Homeschooling the Last Child

For 30 years I have been a homeschooling mom.  Early on my husband was not on board with homeschooling, but I really didn't listen to him.  I knew it was the right thing for our child at the time, and I ignored all of his concerns.  Over the years he came to appreciate the homeschooling lifestyle.  We were able to travel, study and spend time with family more than other families.  It allowed us the ability to really know our children, and to find the perfect method for each to learn and grow to their abilities.

I have used a variety of homeschooling curriculum.  From Abeka, Saxon Math, Bob Jones, and more.  When I first began I did "school at home".  I had a classroom set up; we did the pledge and wore uniforms (we had them from private school).  Four kids later and 30 years we are a little more lax. Okay, a lot more lax.  I talk to my kids and find out what their interests are, and we tailor their education around those interests.  For example, my eldest son was special needs so we focused on reading, writing and basic math and threw in golf which he loved.  As they get older I give them a schedule of work for the week, and they finish at their speed, if they complete early they have the rest of the week to pursue their individual interests.  

My second child, a daughter started out interested in sharks and by high school she was totally invested in the Civil Air Patrol.  We used their lessons in Aerospace Science, History, Cyber Patriot, writing and testing for rank assignments as her primary curriculum for her high school years.  It was a very positive experience.  Her senior year she applied for a Leadership Academy to go to Washington D.C. for two weeks to tour our Nation's Capitol and meet with Senator Ted Cruz.  Part of the qualification process was to read the Federalist Papers and complete a variety of essays over selected material.  She applied and was accepted to the U.S. Air Force Academy.  Currently, she is a stay-at-home mom pregnant with her fourth child and running her own lucrative business.

My third child, another daughter expressed an interest in Conservation and Wildlife very early.  She was our family hunter.  She solely supplied our household with venison for almost ten years. At fourteen she applied for the Summer Naturalist Youth Program at the San Antonio Zoo.  The first year she worked only the summer but due to her positive work ethic she was selected for the year round program.  She worked this program for 5 years until graduating and attending the College of the Ozarks where she will be graduating this December with a BS in Conservation and Wildlife Management.  As part of her curriculum, we used the Animal Science textbooks from the Exploring Creation series.

Last, but not least my youngest son is very interested in Conservation but also farming and being a farrier.  We will be signing him up at the local community college for a farrier course, then welding. He is 16 so not really certain what his future holds, but he has options.  I have been encouraging him to hold off on marriage and children, and pursue something he is really interested in doing, instead of being stuck in a job he hates to support a family.  Life is too short to be unhappy in a job.  I really hope he chooses to farm our land, but we will see.   

I am the director of a local library where we have our local homeschooling group out of... we are in transition as our children are growing, but our community is tight, and we love helping new homeschoolers.  We have a homeschool resource room at the library and provide free, used homeschooling curriculum to anyone in need, as well as tutoring opportunities and field trips.  

I am a very outspoken advocate for homeschooling.  I firmly believe that it would benefit ALL students and is vastly superior to any other type of education.  This isn't a popular sentiment, but my children have participated public, private and home schooling opportunities, and homeschoolings is the only one that offers the freedom to choose and tailor an education for a child.  

Testimony

**I found this old blog post in the DRAFTS and decided to publish it. It is from 2012.

In my congregation, we are being challenged to look for opportunities to live out the Great Commission.  Over the past 20 years, I am ashamed to say, I haven't told others how to accept Christ, as often as I should have, and I would like to apologize.  The thought that there are many who I haven't told, and they will end up in hell one today is very troubling to me.  I have used the excuse that I don't meet any non-Christians in my daily life, or not many.  I home school, and the homeschoolers around me are already Christians, plus I go to church.  That is about it.  Realizing that being so lackluster isn't an excuse.

I am resolved to look for opportunities to share the Gospel and my testimony so that the Kingdom of God can be advanced.  Please be in prayer for me as I forge ahead in obedience. 
I struggle daily in my own personal walk with God, so prayer in that regards would also be appreciated.

I'd like to share my testimony, or the story of how I accepted Christ.  I hope it will encourage you, and point you in the right direction.

I've always been ashamed that my conversion5 experience was so vanilla.  I mean, I've never used drugs, I am not a recovering alcoholic or a prostitute.  Nothing so dramatic.  I was fortunate to have been raised in the church my entire life.  I remember my mom and grandma Bobbe taking me to church.  I loved AWANA, and memorizing scripture. I loved reading the Chronicles of Narnia and Pilgrim's Progress out of the church library, and my all time favorite the Charity Ames series. 

At the age of six we attended Maranatha Independent Baptist Church in Oxon Hill Md.  A movie titled "The Burning Hell" was being shown, and due to it's graphic nature my parents placed me in the nursery.  I snuck out.  I commando crawled all the way to the front to watch the movie.  I was scared to death!  I was the first one down when the Pastor gave the altar call.  I remember asking Jesus into my life, and I remember being baptized in December 1975 in a freezing cold church and baptistry.  I can see my mom, Grandma Bobbe and my Great Mommy (great grandma Elsie) sitting in the front row.  I am sure there were others there, but in my mind that is all I remember. It was so cold; they were wearing their coats inside.

