyYQcmV9I7CreFjduTlXVE2Y/s1600/DSC08446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqInaeMkUvkgwXxoJMVJkqWcYF2mUD_rH5SPw5FWCfAx3wMvfz8Wxh-R-PKO1Ef6nqVK8pnmkhdbQa3UGtg_rdvE2FuJgh7h51qKdDPx4-qyM683Vk2UdyYQcmV9I7CreFjduTlXVE2Y/s1600/DSC08446.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am not sure what<br />my crazy boy is doing here,<br />but the color is beautiful.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YNa4O7lMwkdE1gSpLlMl0Tzxb5qtKF8TK-exj7CKaxine4VejorR4H1b1nFFGfsrDFAiYKYDFEcUUTNuuSiICWjadSTr9irqIOZwrWBmgNsVtQfwafG5VXQJsihFfvd2qaKto2T1RGg/s1600/DSC08418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YNa4O7lMwkdE1gSpLlMl0Tzxb5qtKF8TK-exj7CKaxine4VejorR4H1b1nFFGfsrDFAiYKYDFEcUUTNuuSiICWjadSTr9irqIOZwrWBmgNsVtQfwafG5VXQJsihFfvd2qaKto2T1RGg/s1600/DSC08418.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having fun with her Ninja Eggs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBA73pTWN94qTMsv9zWovZvVY1C48gNLYtGSWokEEbFcA1oRJ6J-Hd_rlBSogAKECLZ_zLYOYvoYOTMY3_R0_K_Z7yk_YcNyeNPnYN9oYcnMp1J7IcUo-Lomfntub9S8fN3BlHZI7vrd8/s1600/DSC08454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBA73pTWN94qTMsv9zWovZvVY1C48gNLYtGSWokEEbFcA1oRJ6J-Hd_rlBSogAKECLZ_zLYOYvoYOTMY3_R0_K_Z7yk_YcNyeNPnYN9oYcnMp1J7IcUo-Lomfntub9S8fN3BlHZI7vrd8/s1600/DSC08454.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our whimsical creations.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"> Happy Easter!</span></span></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-46792098704625159482015-03-28T16:59:00.000-07:002015-03-28T16:59:15.777-07:00Tiny Triplets are Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSOsEmiMSmJ-6kBaBbxLDKovs56kknsVzt8M_9KjNOmIvmD8b3f1hpgseIbwohvjXDFmblC7ZLsjkGX452WuzXplCPm5TA8T89zkxdPm_-QuE2wzCr0srExtigEu-OCF1mmv5JxV1KBU/s1600/DSC08345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSOsEmiMSmJ-6kBaBbxLDKovs56kknsVzt8M_9KjNOmIvmD8b3f1hpgseIbwohvjXDFmblC7ZLsjkGX452WuzXplCPm5TA8T89zkxdPm_-QuE2wzCr0srExtigEu-OCF1mmv5JxV1KBU/s1600/DSC08345.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZ9BBleDiYKBvyFQ0elqBj-ce4pakfmlwmydKCN59BD1mGrnE8C_1RfnrUmcSrh9lOMWsby6AkukrM6oBfM7E3QLZISBaMJpsZT9Yh1-Zwyk9POK5PlhlPYTJFjIQiUDECb5UfUfXwNA/s1600/DSC08313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGlo_t1qxmzSy5wWCg8Ju_wE_tjEM4THAfelAzV6ailYCraFL36QAQ7Nk6X8KcL-6_OVWX2i07dQZ_Y97DYjedPMx7pvHgrMCJuA-5AnlN2Gb1gOLzFwd1eNYk20ouIwM3gC0SqzFPOU/s1600/DSC08307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGlo_t1qxmzSy5wWCg8Ju_wE_tjEM4THAfelAzV6ailYCraFL36QAQ7Nk6X8KcL-6_OVWX2i07dQZ_Y97DYjedPMx7pvHgrMCJuA-5AnlN2Gb1gOLzFwd1eNYk20ouIwM3gC0SqzFPOU/s1600/DSC08307.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hPchdCv68bGgpHiJA0afAB8NfYQhBYcgaygtlanFk5H8i0NgSh0PJlzJeym0SQNuQNrRkugCwVExSKM5tgupkM_ldCe2GjMiNg8ew9lcMiDr63AT5mNZoIlUpGGnMlAGNcgddj5HOis/s1600/DSC08333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hPchdCv68bGgpHiJA0afAB8NfYQhBYcgaygtlanFk5H8i0NgSh0PJlzJeym0SQNuQNrRkugCwVExSKM5tgupkM_ldCe2GjMiNg8ew9lcMiDr63AT5mNZoIlUpGGnMlAGNcgddj5HOis/s1600/DSC08333.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Just in time for Spring. And of course on the night of this fluke snow storm. My Blacked-Eyed Susan (Suzie) kidded. Three tiny doelings! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpu2-6hXEYtfcCmg4LmSxwHLTI9HrX7PA1OtUo8wJ3Upl1plNPhkDJkBq7nLRKRdcZ0WRHhkZ6-wTq1Zxxbq1JYfVy5EWoLuL91_PUrH1Ifm4SkMAirfmLM_ae5zNd0byUGk-rkmRL2M/s1600/DSC08334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpu2-6hXEYtfcCmg4LmSxwHLTI9HrX7PA1OtUo8wJ3Upl1plNPhkDJkBq7nLRKRdcZ0WRHhkZ6-wTq1Zxxbq1JYfVy5EWoLuL91_PUrH1Ifm4SkMAirfmLM_ae5zNd0byUGk-rkmRL2M/s1600/DSC08334.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_KqQ5NBHaqH-PrjU5spCGYIa1VZBVBepQgTp81kfd7vRAYvZ7jOkDEFaP08LAs055M_czAfHYqDTj1X4HhuKF0YTchsHbwcGhZZ91EtVv5aZkk7bM7zYZ9M88ZlmYMX3iMDxrFFhJeg/s1600/DSC08322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_KqQ5NBHaqH-PrjU5spCGYIa1VZBVBepQgTp81kfd7vRAYvZ7jOkDEFaP08LAs055M_czAfHYqDTj1X4HhuKF0YTchsHbwcGhZZ91EtVv5aZkk7bM7zYZ9M88ZlmYMX3iMDxrFFhJeg/s1600/DSC08322.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5rUbBXO0Z0dh1pquGJbyRAUHIXVxV26JPt0oA8lERkIowrWdDO3LHFIUjnyme17H5UHiJpXNtZqzGUWDTPimeeFgIskUc87BbOARlwx4s6tYr1fPYhnlu4Uhomt7g_jfT9HoahTqPFw/s1600/DSC08346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5rUbBXO0Z0dh1pquGJbyRAUHIXVxV26JPt0oA8lERkIowrWdDO3LHFIUjnyme17H5UHiJpXNtZqzGUWDTPimeeFgIskUc87BbOARlwx4s6tYr1fPYhnlu4Uhomt7g_jfT9HoahTqPFw/s1600/DSC08346.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tired and ready for bed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdYZzxaiCqA3yYqSXkU5Ucmk9-HkqU3WDSjNB5_L1YacXRiyzMIimnX2rM1zVAfbrxHKi2LDHfPMN1eH06poIoC1iJbPqDMrVwwmknJdfSxUlBboY0DB07jthmt2df8NzK4gGzYi8uy4/s1600/DSC08249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdYZzxaiCqA3yYqSXkU5Ucmk9-HkqU3WDSjNB5_L1YacXRiyzMIimnX2rM1zVAfbrxHKi2LDHfPMN1eH06poIoC1iJbPqDMrVwwmknJdfSxUlBboY0DB07jthmt2df8NzK4gGzYi8uy4/s1600/DSC08249.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi047gCLVt1CSfpP5XDavssN5UuRegiBqhc5fPOePZwLE4vHondPpNDLnpHsYYVkOcWJtxCz3xwDz5vROXnePOS5jTu3U-05Pm_eR2eBaDIHbetXQfTrpA8xKcSKwFNAfi5-Wurs0D3HtI/s1600/DSC08198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi047gCLVt1CSfpP5XDavssN5UuRegiBqhc5fPOePZwLE4vHondPpNDLnpHsYYVkOcWJtxCz3xwDz5vROXnePOS5jTu3U-05Pm_eR2eBaDIHbetXQfTrpA8xKcSKwFNAfi5-Wurs0D3HtI/s1600/DSC08198.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It snowed on the first day of spring this year. My garden is just beginning to peek from under the snow. But I know spring is here. I feel it in the air. I feel it when I look at the sun shining down on our little seedlings. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XvvS8SjER_CxQUzrLAe75R2tkAtXhIL8dn1_TGb7jhHpIna6wFCITOhatpk_fzzV3LYMH9sLR3Gp5Fyly-1qIh6HV6QR6tAJUKDmebFXcyE1HJqXqn287-UlgMFQTQUKiuji16OJPW8/s1600/DSC08252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XvvS8SjER_CxQUzrLAe75R2tkAtXhIL8dn1_TGb7jhHpIna6wFCITOhatpk_fzzV3LYMH9sLR3Gp5Fyly-1qIh6HV6QR6tAJUKDmebFXcyE1HJqXqn287-UlgMFQTQUKiuji16OJPW8/s1600/DSC08252.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our seedlings<br />line the windowsill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHmXpHNG-66psquDrtUoae3JgpYumKNHFXG8PPgPQeuLP6-RmHPBKvaMMu-t-Rp0inB6KKDlcDTn2Yg2e9LbWrcIb4eMwcOxhNpoShLcEEsACpNJ2toe3pQqD1-SSCIr7mys26ABLsTs/s1600/DSC08251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHmXpHNG-66psquDrtUoae3JgpYumKNHFXG8PPgPQeuLP6-RmHPBKvaMMu-t-Rp0inB6KKDlcDTn2Yg2e9LbWrcIb4eMwcOxhNpoShLcEEsACpNJ2toe3pQqD1-SSCIr7mys26ABLsTs/s1600/DSC08251.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It was a pretty rough winter, but it was a pleasant one. One of the great things about living in New England is the changing seasons. The change is my favorite part. Just when I can't seem to take one season anymore, I begin to see signs of the next one. So as I patiently wait to be out in my garden, I will enjoy the melt and the mud it brings. And I will enjoy watching my little tomatoes, peppers and eggplant grow.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7dE476Yqkx-8xPD9VG_Mvc4TE5f2iemcr-jvdR4ToQncgn614rOeBZIn3hyphenhyphenXOy5zwQX9nXfLn5mKPPL337TyfoARhaPeDKsB_ZnaKPMVDGZqAjH9th-1cQmfG9sVK7TDjweslmsDPFg/s1600/DSC08250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7dE476Yqkx-8xPD9VG_Mvc4TE5f2iemcr-jvdR4ToQncgn614rOeBZIn3hyphenhyphenXOy5zwQX9nXfLn5mKPPL337TyfoARhaPeDKsB_ZnaKPMVDGZqAjH9th-1cQmfG9sVK7TDjweslmsDPFg/s1600/DSC08250.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are starting<br />to see our garden.<br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0rnER45wY2ZKOHB_dvfyw2Mnbu3mP2q6hq0VDTtKukkkGHZCYrq2CRdK8eM3ydOuHCUEtz1iz0iNKQa0E5HVgJn1w0cHwDWQBnNMMlkJHaRr05IqltMOTQARexCn3bBogZEpDEDEMtk/s1600/DSC08200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0rnER45wY2ZKOHB_dvfyw2Mnbu3mP2q6hq0VDTtKukkkGHZCYrq2CRdK8eM3ydOuHCUEtz1iz0iNKQa0E5HVgJn1w0cHwDWQBnNMMlkJHaRr05IqltMOTQARexCn3bBogZEpDEDEMtk/s1600/DSC08200.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Spring!</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-42866429472926344242015-02-18T06:59:00.001-08:002015-02-18T06:59:38.403-08:00A Chance<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am, Lord,<br />ready for your grace.<br />Come and help me<br />become the person<br />you want me to be.</td></tr>
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Today is Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is the 40 days before Easter where we Catholics prepare ourselves for the Resurrection. We do this by prayer, fasting and almsgiving. I know these are things that we should be doing all year long, but Lent is a time to emphasize these things.<br />
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I myself since a young girl have always felt something special for Lent. Why? That is what I was asking myself this morning in Mass. I often go to daily Mass and usually there are not many people in the pews, but today was different. Ash Wednesday is not even a Holy Day of Obligation, so why so many people? Maybe, people feel the same way about Lent as I do. A Chance. Lent seems like a do over. The priest summed it up this morning . . . he said "Lent is the time to repent and live the gospel." A chance to repent, a chance to live the gospel more fully. Lent is a time for me to consider who I am and what I need to let go of. I guess it seems even greater because the whole church is doing it with me.<br />
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It may seem confusing to hear today's gospel (<i>Matthew 6:1-18</i>) "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. . . . . pray to your Father in secret . . . when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. . . . but when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting." So are we Catholics, hypocrites running around with ash crosses on our foreheads? Should we run home and wash the ash off? No, we are not hypocrites. One day a year we are wearing our hearts on our sleeves, or should I say crosses on our heads. It is a testament of who we are and who we are trying to be. It may even remind others who have fallen away from the faith to come back. It will call in a gentle whisper not a loud yell.<br />
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Our ash crosses is mostly a reminder to ourselves of the coming days of lent and of our coming day of death. It reminds us that if we continue to be steadfast we receive our reward of Easter Sunday with all it's beautiful feasting and celebration and then more importantly our reward of everlasting glory with the Resurrected Christ.<br />
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What mostly matters is how we wear our crosses. How we sacrifice, pray and fast during the next 40 days only matters if we do it out of deep humility and love. I know I am no where near to being the saint that God wants me to be. But each lent with my efforts beside Jesus, I follow Him closely up the hill to Calvary. This is the time for me to renew my efforts and take special care to soften my heart to my God. For it is only then that I can truly experience what He has in store for me.<br />
