Heard Around Here Lately....

Last night James decided he was going travel around the world. 

He packed a grocery sack full of the things he thought he would need.  He even packed paper clips because he heard that they were good for trading.  Apparently in India the folks will trade you a bar of gold for one paper clip.  Who knew that paper clips were in such demand in India?

He kissed me goodbye and started out the door at 7:30 pm.  He was outside for I don't know, maybe two minutes, when he came back in and said that his flight had been cancelled due to bad weather.

He hoped that the weather would be better the next morning.  (And I have a feeling the sun shining will make a difference in the "flight schedule" also.)

He got busy playing Legos and later he came to me and said,

"Mom, will you remind me to travel around the world in the morning?"

You know, just in case it slipped his mind.

Love that kid.

Books for Sale!

I have a ton of books for sale so I thought I would list them here.  If you are interested please leave a comment or send me an email and I will get back with you.  All prices include shipping to the continental US.

Apologia Exploring Creation with Physics, 2cd Edition.  Includes the Solutions and Tests along with a companion CD (still in the bubble wrap).  This is brand new and has never been used.  I won it on a blog and have been saving it to use with my oldest.  He has decided to do another science.  -$60.00

Rod and Staff Math 7.  Set includes the Teacher's Book, Student Text, Chapter Tests and Quizzes and Speed Tests.  Great condition except the the student text has fingernail polish on the back cover where she was painting her fingernails.  Imagine that. - $30.00

Abeka Science Earth and Space (grade 8)- good condition, $12.00

Rod and Staff Math 8- Teacher's Edition only $15.00

Abeka Math 5-Teacher's Edition-$12.00

Christian Light Publications Science 7-all 10 Light Units and Tests Included.  Light Unit 2 has some pencil marking but is still can be used. - $25.00

Christian Light Publications Language Arts 5 Light Units (504-510).  No tests included.  $8.00

Veritas Press New Testament, Greece, and Rome Teacher's Manual-I will send the pages without the binder to cut down on shipping.  - $8.00

Apologia Exploring Creation with Biology, 2cd edition, Textbook and Solutions and Tests, textbook has some highlighting-$50.00

 Prentice Hall Algebra 1- $15.00

Gustafson Frisk Intermediate Algebra-$15.00

Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science, with Solutions and Tests - $45.00

Glencoe Outline Map Resource Book -35 regional and world maps - $5.00

Everything will be sent Media Mail.

Well....

I made it through the first week without Tyler.
Abbie and I made it through Vacation Bible School, and we all know there is no tired like VBS tired.
I made it through the end of the American Heritage Girl year, where I had three very big events in three weeks.  Remind me not to do that ever again.
I made it through four hours at the doctor's office for camp checkups and immunizations. 
I made it through the end of the school year and now only have 11 more years to go, not that I'm counting or anything :).  


Now,

I nap. 

Oh, I wish.

Going to pick up Tyler in a little while.  I am going to get home, sit him on the couch and then stare at him for about an hour.  Then I will send him out in the yard to cut grass because hello, its summer.  And I will proceed to wash clothes like a mad woman to get him ready to leave again. 

Remember when you were seven and summers involved riding your bike all day, playing Monopoly, playing in the sprinkler, and only going inside to get another popsicle?  I like that seven year old version of summer, the 41 year old version is kicking me in the rump.

 Mom, can I move back in, just for the summer????

A Slow & Steady...

Decline.

A decline is just a nice Southern way to tell someone that she is about to have a nervous breakdown.  A "decline" just sounds so much more gentile and delicate, doesn't it?

Why the gloom and doom?

Because of this child. 

He is leaving me.  For seven weeks.  To work at Boy Scout summer camp.  He will be coming home on Saturday nights, but no matter.  That does not cancel out the other six nights he will be gone. 

He will be a camp counselor and while this will be a great opportunity for him, it will be a very long summer for me and his dad. 

I know these things are supposed to happen. We are preparing him to slowly leave our nest, but good grief, it hurts.  It actually hurts.  I have cried a little so far, but I have a feeling when I see that truck pulling out of the driveway Saturday morning the waterfall will start. 

In other exciting news, we have a frog in our bathroom.  I can hear him croaking, but we can't find him.  I checked the toilet because heaven help me if I am indisposed and that frog pops out of that toilet.  I might never recover. 

Tyler thinks he is in the wall behind the shower.  Lovely. 

Heard Around Here Lately....

We are trying to wrap up our spring curriculum and yesterday I asked the children what they felt they had learned this school year.

I got two responses that hopefully were jokes, one blank stare, and this gem,

"I learned that math is even more boring than I ever could have imagined."  

Well then.  

Freezer Friday....