Sad to say from the age of six until I was 19, I didn't grow much spiritually.  I accepted Christ, and thought that was the end, not knowing it was just the beginning.  At 19 I was married and had a baby by 20.  It was at his baby dedication on Mother's Day 1989 that I realized I was promising to raise this child up to know the Lord, and I didn't know how to do this at all!  I was very frantic in my mind and began seeking all sorts of information on raising godly children, plus reading my Bible more.  This timing was actually from God, because you see I would be going through some very difficult times ahead, so being so gung-ho to learn more about the Word of God kept me sane during these times.  My baby was premature and had many health-related issues.  I was young, and easily led by doctors, something for which I regret now, but it is what it is.  My husband and I went through some very tough times over the years, but thankfully God intervened, and we have been married for almost 24 years.

God has been there for me in the raising of a disabled child and seeing him a man is awesome for me.  A man in body, though not in mind, is very heartbreaking for me, and frustrating for me.  I don't know the plans God has for him, but they are for good and not evil, and I daily trust in that..God has brought us this far, and he will continue to watch over my "little one" (my 6 foot, 240 lb little one).

I have been through persecution in a previous job, even losing that job because of my convictions and faith.  Marital strife, health, financial, loss of a loved one.  Everything that anyone else faces.  Each situation has drawn me closer and closer to the Lord.  Relying upon God to guide me has been my source of strength, and I can honestly say I wouldn't be here if I had not accepted Christ at a young age.  I am a weak, and sinful person, and knowing that God is with me is the ONLY thing that gets me through the situation.  Often times walking through the valley (rough times) is unbearable, it isn't until I am on the other side that I realize what I have learned.  I do wish that God didn't think so much of me that he continues to give me learning experiences. ;-)

I know that God loves me, and I am thankful every day that he used my disobedience to bring me to salvation.

Growing up my favorite verses were "for unto us is born this day in the city of David, a savior, who is Christ the Lord" and "For God so loved the World (me) that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish (die) but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved."  John 3:16-17

I urge you today to take God's free gift, acknowledge that you have sin in your life, and that you need Him.  Believe that He sent His son to die on the cross for you and confess those sins to Him.  Ask him to come into your life and make you whole.  Give yourself over to Him, and you will be AMAZED at what wonders He works in your life if you let him. 

One Year

 It has been one year since my husband passed.  It has been a year of firsts.  Some good and some bad.

Had a 30 yard dumpster delivered this past week.  Son and I will be working on clearing the gooseneck trailer off trash and scrap metal.  I have someone interested in purchasing.  Hopefully, they will.  

I have been mentally thinking and sorting my belongings, and it is time to physically get started.  I am finding it difficult to begin.  I am torn between leaving this property and the house my husband built us, though I had plans to move before he passed.  I feel stuck. Do I move? Don't I move?  I keep praying and asking the Lord for direction.  Trying to be still to listen.  Either way this house needs decluttering, cleaning and minor repairs.

Financially, I would like to sell.  Personally, I don't want to, though at the same time I yearn for my little cabin in the Ozarks.  I need peace.  I am always anxious to go to the cabin, but there is so much work to be done here.  If I didn't have these animals, I would leave the house here for awhile.  I have one pig that needs to be butchered, and two elderly horses that need care.  Plus, 4 dogs and about six cats. The last of the cattle have been butchered, and the bees have been removed.  I do need something else in order to keep my agricultural exemption for tax purposes.

My youngest daughter married Thanksgiving week 2024.  She started her Senior Year of College January 2025.  She finishes her coursework in December of this year.  

  

October Suprise 2024

 It has been a long time since I posted here.  Many changes.

Thankfully the debacle known as Covid is over.  What a nightmare.

My FIL passed in 2022, my husband began chemo in 2023, and he passed the beginning of 2024. I am working a full time job, while trying to homeschool our last child (PS#2) - James.  

I have felt stuck in a rut since January when my husband passed.  Finally coming out of the fog and we are trying to sort through belongings, throw lots of things away and preparing to move.  Covid and family issues put that on hold.

I plan to start posting here, if only for myself.  It is a place to vent and write.  I am not sure anyone reads blog much anymore, but that is okay.

A New Adventure!

 It seems about time for my yearly post.  I get so busy "doing" that I forget to share.  I am a bad blogger, but that is okay, no one reads it but me anyway.  

Last year we accomplished a lot on the land.  We planted a garden, 8 fruit trees (5 died through various means), and we planted 300 Afghan Pine Christmas Trees (the cows subsequently ate all but 3 throughout the year).  Note to self:  the electric fence is not strong enough, I think we need a stronger solar charger.  

We moved the work shed back to the barn and reconfigured everything to run our new business (PH lost his job due to the "plandemic") from the barn for the physical work, and the front portion of the shipping container has been turned into our farm office.  We do LOTS of things.  Signed up with Angie's List to get business (bad mistake).  We do primarily wrought iron work, fencing & handyman services.  We have managed to support ourselves throughout the past year, so Praise God!

A lot of trash was burned or tossed out, broken down vehicles sold and towed off, food processed, house re-arranged, wood cut and more.

We did manage to survive the Snow Pocalypse in February.  I would say we thrived, or my family did, I was out delivering a baby and got stuck at the client's home for 6 days due to ice and snow.  No heat, or water.  It really was horrible.  At home, they had the woodstove, generator, fuel, food, stored water, etc. (thanks Mom you are awesome!  No, no one thanked me for saving their lives.)

PD#2 is applying to the College of the Ozarks and we completed a school tour in April, and visited our property in the Ozarks, and we made final plans to purchase a cabin to place on the land, it arrives end of August/First of September.  The kids and I will be transitioning (slowly) to living in the Ozarks, completing the cabin, and getting everything situated.  I am sure we will be back and forth (PS#2 and I anyway) to the land here, several times during the year.

We have been cleaning (primarily PD#2 has been) while I have worked out of town and out of state to make extra money, been busy working 3 jobs plus helping to run the family business.  

We also purchased a registered Duroc Sow to breed for 4H piglet sales.  We also have Kune Kune, and some odd ball mixes (given to us) of pigs that we have sold to pay land taxes, and butchered to eat. 

PD#2 was able to go hunting quite often this past winter, and harvested 5 deer (1 buck and 4 does I believe), plus she went on a Nilgai hunt.  She was able to bring back quite a bit of meat this year.  She has signed up for a bear hunt this year as well, but it is on a lottery system so we will see what happens with that...

**While we lived off grid in the shipping container (our cabin-tainer) when we first moved here, we transitioned to our 24 X 32 house that my husband and I built (more him than me, but I operated the forklift to help with the roof, held up my end of boards, and pulled wire through the house).  

This next adventure will be to live full-time off grid in our cabin in the Ozark Hills.  
There is zero way to get grid power there, and I am excited to get back to off grid living, as it was always my favorite to do (it stresses out my friend(s) and confuses my mother, but oh well). 

Back to the cleaning, and packing.  Sorting through what will work in the cabin, and what will stay in the main house (for now).  Thankfully, we have so many items still that we won't have to purchase the, since my main purchases will be insulation, bead board for the walls and parts to install our spare woodstove.  

I plan to share the progress along the way, and my 12 yo son is dying for his own You Tube channel to document his life "off grid".  It will be called "Shady Ridge Off Grid".  He is a loon sometimes.

I will promise it won't be so long in the documenting.  It is exciting and a little scary going off into new adventures.  Check back for pictures!

 

Quarantine 2.0 and a Grandson!

Here we are in the end of May.  Quarantine restrictions are being lifted in many places.  We initially stayed home for 2 weeks totally isolated.  After that I had to go back to work, and the kids stayed home.  

We managed to accomplish a large amount of work on the farm:

1) secured fencing around area by barn for a garden
2) removed 20 dead trees (cut and stacked wood for fire and burned brush)
3) bartered several piglets for tree work and a large water tote (300 gallons)
4) new larger pens for chicken and quail **Business prospect
5) cleaned and organized barn for addition to swine herd
6) Planted LARGE garden
7) Planted fruit trees

We have received about 15 inches of rain the past month.  Our pond is overflowing! It is always a joy to enter into the summer months with a full pond.  We have been letting the cattle and horses in the back pasture.  This will hopefully lower our water bill ( our well went dry, so we had to get on the local water system).  We have been watering a large amount of livestock, the garden, cleaning and doing a lot of laundry lately since we are home more.  

PH has been working out of town since January. Usually 4-6 weeks out then 2 weeks home.  It has been a little stressful due to store and restaurant closures.  He had a horrible experience at a military base out in El Paso.  They have been setting up FEMA camps in substandard conditions.  He has not been happy.  He has been home currently for 3 weeks, which while it impacts income, has been great for farm life.  I and PD#2 have hurt ourselves trying to do things we just are not strong enough to complete.  Even though we are in our 50s now, PH is still stronger than I am. Ha! Ha!  

We have had many new neighbors move into the area...this has caused us to allow the brush on our property to reclaim the land.  We are wanting more privacy, and the Huisache and Mesquite provide this in abundance.  So, the perimeter of the property along the fence is growing up wild again, and we are trying to keep the center tamed as much as we can. We have a large garden and have planted numerous fruit trees, and I am rooting grape vines to plant Wild Mustang Grape vines.  

It is funny about cleaning and organizing, you make a bigger mess!  We are trying to prepare for continued government regulations and additional quarantine measures for the fall, and continued food shortages.  

Planned home project schedules for the year:

January: Car repairs
February: Declutter
March: Garden expansion, planting, fencing
April: Land cleanup (removed dead branches and dead brush, clear some areas for grass growth/pasture)
May: stack wood, plant trees and bushes, chicken/quail pen, expand pig production, send animals to butcher, clean up laundry house area
June: Clean up barn area, burn trash, clean up land and repair fencing, clean front porch, fix screen, work on fuel storage, canning and food preservation, work on landscaping (
July: Succession planting of corn, etc.,, Add additional water collection on barn and back of house, split and stack wood for winter
August: Clean and organize kitchen cabinets and pantry
September: Clean, organize and repair container (level, roof, shower, storage) , Plant fall crops
October: Plant winter rye and oats for livestock, prepare location for Christmas tree seedlings, canning and food preservation
November: Clean wood stove chimney
December: Christmas preparations 

**News to share.  In late December our daughter and her husband celebrated the birth of their son.  He is definitely a cutie!  

Quarantine

Well, thought I'd write about this quarantine. Out here on the prairie it is quiet this morning. The fog is thick, making it difficult to see out into the fields. The sounds of the big rigs out on the highway is a distant hum of tires on asphalt.

Walked to the gate in the fog and mist, the sound of a mini rain storm falling to the ground from the branches of the Huisache and Mesquite trees. Unlocked the gate so that my father in law can get into the property. He is coming over this morning to plow a garden area for me...just in case this thing goes longer, I'd like food to be growing.

On the agenda today is working at the library for a bit to get last minute details of canceling the fundraiser completed, and take in some returned books.

Then back home to finish laundry, and hook up the HAM/CB radioes.

Also on the list this week is to find all the pieces to the meat grinder, get the loft ready for company, fill water containers, install water collection system, move the fridge to cover the front window, clean and organize kitchen/bedroom, plant garden, and care for livestock.

While, I am not worried about illness, I am worried about the government response, and the potential for economic collapse. Thankfully, we are pretty well situated and can be home probably until the end of the year.  So thankful we are self sufficient enough and incoming funds can be kept at a minimum due to having limited bills. 

Our county has no cases of the virus yet.  San Antonio went on "mandatory" lock down at midnight last night.  I do not know how mandatory it is with all the exceptions for work.  I am of two minds.  People should willing stay home to avoid any spread, and two it isn't the government's responsibility to violate liberties.

The talk on the news and online is all of new cases, and few deaths.  No mention ever of the 100,000 that have recovered. They thrive on the doom and gloom it seems.

No N95 masks available, though I find it hard to believe. Neighbors are sewing cloth masks for healthcare workers to wear over the few available. These at least can be changed, washed and sterilized.

Since we homeschool, we aren't affected by the school closures like the majority of others.  Maybe this will open the eyes of people and they will realize that public school is not necessary.

Butterflies, changes and sorrow

The past five months have been packed with changes from all sides.  Last year we really did not focus on the homestead too much.  We were all in different directions.  One daughter was pregnant and I attended her prenatal appointments with her, as her husband could not get off work for each one.  I helped her prepare for her little one.  It was exciting and a little sad as I watched my eldest daughter become a mother.  She opted to use a midwife and to have a water birth at home.  I was very excited and blessed to be included.  I have been attending births for over 10 years, studying and making plans to become a midwife myself some day.

In September of last year my daughter gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Samus Michelle.  She was born at 38 weeks but sadly was stillborn.  This has been very devastating for all involved.  I have discovered after going through it myself that I can bear anything for me, but for my daughter I have grieved more for this promised grandchild then my own that I have lost.

The aftermath of being available for my daughter and her husband had us putting the majority of everything on hold in our own home.

She and her husband have good days and bad as they deal with the loss of their daughter.  Thankfully God has blessed them with their own home, a 1920s Texas farm house in a small town close to family.  Concentrating on repairs and renovations, moving and decorating has helped us all tremendously.

Fast forward to 2019.  We are forging ahead with homestead plans and projects.  My scheduled looks like this:

January: Repair vehicles
February: Insulate loft, inventory food storage
March: Garden expansion, planting and trees
April: Organize and declutter bedroom and complete floors, ceiling (vacation)
May: re-screen front porch, landscape front of house, black out shades for house
June: Clean up barn area, burn trash, clean up land and repair fencing
July: Purchase tractor, repair driveway, cut and stack wood for winter
August: Finish pantry construction, start on kitchen reno (island, paint and backsplash)
September: Clean, organize and repair container (level, roof, shower, storage) (vacation)
October: Plant winter rye and oats for livestock, prepare location for Christmas tree seedlings, canning and food preservation
November: Finish wood stove area, clean chimney
December: Christmas preparations (we are hosting family this year)

We have had several long time pets pass this year.  Shout out to Muffin (12 years), Furry (8 years), Sophie (13 years).

PD#2 is volunteering at the local zoo (she wants to attend college and major in zoology), started driver's training, and is working her way through our homeschool/high school program. Staring dual credit at local college in fall
PS#2 turned 10 and is a hot mess
PS#1 turned 30 and is a hot mess (I see a theme)

Autumn Fires

I am not a really good blogger anymore, life gets in the way.  We are beginning our Fall clean up around here...getting things ready for Winter.  Our wood is on the way from the in laws, so we will be ready when cold weather hits.  We still need to clean the woodstove and chimney.

It has been raining most of the week, and we have received 5 inches total.  The pond is full, the pastures are greening up.  This pushes back our hay purchase, and means we won't have to feed as much hay.  Praise God!

This was a poor year harvest wise, and butchering wise.  We were extremely busy off the homestead, and most of the summer was taken up with my midwife training. 

PD#2 volunteered at the Zoo this summer, so she was away from home every weekend.  We didn't stray too far from home very often, only going to the beach for one weekend, celebrating PD#2's birthday.

PD#1 and her husband are expecting their first baby in a couple of weeks.  We are ready for the homebirth, everything purchased, cleaned and ready to go :) I am very excited to welcome my first grand daughter! They are also in the process of purchasing their first home.  Very exciting news as well!

The kids started schoolwork this week, and we had a very successful first week back homeschooling.  Accomplished much, and we were very productive :) always a positive step.

Texas weather

Good afternoon all! We have been dealing with wide swings in weather lately. From cold and overcast, rainy and temps in the 80s. It is hard to know what to start on. This seems like a very short Winter. I wish it would stay colder longer.

PD#2 and I have planted some garden items. Mainly salad items and herbs, but we did plant a variety of tomatoes. Potatoes are next on the list, and we will be planting next weekend.

All but one hen was killed by coyotes and stray dogs. We have not had that problem in 10 years, but our dog died recently, so he was not around to keep them at bay. A large dog is absolutely essential on a farm to keep the wildlife away from livestock.

A mountain lion is in the area too. He/she is wandering and lingering more than normal. I am worried about my calves, and trying to keep them close at night. A neighbor friend normally loses a couple of lambs each year to this big cat.

Trying to get motivated and find the energy to get outside and work on the property, but it is hard. I feel so blah, with all these gloomy days. Today is sunny, so heading out to do laundry and then back in to do some baking. I will upload more and pictures later.

Winter is here...or is it?

If you are familiar with living in TEXAS, you know that we can be freezing one day, with temps in the 90s the next.  The past week or so, we have had temps as low as 34 in the evening.  It has been great to have a fire in the wood stove again.  Thankfully, the cold spell is ending, because we really need to clean out the chimney from last year.

This past weekend was a heavy baking weekend.  I normally bake more when it is colder, and not 100 degrees out side.  We made a huge pan of corn bread and ate that with some honey from our recent harvest.  Baked an apple pie, chocolate chip cookies and pumpkin shaped sugar cookie to celebrate Autumn.  Also, made gingerbread at our homeschool co-op where I teach home economics.  We used the Laura Ingalls Wilder Gingerbread recipe.  Came out awesome!

Our cows are getting woolly and putting on their winter coats, the horses too.  We really have a lot of farm chores to catch up with, and that we continue to put off.  This year has been a totally unmotivated, lazy year with regards to farm maintenance and improvements.

First fire 2017

Canklefritz

Canklefritz

Casey

Lil' Miss Squirrelly aka Bella

Casey

Apple Pie using a friend's canned pie filling

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Laura Ingalls Wilder Gingerbread Recipe

2017 Honey Harvest

It's Fall again!

Life sure gets away from you.  I cannot believe it has been so long since I have posted.  Trying to get life accomplished, stay offline, work, raise kids, home school and raise your own food is so time consuming.

We have had a lot go on this year farm-wise.  A good garden, butchering 4 pigs, and 25 chickens to ago along with the two cows in the freezer from last fall.  Still plenty to eat, though I did give quite a bit away, as well as, sell some.

We had a good spring garden though we didn't preserve any, just ate everything fresh.  PD#2 is working on the Fall/Winter garden now, and we were able to buy quite a few seed packets from Baker Creek Seed when we traveled to Missouri recently.  She is ready for Spring Planting now.

We have done quite a bit of  decluttering, cleaning, and renovations this year.  I am down to re-doing the pantry, and PH is working on clean up outside, and the wood pile for the Winter.  Thankfully, it is getting a little cooler, so he can work outside in the evenings, when he gets home from work.

We didn't even get 1/2 inch of rain from Hurricane Harvey, which is very sad, as our pond is dry.  I feel for the rest of TEXAS, but we sure could have used some rain after our prolonged drought.

My bees swarmed and left, so I have an empty hive, but I was able to find a local man/beekeeper who has placed 8 hives on my property.  He maintains the, shares the honey, and I get the agricultural exemption for our land.  It's a win-win!

Recently returned from a week long trip to Missouri.  I had a lot of fun, though PH and PD#2 did not enjoy the trip and living "off grid" again.  They are weenies.  We stayed in my BIL half finished cabin (no water, toilet or shower) but we did have electricity and a place to stay.  We hauled in water, used the solar shower, and a composting toilet.  They were not happy campers.  PS#2 enjoyed using 68 acres of trees to pee on, though he did balk a few times on the composting toilet.  At least I know when the world ends, there will be enough food for me, because those three won't make it.

We made it within 1/2 mile of our new property.  Our rental car would not make it up the hill, so we walked the last 1/2 mile through some very beautiful property covered in trees.  I would move today, but will have to wait until PH croaks or come around :)

It will be my vacation spot/BOL, etc.  Already making plans for a Spring (May/June) vacation.  Probably alone......LOL

Here are a few pics from our year.

PD#2 and her first buck (Dec 2016)

Decorating the house

Floor finished and new carpet

New flooring

Canklefritz and Casey - future meat
(dairy culls)

Me and one of the babies I helped to deliver this year
(Doula and Midwifery Student)

PD#2 Bay fishing 

PD#1 wedding last November

My antique violin - FOR SALE

Homegrown pork

Land I inherited in Missouri - visited September 2017

PS#2 - fishing in a Missouri Stream

So excited! I was finally able to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead/museum

Happy 2017!

Autumn Happenings

We have been scheduling purposeful down time, as wellas, working on projects we have not had time or energy for during the heat of the Summer. Cleaning up the land seems never ending, in addition to chores that need to be done for Winter and lists of what to prepare for Spring.

Winter - split firewood, pick up additional dead trees from sister, winterize animal pens especially coop, move out ACs, clean heaters, new filter for kerosene heater, additional kerosene for heater and lamps, pay taxes, more hay, trim horses hooves, worm all animals, breed pigs, meet with USDA on what best to do for property

Spring - what to plant? how much? look for and purchase tractor, shredder, disc, plow, small baler, clean incubators, purchase cattle panels to replace fencing

*We attended the local Pumpkin Palooza where the kids picked a pumpkin to decorate the table at home, rode the hay ride, made S'mores, played games and had fun. We do not celebrate Halloween, but rejoicing at the harvest God provides each year, which sustains us through until Spring. The farmer even gave us a pickup truck load of pumpkins, which we have been feeding to the pigs. PH mentioned he plans to plant our own pumpkins next year for animal feed. We will see what happens.

It is coming to that time of year where we gather the wild melons, which grow along the roadsides near our home. We fill up a wagon, and atack in the barn, for pig/goat feed duringthe Winter. I have seen a few that are ready, but it is normally Thanksgiving time when they ripen.

I have two piglets sold, which leaves me four to butcher for us, unless I sell any more, but we still plan to keep two for ourselves.

Tonight is the Fall Festival at the local Baptist Church. PD#2 and her best friend is helping to set up and run booths. We do not attend there, but PD#2 attends Bible Drill and Bible Study on Wednesdays with her friend. Her friend is 14, a year older, but her parents purchased a fully restored, beautiful 1951 Ford Pickup truck in a shiny teal blue.  It is a gorgeous truck. She will be getting her permit in April, and then a hardship license.  PD#2 has been learning to drive the car and the small tractor this year. I think she will end up getting her license earlier than PD #1 did at 18, as she seems to have a greater interest.

Four weeks until the wedding, we are winding down with last minute preps and activities. PD#1 is sorting through her belongings, throwing out a lot of trash, donating stuff to the local thrift store, and then packing the rest in Rubber Maid Totes. They still need to clean and organize their apartment, which is at the family business. They will live there for now, until they decide what is next. My advice was to live FREE, as long as, they could to get situated and figure things out budget wise. They both are working, and do not have any bills. They both have paid off vehicles, and money in the bank, so are in good shape starting out.  Our requirements for them to marry are/were to attend Christian marriage counseling, to be a believer and be attending church regularly, for him to have a way to support her, a home to take her to, and to agree to chaperones until marriage.

Her part was to continue working to help pay for the wedding, learn what was needed in running or help in running his family business, preparing a home. I believe both sets of parents have done all we can to provide them a good start in life through developing a relationship with God, modesty, chastity, obeidence, a good work ethic, financial management and more.  It has been a learning experience that is for sure.

Please keep us in prayer this next month, especially this new family that God is creating.

What does the future hold?

I really am trying to trust in God. I have lapses sometimes, but I do realize I am not in control.

Election day is coming up, and I will be voting for Darrell Castle- Constitution Party. I pray each and every person has found peace with their choice. For me I had to decide if I lived to support sin, or my Savior. The choice was easy for me then.

In addition, I do my best in supporting Texas secession. Many may not agree with this, but it is not an easy choice I have come to, believe me.

Things are heating up globally, and while I struggle to maintain a calm head it is clear to me that we are heading for disaster. Less anyone think I am spreading conspiracy theories, I did want to take time to pass on some info. A reliable source who works for the military has warned close friends that papers have come across her desk regarding upcoming tensions with Russia. There are extraction orders that have been recently updated. These orders remove key personnel from major cities, and state that citizens will have to fend for themselves in the coming months IF everything happens as projected (i.e. nuclear activity) was suggested.

I wanted to pass this info on for preparation sake. We can only pray that it does not come to fruition.

Pumpkin Spice and Weddings!

Happy Fall everyone!

Our Pyr that had gone missing, returned, but then went missing again. We found out that a neighbor has stolen him and put a shock collar on him. His ranch is big, and the gate always locked, so we cannot get up to the house. We have talked to other neighbors hoping to reach him.

We butchered both of our cows, and the meat is in the freezer. We also have two Jersey bull calves to raise for next year's meat. One is five months old, the other is 2 months old, and suffers from contracted tendons to the front legs. He also has open wounds on his front legs, due to the dairy owner not dealing with him right away. These are improving slightly, but we still have a long way to go. The older is Canklefritz, the younger one is Scooby. We plan to butcher one in the Spring, and the other in the Fall. Purchasing calves from the local dairy is proving easier for us, then breeding them ourselves.

We have six piglets that are six months old, and are being fattened for butchering. Plans for that in December, maybe.

We also have eight hives on the property. This helps us keep our agricultural exemption after selling our goat herd. We have one goat left, and recently traded her buckling for three large, round bales of hay.  These we placed in the barn for the horses this Winter. We have plenty of grass still this year due to the abundance of rain. Praise God for his blessings this year.

The big news is that PD#1 is getting married in November. We are very excited, and love the young man she is marrying. Great family, strong believers, preppers, a family business where PD#1 works full time,  he is a recent graduate from college and is a bench jewler. He was going to work in the family business, but was offered a job in the major town near us, so will gain some experience there first. They have been in CAP - Civil Air Patrol together for four years, and friends until last Christmas.

She was also promoted to Captain and made Cadet Commander of her squadron this year, which will end once she marries.

We are also gearing up for the Winter by cleaning the chimney, adding more insulation to the roof, splitting more wood, and weatherizing the barn from drafts.

Sorry it has taken me so long to update, but it has been buzy working two jobs and preparing for the wedding. Thanks for everyones interest!

Hard Times Ahead

Hard times are ahead. I knew they were coming, but they have hit us here first.  PH's new job, while paying more, has added costs.  Primarily, being very far from our home, it has cost us more money than his pay increase for him to get to work.

We are going back to the living even more simply. Growing more of our food this year, with the help of our eldest son.  Ordering 50 chickens to raise to butcher this year.

Also putting every extra thing of value we have, and that isn't needed as part of our lifestyle up for sale.  This is to help us stock up on additional pantry items.  Reorganizing, and cleaning up the land.  PH has a trailer load of wood coming from his dad's house.  So, we will have wood for next Winter.  We have diminished our stockpile surprisingly fast this year, even though we didn't have much cold weather this year.

Not sure about the bees.  They seem to have survived the cold, but I am worried they will swarm. Continuing to feed them.  I'd love to buy another package of bees and another hive to add to what I have, but there is really a lot of clean up and organization to get us close to off grid again.  Taking it day by day, cutting expenses and making plans.

Happy New Year!

We are experiencing our first "official" freezing temps this weekend.  The days have been beautiful, and allowed PH to split wood, something which we desperately needed to finish.  PD#2 is our little work horse.  She selflessly pitches in, and I depend on her a lot.  Ever since PD#1 graduated, her participation in Civil Air Patrol has increased, plus she now has a job that she works about 33 hours a week.  Add to that entering into a courtship, she is quite busy, and not helping, as much as, she used to...

PD#2 was very active yesterday stuffing hay into animal cages, covering them with a tarp and plugging in the heat lamp.  Our front porch is basically the barn.  Most of the animals use the porch during bad weather.  We had dogs, cats, chickens, a pet rat, goats, ducks and one guinea fowl huddled around the heat lamp last night.  No fussing, just sleeping and keeping each other warm.

Our Pyr, Bo, disappeared last week.  He was a constant roamer, despite our best efforts to keep him contained.  Anyone with a Pyr understands how hard this is, their nature is to roam and chase coyotes.  He was 7 years old.  I am assuming since it has been a week and he has not returned, he was either hit by a car or shot by a rancher.  Most ranchers around here know that Pyrs generally don't attack anything, but I really cannot explain why he has not come home.  He always has before.  PD#2 is sad, and keeps looking and calling for him.

PS#1 and #2 will have their birthdays here soon.  #1 will be 27 and #2 will be 7.  I will be 47 soon, and if it weren't for my "advanced maternal age" I'd be wondering where the next baby was.....

The bees have been "winterized".  I covered their hive with a blanket, reduced the entrance, and have been feeding them.  I need to go replenish their food tomorrow.

We have been cleaning up the land lately, and decluttering even more.  I have been taking stock of food and other preparations, making lists and adding to the stock.

We have had more people move into the area, and more break ins.  Praying for God's increased protection over our property.  We don't have anything valuable, so what little I do have, I would love to keep.

Molly

Thankfully, we have not been very ill.  So far, PD#1 is the only one who had a mild virus last week.  Not sure if it was allergies, a virus or a combination.  Cedar has been high around 30,000 ppm.  Even those who are not sensitive or having issues with the Cedar.  My face is itchy, and so are my eyes, but that is about it.

We have not had health insurance the past couple of years due to the high cost.  Have not been able to afford it at all.  This has increased my studies of herbal medicine, and increased our usage of herbs, essential oils and other home remedies.  I am enrolled in a Naturopath course (herbal/natural doctor type of thing).  It has been very beneficial to us.  We have not had to go to the doctor once in six years.  That is pretty good I think.

October Harvest Time

It has been a long time since I lasted posted.  We have been busy, and need to get busier.  Winter is upon us, and our wood is not even split.

PH started a new job over an hour away.  We will miss having him home so early every day.  It was very useful to be so close to home, and to have the perks of his last position.  We don't have that now, but thankfully his last employer provide an excellent severance package, plus gave him the company truck, trailer, storage shed, lots of scrap metal, lumber, an engine hoist (we plan to use this during butchering) and lots of other useful bits.

We received 150 bales of hay and are trying to find the time to get them into the barn.  We are expecting rain today, so we lost that battle for now.  We will have to use a tarp to cover the hay, though we are thankful for the rain.

We lost the meat chickens we were raising to "something".  It killed all except one chick.  Thankfully, we have had two hens laying consistently this summer, and have been able to add to our flock.

The current issue now is that we have a mountain lion in our neighborhood that is killing livestock.  So far in the past two weeks, four calves have been killed, a family dog, and two horses were attacked though escaped.  We are keeping a watch on the livestock, have guns handy, and are not going out after dark at the moment.

We will be canning this weekend, plus attending our favorite barter.  Can't wait.

Bees are doing great.  They have survived our hot summer.  I have had to feed them between honey flows.  Currently, the mesquite are doing great and the girls are loaded down with pollen.  I have had to replace the hive on it's uprights twice (stupid cow).  She keeps knocking it over.  We need to fence it in apart from her.  I thought it was in an isolated location, but Molly intentionally goes to the hive.  The first time I got stung three times.  I was fine at first, but the next day I was sick and was sick for a week.  Apparently, I am allergic (like my grandmother) and will be getting an Epi-pen, just in case.

The second time, I was smart enough to put my suit/veil on before picking up the hive.  The girls are usually very calm, but not when they get knocked over.

I have checked the hive and am discouraged to see that not all the frames are filled.  I thought after so long they would all be filled.  I am worried about them making through the winter.  I will continue to feed and watch them.  They are laying, I can see brood and the Queen is still energetic.  I'll try and remember to take pictures.  I have a way to take pictures and upload online now, so that is good.

Getting worried about the economy and the State of our Country even more.  It's irritating my kids that I am so protective, but I really would feel better about them staying out of crowded areas until my 18 yo PD#1 is able to get her CHL.  She is a knife girl, but I'll feel a little better when she has a handgun on her 24/7.

Well, off to get the homestead buckled down before the storm hits..

PD#1 cupcakes from her 18th birthday

Preparation in little steps

Wow! I was shocked to see it had been six months since I had posted anything.  Life sure flies by!

We have been busy cleaning up the property after the 20 inches of rain we have received this Spring.  This is the first year in 8 years we have been here that the creek bed has flooded out of it's banks.  Our entire yard was one big pond.  I am thankful my husband built the house on 4 foot tall pier and beams.  Kept the house out of the water for sure.

I purchased more Freedom Ranger chicks in April, only to have 25 of them wiped out by a possum last week (June 10).  Very upsetting.  That is my food.  This is the first time we have had this happen, and I am stumped as to how it go inside a locked building.  No holes or openings anywhere.

Pond is full, praying it will last the summer.  Sold most of our goat herd to purchase bees/hive.  They are in place and doing great so far.  Can't wait to learn more.  Thankfully, I have a good mentor to help me out.

We kept three remaining does.  So we ended up with four new babies.  One of the mamas (Bluebonnet, Age 9yrs) passed away last week.  No idea why.  She looked fine, but it could have been age.  Her little guy "Blu" is fending for himself (he's almost 3 months) now in the field.  His mama was a loner and kept to herself, so he is following her lead and staying away from everyone else.  Except at night, he comes and sleeps in front of our front door on the porch.  Who knew our front porch would turn into a barn?  We have chickens, a rat, a guinea pig, rabbits, cats, dogs and now goats living/sleeping on the porch.  I am scared to ask what next?

Our POA paint horse Samson has hurt his rear leg again.  Last year he broke it, and it appears broken again.  He kicked the dog for chasing him (left a good hoof shaped cut on his head too), but broke the same leg.  It has been swollen for about 3 months, nothing to do for him.  He still gets around the field, eats, drinks, etc., but it doesn't seem to be healing as fast as it should.  Since he is still eating, I don't want to put him down.  What a Quandry.....

PH job is finally at a close.  He is packing up the building and inventorying the equipment for the company.  He will be the last one out, and then we will have to worry about a job.  Very scary feeling in a way.I did manage to find another part time job with the USDA doing farm surveys.  It is a pretty good job, and I wish I could do it full time.  Maybe in the future. So, we aren't destitute.  Thankfully, we are debt free, and raise a lot of our own food.  We just need money for luxuries like electricity, fuel, books and travel.

PD#1 graduated from our homeschool high school.  She was also (finally) promoted to 2Lt in Civil Air Patrol in May.  A huge milestone for her.

Cadet 2nd Lieutenant

PD#1 (left) with her BFF

Graduating together from HomeSchool

*We planted a small garden this year, primarily herbs to sell at the local Farmer's Market.  I have been drying the basil, as we have an abundance of basil.  Next will be the mint.  I've also been wild-crafting several medicinal herbs (nettle, spotted bee balm, algerita).

We use herbal remedies primarily, though I do have one or two homeopathic remedies, and we use essential oils, along with the rest, to treat illness.  Thankfully, no doctor visits this year, as we do not have health insurance.  Maybe PH next job will have affordable health insurance.  His last company we paid $350 a month, then it went up to $600 a month and we had to cancel because we couldn't afford the additional cost.