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<b><i>2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 </i></b><br />
<b><i></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">"Brothers and sisters: We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him. </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says: </span>In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you. </b><br />
<b></b>Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold now is the day of salvation."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dear Father, may my heart<br />be open to all you have<br />in store for me. </td></tr>
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As we enter the next 40 days I pray you too will open your heart to the Lord. I pray for your efforts just as I implore your prayers for my family and myself as well. And by Easter I hope that we all get to feel and know Gods transforming power.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-55685517661073800822015-02-05T08:54:00.000-08:002015-02-05T08:54:21.845-08:00New Arrivals!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artica and Blizzard</td></tr>
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I awoke this morning to two surprises. #1. More Snow #2. Baby Goats. Yes, I did know that my dam was very close to deliver. We put her in the birthing stall and checked on her numerous times yesterday and into the night. Violet is my best goat for delivering. She likes to be alone and she always gives me healthy twins. She is also a great mom. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No amount of snow would<br />keep us from seeing our new kids.</td></tr>
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So this morning we shoveled our way, once again, to the barn. My son Donovan was the first to find them. He came running out . . ."Violet had her kids . . . hurry". We all pleasantly ran through the mounds of snow to the barn. No amount of snow would keep us from seeing our new kids. I brought molasses mixed with warm water for the hardworking mom. My daughters ran for the little goat coats and my other son ran for his camera. Great job everyone and Violet and her kids are doing wonderful!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0i2Oo3fIOZ-Oa7wWpIzTK4WDq2P7noNvFdUwbcjVISvvxREQoJlr1WuciWNlQsH9HUvfnnrRumgylzGXi90OvLKm2Ns_Ap9aPCAUsVvh8jGGWDFRPPpl0UCI1zPCpIVLp68rh4wPnVg/s1600/DSC07601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0i2Oo3fIOZ-Oa7wWpIzTK4WDq2P7noNvFdUwbcjVISvvxREQoJlr1WuciWNlQsH9HUvfnnrRumgylzGXi90OvLKm2Ns_Ap9aPCAUsVvh8jGGWDFRPPpl0UCI1zPCpIVLp68rh4wPnVg/s1600/DSC07601.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys wondering<br />what all the excitement<br />is about . . . proud Daddy<br />in the middle!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Violet - The Proud Mommy</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb13ZW8EnCp2FVaxIbPgqX0rxnsSdbRxTo0zK9RxoKzw01q5T8S0UWlN_cHyMx1My5-Kr13BQ3rQTM5StJ-tha0aAjwEA1-Ur8f0A72o4ldtFDIxP7Z5ZNBKqQF9MM_4FVEIWxEbHBw4/s1600/DSC07576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb13ZW8EnCp2FVaxIbPgqX0rxnsSdbRxTo0zK9RxoKzw01q5T8S0UWlN_cHyMx1My5-Kr13BQ3rQTM5StJ-tha0aAjwEA1-Ur8f0A72o4ldtFDIxP7Z5ZNBKqQF9MM_4FVEIWxEbHBw4/s1600/DSC07576.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blizzard the buckling (boy).</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy giving kisses.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpdMY55x_GPANbBfbWE4S3Zc6Zg2WWKXrQCCCa3bibLlq-Eu1hO34LJXoGJdfbMs5sb26Yfr0M_da0D1JK5RUGjGrsiju5g1fQXpLWh-hGLYoJ1u4Gtnip_5iB_JCRiMa-V5XF0vUEcA/s1600/DSC07567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artica the doeling (girl)/</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artica meets her big sister Rosie.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off their coats.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhDneUoIkOa7bA2esToFtpDoQZ6C-D2Y8yduYN_OrEBwRss9RnwwTGrxgvstGNHctVwFKvrRyY4QgFPWQVycI66vJ4Bc_4B3FHEbnRBe9FCyRJTQoixwi-apufBl716p7PsYb_fT3zFc/s1600/DSC07590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhDneUoIkOa7bA2esToFtpDoQZ6C-D2Y8yduYN_OrEBwRss9RnwwTGrxgvstGNHctVwFKvrRyY4QgFPWQVycI66vJ4Bc_4B3FHEbnRBe9FCyRJTQoixwi-apufBl716p7PsYb_fT3zFc/s1600/DSC07590.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggle time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyuV3SYTkEKXDGabHagyOcXkGH3GDJDvGro50j4mNeGI6rs1fasKtWfnjaCoWsM3yBiOQB_EErqX3OoeuSthwQTLDd7Pom4RL2AQefnHnjyvCKXyxDA6px1riEK_vmoz2EVG0SSIodC8/s1600/DSC07587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyuV3SYTkEKXDGabHagyOcXkGH3GDJDvGro50j4mNeGI6rs1fasKtWfnjaCoWsM3yBiOQB_EErqX3OoeuSthwQTLDd7Pom4RL2AQefnHnjyvCKXyxDA6px1riEK_vmoz2EVG0SSIodC8/s1600/DSC07587.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love baby goats.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwzM19Rdd55Gdno_bnK9JAtT0qoGa0osiVv9Leoq89lt0NH1Byfbut3xbx-h9V8AWiA-dGwDNctRGgWECNxUsaMb-PHM5rJuAhCdYZDTRfRI5N_0wZD29HD98TIxItJ-AGwMkqMWAyh4/s1600/DSC07564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwzM19Rdd55Gdno_bnK9JAtT0qoGa0osiVv9Leoq89lt0NH1Byfbut3xbx-h9V8AWiA-dGwDNctRGgWECNxUsaMb-PHM5rJuAhCdYZDTRfRI5N_0wZD29HD98TIxItJ-AGwMkqMWAyh4/s1600/DSC07564.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWgqRJBRSRoIJZ0ei8zbWNWjqB5q1BkjknsawAMaQOUG23W-KaeuvKtH2vCf3u1rrB4zaGSbodaAp12A175eF4lhMSf8OOlaD8HgyI5WtOt9hd31eoF6FxG0K19tq2Esg2P5Lh0lb9aE/s1600/DSC07595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWgqRJBRSRoIJZ0ei8zbWNWjqB5q1BkjknsawAMaQOUG23W-KaeuvKtH2vCf3u1rrB4zaGSbodaAp12A175eF4lhMSf8OOlaD8HgyI5WtOt9hd31eoF6FxG0K19tq2Esg2P5Lh0lb9aE/s1600/DSC07595.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTizEsOY1yKTKn01nrCEi0XqnFHWBU2BatsqklldqvsMTx6Fyur5B1LWieKLHkjDEzuyU9Qai9-JnkISAu35qghWGDzo28n-WrNlh2iPsnIG24aXcu4cSW2mkjrjfWXYAwr2RKa2f_o6c/s1600/DSC07407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTizEsOY1yKTKn01nrCEi0XqnFHWBU2BatsqklldqvsMTx6Fyur5B1LWieKLHkjDEzuyU9Qai9-JnkISAu35qghWGDzo28n-WrNlh2iPsnIG24aXcu4cSW2mkjrjfWXYAwr2RKa2f_o6c/s1600/DSC07407.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barn under snow. And still falling.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AlnbpwPDhqneg_MJCQSd9ClOlgKgGp6EDDbw0ohKTOus_5BQmWaAuQUSAB7xGIzc-dctEXfU4eDUIa9QvQEps_mMazPXM5n3cGuV_YktNDKpokVbzcsdQECDteqbeVLcw495rU00Gkk/s1600/DSC07408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AlnbpwPDhqneg_MJCQSd9ClOlgKgGp6EDDbw0ohKTOus_5BQmWaAuQUSAB7xGIzc-dctEXfU4eDUIa9QvQEps_mMazPXM5n3cGuV_YktNDKpokVbzcsdQECDteqbeVLcw495rU00Gkk/s1600/DSC07408.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soon Bonnie won't be<br />able to see out the back door!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvHy8c-VCKVNWgrLr3e1m86_J_bToMI1px9uGna_3sz37oEZTjvb9aGYT5Q3ktT083wHpEJrkIQ9g9AYKG0Bf5Zc20e8kRFz-EMuYbDsBuVGz2IpxIvDGsbq0JNKmc4QQyQD_8Y_eNLY/s1600/DSC07404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvHy8c-VCKVNWgrLr3e1m86_J_bToMI1px9uGna_3sz37oEZTjvb9aGYT5Q3ktT083wHpEJrkIQ9g9AYKG0Bf5Zc20e8kRFz-EMuYbDsBuVGz2IpxIvDGsbq0JNKmc4QQyQD_8Y_eNLY/s1600/DSC07404.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First things first during a storm.<br />Rob and the boys shovel<br />small pathways so we can get to the barns.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvXwNO56ygQdM322RamSMiDBn4fgEhzDwbK0zAsENtQv3APPeNMFttTN7-kAE9rLdTLpZiri3Nk5RWSlI_PyPkAzdF9_9Q28ZSqXA9SNFJEVp1XP-rksYZjHP9Ly3XERZkkCSAJ38Cbg/s1600/DSC07406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvXwNO56ygQdM322RamSMiDBn4fgEhzDwbK0zAsENtQv3APPeNMFttTN7-kAE9rLdTLpZiri3Nk5RWSlI_PyPkAzdF9_9Q28ZSqXA9SNFJEVp1XP-rksYZjHP9Ly3XERZkkCSAJ38Cbg/s1600/DSC07406.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blizzard Kolbe! Even though his<br />name is spelled different from this<br />blizzard I knew it was going to be<br />a whopper!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvHy8c-VCKVNWgrLr3e1m86_J_bToMI1px9uGna_3sz37oEZTjvb9aGYT5Q3ktT083wHpEJrkIQ9g9AYKG0Bf5Zc20e8kRFz-EMuYbDsBuVGz2IpxIvDGsbq0JNKmc4QQyQD_8Y_eNLY/s1600/DSC07404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFzkSAAzQ2H8OjFK-fSs_PJ-ybmhUm7bH_KzCK_UBiSQwQh6b_nx48U1yrJv46sdTkWJaBLtph1TLWpCQvd7_L1U9yQkn9ZR0VZEiOhfZlNwvXIuQPy6ZpWi-V4a_GUPVCuH9u3crobc/s1600/DSC07448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFzkSAAzQ2H8OjFK-fSs_PJ-ybmhUm7bH_KzCK_UBiSQwQh6b_nx48U1yrJv46sdTkWJaBLtph1TLWpCQvd7_L1U9yQkn9ZR0VZEiOhfZlNwvXIuQPy6ZpWi-V4a_GUPVCuH9u3crobc/s1600/DSC07448.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butch is wondering<br />when all the white stuff will stop falling. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Yc5cvH5FOa9FF7D45nqG1MuTBgmHSNYVmVQbi9XD5E0w4IyemfJMUp_nbVmqPvYtiVBW4TqLjcqg-EINnqEeH_WtWLq2O3nHcqKOn2kqFfdZgNXilJuuQb9ZtcrE44PMC7fxkguAobY/s1600/DSC07438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Yc5cvH5FOa9FF7D45nqG1MuTBgmHSNYVmVQbi9XD5E0w4IyemfJMUp_nbVmqPvYtiVBW4TqLjcqg-EINnqEeH_WtWLq2O3nHcqKOn2kqFfdZgNXilJuuQb9ZtcrE44PMC7fxkguAobY/s1600/DSC07438.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisy at another hay feeder. There is<br />plenty for every goat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpb2_7LY1m6xj_5aJM3J2eKVm8cIkJwkmf4vUlrpMEYT_4RYnyF5iq8VEb-KKgsB-_6T7e9Xha3EeajcHTUIV3-G_4vmea1UZIWEV59YHPv_VMY7OOLSz81hbYhYiXVu4Q88tnriP1Gw/s1600/DSC07433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpb2_7LY1m6xj_5aJM3J2eKVm8cIkJwkmf4vUlrpMEYT_4RYnyF5iq8VEb-KKgsB-_6T7e9Xha3EeajcHTUIV3-G_4vmea1UZIWEV59YHPv_VMY7OOLSz81hbYhYiXVu4Q88tnriP1Gw/s1600/DSC07433.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow doesn't bother the goats<br />as long as they have yummy hay in their barn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87LiqzhczHp51jFpoNz-RPVqaTynoJ0hbLvW-krq5SH2CH5XZkJObtrCfoDdJ2tg7gZeqzdpi_fHmZQGG4tfmCz13DvnTD-_OxO-25uRf2qYQCweX6u2_5lTLK8fKZ1_P2_RJeusgAKM/s1600/DSC07442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87LiqzhczHp51jFpoNz-RPVqaTynoJ0hbLvW-krq5SH2CH5XZkJObtrCfoDdJ2tg7gZeqzdpi_fHmZQGG4tfmCz13DvnTD-_OxO-25uRf2qYQCweX6u2_5lTLK8fKZ1_P2_RJeusgAKM/s1600/DSC07442.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gigi hanging around outside the goat barn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4Mv1kLxczKJgdSHQSMRScHLup3M9sWSVTLTjZCgKwxFbLEU9Wn0PKG5oaAKV3va-CxY2_h2s3zWH8JrVVnzPGabeNIxQ6UZli49t9Y8L9hHAMEJ-ckLTeed1Q_6ZXihHHkuhOmFzn-U/s1600/DSC07426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4Mv1kLxczKJgdSHQSMRScHLup3M9sWSVTLTjZCgKwxFbLEU9Wn0PKG5oaAKV3va-CxY2_h2s3zWH8JrVVnzPGabeNIxQ6UZli49t9Y8L9hHAMEJ-ckLTeed1Q_6ZXihHHkuhOmFzn-U/s1600/DSC07426.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy wondering if we<br />are still going to milk the goats<br />in this weather.<br />Every morning he gets a sample!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3qmGxKKCAxX72Am57k6sdETgOhrpSC46lpRRZo74GelV9NuFnmZl64_bKTpifme0uUw0W7N2ExcwC_qMzitWFJIwJVLETJ74sY5Lj489mOJSQ6OqfVPPJqkGCUqV5qbp6XFsw25uTdk/s1600/DSC07429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3qmGxKKCAxX72Am57k6sdETgOhrpSC46lpRRZo74GelV9NuFnmZl64_bKTpifme0uUw0W7N2ExcwC_qMzitWFJIwJVLETJ74sY5Lj489mOJSQ6OqfVPPJqkGCUqV5qbp6XFsw25uTdk/s1600/DSC07429.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chicken run is under snow.<br />So we opened the entry way and<br />made it into a make-shift patio for them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOEN7sXz6NQrGd5RRB4pLwJzndumlvKq2zcQLqgsRIv8vd0ednEr7u2a2p132Dc_f2dK4za5r3SMUWn_U9BQMRJ-d6Rr8OnVMNrVeCllrobqrfjdc22k9Gg1sOMK4vbmhJf2RMeV2s3o/s1600/DSC07427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOEN7sXz6NQrGd5RRB4pLwJzndumlvKq2zcQLqgsRIv8vd0ednEr7u2a2p132Dc_f2dK4za5r3SMUWn_U9BQMRJ-d6Rr8OnVMNrVeCllrobqrfjdc22k9Gg1sOMK4vbmhJf2RMeV2s3o/s1600/DSC07427.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katniss checks out the new chicken patio.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGT_y2sy8lWit7IXsCFnzBfkhMcr1tM1jNjPSTPqrdeJKOFxEdzXKAw1mdVMe7ZEZploVV_cHU3j_cSB3VmTH_mf6O7sbCnecSbHXqbc8bwoUYezurOxj3dsjKZg6-UtVtt2hKFFJkVU/s1600/DSC07431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGT_y2sy8lWit7IXsCFnzBfkhMcr1tM1jNjPSTPqrdeJKOFxEdzXKAw1mdVMe7ZEZploVV_cHU3j_cSB3VmTH_mf6O7sbCnecSbHXqbc8bwoUYezurOxj3dsjKZg6-UtVtt2hKFFJkVU/s1600/DSC07431.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chickens in their patio!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWCZu_OvLHFfsAqPA1CcM6JKApv3X8D1sG8kxcPsQJ2CwJz3jofgawr3TY71OsuWBKIIKVf5s-dJXv4_yxR0JeVf3GP763IUkP40WJ7Iuk7Ok4cyVhzXBw1SHXJTIlAvxdiZMO0UwCU4/s1600/DSC07412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWCZu_OvLHFfsAqPA1CcM6JKApv3X8D1sG8kxcPsQJ2CwJz3jofgawr3TY71OsuWBKIIKVf5s-dJXv4_yxR0JeVf3GP763IUkP40WJ7Iuk7Ok4cyVhzXBw1SHXJTIlAvxdiZMO0UwCU4/s1600/DSC07412.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chores done . . . let the games begin!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqs8UFc8EuwcEeVki11aktSqfyZNWDmT15eDCP-8sgZ8vydOQzWNvvYUf3g8_nPjfdyXNrTfm7X1rntgBpyNdwPlWQH9Aw6cMZUJ0W1xFiUvdKqUZk6-1_ViaNeYcI8rdBsmd-u6-fkmQ/s1600/DSC07415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqs8UFc8EuwcEeVki11aktSqfyZNWDmT15eDCP-8sgZ8vydOQzWNvvYUf3g8_nPjfdyXNrTfm7X1rntgBpyNdwPlWQH9Aw6cMZUJ0W1xFiUvdKqUZk6-1_ViaNeYcI8rdBsmd-u6-fkmQ/s1600/DSC07415.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonnie having fun on the path.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4TiluGhyphenhyphenSykBafsTB9Fxdn2WoBo2y96-yfk1hhF-7y-aLXSkO8TufFOsOO5JT11q_r2bRgm0SRF3xe8JLfnsIv200kTbqHza4F_qCxjP7ILDlAYlDnhCKADCg4ugrcIKOu8eGrIrono/s1600/DSC07414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4TiluGhyphenhyphenSykBafsTB9Fxdn2WoBo2y96-yfk1hhF-7y-aLXSkO8TufFOsOO5JT11q_r2bRgm0SRF3xe8JLfnsIv200kTbqHza4F_qCxjP7ILDlAYlDnhCKADCg4ugrcIKOu8eGrIrono/s1600/DSC07414.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millie makes a bee-line<br />for the house. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qfva-ZHC8eYKQxAk5BBfPLhSPZz6_hzntXxOdlu0yA3-8NFv-pqs-eHtsS_yM__tOTgvpUCrVjza2ECMYK6ZWHI9XfwxZDZrkMJEcE68ROw5-G1kM8LDeVrRB5IsgaQC_94r_PWo4_M/s1600/DSC07450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qfva-ZHC8eYKQxAk5BBfPLhSPZz6_hzntXxOdlu0yA3-8NFv-pqs-eHtsS_yM__tOTgvpUCrVjza2ECMYK6ZWHI9XfwxZDZrkMJEcE68ROw5-G1kM8LDeVrRB5IsgaQC_94r_PWo4_M/s1600/DSC07450.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy. Homemade<br />Hot Chocolate to warm the soul!</td></tr>
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<u>Homemade Hot Chocolate</u><div>
For every 10 oz. of milk (we used goat milk of course)add:</div>
<div>
2 Tablespoons sugar</div>
<div>
a pinch of salt</div>
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1 Tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder</div>
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1/2 teaspoon of vanilla </div>
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Whisk in pot on low heat until sugar and cocoa are dissolved. Continue to heat until desired temperature.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaLEfv7Pay4UkDEjRuPL67w5sERppqA1tSwVgExKGG5WfeWeTQ0DRjo5qDGp5g0OPeY_txZgOng-qCv4aLBZAfyVZ5f0PQOhqC_NBxuISYRtgToFl7LOgWimV6drJkQJLia0535jghkU/s1600/DSC09704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaLEfv7Pay4UkDEjRuPL67w5sERppqA1tSwVgExKGG5WfeWeTQ0DRjo5qDGp5g0OPeY_txZgOng-qCv4aLBZAfyVZ5f0PQOhqC_NBxuISYRtgToFl7LOgWimV6drJkQJLia0535jghkU/s1600/DSC09704.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Making my own laundry soap has been something I have done for quite a few years now. Even before I lived on our homestead I realized how important is was to keep our family costs down. It may seem time consuming or weird to whip up your own batch of laundry soap, but this small effort has proven its worth to me. Here is how I do it and the cost effectiveness.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The 3 Simple ingredients are:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">1.</span></b> Zote Soap = $1.70 (for this batch I used 1/2 of Zote and 1/2 of one of my homemade soaps). I found Zote Soap at Family Dollar for $1.00 but you can also order it online or I have seen it at Home Depot. You could also use Fels Naptha</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">2.</span></b> Super Washing Soda = 3.49( you only need 1 cup per batch so = $0.44)</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">3.</span></b> Borax (4lb. box) = 3.99 ( 1 cup per batch = $0.50)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPm6L8AnNhvrn8Ydo10fRi09q8JSdqmE0Q493fJWoHaaQ4llb8iE4GbXHDAtT2Ct5D2Cbappja2gX3gMdlBFF1hZGn34h_kr5I6YFtVhftbyALu9wqXGzAXFUIHLeZ937hHuoKeq0mdQ/s1600/DSC09724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPm6L8AnNhvrn8Ydo10fRi09q8JSdqmE0Q493fJWoHaaQ4llb8iE4GbXHDAtT2Ct5D2Cbappja2gX3gMdlBFF1hZGn34h_kr5I6YFtVhftbyALu9wqXGzAXFUIHLeZ937hHuoKeq0mdQ/s1600/DSC09724.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A grater and a large pot to<br />
be used only for soap. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZHYfJzuwOL9wfOtLzS_3fgrx_qd4yEy-BCyVC1aR_2d0fRYcne31pgxO7jr_Qr99C5abkXEmCXgfGlbpvSqJCQ5TJF_uLbwcjwYeVSRhP4_B4NZJgWeweBtc_9WFSs1r9KadrLWXtTY/s1600/DSC09731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZHYfJzuwOL9wfOtLzS_3fgrx_qd4yEy-BCyVC1aR_2d0fRYcne31pgxO7jr_Qr99C5abkXEmCXgfGlbpvSqJCQ5TJF_uLbwcjwYeVSRhP4_B4NZJgWeweBtc_9WFSs1r9KadrLWXtTY/s1600/DSC09731.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 Gallon Bucket<br />
that can that the heat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Some other things you need are a 5 gallon bucket, an old pot and a cheese grater. It also helps to have a long stick to stir the soap. One batch gives me 5 gallons of laundry soap.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp3F3ZGu2RNWQwM7SiAAJVcJYoK-qzXkOVhPOqQMOLf67104vi51Sux8411N9W9ewQk8rwVDslGAooWjo_MbjG5axFku8jsSizK7wLuyc6n76Of4kXX2UHNX9BHDeK60EaqN-4HkfAwU/s1600/DSC09715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp3F3ZGu2RNWQwM7SiAAJVcJYoK-qzXkOVhPOqQMOLf67104vi51Sux8411N9W9ewQk8rwVDslGAooWjo_MbjG5axFku8jsSizK7wLuyc6n76Of4kXX2UHNX9BHDeK60EaqN-4HkfAwU/s1600/DSC09715.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grated bar soap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKkljkAq6EVsWMu-9QzpQTvapE1U3GIuo5M-biDD_zwaFPn4hebMZqtqBlneqUSia0Y4lCjCVuKBvpt8VTMcxBZAQBPcEpTt5C7nshnPZIbIc_v03OGwjguAP-9Zqnz0xAXMguqpTk74/s1600/DSC09712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKkljkAq6EVsWMu-9QzpQTvapE1U3GIuo5M-biDD_zwaFPn4hebMZqtqBlneqUSia0Y4lCjCVuKBvpt8VTMcxBZAQBPcEpTt5C7nshnPZIbIc_v03OGwjguAP-9Zqnz0xAXMguqpTk74/s1600/DSC09712.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grate your soap into your pot.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XoDzL-k1NZppVY5vewTyS5zDhEVU8tF2Rf1YqaTUr87R4IglZ8A5QcBVbDvJgCTkUi5IVXCGXXQeGIXI7CBdlTWa-MT81z7VkGP2DgVD6SsX7M1KOBqbXDFVK0-2ywbQetflP1tvv-w/s1600/DSC09733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XoDzL-k1NZppVY5vewTyS5zDhEVU8tF2Rf1YqaTUr87R4IglZ8A5QcBVbDvJgCTkUi5IVXCGXXQeGIXI7CBdlTWa-MT81z7VkGP2DgVD6SsX7M1KOBqbXDFVK0-2ywbQetflP1tvv-w/s1600/DSC09733.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add water</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;">Step One:</span></i> Grate your bar soap into pot. Add water and stir on medium heat until dissolved.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtctIN8vNaN0-7Rn0fNPe7AhwQjg8hyphenhyphenft5Y_H0VhGOm8Gya4I1hkor-xUYRlWsMQgHTT-zQYtld0B6I9szfxq1PuuRRNTBmerLjTSbepUZGQZ7lVf9mPz62cu53aEq8mPNN3g-K06Mwqk/s1600/DSC09741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtctIN8vNaN0-7Rn0fNPe7AhwQjg8hyphenhyphenft5Y_H0VhGOm8Gya4I1hkor-xUYRlWsMQgHTT-zQYtld0B6I9szfxq1PuuRRNTBmerLjTSbepUZGQZ7lVf9mPz62cu53aEq8mPNN3g-K06Mwqk/s1600/DSC09741.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medium heat and stir<br />until grated soap is dissolved.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_a7uLoAfDQvCZNwNh5WLUtNDr9nRS2GLLUwG5JuwuEZIry_sVXclOgpeVIe_hjOscgY11amzOuhL3Pj7cf3M7rogzByEz7mFMjy9DnEaeTTx-ATMdd_qLPWYU1kEQYfdrDiokS1xbqBk/s1600/DSC09743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_a7uLoAfDQvCZNwNh5WLUtNDr9nRS2GLLUwG5JuwuEZIry_sVXclOgpeVIe_hjOscgY11amzOuhL3Pj7cf3M7rogzByEz7mFMjy9DnEaeTTx-ATMdd_qLPWYU1kEQYfdrDiokS1xbqBk/s1600/DSC09743.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add 1 cup of washing soda.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i> Step Two:</i></span> Add 1 cup of Washing soda. Add more hot water. (I just use hot tap water, but some people like to keep another pot of water heated.)Stir until disssolved.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl4GRUDn6U6ryGDK4T4abZgVTAjMpllUG3HRvh1hIaifW9yQWDXCOsDHZcK3F3TJzEzNnAxgYZ04WL19mFg12MKrUrpUosmuhQLn1VkBp4eMMxSqlox2P94Ed5aGRmEjVFRjTTeUffgc/s1600/DSC09747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl4GRUDn6U6ryGDK4T4abZgVTAjMpllUG3HRvh1hIaifW9yQWDXCOsDHZcK3F3TJzEzNnAxgYZ04WL19mFg12MKrUrpUosmuhQLn1VkBp4eMMxSqlox2P94Ed5aGRmEjVFRjTTeUffgc/s1600/DSC09747.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add more water.<br />
Stir until washing soda is dissolved.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneFhoVhdt18XfHry7NwRxmKMMYUtmiU99QimCU3Jy28XvOraPr9Gtfc36WbAWr0NZfROHCutEE4s8b6HxqHILIdjQ5PESb3dBTRH5HaDrkcg606f17cCN1qQTVy3_baYDNNKw_VZ475M/s1600/DSC09750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneFhoVhdt18XfHry7NwRxmKMMYUtmiU99QimCU3Jy28XvOraPr9Gtfc36WbAWr0NZfROHCutEE4s8b6HxqHILIdjQ5PESb3dBTRH5HaDrkcg606f17cCN1qQTVy3_baYDNNKw_VZ475M/s1600/DSC09750.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add borax.<br />
Add more water.<br />
