An Ending - A Beginning

Oh I really hope March is nicer to me than February has been.  I am feeling the effects of winter dragging on and on; along with all the rain we've had in Georgia.  Mud.  There's plenty of that down on the farm.
It has also been a busy month with life and new farm adventures!
Here is a quick review:

It has been many years since I have had to make and send Valentines to Elementary school.  Bear had fun with my old scrapbook supplies and some brand new construction paper making family cards.  My daughter, Leah, would tell you that I never allowed her to play with my punches.  Funny how different my parenting skills are with 26 years "experience".  ;-)
There have been several additions to our little farm -

A bottle fed calf, we've named ButterCup.  She is a full size jersey.  Did I mention you have to feed her a bottle twice a day?  Um, yeah.
There are also four rabbits...

This is BuckaLoo meeting Max.  BuckaLoo is really BIG!  He also has three girlfriends, one of which we named iHop.  Get it?  Yeah, we are silly sometimes.  We expect BuckaLoo to produce us Easter Cadberry eggs, like on TV.  I'm not getting my hopes up.  However, the man that sold them to us told us a week after that BuckaLoo had broken out of his cage and was found courting the ladies the week before.  So we will probably have baby bunnies here soon.  Wish it would have been in time to sell them for Easter!

Since February is the month of love, and Buckaloo got his lovings, we decided to hook Rosie up with a steady boyfriend.

Sultan is a registered mini jersey bull and he traveled from Colorado just to meet the cow of his dreams.  They plan to settle down right here in Georgia on the farm.  He is full of personality and isn't intimidated one bit by his much taller girlfriend.

Thanks to all the wonderful rain, it's muddy and messy around the barn.  We figured we might as well take our Saturday bath a bit early.  The Farmer tried making up old fashioned lye soap this month.

Since this was our first run, I am waiting to see how well it works.  If it cleans, then I may put together a little tutorial for the rest of you folks.  Cause I know all the snow and rain have left things messy in other parts of the country too.  Time for Spring Cleaning soon!

The Farm has become a clearing house of sorts for animals, seems we have some shared baby chicks in the barn.  We 'babysat' 400 ducks a few nights and now there are 3 dwarf goats looking for another home.

That's it for this month, bring on March. We are ready for spring!

Christmas down on the Farm

Merry Christmas from the farm! 

On the front porch an old sleigh found in the barn, dusted off and holds my fresh cut wreath with a simple bow.

Our Christmas tree is decked again this year with my $20 worth of decorations made four years ago, plus 2 new special ornaments Bear made at PreK, hand-print Rudolphs.  The rustic nature theme fits for the farm house.

Our mantel keeps the nature theme with more large pine cones.  The only new items purchased this year are the 2 tiny wreaths (from the Dollar Tree) and the adorable snowflake garland (Target, $4).   The stockings are not hung here because it's been cold in Georgia and we are using the fireplace.  Nice and cozy.

I've been enjoying my time off from the University.  We finished up our shopping early last week and I've had time to soak in the spirit.  We've had fun here too.  Last week with Bear's little PreK party where we made tiny gingerbread houses (the base is a milk carton! Love that idea.)

Then kicked off our holiday weekend on Saturday morning with a North Pole Breakfast, compliments of Sam, our Elf on the Shelf.

I have spent time in the barn with our little jersey calf, AnnaBelle.

As I sat rubbing her head the other night, I thought of the song, Away in the Manger.  What it must have been like for Mary to give birth to Jesus in a stable.  

 My wish for each of you is to enjoy the next few days surrounded by those that love you.  May your days be Merry and Bright!

Are you in Holiday Hell?

Why is it that the most wonderful time of the year usually leaves us feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, run down and over ran?  Because we allow it to happen.  

This past Sunday, Bear was an angel (how ironic) in the church children's Christmas program.  After they sang their little hearts out, the pastor spoke on Peace.  He even asked if there was anyone feeling a bit overwhelmed from trying to do it ALL?!  

THAT is when it HIT ME!  I do NOT have to 'do it all'.  That's right.  Go ahead and put me on your 'naughty' list if you must.  Or you can even call me Scrooge.

However, I've decided Christmas will come and go regardless if I miss a few activities.  It will still be Christmas morn even if I drastically shorten my Christmas shopping list and have decided that I really just can't get into the commercialism side of this holiday.  

Don't go freaking out on me yet!  We still decorated our Christmas tree, will be hanging the stockings and even have two small white trash blow ups outside the farm house (Santa and a Reindeer).  Bear also attended his 3rd annual local Christmas parade and visit with Santa.
Plus 'Sam' our Elf on the Shelf has arrived and is spreading a bit of elf antics.  He doesn't misbehave because what would that teach a 5 year old little boy?  Sam is enjoying the simple things in life too; like camping out under the tree.

