Sunday, March 26, 2017

Farm Updates

One of our chickens went broody. That means she is sitting on a nest of eggs and wants to be a momma. We are always soo excited when this happens. We put our other baby chick's in with her hoping she will mother them too. 

We are in the middle of painting our barn red. We were blessed to build this barn about 2 years ago. We have it for our chickens and for storage. Maybe other farm animals will come, but for now this is the intention. 

We built it for about $400. We used lumber from a lumber yard that was rough cut. My husband and dad built it saVing a bunch. 

It was black before, but who doesn't love a bright red barn. I can't wait to plant flowers and add a big barn star to the side. 


I will update again after my husband finishes it up today. He has worked hard. 


Happy Monday!
John Sloane artwork

Monday, March 13, 2017

Raising Roosters


We have around 20 hens. We had the same rooster for about 3 years and then something got him a few months ago. It's amazing to see how the rooster would rather be killed himself, than to see his girls touched. 

What an amazing trait they carry.  


So we were needing a new rooster to go with our girls. We asked our neighbors if they had any to spare. They said yes. 

So my husband came home with one. He is white and beautiful. He mentioned they had many more and we're locked up very tight. Well, my chicken heart was hurting and I sent kevin back to get another. I guses I'm a chicken rescue lady haha. 

So now we have 2 roosters. If you've ever had more than one rooster you know what's to come. 

They fight. It's not pretty. 

My boys came in yelling "mom, mom come quick they are bleeding!". I ran out (with curlers in my hair) while trying to get ready for church and yes they were fighting for blood. 

However, fast forward to a month later. They are dealing with each other much better. I wouldn't say they are best of friends but they are sharing the girls. 



So, if you are caught up in rooster troube my advice is to give it time. The boys were praying for them to get along. It was so cute. 

Have you had any rooster trouble? 

I love hearing them crow and the crowing has doubled and I love that. 

This weekend we plan to paint our barn RED! I can't wait. 


Blessings, Stacy

Saturday, March 11, 2017

Preparing your garden

Spring will be here in just 7 days. March 20th it will officially be spring. 

Depending on where you live, it is starting to either feel like Spring or still winter. Whatever the case, Spring is coming. I always feel so appreciative for the warmer weather afree our winters. 

How are you preparing for your garden? What are some ways you are planning, saving, and preparing for one of the best ways to eat healthy. By having your own food grown right on your homestead. 

Each year we get better and smarter with our garden. Here in WV we have a lot of red clay and rock in our dirt. So here is our plan for 2027. 

1. Bring in cow manure from a farm down the road and spread it all over the garden. DONE!!

2. Borrow our uncles huge tiller and till the garden really good. 

3. Make a list of each type of vegetable we want to plant and how many of each. 

4. Put in cross ties at the bottom of the garden to help raise the beds. This will keep the compost and manure up in the garden I stead of it getting washed down the hill. 

5. Save up some $$$ for the plants. 

6. At the right time begin planting. Then Fertilize, fertilize, fertilize. Let the spring rain that will be coming do its work. 

I think making the list of what vegetables you want is key. Many years we just go to buy plants with no real plan in mind and end up buying too much or not enough. Set a budget and list out your vegetables. Ask everyone in your home what is their favorites. 

When we took a trip last summer to the Amish country in Ohio I admired so much their gardens. The women worked so hard on them. It is the woman's job to keep the garden along with the house. 

They would also plant flowers in their garden area and it was so pretty. I think I'll try that this year. 

Are you preparing for a garden? I am getting so excited to be outdoors and planting. 

Happy Monday! 

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Spring Days

We are having some spring Days here in WV. Yesterday was around 63 and today will be 68. This sure does cure cabin fever for a bit.

The boys and I enjoy being outside. They have been building a fort house, and playing in the creek. Such fun for little boys.

Our chickens are starting to really lay good again now that the weather has been warmer.

We have around 15 baby chick's so far and have plans to get a few every month. This will keep the raising of chick's going, and continue to produce new egg layers when fall comes.

I love these warmer spring days.

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Control

Are any of you ruled by control? You want it to be your way and your way only?


I am working on this. It is an area of weakness. My boys will help with the dishes, and then I go behind them because I like it my way. Why? Control.


I have to let go. Let God have the control. Not me.


Have you heard the new sing from Natalie Grant "King of the World"? 

I'm going to post the lyrics below. If you have not heard the song, it is beautiful.



I try to put you in the box that I've designed
I try to pull you down so we are eye to eye

When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world?
I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world
How could I make you so small
When you're the one who holds it all
When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world

Just a whisper of your voice can tame the seas
So who am I to try to take the lead
Still I run ahead and think I'm strong enough
When you're the one who made me from the dust

When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world?
I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world
How could I make you so small
When you're the one who holds it all
When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world

Ohhhh, you set it all in motion
Every single moment
You brought it all to be
And you're holding on to me

When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world?
I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world
How could I make you so small
When you're the one who holds it all
When did I forget you've always been the king of the world
You will always be the king of the world



Friday, March 3, 2017

Waiting Chickens

Almost every evening we have guests who come to our back porch to see if it's dinner time. They sure do know their time.
They wait by the back glass doors on the porch hoping for a scrap or two.
They love when fruit have gone bad.
Ohh, and bread. They love anything made with bread. Chickens are my favorite animal to watch. My husband will say "How did the chickens get out?" and he will look my way. He knows that I have went down to collect eggs, and let them out to scratch and peck. I love watching them roam over the land. That is why we have them afterall. :)
We read to give them a small amount of Cheyenne pepper in their water when they aren't laying well. This keeps the insides of their bodies warm from the winter and they lay better. We began to do this and have gotten many many more eggs.
How are your chickens doing if you have them? Do they act like dogs waiting for scraps?

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Rainy Days

Storms and rain are in the forecast for all week here. The electric normally goes out, as we live in the country. 
My house duties are done by around 9:30, and the baby takes his morning nap around then.
So I read. I love to read. Amish novels are my favorite. 
Rainy days make reading even more enjoyable. 

This is the current novel I'm reading. So far, so good. I normally visit our local library once a week to keep up with my boys reading and mine. 


Who are your favorite authors? 

Also, what is your favorite reading topic?