I haven't done a Freezer Friday post in awhile because I haven't been cooking and freezing anything.  I feel like I have barely been cooking.  I have been out of the house everyday this week and it is showing.  So today, we are having "Catch Up" day and am determined to get things in order around here.  Which means that right about now a child is feeling sick to their stomach or is stepping on a nail which will require a doctor visit.

But, back to the freezer...

The word for the week here is MILK.  Beatrice is supplying us with two quarts each morning and I am trying to use it up.  Trying is the second word of the week.

I have made 48 blueberry cream muffins and most of them went into the freezer and about 30 waffles. Some of them went into the freezer as many of them went onto my children's plates as soon as they came off the iron.  And I made a huge banana pudding that we ate like it was going out of style.

So, Matt just brought in another two quarts.  Any ideas of things I can make with milk????

And...

this morning Streak and Annabelle are heading out to their new adventure at McKibbon Farms.  Can't wait to hear all about their new life there.  Although I am really going to miss seeing little Streak bouncing around our yard. 

For Your Laugh Of The Morning....

One of the funniest, and most true, things I have ever read.

The Mammogram, from Motherhood and Muffin Tops.

Thanks BooMama!

Real Cowboys....

Real Cowboys

help their moms strain milk early in the morning.

Just because I really really like em....

Our Biggest Homesteading Fail To Date....

Life on our little hobby farm is generally wonderful.  Really.  It is hard work, but offers many great rewards.  So many that I can't name them all and we are experiencing new ones all the time. 

But.

Matt and Tyler have been raising a new batch of chickens in order to increase their egg business.  They chicks were about two months old and the boys have faithfully taken care of them in this unusually cold weather.  We finally felt they were old enough to stay out in the henhouse/coop area instead of taking them in and out of the workshop each night. 

Well, we were wrong. 

You know that old saying, "She doesn't have sense enough to come in out of the rain?" 

Well, our chicks didn't.

They stood out in the freezing rain Monday night (instead of going into the easily accessable henhouse), and when Matt went out there Tuesday morning eighteen of the twenty were dead. 

Apparently you have to lock them up in the henhouse the first few nights so they can "learn" to get in out of the rain. 

So, in true farm fashion, we will start again. 

I guess we will always be learning something new, and in this case we learned that chickens are very stupid.

Spring Around Here....

Finally this week we have seen some warmer weather, and even though I never thought I would EVER say this, it is not nearly warm enough for me.  I am cold or chilly ALL the time.  But I have a feeling I will be changing my tune when July rolls around. 

We have had lots of wet weather, but things are growing, including the children.  My Tyler is about to be 16.  Its truly one of those things I can't comprehend.  Tyler, as an infant, did not believe in sleep.  He fought it every step of the way, so you can imagine how tired Mark and I were.  I realize now he was just one of those babies who did not need super-long naps and early bedtimes.  On those nights when we were up four or five times a night 16 seemed a long way off.  And now it is here.  And he is making up for all the lost sleep now. 

Colleen is growing a lot.  She is much more timid and shy than Streak was and prefers her mom over us anytime.  Beatrice is feeding her well and giving us about a quart of milk a day now.  Matt is an expert milker and I am trying.

Someone appears to be grumpy here.

George the Rabbit is excited about spring.  New fresh greens everyday.

Yeti the Dog is just excited about anything.  His barking is driving us all crazy.

Streak is still growing and is still my most favorite little animal ever.  He is waiting for his new home to be ready and then he will move on to greener pastures. 

And these bunnies are just plain ole cute.  I think they look like little lions. 

What's growing at your house this spring?

Our First Milking....

We tried to milk Annabelle, our first momma goat, but it didn't work out for many reasons.  But today, with Beatrice we had success.

Our first milk from our little farm.

As Matt was looking at it he said, "There's two years of hard work in that half a quart of milk." 

And there is.  And that's good. 

Today it was good to see the reward. 

So thankful that I got to see Matt's face as his hard work came to fruition.  I love that boy.


Now, to learn how to make some soap....

Meet Colleen, the new Lil Bit...

It seems it doesn't matter what I name the goats, or any little thing here at Clark Acres, it gets called Lil Bit anyway.  And it fits.  Because Colleen is the tiniest cutest thing ever.

She was born yesterday in the early afternoon as we all went about our business of being sick and laying around watching TV and reading.  Sinuses and the flu hit us just in time for spring break to begin.  I went to the doctor Saturday praying I had strep throat.  I knew if it was strep I could get some medicine, rest Sunday, and by Monday be up and ready to go.  ha.  It was the flu.  So, it is dragging itself along and just when I think I might feel better I realize I really don't.  Three children are dealing with sinus issues and we sound like hacking machines here.

But, back to Colleen.  Even though Beatrice, the mom-goat, had a nice warm stall with new pine shavings, fresh water and privacy, she choose to have Colleen out in the mud and dirty hay on a cold windy day.  And all the other goats got to see it and it totally freaked them out.  I mean, the old grandaddy goat was beside himself trying to figure out what was going on.

We moved her and baby into her warm stall and waited to see if there might be a second one, but nope, just Colleen.  We were hoping for twin girls, but we will sure take her.  She seems to be healthy and is bonding and nursing well with mom.  Last night she and mom got to sleep with the woodstove warming them and when I went to check on her this morning she was toasty warm.    Love me some baby goats.

She is our C goat in that I am naming all our female goats in alphabetical order and using old-fashioned names because I love them so much. 

Heard Around Here Lately....

I am trying to decide on a new hairstyle and have several pinned on Pinterest.  I was studying them this morning and one of my offspring walked by.  I grabbed said offspring and said,

"I'm thinking about getting a haircut.  What do you think about this one?" 

The child studied me and then studied the picture, studied some more, and then said,

"Well, it looks good on her."  

Thank you dear, thank you.

Whoopie!

Streak, the baby goat, has a new home and I couldn't be happier with his new situation.  And, they will not be able to get him for another month, so he can hang around here with us for a little longer.  We were having to decide if we were going to sell him at market (where he would most likely end up being someone's dinner) if no one took him.  We will gladly goat-

sit for another month for him to be able to go to a great home. 

And by the way, we are small scale, very small scale farmers, so we know the ultimate fate of most farm animals.  As a matter of fact I have our rooster in our freezer right now just waiting to be made into chicken and dumplings.  The rooster attacked Abbie everytime she went in the coop and one day I just decided enough was enough.  So he is now named Dumpling.

I believe fully that animals are animals and that humans are humans created in the image of God and there is an enormous distinction there.  We are put here to rule over creation and the management of animals and our food supply is part of that job.  Believe me, if my children were hungry all those farm animals would be butchered in a heart beat. 

But, all that to say, in a way I had not expected I grew very fond of Streak.  I do not believe animals have souls, but I know they have personalities and this particular personality won me over.  I think it was because he was the first.  Beatrice, another mommy goat is due any day now, and I am determined not to get so attached, particularly if it is a boy as we will have to give him up also.  We are praying for twin girls, which would be the ideal situation. 

So, all that to say, Streak has a wonderful family that will care for him, and I am a happy MamaHen.

What We've Been Up To...

Scouting, Baby Chicks, Baby Goats, Musicals, school, camping, planning, cleaning, organizing, getting ready for new baby goats.  There were about two weeks where I didn't know if I was coming or going.  I don't want to jinx things, but it seems the next two weeks should be pretty calm as far as the driving around the world goes.  And if we are home school things run better.  And if school things run better than we can get more done outside, and on and on and on.  I cannot believe its time to start thinking about the garden. 

Here's the story....

Of a husband and wife on their 20th Valentine's Day Together...

She will get up early and fool around on the computer and blogs for awhile and then she will wake him up.  She will fix him eggs and bacon as he gets dressed and then they will have coffee together before he leaves.  As they talk she will remember the Valentine's Day 20 years ago when they took a day road trip together.  They had just gotten engaged and had big hopes and dreams and couldn't wait to share them together.

He lays a box of Valentine candy by the kid's pillows as they sleep and tells them he loves them.  He then shows he loves them by heading out the door.  They kiss goodbye as he heads out to work.  In the cold.  In a truck where the window won't roll up and there are a thousand other things to pay for before he can get the window fixed.  So he bundles up and heads out on a boring commute to a job where he deals with irate customers throughout the day.  He will diligently deal with them and fix their problems.  He will call her a couple to times to check in on her, the children, and the animals and then have to go abruptly because another mad customer is calling on the other line.  At the end of the work day he will drive home, cold again, and try to make the switch from worker to husband and daddy. 

After the kiss, she will head to the shower and try to tug on her mom jeans as she wonders again "Are these a little tighter than before?"  She will fix oatmeal and start to wake the kids up.  She tells everyone "Happy Valentine's Day."  She watches and smiles as her youngest is delighted with the Candy Scavenger Hunt his older sister set out for him the night before.

A couple of spelling tests, some Ancient Greece readings, an ant lapbook, checking to make sure Algebra homework is done.  A little praising, a little fussing about chores done well or not done at all.  Its payday so bills are paid.  Groceries are bought.  Three boys need haircuts before church on Sunday. 

She takes her daughter to a church Valentine's Party and watches as she be-bops inside the door.  So happy to be with her friends.  And she smiles to herself because her daughter is so happy.  And then her heart hurts a little because she knows that one day one of those friends will hurt her and betray her.  Its going to happen.  She will probably do it to one of her friends.  Its a life to be lived.  But the momma's heart actually feels like it will crumble thinking of it. 

The oldest son doesn't necessarily want to sit with the youngest while she looks for school books at the library, but he does it.  It gives him some time to stare at his ipod.  And she thinks about who he is texting and why he has that silly little smile on his face and her heart is happy because he is smiling and sad because one of these days that smile is going to steal some young ladies heart.  And he will start to have his own hopes and dreams with her. 

And the middle son brings her another book about more animals he thinks we should have on our farm.  And she smiles and her heart is happy because he is such a big dreamer and such a big doer and she knows he is going to do something that will knock the socks off of people, but all that will mean he will need to go out and do it apart from her.  As it should be, but hard for the momma that loves him so.

She will check her facebook throughout the day for a message from him.  Something funny that will remind her of the laughter they have shared over the silly sci-fi shows they have watched.  And she will smile and look at the clock to see how much longer until he can leave work.

And they will come home and eat a supper together and wait for him to come home and he will get the leftovers, meager as they are after two teenage boys have descended upon it.  Daughter will talk his ears off about the Valentine's Party and describe every detail of everything that happened.  And youngest son will settle into the crook of his arm and they will watch Survivor Man together and discuss what he "should have done."  And her heart will swell at the picture and she tries to place it in her memories.

The children will go to bed and she will turn on a silly, non-sensible tv show, and will settle down under her cuddly blanket. He will fool around on his i-pad and she will fall asleep.  When he goes to bed he will try to wake her up and she will either smile or be very grouchy, he never knows.  Its a gamble every night.

And they wake up the next morning.  And do it all over again.

And she wonders how it could ever get any better than it is today.

He Got Cold....

Streak, aka Lil Bit and Lil Goat, was found shivering this morning.  So Abbie and I did the only thing that could be done.  We cut the arms off an old t-shirt and dressed the goat in it.  I mean we had to protect our investment right?????

Disclaimer:  Normally I would roll my eyes at a woman that would put clothes on an animal and say, "What a waste of energy and time" and "Good grief, the things that people will do for an animal."  BUT, this is my baby goat so it all makes perfect sense now.  


We had to take it off because it greatly confused the mother and she would not let Streak nurse with it on.  I guess she did not want a blue baby.  He did not seem to mind though.

Go, go, and going some more....

So, I got all our meals taken care of on Saturday for this coming week.  I did lots of freezer meals and meal prep so hopefully things will go well in the food department.  Mark and I are trying not to eat out for a couple of months so we can do some other things financially and since food is my responsibility around here I am well, trying.  Cooking every meal from scratch is hard when you are in the car most of the day, but the more you do it the easier it becomes.  It is just figuring out what works best for you. 

My other main responsibility around here is mothering and school.  Which right now involves my van -a lot.  This week alone is Scouts, three co-op classes, a school meeting, piano lessons, youth choir, youth small groups, and a big grocery trip on Friday.  And then you have the actual teaching and child-follow through and its 4:30 before you know it and everyone is saying, "I'm hungry, what's for supper?"

I wanted to share this recipe for you because it is so easy and sooooo good.  They are pretty also-would be sweet for Valentine's Day or a girl's baby shower.

Cherry Fluff Cups 

(totally made up this name bc I don't know the real name or where I got the recipe from.  I made a double batch Saturday for us to have throughout this week)

1 can cherry pie filling
1 can condensed milk
1 container whipped topping

Mix it all together and it turns a pretty pink color.  Freeze in cupcake liners or a regular baking pan until frozen.  That's it!  So yummy!

Abbie and I also said that you could probably do blueberry pie filling if it was a shower for a boy.  And I'm thinking that peach would be delicious also.

Off to Algebra!  What are you doing today?

Three Weeks Should Do It....

Well, this morning I came to a conclusion, or well, a epiphany about my life.

The only way I can possibly get things back in order and get "caught up" to even manageable levels is to stay awake for three weeks straight.  So not kidding.  I am feeling so out of whack I don't even know how to start.

But, I've been here before and most likely will be here again, so I'll just "Do the next thing."

The next thing might be a trip out to the workshop to see the new goat Streak.  He is growing ninety to nothing and is starting to get fun.  He tries to climb our pants legs to get us to hold him. He hops around and plays and we are so pleased with how well Annabelle is mothering him.  It looks like Beatrice is expecting so I am praying for twin females.  Hopefully she will be a good mother also.

Are you all tired of the cold?  I am.  When it started snowing yesterday I almost started crying because everything is so much harder in the cold.  But I know it will end and then I will be whining about the heat.

Somebody tell me something exciting you are doing this weekend.  I'll be freezer cooking and doing school plans.  That was the plan last weekend, but alas, here we are again....