Along with having a bit of elfish silliness.

Usually each year I have a huge list of crafty gifts to make for family and friends.  This year the list is shorter and simplified.  Unlike year's past where I have made many homemade/handmade gifts:  For 5 inexpensive ideas visit HERE, and a thrifty quick gift idea for anyone, then there are also the bit more time involved projects of last Christmas.  
Today is my last day of work for 2012.  I am lucky that I work at a local University where I will have a week's vacation and a week of holidays.  So next week there will be a bit of baking and crafting going on at the farm.  Along with attending the Christmas party at Bear's school.   
The difference for me this year is that I have given myself permission to not feel the pressure of doing it all by deciding that less really IS more.  Also, slowing down to enjoy the experiences we choose to participate in.  I do not want to be in Holiday Hell.  
I can go sit in the barn with AnnaBelle (our jersey calf) and reflect on what it must have been like for Mary to give birth in a stable surrounding by animals.  Maybe I should get the family together, along with hot chocolate...go to the barn with Rosie (the jersey milk cow), her calf, chickens, turkeys and barn kitty to share the real Christmas story.  Sounds like a wonderful family night to me, far removed from the hustle and bustle!

“Focus is often a matter of deciding what things you’re not going to do.” – John Carmack

Want to read more of Mom's doing less and enjoying more this season?
Visit with Jules over at Pancakes & French Fries or Rita with her post on Celebrating a Simply Holiday.

How are you finding more PEACE this holiday season?

Today I am GrateFULL

I am surrounded by people that truly love me unconditionally.
I am RICH beyond measure.  Not by the amount in my bank account or the idea set by society.
I LOVE my life down on the farm.  (You can read about that at my other blog at Southern Sunflower Seeds)
I am thankful for each of you that read and stop in.  I hope you and your family enjoy all the little things in life that bring joy today and when you count your blessings you find them in abundance.

What are you grateful for today?

School Routines and Meal Planning

Two years ago, my daughter graduated High School and I thought those good ole school years were gone.  Over were the School Open House nights, Teacher Conferences, homework, forgetting lunch money and filling out TONS of paperwork.  Not to mention band practice, soccer practice, swim practice...football games, soccer games  and swim meets.  I really was OK with experiencing partial empty nesting and quiet evenings.  Until this year.  I am 47 and have a child in Pre-K.  For those that haven't read along, I am raising my nephew.  He has lived with us since May 2011.  We affectionately call him 'Booger Bear'.  Which wasn't because he picks his nose.  But he does, as all little kids do.  Ewww.
So we attended the Open House and have the customary first day of school photos; along with the first day of school paperwork pile.

We called daycare, 'school', because when Bear arrived his 3 sisters already all attended regular school (they live with other family).  We thought calling daycare 'school' would help Bear adjust to moving from in home day care to a structured day care center with other children.  Being excited then helped.  He was even more excited this year.  He is now in "big boy school", as he calls it; along with several of his friends from daycare.

Last week we also had first day of classes at the University where I work.  To say our August has been complete mayhem would be an understatement!  Meal planning has also suffered.  So it's time to reel in the mayhem.  I've planned and shopped today.  It's solid.  And our meals are hopefully designed to keep me out of the kitchen, more than in it.  Bear comes home ready for supper!

My meal planning is only for supper.  Bear eats breakfast and lunch at school.  I am brown bagging lunches in an effort to save a few pennies, because parking is at premium spaces only before 8am and because I really need to drop a few pounds.  Laying off the fast food is best for that! We don't have access to a great microwave, so here is what my brown bag lunches consist of:
- Chicken Salad Sandwiches, with fruit (banana or apple) and a small amount of chips.
- Tuna salad (made with mayo and sliced chucks of Golden Delicious apples) with mini Club crackers.
- Turkey sandwiches, fruit and chips.
- Pasta salad

For Supper this week we are having:

Sunday - Field peas, cornbread; served with homemade salsa
Monday - Leftovers with mac n cheese
Tuesday - Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken, served over rice (new recipe)
Wednesday -  Leftovers
Thursday - Crockpot Baked Potato Bar served with steamed broccoli
Friday - Sloppy Joes with sweet tater fries

How is your school routine?  What's for supper?

Merry Country Christmas!

As we simply celebrate today with family and loved ones; I want to wish each and everyone of you far and wide a magical Merry Country Christmas from our Farm to your Home. 

(my three - my daughter, my oldest son and our new addition, my nephew, who I have permanent custody and is now our 'youngest' babe).
It has been a very magical and exciting season for us all, as we have enjoyed having Bear as a new addition to our family.  He is a delightful child, amazed by all the wonders he hasn't had the opportunity to experience in such a manner before this year.
There has been a whirlwind of activities building up to the big day:

Our 'Elf on the Shelf' arrived December 1st to Bear's delight and kept us on our toes all month
with frolics and play.  You can read about 'Sam' and his adventures in my two previous posts of Elf on the Shelf Fun part 1 and part 2.
We attended the local Christmas Parade where we saw Santa!

and enjoyed rides to see the lights.