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</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;"></span></i></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;"></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;">Step Three:</span></i> Add 1 cup of borax. Add more hot water. Stir until dissolved.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i>Step Four:</i></span> Continue adding hot water and stirring until your pot is full.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqM-dnHkJomVHpG4HVOwEcZYsE-ZFlO_9FBYTZ4uJEh0MigvcRR_atfNT-bbcDKBphD-NBjsh0KTcx-e3NnslMFsyBJg9J3iby8VtRBq9DcgXDAAJLbDAl56rYOQXBheM4YUUOK463lwE/s1600/DSC09758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqM-dnHkJomVHpG4HVOwEcZYsE-ZFlO_9FBYTZ4uJEh0MigvcRR_atfNT-bbcDKBphD-NBjsh0KTcx-e3NnslMFsyBJg9J3iby8VtRBq9DcgXDAAJLbDAl56rYOQXBheM4YUUOK463lwE/s1600/DSC09758.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pouring hot detergent into bucket.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i></i></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i></i></span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i>Step Five:</i></span> Pour your mixture into your 5 gallon bucket. Continue adding hot water and stirring until your bucket is full. At this time you may want to add your own scents or essential oils.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo2ZJmrMzJGqdWZkqkZjexDV-1kOO8vW6V93OBy8MfCGQ3oYiYrYVHQUwS91Kvr0vequB6KmCY51xPmN5NQFSKH553geaYMob8IxlpaMLQ6Q2UgAIIHdM8xL3QH0QGlRQZOLKNDnNCyQ/s1600/DSC09763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo2ZJmrMzJGqdWZkqkZjexDV-1kOO8vW6V93OBy8MfCGQ3oYiYrYVHQUwS91Kvr0vequB6KmCY51xPmN5NQFSKH553geaYMob8IxlpaMLQ6Q2UgAIIHdM8xL3QH0QGlRQZOLKNDnNCyQ/s1600/DSC09763.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;">Optional Step:</span></i> Get a gorgeous man to help you stir.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIm_O99aceRSv572AhZq1tpPH8l3CiFOGUcqCeEuFzTOKUzRQFIdIpSCDQYJa7Ao30fFAd3_gUX_HrCwreR26LCYk11XXS51e491rixe5tXFHyRrsbMNHU-3kcwPz5O7R8a-5TI5K6cZM/s1600/DSC09766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIm_O99aceRSv572AhZq1tpPH8l3CiFOGUcqCeEuFzTOKUzRQFIdIpSCDQYJa7Ao30fFAd3_gUX_HrCwreR26LCYk11XXS51e491rixe5tXFHyRrsbMNHU-3kcwPz5O7R8a-5TI5K6cZM/s1600/DSC09766.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;"></span></i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5pESPZGsqWV3RlGU2a3qNXXZzWPhlguRZgIbUoQKqVQzuTxirJw2QDiuVklaGn7BUV9aHRltpF55kbxc9_16LpMe7fh6w4Vma4F-DoxPiTQ414PtQQXTB3hC2_-1v5SVsrrZyoUaLOI/s1600/DSC09788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5pESPZGsqWV3RlGU2a3qNXXZzWPhlguRZgIbUoQKqVQzuTxirJw2QDiuVklaGn7BUV9aHRltpF55kbxc9_16LpMe7fh6w4Vma4F-DoxPiTQ414PtQQXTB3hC2_-1v5SVsrrZyoUaLOI/s1600/DSC09788.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After detergent is cooled<br />I transfer liquid to individual containers.<br /></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;">Step Six: </span></i>Let the soap sit in the bucket until it is cool. Then transfer the soap into containers of your choice. It could be recycled laundry soap containers, or juice or vinegar jugs. Just be sure to use containers that will be easy to shake and pour.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;"></span></i></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;"></span></i></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;">Step Seven:</span></i> Let it set in containers overnight - it should turn into a thin gel. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The only down side to this soap is sometimes it separates and you have to shake it before pouring it into your washing machine. It is fine to use in a High-efficiency machine (that's what we have). And it is a much more natural detergent. So for $2.64 you can make 5 gallons of laundry soap. One gallon of laundry soap can range from 10.00 - 20.00 (brand variation). You have to admit that is a <i><b><u>huge</u></b></i> savings. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Is this method too time consuming? No, 5 gallons last our 6 person household at least 4-5 months. So basically, I only have to make a batch 2-3 times a year. The savings is well worth that small amount of time. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">I hope you found this post to be helpful. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">If you have any comments or questions please feel free to contact me.</span></span></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-89737419766696617772015-01-09T06:34:00.001-08:002015-01-09T06:34:33.854-08:00A Day in Our Boots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS5BW6pj8SUxh2i76nDRXI7-6exo5qJS-z9C4tfJZohise8L9mGxhfDoDqNjzdJmCeibFnYAsoeJ5otiu3B6IHbSMSibvDjbGdoezUShLeb_gHuspxybmhjP2Klvgo_sGPeCtySN1864/s1600/DSC06256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7Uz4rZLiBWR8nzdj7HhTWpMhuF9PP4Sl1WbKZ_fvd4wJBqqcy3aDfrOTxsH0P4go26_PRG2v51leZcImUft2DxQqAxD6SYWVn2IkkPsHXT0OaJHaCwFZqL6ynUQQqVzXNEt_W2Cobl8/s1600/DSC06907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7Uz4rZLiBWR8nzdj7HhTWpMhuF9PP4Sl1WbKZ_fvd4wJBqqcy3aDfrOTxsH0P4go26_PRG2v51leZcImUft2DxQqAxD6SYWVn2IkkPsHXT0OaJHaCwFZqL6ynUQQqVzXNEt_W2Cobl8/s1600/DSC06907.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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If you ever wondered what homestead, homeschoolers do all day. Here is a sample schedule of what a day is like for us. I try to get our family to focus on mind, body and soul each day. If we have touched upon each of these things throughout the day and the animals, the children and myself are still alive I believe it to have been successful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEo1LNWIiWbnNKLASAdrk8j44yctKnALgbwzojwRJjORBjeAqgZ2PyG8nq_X_5-PAb3dlz8Xo5jzVIfZyfTRwIWm1iNr988uDOeG6qiSR34aYT8w4Vi2znvQE0_uGTuZNAL3rChuryRIs/s1600/DSC06704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEo1LNWIiWbnNKLASAdrk8j44yctKnALgbwzojwRJjORBjeAqgZ2PyG8nq_X_5-PAb3dlz8Xo5jzVIfZyfTRwIWm1iNr988uDOeG6qiSR34aYT8w4Vi2znvQE0_uGTuZNAL3rChuryRIs/s1600/DSC06704.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;">4:30 a.m</span>. - Dad leaves for work. I try to squeeze in 2 more hours of sleep.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;">6:45 a.m</span>. - I leap out of bed late . . . screaming "we only have 5 minutes to make it to daily morning Mass, people!"<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;">7:03 a.m.</span> - We arrive to our pews just in time to hear the last half of the 1st Reading. Despite our usual tardiness we enjoy the rest of the Mass and still get to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. It gives us strength to make it through the rest of the day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS5BW6pj8SUxh2i76nDRXI7-6exo5qJS-z9C4tfJZohise8L9mGxhfDoDqNjzdJmCeibFnYAsoeJ5otiu3B6IHbSMSibvDjbGdoezUShLeb_gHuspxybmhjP2Klvgo_sGPeCtySN1864/s1600/DSC06256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS5BW6pj8SUxh2i76nDRXI7-6exo5qJS-z9C4tfJZohise8L9mGxhfDoDqNjzdJmCeibFnYAsoeJ5otiu3B6IHbSMSibvDjbGdoezUShLeb_gHuspxybmhjP2Klvgo_sGPeCtySN1864/s1600/DSC06256.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTsXGvSDi-3A6EkpRcIiHPGivxBlm1okna7Gb6xSHTxcnUTJvla3XeS28CODWkYLIIoxwlLEcNdQuGaomP7xPD8StT-zh20EZPlSapC8ukKXKrEyxemmHUJqnlagXmWLhjCkpaKzx3t0/s1600/DSC03439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTsXGvSDi-3A6EkpRcIiHPGivxBlm1okna7Gb6xSHTxcnUTJvla3XeS28CODWkYLIIoxwlLEcNdQuGaomP7xPD8StT-zh20EZPlSapC8ukKXKrEyxemmHUJqnlagXmWLhjCkpaKzx3t0/s1600/DSC03439.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8w6WXOo2FRdl-9MDumOa2R0cTBbjgf5QzGzdBVWjGwsOnIpUFdmgcobFE13FgPpoXKkuW_9S0QbwnxJWt3xEnPhI6LCFJfDoGalHU4qbd9KPXF5hRYXjxQjS5ygbgLqdVDXinPpZG70/s1600/DSC03357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8w6WXOo2FRdl-9MDumOa2R0cTBbjgf5QzGzdBVWjGwsOnIpUFdmgcobFE13FgPpoXKkuW_9S0QbwnxJWt3xEnPhI6LCFJfDoGalHU4qbd9KPXF5hRYXjxQjS5ygbgLqdVDXinPpZG70/s1600/DSC03357.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;">8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m</span>. -Back at the homestead we take this time to eat breakfast, feed all the animals and milk the goats. We also gather materials for our school subjects in between our many moments of distractions, fooling around, bizarre conversations and peeks at social media.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2GcU1FwxZi4KIQTYkh1MmlmpwVSOrxLFlFXLEqr-OyuiHD3rftcDCzvk5tPWf4V19mt_VJZeql3Y1PeJLGiWPHhBC6k77V64xFFCDYgDEKXUG_tDk5gSPYz7yUqqzGJ4zpwyHT8k-rI/s1600/DSC08093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2GcU1FwxZi4KIQTYkh1MmlmpwVSOrxLFlFXLEqr-OyuiHD3rftcDCzvk5tPWf4V19mt_VJZeql3Y1PeJLGiWPHhBC6k77V64xFFCDYgDEKXUG_tDk5gSPYz7yUqqzGJ4zpwyHT8k-rI/s1600/DSC08093.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3-T3HcaxpJQxDt3t0kCmlQy19GDssfZHrYL7aWyVzfL7oY_2ZYGyF4a4ADqRX2qQ1BKVhD-CzBYxNrp6ZqmUIms3TE9-4Cox_QCDvVv2J3-hpKv-5Ahv0XhGTEBn617P-KyyEdvjrVA/s1600/DSC02962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGEhNuEVlaPOXvjvlBp0TXt_z4ITYlmhmA9sICCEEuFMiN49t9dRrJWg27UCf3LGl4KnXH8B4eW9YPtGctltNZazipzXAN4GWISmHMkov4mmMC1SvOIjGB3oidGTavaBDR8VzXw5jmQc/s1600/DSC03147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGEhNuEVlaPOXvjvlBp0TXt_z4ITYlmhmA9sICCEEuFMiN49t9dRrJWg27UCf3LGl4KnXH8B4eW9YPtGctltNZazipzXAN4GWISmHMkov4mmMC1SvOIjGB3oidGTavaBDR8VzXw5jmQc/s1600/DSC03147.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3-T3HcaxpJQxDt3t0kCmlQy19GDssfZHrYL7aWyVzfL7oY_2ZYGyF4a4ADqRX2qQ1BKVhD-CzBYxNrp6ZqmUIms3TE9-4Cox_QCDvVv2J3-hpKv-5Ahv0XhGTEBn617P-KyyEdvjrVA/s1600/DSC02962.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;">10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.</span> - School work either at home or the library (the library is less distracting for us . . . and all the kids can get onto a computer without rotating on the one we have at home. But sometimes due to weather or car problems we have no choice but to stay at home for school work. The kids than take turns between book and computer work.) I am here for help or sometimes I work on blog posts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLetMS4y9i8_f7AQlTe_UM71CTI9bvumj4BSdY5TQ9E7eiJuEirhDNjGHecjnCiUPr15diVYKDxbBPVFfhxVoJxktdym0JPi3dbN2Ro1fvd4x5fsGG_gcLV-gG63vEI9mjDAbG1BLxPQ/s1600/DSC03808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLetMS4y9i8_f7AQlTe_UM71CTI9bvumj4BSdY5TQ9E7eiJuEirhDNjGHecjnCiUPr15diVYKDxbBPVFfhxVoJxktdym0JPi3dbN2Ro1fvd4x5fsGG_gcLV-gG63vEI9mjDAbG1BLxPQ/s1600/DSC03808.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We believe every animal on the<br />
homestead deserves an education.<br />
Here Millie learns more about rodents!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjBB6MzOG59rJzVI8ho21FnYy_vJixYFSNxMB1fr18tkXXNbM_TupdadMjeeVpXh36aMo7bDr1eMxvXTRmkQRNrXppIzPfNSqJwpVJhocvm7i2R_WRSUJNM6oe1_X6KpmFe3GNRpNu6w/s1600/DSC05132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjBB6MzOG59rJzVI8ho21FnYy_vJixYFSNxMB1fr18tkXXNbM_TupdadMjeeVpXh36aMo7bDr1eMxvXTRmkQRNrXppIzPfNSqJwpVJhocvm7i2R_WRSUJNM6oe1_X6KpmFe3GNRpNu6w/s1600/DSC05132.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade bread with peanut butter<br />
and homemade raspberry jam!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;">12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.</span> - Angelus prayer and Lunch (which is usually a salad or green smoothie for me and for the kids leftovers or sandwiches made on homemade bread. I do however encourage them to to have the green stuff too!)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;">12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.</span> - This time block usually is my flexible scheduled time. It may contain one or more of the following:<br />
- More Schoolwork<br />
-Workout at our Community Center (which includes swimming)<br />
-Meeting with friends<br />
-Errands<br />
-Crafts or Hobbies<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8w6WXOo2FRdl-9MDumOa2R0cTBbjgf5QzGzdBVWjGwsOnIpUFdmgcobFE13FgPpoXKkuW_9S0QbwnxJWt3xEnPhI6LCFJfDoGalHU4qbd9KPXF5hRYXjxQjS5ygbgLqdVDXinPpZG70/s1600/DSC03357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>-Other must be done homestead chores (depending on day and/or season)<br />
-Baking, cooking, canning, cheese making or soap making<br />
-Silent reading, personal art or writing<br />
-Playing with or walking the dogs<br />
-Volunteer work<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyH3FfjL2ic0NCtfSCu1_OChA_hjG6bP9V37cdE5S_uFCZRVLJ6uv5ruDDpuARjS20yXgb7WSLp7KZW4gHyc4x20mSIjlqDrREFtQU_gL9jkPL7lAQEN0B0KCJi71al1uuVgZgUkneup8/s1600/DSC05574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyH3FfjL2ic0NCtfSCu1_OChA_hjG6bP9V37cdE5S_uFCZRVLJ6uv5ruDDpuARjS20yXgb7WSLp7KZW4gHyc4x20mSIjlqDrREFtQU_gL9jkPL7lAQEN0B0KCJi71al1uuVgZgUkneup8/s1600/DSC05574.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gigi prays while watching the fire.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;">3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.</span> - Divine Mercy Prayer and the kids get some free time. They usually choose to watch Doctor Who or check out their social media. I take this time to prepare supper.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTt1b8Vr1gfYd_JaYVqQQ88X1_M3q75CU1xzGv2wB0AGGk0u2n4LFLg5G-3C3OFuSSPWRX3p5q-JfbDtp7KEG1VCLIwqFN2QnnJ4sFG58QEkpNAmu7MzqO0SMZPgLrj03HrbO301_SIQ/s1600/DSC04205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTt1b8Vr1gfYd_JaYVqQQ88X1_M3q75CU1xzGv2wB0AGGk0u2n4LFLg5G-3C3OFuSSPWRX3p5q-JfbDtp7KEG1VCLIwqFN2QnnJ4sFG58QEkpNAmu7MzqO0SMZPgLrj03HrbO301_SIQ/s1600/DSC04205.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our suppers. This is<br />boneless pork chops stuffed with<br />apple stuffing on a bed of<br />swiss card.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;">4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.</span> - Last of the homestead chores, hay for the goats, collect eggs and close the chickens in for the night. We also tidy the house before Dad gets home. After Dad arrives home we eat supper. Supper is sometimes pretty gourmet or as simple as lentil soup and homemade bread. After supper we clean up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEynPKhvmM1StCw1y66ClUY-tgVKN1KYM_nxfI2HO52EwJFScHYc2sug1NrCgKZQhyphenhyphenaC8q5N3-7ImBG5IfG0_dkiQiUvYySaY6kqyq9HENV1OhFuGJbKYAXtSrdUqzq_vAdlJGGQhTBDA/s1600/DSC03579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEynPKhvmM1StCw1y66ClUY-tgVKN1KYM_nxfI2HO52EwJFScHYc2sug1NrCgKZQhyphenhyphenaC8q5N3-7ImBG5IfG0_dkiQiUvYySaY6kqyq9HENV1OhFuGJbKYAXtSrdUqzq_vAdlJGGQhTBDA/s1600/DSC03579.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;">7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.</span> - Family Rosary and Relax Time. Sometimes we watch a movie or show (while I knit or write). Sometimes we play a game or just take the time to talk and laugh together. <br />
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Once a week the boys film a local t.v. show.<br />
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Other nights the kids order pizza and the hubby and I get to go on a date.<br />
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Sometimes we meet friends at the Community Center Pool so the kids get to have fun with friends.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzQsPm-TbFcu0ksv1Gfr7jdjjXv-2nDC432Bo-Y-Y_TfI8BODWwSOJuRrkFNk_J8evCTJwpV_WvIH0PGnX9WGHtW243oCPkqYzelZ2p9BR6M-7j5t5OGufITSvrx3fyWQRigoCTIZ6rM/s1600/DSC03145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzQsPm-TbFcu0ksv1Gfr7jdjjXv-2nDC432Bo-Y-Y_TfI8BODWwSOJuRrkFNk_J8evCTJwpV_WvIH0PGnX9WGHtW243oCPkqYzelZ2p9BR6M-7j5t5OGufITSvrx3fyWQRigoCTIZ6rM/s1600/DSC03145.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonnie pooped out from our busy day.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599;">9:30 p.m</span>. - Everyone retires to their bedrooms. Some chose to read, while others just flop down on the bed and fall fast asleep.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Even with everything I have to squeeze into our busy day I feel truly blessed to have such a wonderful life!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thanks for looking in on one of our days!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgpliJei8QrUYeJh4-fYuy4zPI84cIPTiUna1fnsWp8mVhmaKhb8uykwqIo013c5jLG3zvZRoNPW81JZZsruFYaHjx0Apkg6sSY-F8fwj00c-Yu_4uvIdcjicdDXyiO0cZq7-DjmxFm4/s1600/DSC06010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgpliJei8QrUYeJh4-fYuy4zPI84cIPTiUna1fnsWp8mVhmaKhb8uykwqIo013c5jLG3zvZRoNPW81JZZsruFYaHjx0Apkg6sSY-F8fwj00c-Yu_4uvIdcjicdDXyiO0cZq7-DjmxFm4/s1600/DSC06010.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Okay, so I was having a totally hormonal morning. My emotions were all over the place. I broke a glass at breakfast . . . the Christmas cards and ornaments I am working on were all over the dining room table. My thoughts were everywhere . . . "what am I going to wear to my nieces wedding this weekend" . . . "what am I making for dinner for guest on Sunday" . . . the list could go on. Just as I finished my morning prayers, breakfast and cleaning up the broken glass I was thinking of putting myself in a padded room. But just a minute . . . I had homestead chores to do. . . out to the barn I went.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAn78uxOqimCg7dtg3NDRUTOfgeSdDPrRlNfilcl6s0whO8wDZu1fO6D0mbH22J8xqoEOtzC59ZduCOc9Fe1XYF2nzPU-thubWdaR_TXV2tuFTJoPR9iibEL3vV7sdDqlsrWcKYhaPeIE/s1600/DSC06056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAn78uxOqimCg7dtg3NDRUTOfgeSdDPrRlNfilcl6s0whO8wDZu1fO6D0mbH22J8xqoEOtzC59ZduCOc9Fe1XYF2nzPU-thubWdaR_TXV2tuFTJoPR9iibEL3vV7sdDqlsrWcKYhaPeIE/s1600/DSC06056.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazo0ZF9w6zG4VdGN8ZFoan6CLLo0qe9uQC_I2Y4JpSlg0DSfJs9tkJLvGzrR0EP8NWExyhnjBjta3xzHZpFLMQOxsxQXp__If2_jQd7hyphenhypheni4Cch1-jq_nHgeXdVEs0dOkrzSQkTpInJJ4/s1600/DSC06025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazo0ZF9w6zG4VdGN8ZFoan6CLLo0qe9uQC_I2Y4JpSlg0DSfJs9tkJLvGzrR0EP8NWExyhnjBjta3xzHZpFLMQOxsxQXp__If2_jQd7hyphenhypheni4Cch1-jq_nHgeXdVEs0dOkrzSQkTpInJJ4/s1600/DSC06025.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The animals don't expect much from me. They are content with their food, and a warm pile of hay and in the goats and dogs case a good scratch between the ears. All the animals are sooo happy to greet me any time of the day. They seem to always put a smile on my face. Besides, doing chores gets me up and going even on the worst of days.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHQfaE3WteskmrtLi1qTSUwZQqjefqf1jgRMBzTyW2N1dQzsNARQiCzYhuO5iwjlwl270KrStXQ6f4C87k31shuB7bUZONMDIFHEgQXBiAq3rUvwCB5xw4mAKX4PDR6dn311-v0gpUcI/s1600/DSC06007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHQfaE3WteskmrtLi1qTSUwZQqjefqf1jgRMBzTyW2N1dQzsNARQiCzYhuO5iwjlwl270KrStXQ6f4C87k31shuB7bUZONMDIFHEgQXBiAq3rUvwCB5xw4mAKX4PDR6dn311-v0gpUcI/s1600/DSC06007.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who couldn't resisting smiling at this face!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Although sometimes it seems daunting and time-consuming to run a homestead there is something quite rewarding about it. This morning the beautiful snow falling plus the goats in their cute fuzzy coats completely changed my mood. I guess the padded room can wait . . . I'll be in my muck boots and overalls in the barn!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-39542800941347597182014-12-08T16:02:00.001-08:002014-12-08T16:02:34.799-08:007 Healthy Homestead Habits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqZQlG0d6JkIq9J73RsbQGov8kkdkqCp1H-_BmHnln8YUvTdXiPDTIhxMFszMGIFiB_LVEQmGc2FGsbpc9mNQD3ak61ATHd2gtVCilmFtbMJ9somBb6iC2CXZ7nGRduV1TRKlk9JbMZ8/s1600/DSC02167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqZQlG0d6JkIq9J73RsbQGov8kkdkqCp1H-_BmHnln8YUvTdXiPDTIhxMFszMGIFiB_LVEQmGc2FGsbpc9mNQD3ak61ATHd2gtVCilmFtbMJ9somBb6iC2CXZ7nGRduV1TRKlk9JbMZ8/s1600/DSC02167.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Our apothecary's shop is our garden full of pot-herbs,<br />and our doctor is a good clove of garlic." - Anonymous</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is the season for family, friends and festivities; but it is also the season for colds and viruses. We have had our fair share of these ailments but most of the time my family seems to avoid many of these sicknesses. Here is how I believe we do that:</span><br />
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<b>1. Maintain a healthy diet - </b>During the winter months it seems there is a lack of veggies around. You can still grow some salad greens in a window box. You can also grow your own sprouts. <i>If you don't know how look for a future post soon or you could google it now. </i>There is also nothing wrong with adding frozen veggies to your favorite soups or dishes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIunJKWlaIGJRZNBDKdT4NKiR_X0zaO9Of5RstbTlqDUimukLymM2hWYcgtGDmG_N64RHDZm9FWnMBkGFnEFZnbOBtb02w90FPCyrhT4l0nx9YRbgDCS70ej-UZtduZd9PdE91_tYTtg/s1600/DSC05425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIunJKWlaIGJRZNBDKdT4NKiR_X0zaO9Of5RstbTlqDUimukLymM2hWYcgtGDmG_N64RHDZm9FWnMBkGFnEFZnbOBtb02w90FPCyrhT4l0nx9YRbgDCS70ej-UZtduZd9PdE91_tYTtg/s1600/DSC05425.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Incense burning<br />
for fragrant air<br />
and aromatherepy.</td></tr>
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<b>2. Use of Essential Oils and Organic Incense - </b>there are so many benefits to the use of essential oils. Get to know the different kinds of oils available(online or at a local health food store). You can put them in an diffuser. Put a few drops on your pillow at night. Fragrance devises and scented candles may add scent to your home but they also add lots of chemicals. <i>We try to avoid these chemical or perfumed candles unless they are made with essential oils.</i><br />
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During the cold/flu season Thieves Oil is my favorite - you can make your own ( or my favorite place to purchase it is at <a href="http://www.pipingrock.com/thieves-oil">Piping Rock</a>. Carry it in your purse to holiday parties. Put some on yourself and children. You can rub Thieves Oil under your nose, rub some on your hands as you would sanitizer. Thieves Oil is antibacterial and antifungal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpVn0sMtU1AgomobFBFS8YQWFX9m6QxswL0es8HIg6WFHjL496VPRkmjD4UheTS-TfWrVh0Mc4raab7TUWw6MAwVSnhdsamH-JAlORlKndSezQgBWnCrsplbidElWxJm718uLMHgV6HA/s1600/DSC05447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpVn0sMtU1AgomobFBFS8YQWFX9m6QxswL0es8HIg6WFHjL496VPRkmjD4UheTS-TfWrVh0Mc4raab7TUWw6MAwVSnhdsamH-JAlORlKndSezQgBWnCrsplbidElWxJm718uLMHgV6HA/s1600/DSC05447.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thieves Oil is a<br />
cold/flu season must-have!</td></tr>
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<u>Thieves Oil Recipe</u><br />
20 drops of Clove Oil<br />
20 drops of Lemon Oil<br />
9 drops of Cinnamon Oil<br />
8 drops of Eucalyptus Oil<br />
6 drops of Rosemary Oil<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkH0dYYZbHPEFu2fV0y_llEMZfsdOFu44Hjci27xxgKkZeW6DARkQPnNQZLEsqjsrwBO0P54H5p4fnLMwquVsm70RiXls3abuLFyIwkNhDBLC2Lua0Sia07X1MgTYaXOt0LJVFHD9Vwk/s1600/DSC05909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkH0dYYZbHPEFu2fV0y_llEMZfsdOFu44Hjci27xxgKkZeW6DARkQPnNQZLEsqjsrwBO0P54H5p4fnLMwquVsm70RiXls3abuLFyIwkNhDBLC2Lua0Sia07X1MgTYaXOt0LJVFHD9Vwk/s1600/DSC05909.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My essential oil<br />medicine cabinet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EJ5Kq4hdPY2ZhN4gAwh2LBWSinLzBmjOxZ6Do3O8oeUFl7n3uNcgrRfVw2VgrSlJcYYrJF6zHP9NymjDVm9NoAkfh4lVvhDOKNFIY9Hi5Q0o9XtMldtJX8sOG2qzCQDfMUd5q8LxFxE/s1600/DSC05444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EJ5Kq4hdPY2ZhN4gAwh2LBWSinLzBmjOxZ6Do3O8oeUFl7n3uNcgrRfVw2VgrSlJcYYrJF6zHP9NymjDVm9NoAkfh4lVvhDOKNFIY9Hi5Q0o9XtMldtJX8sOG2qzCQDfMUd5q8LxFxE/s1600/DSC05444.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kombucha</td></tr>
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<b>3. Eating and drinking probiotic-rich drinks and foods - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">In this case bacteria is your friend. A lot of times people get sick because their bodies are lacking the <i>Good Guy Bacteria.</i> Probiotics help your body fight the bad bacteria. Take a probiotic supplement, eat yogurt or grow your own. I make kombucha. Kombucha is easy to brew at home and is packed with probiotics and antoxidants. Fermenting your veggies is another cool option.</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiYkGP0d1aMxUnqS9n50g3TNZqU2uhIOJo9hIkVTq_g8Yd8ZV-PBJdOnrASlmu2yJc3aTS9iyXBxu1LMUQSd72b2BZetKMGs25iHp1eyqabZG8s256NQgy4fRz5Uv77RNttoyMHFFXJg/s1600/DSC05436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiYkGP0d1aMxUnqS9n50g3TNZqU2uhIOJo9hIkVTq_g8Yd8ZV-PBJdOnrASlmu2yJc3aTS9iyXBxu1LMUQSd72b2BZetKMGs25iHp1eyqabZG8s256NQgy4fRz5Uv77RNttoyMHFFXJg/s1600/DSC05436.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<b>4. Taking daily vitamins and supplements - </b>You should get all the vitamins and minerals you need from your food. But lets face it we are an on the go kind of people and often times do not get a completely balanced diet. Add supplements but sure to check the amounts carefully and also consult a trusted doctor.<br />
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5. Drink plenty of fluids - </b>Of course water . . . if you hate water add a cucumber or lemon. Mineral water is always a favorite of mine when I want something sparkling. But do not forget all those herbal teas. You are more likely to crave hot drinks during the cold months.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WkvnpHvgV-hXhaDmjLeHU5t9F0lCrUfiev6L4Bg0F6bTKuRbSgLpL6XY2PDVDruADP58ER7q02FLFFnkvzzt4g6ACIHuZ5A3mBUfZkB5Mek5VVoaT8yw4_6UQIo0HdtVp5LXOjY9O_w/s1600/DSC05432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WkvnpHvgV-hXhaDmjLeHU5t9F0lCrUfiev6L4Bg0F6bTKuRbSgLpL6XY2PDVDruADP58ER7q02FLFFnkvzzt4g6ACIHuZ5A3mBUfZkB5Mek5VVoaT8yw4_6UQIo0HdtVp5LXOjY9O_w/s1600/DSC05432.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other plants such as this aloe<br />
can be useful in the homestead.<br />
Aloe can be used on dry skin and burns.</td></tr>
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<b>6. Keeping healthy herbs and plants growing in your home - </b>Plants have a wonderful way of adding greatness to your home. They also add oxygen. If you grow herbs you get the added bonus of them adding fragrance to your environment and yumminess and health to your meals.<br />
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<b>7. Spice things up - </b>frequently use spices in your cooking.<b> </b>Garlic, garlic and more garlic - your breath may stink but your body will thank you. Other great spices to beat winter sniffles are ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, oregano and cayenne.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-7526136485092476022014-12-04T06:06:00.002-08:002014-12-04T06:06:50.915-08:00Adding the Jesse Tree to your Advent Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQunxTi7A5ZimMEZ-boQJyHkFHypk4JoTshzGAWOcTzInieyfNFmw-2lbhSTze82_JspXumL8Fp1oCyY78FJal1fDUPEUeIwPC5jbwfEboWF99kKVMvA5L-c6NxthSr5EBNhDEXIJSJM/s1600/DSC05768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQunxTi7A5ZimMEZ-boQJyHkFHypk4JoTshzGAWOcTzInieyfNFmw-2lbhSTze82_JspXumL8Fp1oCyY78FJal1fDUPEUeIwPC5jbwfEboWF99kKVMvA5L-c6NxthSr5EBNhDEXIJSJM/s1600/DSC05768.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have had a request for this post. What is the Jesse Tree? And how do you do it? Can I still do it even though it started Dec 1? Of course. Today is day 4 of our Jesse Tree and if you don't mind playing catch up I don't see a problem. The Jesse Tree apparently started in medieval times. I can not pin point the exact location or official start of this tradition. But it comes from the bible verse in Isaiah 11:1 <i>there shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse. </i><br />
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The Jesse Tree follows the ancestry of Jesus from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Each day or evening in whatever time is best for your family. You read from the bible and place an ornament that symbolizes that reading. By the time Christmas comes around you have walked a biblical path and will have many cute ornaments on your Jesse Tree.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uOAjw9bJ8sTFf5e7tJxMfzl0me9-M2VoR8bSS_BvT0aduAA4S5zPkr7V24NquqODPJRirzf-7saCq-AC2z_H3Ok1NdlS1tP6af5R1zwmgvux_P5s2a4Q-DDhPvTweOCLDdkFtDtp6RE/s1600/DSC05767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uOAjw9bJ8sTFf5e7tJxMfzl0me9-M2VoR8bSS_BvT0aduAA4S5zPkr7V24NquqODPJRirzf-7saCq-AC2z_H3Ok1NdlS1tP6af5R1zwmgvux_P5s2a4Q-DDhPvTweOCLDdkFtDtp6RE/s1600/DSC05767.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My children are older<br />so we are reading from the regular Bible<br />but you can use a Children's Bible<br />for younger children.</td></tr>
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Your Jesse Tree can be what you chose . . . it can be a real tree, a fake tree, a felt banner. Our Jesse Tree is a felt banner and we make little felt ornaments. I have seen Jesse Tree as a small plant with paper ornaments . . . it does not have to be difficult. It is just a way for you and your children to celebrate Advent in a special way.<br />
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I have a list of readings and the symbol that represents that reading. But there are also some variations . . . you too can create your own symbols that are meaningful to you and your family.<br />
Some readings are grouped together to be sure to include all the readings within the days. You may have to adjust each year accordingly.<br />
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Day 1 - Creation - Sun or Earth - Genesis 1, 2:1-4<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGY5aCAaQ2l6w-SKZDayf0rBlSdurC77de_djhNZWKX5JCu738ZFzpDN_Q8BI5F7nmYYj1csBoRSLSapJniguT6KVZQPSpXNbV-ZdEQ0ftSPrmxN_D0KGOuIOfso-O4ZhReLmj2WkPNg/s1600/DSC05771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGY5aCAaQ2l6w-SKZDayf0rBlSdurC77de_djhNZWKX5JCu738ZFzpDN_Q8BI5F7nmYYj1csBoRSLSapJniguT6KVZQPSpXNbV-ZdEQ0ftSPrmxN_D0KGOuIOfso-O4ZhReLmj2WkPNg/s1600/DSC05771.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the ornaments is<br />so much fun for all of us.</td></tr>
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Day 2 - Adam and Eve - Two People - Genesis 2:4-9, 15-25<br />
Day 3 - Original Sin - Apple - Genesis 3:1-24<br />
Day 4 - Noah and the Flood - Rainbow - Genesis 6:5-22, 7, 8, 9:1-17<br />
Day 5 - Abraham - Stars - Genesis 12:1-9, 15: 1-6<br />
Day 5 - Jacob's Dream - Ladder - Genesis 28:10-22<br />
Day 6 - Joseph and His Brothers - Coat - Genesis 37<br />
Day 6 - Joseph's Greatness - Shock of Wheat - Genesis 41<br />
Day 7 - Moses (Prince) - Basket - Exodus 1, 2<br />
Day 7 - Moses (Burning Bush) - Burning Bush - Exodus 2:23-25, 3<br />
Day 8 - Moses (Plagues) - Frog - Exodus 5 through 12:1-36<br />
Day 8 - Moses (Parting Sea) - Parted Sea - Exodus 13:17-22, 14<br />
Day 9 - Moses (Ten Commandments) - Tablets - Exodus 19, 20, 24:12-18<br />
Day 10 - Moses (Water from Rock) - Staff - Exodus 19, 20, 24:12-18<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2ha0GkO4Yk3sLIHoNfV7ltsXc1yYyOXm07LpYF_vRx3-62JZcGX-SMzdYI7jgM0WY6QAgTgXoYHFwwt0GaG2QSnt4t4zZMxiz0ZsPEMwo3KN0UXO1tGjuqUz-gndhyGPDI0w4LZyTFg/s1600/DSC05770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2ha0GkO4Yk3sLIHoNfV7ltsXc1yYyOXm07LpYF_vRx3-62JZcGX-SMzdYI7jgM0WY6QAgTgXoYHFwwt0GaG2QSnt4t4zZMxiz0ZsPEMwo3KN0UXO1tGjuqUz-gndhyGPDI0w4LZyTFg/s1600/DSC05770.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a>Day 11 - Samuel (Voice in the Night) - Candle Lamp - 1 Samuel 3<br />
Day 12 - David Chosen King - Sheep - 1 Samuel 16:1-13<br />
Day 13 - David and Goliath - Slingshot - 1 Samuel 17<br />
Day 14 - Solomon's Wisdom -Crown - 1 Kings 2:1-6, 3:4-28<br />
Day 15 - Elijah's Contest - Burning Rock - 1 Kings 18:3, 21-39<br />
Day 16 - Jonah and the Whale - Whale - Jonah<br />
Day 17 - Tobiah's Journey - Fish - Tobit 5, 6:1-9, 10:1-6, 11:1-15<br />
Day 18 - Daniel and the Lion's Den - Lion - Daniel 6:1-29<br />
Day 19 - John the Baptist - Sandal - Luke 1:5-25,57-80<br />
Day 20 - Annunciation - Angel - Luke 1:26-38<br />
Day 21 - Visitation - Mary - Luke 1:39-56<br />
Day 22 - Joseph - Joseph - Matthew 1:18-25<br />
Day 23 - Journey to Bethlehem - Manger - Luke 2:1-6<br />
Day 24 - Jesus is Born - Baby Jesus - Luke 2:6-20<br />
Day 25 - Visit of the Magi - Star - Matthew 2:1-12Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-84409897606746034682014-12-03T10:46:00.000-08:002014-12-03T10:46:35.579-08:00Goat Cheese Avocado Dip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQw9S7hy51RcaryVEEOeHAzMbY1-Gp5Xu06mFBNdt9P7BHN23AmXvZNylENA6bvU6RbMKSCQEct4-XMAnRJAwrnlxV_Hc3i8IF_RfzFrXniRBkrYbPYjcYpL6Z6lWAziPyYnY15o5fRgQ/s1600/DSC05261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQw9S7hy51RcaryVEEOeHAzMbY1-Gp5Xu06mFBNdt9P7BHN23AmXvZNylENA6bvU6RbMKSCQEct4-XMAnRJAwrnlxV_Hc3i8IF_RfzFrXniRBkrYbPYjcYpL6Z6lWAziPyYnY15o5fRgQ/s1600/DSC05261.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
Goat cheese is something we make pretty often around here. Guacamole is one our favorite family treats. Charlotte and I experimented and came up with this yummy combination of the two. You don't have to make your own goat cheese to whip up this yummy dip.<br />
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Recipe for Goat Cheese Avocado Dip<br />
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2 cups of Chevre<br />
2 mashed up small avocados<br />
1 Tablespoon of minced garlic<br />
1/4 cup lime juice<br />
salt to taste<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-55267353836992964682014-11-29T14:09:00.000-08:002014-11-29T14:09:18.065-08:00Our Homestead Advent Journey to Christmas<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEida7tBhD4FNklDv8Dsi29H3gIku56BYYuiaMkQwNJ4aZ_SsIpc8lc_eWySko5wGqw2-vuPupNB3iZ_TAy-KvoLsxcr7osiDCnfZ81rjdvlIyaD7Ovqagh54tQcQt_cdq3kkRI4lO-r8Ag/s1600/DSC05684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEida7tBhD4FNklDv8Dsi29H3gIku56BYYuiaMkQwNJ4aZ_SsIpc8lc_eWySko5wGqw2-vuPupNB3iZ_TAy-KvoLsxcr7osiDCnfZ81rjdvlIyaD7Ovqagh54tQcQt_cdq3kkRI4lO-r8Ag/s1600/DSC05684.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thanksgiving is over and many people have cleaned up the turkey and strung up the lights. This is something you won't see at our house. At first appearance you may think us to be worst than Scrooge or nastier than the Grinch. But just you wait until December 14 which is Gaudete Sunday our house is as bright as the next!<div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9DaB96soNFT0qLo5o6rjgcVoiHzAm1O23uwR2YtPgD83-CQI7xQzjW8p93N2m4Opl0Q_aAm6MWm_f56RnfyYSysPyj8L41zHpVs4h_5QyJwuo0OQIErz-WWnU9Ub-wPhY9ZNpxoObzE/s1600/DSC05652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9DaB96soNFT0qLo5o6rjgcVoiHzAm1O23uwR2YtPgD83-CQI7xQzjW8p93N2m4Opl0Q_aAm6MWm_f56RnfyYSysPyj8L41zHpVs4h_5QyJwuo0OQIErz-WWnU9Ub-wPhY9ZNpxoObzE/s1600/DSC05652.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Advent reflections.</td></tr>
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We weren't always like this, we felt the pressure to be just as cheery and decorative as the rest. We too would deck our halls and blast the carols as soon as the Thanksgiving feast was cleared. Upon doing this there always seemed to be something lacking and by the time Christmas actually came we were sick of carols and tired of bumping into the mistletoe. </div>
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About 12 years ago I wondered why instead of the holiday cheer I actually felt blue. I blamed this lack of peace and joy on the commercialization and gift exchange focus of this beautiful holiday. Although this was part of it something else seemed to be missing. Despite our efforts to focus on our Catholic tradition of Advent it seemed to be lost in tinsel, lights and Christmas confections. Like my usual self I did not want to seem defeated or just give in to what everyone else was doing. I had to do some soul searching and research. What is the purpose of Christmas joy if mom and dad were yelling Bah Humbug? Even though there seemed to be financial and social pressures around our family we needed to make it more personal and meaningful with the coming of our Savior. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7MJ-tLb0oIO-eeJecsB2ZL_9L9Z4P9uFXTvTjWVcc-pi1OTKk_Y66exa7p2MeUkv0htuPjq9SlnMu0e07BF6BpJKvcnHwDyDK4EAo7SLh_Y0PJQtfbz0n2zs14JenrSxXshsuBo9sEg/s1600/DSC05723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7MJ-tLb0oIO-eeJecsB2ZL_9L9Z4P9uFXTvTjWVcc-pi1OTKk_Y66exa7p2MeUkv0htuPjq9SlnMu0e07BF6BpJKvcnHwDyDK4EAo7SLh_Y0PJQtfbz0n2zs14JenrSxXshsuBo9sEg/s1600/DSC05723.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Celtic Advent wreath<br />on our dining room table.</td></tr>
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Tomorrow is the official start of Advent. Advent is a time of penance. A time we Christians are suppose to prepare and wait patiently for the arrival of Christ on Earth. This is why in the Church you will see no decorations and the vestments are purple. The <a href="http://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/the-history-of-the-advent-wreath.html">Advent wreath</a> has 3 purple candles and 1 pink/rose candle. Advent is the counterpart of Lent. While the season seems to be filled with parties, food and shopping our home takes this time to pause. Things light up on Gaudete Sunday when we light the rose colored candle symbolizing the 1/2 way point of Advent. This special Sunday moment is to remind and encourage us to continue our preparations. Our preparations for that special day when God became man. Gaudete comes from the Latin "Gaudete in Domino Semper" from Philippians 4:4 meaning "Rejoice in the Lord Always".</div>
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Each year during each individual week we seem to grow in a deeper appreciation and joy of this wonderful feast day. It is way different than the old us and different from what the rest of the world is doing. This tradition does not have to be just for Catholics. Trying to make things simpler in a busy world is good isn't it? I realized that the slow simple build up to that special day made for a more peaceful season.</div>
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While I am typing this I realize it may actually be easier for you readers and myself to actually show you our week by week journey from Advent to Christmas.</div>
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Week One: </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKz_s43cvw4-SwIl2qZnmAbwrMifn3AvVlZ2hr7SGJe2AMyt_CMQqFxSC5ZB_htkImAXmY2ofp0eU8FxlUK_axPDdm5VptkuPy9stn6QzgVLgN_LteSobbxyv5i1iEYUqNGJe6Zkx4tH8/s1600/DSC05678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKz_s43cvw4-SwIl2qZnmAbwrMifn3AvVlZ2hr7SGJe2AMyt_CMQqFxSC5ZB_htkImAXmY2ofp0eU8FxlUK_axPDdm5VptkuPy9stn6QzgVLgN_LteSobbxyv5i1iEYUqNGJe6Zkx4tH8/s1600/DSC05678.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls prepare the Jesse Tree.</td></tr>
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEeIkgDyHL3BkVXdjAgI5f_qzSFRtvoaPxeye_Ly_vU72cLahmylU05awRmIcnUwUMk_p7-r3vFi8tryUUsUy28N73qH-dzHe22GDRPNp9uHPNb5IYiv3g_ATB1Z7lZVnBcArg2oEBc4/s1600/DSC05649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEeIkgDyHL3BkVXdjAgI5f_qzSFRtvoaPxeye_Ly_vU72cLahmylU05awRmIcnUwUMk_p7-r3vFi8tryUUsUy28N73qH-dzHe22GDRPNp9uHPNb5IYiv3g_ATB1Z7lZVnBcArg2oEBc4/s1600/DSC05649.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a>
<li>Clean and organize the house. Keep things simple. Meals remain simple it is almost like Thanksgiving was the Fat Tuesday of Advent. We eat a lot of soup and bread at this time.</li>
<li>Set up our Advent wreath on the dining room table (<b>light the first purple candle)</b>. Select prayers or readings for the family prayer time. </li>
<li>Set up our <a href="http://www.crivoice.org/jesse.html">Jesse Tree</a> (our is just a felt tree with felt ornaments) This starts on December 1 <i>If you do not know what this is click on the word and it with explain it in the link</i>.</li>
<li>We also draw names with our children. Each person is to do small sacrifices and secretly help that person throughout the Advent season. It is to help the children and us to focus on doing things for others that does not require money. </li>
<li>Next is the hard part - NO CHRISTMAS MUSIC yet. It is hard for us because it is fun and everywhere but we try to stay away for it for a little while longer (<b>O Come O Come Emmanuel is allowed</b>)</li>
<li>Get Christmas mass cards and picture of kids ready.</li>
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<li>Go to Christmas Choir practice.</li>
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Week Two:</div>
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<li>Continue our prayers and reading for the Advent wreath (<b>light second purple candle)</b></li>
<li>By week two we should have several ornaments and have read your bible verses for our Jesse Tree.</li>
<li>Put up outdoor lights but DO NOT LIGHT them yet.</li>
<li>Still no Christmas music. (<b>O Come O Come Emmanuel is allowed</b>)</li>
<li>Bake cookies and get gifts ready.</li>
<li>Put up Christmas Tree but leave it bare for the next week. This is actually pretty cool to see a slow progression of the decorations. </li>
<li>Go to Christmas Choir practice.</li>
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Week Three: <b><i>Gaudete Sunday</i></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Continue our prayers and readings for Advent wreath (<b>light rose/pink candle</b>).</li>
<li>Still continuing the Jesse Tree (starting to see more ornaments)</li>
<li>Outdoor lights on!</li>
<li>Decorate Christmas Tree!</li>
<li>Christmas Music focusing on hymns.</li>
<li>Continue baking and gift preparations.</li>
<li>Set up Nativity (<b>DO NOT PUT BABY JESUS IN ye</b>t)</li>
<li>Go to Christmas Choir practice.</li>
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Week Four:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Final stretch for our prayers and readings for our Advent wreath (<b>last purple candle lit)</b></li>
<li>Final stretch of our Jesse Tree.</li>
<li>Last of the Decorations completed (except for Jesus in the nativity)</li>
<li>Gift and meal preparations finalized.</li>
<li>Get ready to sing at midnight Mass.</li>
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Christmas Day: Music, lights, food and finally put <b>Baby Jesus in the manger</b>.</div>
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Hopefully by the end of Advent we will feel renewed and joyful about Christmas Day. I hope to focus on the special meaning this day brings. We will celebrate with family and friends. We will continue to leave our decorations up. When the radios and stores stop playing Christmas music you will be sure to hear it blaring from our house until January 6 (<i>Epiphany - which I will leave for another post</i>). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPtMAu9UdabjiaTD54RDiBAlwdFmIZ2oPfDYf7VXAv4l0JSYS3HssKbAuKQ3gjLV3Yi2RPTYp0I_AvJT2iYq5G0vZR3QIFYxz4M8SrRiwaEgIPf9tzD3TChf3eXhMxWonXVjPhjiqXK0/s1600/DSC05719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPtMAu9UdabjiaTD54RDiBAlwdFmIZ2oPfDYf7VXAv4l0JSYS3HssKbAuKQ3gjLV3Yi2RPTYp0I_AvJT2iYq5G0vZR3QIFYxz4M8SrRiwaEgIPf9tzD3TChf3eXhMxWonXVjPhjiqXK0/s1600/DSC05719.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a>Just to clarify things - we do not ban going to Christmas parties or protest people who hang up there lights before we do. We do go to Christmas parties before Christmas and exchange gifts with friends and family. We enjoy that time with friends and family being sure to take it easy. We than return to our home that just reflects more of who we are and the simple way we want to live out the way Christ came into the world.</div>
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Have a Blessed Advent Season!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-86761656332777566202014-11-26T06:54:00.001-08:002014-11-26T06:54:11.973-08:00Happy Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3wcz7soffB9cnArXg5nZYuYd_6Bqpt-OKCt1GfsvORbIsL3eS5YS_jB_We4vrQd7G2pJifslwteNdp1NB-cWpZujZFGMtR2AJrhOiLc28TPlcQyk6VutLALRaeamGHCjx0NvUMK-zmA/s1600/DSC04233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3wcz7soffB9cnArXg5nZYuYd_6Bqpt-OKCt1GfsvORbIsL3eS5YS_jB_We4vrQd7G2pJifslwteNdp1NB-cWpZujZFGMtR2AJrhOiLc28TPlcQyk6VutLALRaeamGHCjx0NvUMK-zmA/s1600/DSC04233.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01165617022193495557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674867992948402266.post-17739708336692990012014-11-24T13:21:00.000-08:002014-11-24T13:21:53.516-08:00Goat Pedicures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suzy waits to get her hoofs trimmed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8OSQQWv_RAeiOz2haMCDp791LHHThyF7AV4oF7s67kGCMDOPNkI90OIONycQpDFBIzilD7ne7QMPIpkwWR12m7zrxclW-wcXddLB_j0GOOvCu9flb2vZQVLif5uPmFS8gU6P6mkFx5M/s1600/DSC03358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8OSQQWv_RAeiOz2haMCDp791LHHThyF7AV4oF7s67kGCMDOPNkI90OIONycQpDFBIzilD7ne7QMPIpkwWR12m7zrxclW-wcXddLB_j0GOOvCu9flb2vZQVLif5uPmFS8gU6P6mkFx5M/s1600/DSC03358.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My job is to keep the goat still and distracted.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_qTR8cU6jsOAVsaZAVs1Uj7zU0HoFmneWo3IugMAHTLNlwDx6Eav9W5-63IIZs0bbpmsf2hl83RfImgjs2QCJ_zxKF81J8DPdkEqhcnryJPnHH-bPiVHz8c7mMe9JFXvMK98sdnxlds/s1600/DSC03396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_qTR8cU6jsOAVsaZAVs1Uj7zU0HoFmneWo3IugMAHTLNlwDx6Eav9W5-63IIZs0bbpmsf2hl83RfImgjs2QCJ_zxKF81J8DPdkEqhcnryJPnHH-bPiVHz8c7mMe9JFXvMK98sdnxlds/s1600/DSC03396.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st thing to do is brush away any debris.<br />Sometimes we have soaked hoof in warm, soapy water<br />if needed. </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One part of keeping a goat happy and healthy is trimming and cleaning their hoofs. The hoof is almost like our human nails where as they continue to grow long until trimmed. They curl under trapping dirt and feces underneath which can cause a lot of problems and possible hoof rot. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV54ocyK18KttCEWg7gc4VoQC0zFS2H-ELaXrdK_DnWDRgNN8MtlbnpVqX1AIgHkJ10UiilH9z9OdIyi6oNnyrYC00gUMbcFaX_Nn0GQ9ixLLGafR6Wa3TWkNvZssqWrGf_MXjRUKF_vQ/s1600/DSC03400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV54ocyK18KttCEWg7gc4VoQC0zFS2H-ELaXrdK_DnWDRgNN8MtlbnpVqX1AIgHkJ10UiilH9z9OdIyi6oNnyrYC00gUMbcFaX_Nn0GQ9ixLLGafR6Wa3TWkNvZssqWrGf_MXjRUKF_vQ/s1600/DSC03400.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before trimming.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MHxafLJ75fcJ8yjcTOZghkJL4uV2hfQa8ifv2jGLAObxU0viocdz0WXcOGWUgQ6LWuh4i7kjsxUUb5mhpozi_O92_gqrCsSEzXpdR0N7OdODP_3R3kOv1K529izbvP6NGFmzxKMvXew/s1600/DSC03350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MHxafLJ75fcJ8yjcTOZghkJL4uV2hfQa8ifv2jGLAObxU0viocdz0WXcOGWUgQ6LWuh4i7kjsxUUb5mhpozi_O92_gqrCsSEzXpdR0N7OdODP_3R3kOv1K529izbvP6NGFmzxKMvXew/s1600/DSC03350.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZLErQVZlcnmrpNKBwuaRZ9gGIeRWunmK9CKBnFKwZKYKcqzZmV9tzys9-MyLajAACPq51O6hfuWpMAA1AAb_2jEBMP1wBg5HdMHSwFF_fsCzvQnWKNXdNWzSE_cMi1TI44lc9XqilCo/s1600/DSC03372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZLErQVZlcnmrpNKBwuaRZ9gGIeRWunmK9CKBnFKwZKYKcqzZmV9tzys9-MyLajAACPq51O6hfuWpMAA1AAb_2jEBMP1wBg5HdMHSwFF_fsCzvQnWKNXdNWzSE_cMi1TI44lc9XqilCo/s1600/DSC03372.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It takes us about 1-2 hours to do all of our 10 goats.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This routine of hoof trimming happens about every 3-4 months. Besides our everyday interaction with our goats this is also a good time for me to examine them for any cuts or lumps. I can also take the time to administer any medications or vaccines. I keep all records in a notebook. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SrfX4OPNInM8IRv1YUxlyWJEGyr4jy-sDLmG89G5LqOozf84YfF8Y4bD0nfO4fwVp0PIwN-ACyxaWtztC1yQz5O11v5O_kI5IAb1hVwfq-qTS8gaioifwpndg7ZtIVWXFE1r6TPa4I4/s1600/DSC03348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SrfX4OPNInM8IRv1YUxlyWJEGyr4jy-sDLmG89G5LqOozf84YfF8Y4bD0nfO4fwVp0PIwN-ACyxaWtztC1yQz5O11v5O_kI5IAb1hVwfq-qTS8gaioifwpndg7ZtIVWXFE1r6TPa4I4/s1600/DSC03348.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLtyP3slm_Ifhi3MCXlxpWeBq1ixQgbPLiFTJ83sirEyvdcjLgznGs2X-dMeuq1rrfUkUkeAsf5FVOS8XnHR8AsxIs8N151HN9kesOezyheDZ89PjXowQ8z6PmZjXyX-akpgNv3eP7Zs/s1600/DSC03349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLtyP3slm_Ifhi3MCXlxpWeBq1ixQgbPLiFTJ83sirEyvdcjLgznGs2X-dMeuq1rrfUkUkeAsf5FVOS8XnHR8AsxIs8N151HN9kesOezyheDZ89PjXowQ8z6PmZjXyX-akpgNv3eP7Zs/s1600/DSC03349.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob makes sure to inspect<br />for any splitting or rot. </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For the actual hoof trimming one needs a scrub brush, hoof trimmers (they look like small hedge scissors) and a sharp knife or razor. Rob is much more skilled at trimming than I am . . . so it has become his job. When your on a homestead it is just more efficient to find out who is best at what and that job becomes theirs. We each learn the others job though just in case of any absence or illness. My daughter and I usually do the daily milking but everyone in our homestead has learned and can milk if needed. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOltVcCGKYYPyVfEJcpUxwfviJ8Zf4W1dWzI19zvAPfPhjt2hjihiF1yGBlpEvjyosmkucqeqkTLeeyzm8n3I8ut1AvA2JnpfZzRW8Qsmf0lbMiVO16Gv8ZzP3CUkyUJUR4uU1FW_JRRI/s1600/DSC03401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOltVcCGKYYPyVfEJcpUxwfviJ8Zf4W1dWzI19zvAPfPhjt2hjihiF1yGBlpEvjyosmkucqeqkTLeeyzm8n3I8ut1AvA2JnpfZzRW8Qsmf0lbMiVO16Gv8ZzP3CUkyUJUR4uU1FW_JRRI/s1600/DSC03401.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After.<br />It looks good and the goat feels better walking.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If a goat's hoofs become to long or something is caught under the overgrowth it can irritate the goat and make for difficult walking.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTyvXS7EhEvWKB1KQH3Ri_k-8oBmsJfzyhFZnfDnDta-muufuEYkAOxp7G8WbrU5rmgQHR2hBNhV2-kjLUv5iNhkZefa4qbfVjjLwOP8ZJn3PJW2bEOdZ_dAZ4a4d-7tz38rlwcI3Wkw/s1600/DSC01639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTyvXS7EhEvWKB1KQH3Ri_k-8oBmsJfzyhFZnfDnDta-muufuEYkAOxp7G8WbrU5rmgQHR2hBNhV2-kjLUv5iNhkZefa4qbfVjjLwOP8ZJn3PJW2bEOdZ_dAZ4a4d-7tz38rlwcI3Wkw/s1600/DSC01639.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisy is happy with her pedicure!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is well worth a couple of hours every few months to be sure you have a happy and healthy goat.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXI8SNuMjUjtrK1nTncwJbtoVsid-r-2fpR-3pIAiZFb-eoRwlSTkJfTj4yQ_4FOP_X3lmd3CWKdVmVQMYIQgJL7sEFnseqpkDmfZ609sEGSuTdVL5fEyA8R3r4Zhd_mFZfoNfB2Ycg6I/s1600/DSC04531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXI8SNuMjUjtrK1nTncwJbtoVsid-r-2fpR-3pIAiZFb-eoRwlSTkJfTj4yQ_4FOP_X3lmd3CWKdVmVQMYIQgJL7sEFnseqpkDmfZ609sEGSuTdVL5fEyA8R3r4Zhd_mFZfoNfB2Ycg6I/s320/DSC04531.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshly made lard.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Okay, so cut the fat are three words you would probably not hear from a homesteader unless they were actually telling you to cut up fat. Yes, cut it into small cubes to put in the crock pot. Rendering your own lard is pretty awesome.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7yK0XcqrFH-RlgKxBjXD5nzeC21Wd6kIZsEP2Gskf4KistwR_uP3WFfT7KpmTm6ZKcr_GwlO6oFeKAMDuAqpYtSG8Dcl0umsOZH5iOs2gApce5KhovvGP-ywb1jkvFHp-X7PZeQjGuw/s1600/DSC04313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7yK0XcqrFH-RlgKxBjXD5nzeC21Wd6kIZsEP2Gskf4KistwR_uP3WFfT7KpmTm6ZKcr_GwlO6oFeKAMDuAqpYtSG8Dcl0umsOZH5iOs2gApce5KhovvGP-ywb1jkvFHp-X7PZeQjGuw/s320/DSC04313.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Now, some people may have friends in high or low places but I have friends in farm places. I'm talking about my friend Steph at </span><a href="http://tomcovafarm.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tomcova Farm</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. I have lots of goat milk around here, but good quality pork and fat are not easy to find. I asked if she was interested in bartering soap/milk for fat that I could render into lard. This is good lard not the nasty stuff sold in stores. She insisted just letting me have the pig fat she had in her freezer. Much obliged!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was so happy because these pigs are raised in a healthy way with no antibotics or steriods. They interact with a whole family of kids. I know their life was great before they became the yummy meal later. This is where I want my food to come from. When the lard that I use is not hydrogenated I feel a whole lot better cooking/baking with it. It can be used in pastries, biscuits, frying stuff and of course I use it in soap making. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaD75Xi-bRA3ZxjDR1nFvaqO5p0McjFum3nOfQuA79-Bi4okdtGxcVrfMv-R_aCqDL_MD8APS1UshfoVlZyZKrHMq6h_ngzX7Vp4QXrTbEiSRUF0LkIlXv8NKiThuglW1zIGfPGWhbCaU/s1600/DSC04314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaD75Xi-bRA3ZxjDR1nFvaqO5p0McjFum3nOfQuA79-Bi4okdtGxcVrfMv-R_aCqDL_MD8APS1UshfoVlZyZKrHMq6h_ngzX7Vp4QXrTbEiSRUF0LkIlXv8NKiThuglW1zIGfPGWhbCaU/s320/DSC04314.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The rendering process is actually quit simple. If you have a crock pot and some pig fat you can do this at home too! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The first thing I did was leave the pig fat mostly frozen (only partially thawed- for easier cutting). I cut the fat into cubes. I placed just a small amount of water at the bottom of my crock pot (to prevent initial sticking). I then put the fat cubes into the crock pot. After my crock pot was full I put it on the low setting. My low setting worked perfect but I have read to be careful that your crock pot does not run to high or low. You want the fat to start melting but you do not want to cook it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I went to bed quite late that night so I left it for at least 6 hours before checking it in the morning. When I woke up and checked it it looked like clear yellowish liquid floating on top. Most of the cubes had started to sink. I drained the liquid with a spoon and poured it through a strainer into a jar. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After I removed all the possible liquid I put the crock pot lid back on and repeated this process. Each time the small cubes got smaller and browner. I ended up filling 3 quart sized jars and 1 pint. We were left with all the little golden bits at the bottom. Of course I could not resist myself. We fried them up and made crackling. Yum. Sorry no pics of that . . . I guess I'll have to do another post the next batch of lard I render. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I stored it in the refrigerator which should keep well for at least a year. You can also freeze it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If your interested in rendering your own lard I hope this helped!</span><br />
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