Bear had a fun play date making his own gingerbread house.

We made Christmas crafts:

Snow globes with 'magic' no melt snow.

Ornament, made at 'school' which is really daycare, but don't tell Bear.

and tiny trees.
We've read Christmas stories, attended family gatherings, sang carols and even received a special video from Santa himself!
Today we enjoy staying home wrapped up in the love of family.
Again,

Christmas Cake

It's time to bake my 'famous' Christmas cake.

I've shared this recipe before in 2008 on my blog.  However, I thought it might be time to bring it back.

My family INSISTS that I don't show up for our family Christmas gathering without this cake.

I think I could forget their gifts, but not this cake.  Ha!

Here is my original post:

Several years ago while working on a company employee newsletter I came upon a cake recipe. I made it that year for Christmas. The actual recipe is called It Won't Last Cake. However, I renamed it the Christmas Cake because my dear sister has asked that it be her 'gift' every year since! My brother in law loves it too. I am posting the photo of the cake, which I will be making again this week to take to sis's house for our Christmas get together. It is easy and is like a spice cake or banana bread. Very moist and even goes great with coffee in the mornings. 

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cups vegetable oil

3 cups white sugar (regular sugar)

1 cup crushed pineapples (with juice)

2 cups mashed bananas

1 cup chopped pecans (I usually use about 1/2 cup)

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup maraschino cherries (OPTIONAL) 

Directions: 

Grease and flour a 9 or 10 inch bundt pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together. (optional: adding one cup maraschino cherries to mixture makes a nice fruit cake.) Pour into prepared bundt pan. Bake for about 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees. Do not over bake.This cake is VERY moist and easy to make. I have never added the cherries. Not a big fan of fruit cake. It does bake up 'brown' due to the cinnamon and bananas. Hope you enjoy it!  It's a FAV of my family.

Happy Halloween!

We enjoyed trunk-n-treating.

Booger Bear went as "Cowboy" Wild Will.

There were games...

to show off his mighty 'shooting' skills.

Plus a bit of kid lassoing.

Then a bit of neighbor door knocking...

for a full bag of Halloween treats!

We hope you had a wonderful Halloween.

Cowboy UP in the Barn Birthday Party

Warning:  Photo over load!

A special little boy turns 4 tomorrow!  This weekend Booger Bear rounded up his buckaroos for a Cowboy Birthday party out in our barn.  

Everyone was welcomed 'Down on the Farm' by our friendly scarecrow guarding the gate.

Outside the barn, all the tiny girls and boys were invited to 'Cowboy UP' with hats, bandannas and sheriff badges. ('cow' balloons are from Hobby Lobby)

I kept the theme red and blue throughout.  With big plastic $1 bowls from Wal-mart, clearance plastic table clothes, red napkins, spoons/forks in mason jars and barn animal bowls from the Dollar General.

Kid friendly 'Chuck Wagon' food was served:  hot dogs, chili, tater salad, slaw, chips with Sweet Tea and Lemonade.  The Wild West sign is from Hobby Lobby (set of 2 for 5 bucks).

Here is the only full shot of the tables.  Oops!

I used lanterns and mason jars for the table decorations and brought Booger Bears tiny picnic table out for his 'special' guest seating.

While waiting on everyone to arrive, the kids played a pumpkin bean bag toss game (Target), chased bubbles in the barn yard and fed treats to the horses.  Treat bags for guests were paper lunch sacks filled with kid friendly 'trail mix' and miniature cowboys.

I had to include this because "Mr. Rooster" and Oreo, the farm dog were both guests along with the 33 other family, friends and neighbors!  It's a REAL working barn ya'll. ;-)

My sister snapping a shot in the photo op saddle by the stalls.

Except for the young lady in pink, the other girls are Booger Bear's sisters, who attended his celebration.  I call this the Ice Cream & Cake Crew.  The BEST thing I did was serve individual ice cream cups.  No mess!

Booger Bear was figuring out how to turn on the sword!  He was blessed with toys and such a grateful little boy.

After lunch, birthday cake and opening gifts everyone hopped on an old fashion Hay ride around the country roads.

After everyone gave good bye hugs, we had one little tuckered out Cowboy (me too!).

A good time was had by all!  He is loved MUCH.  We are blessed to have a village surrounding us as we try to provide a home as guardians of this adorable loving child.

Booger Bear said the BEST part of the day were the presents (go figure!), Hay ride and COWBOYS!

Have you ever tossed a party in a barn?

Linking in these great blog parties: