2016 New Year New Babies!

So I have been so so so bad at keeping up this blog it is actually embarrassing!  But I promise to do better this year ( ok so I will TRY).  LOL  
We have been so busy with the farm its hard to do anything but work work and more work.
So far this year we have had two sets of twin goat kids born and more on the way.  Have i mentioned how cute baby goats are???     We have had one set of boer does and a set of nubian does so far with more kiddings soon like one doe is due tomorrow.  We have also had two litters of bunnies this year already and more on the way.   But today I was looking for ideas on how to make my own healthy utter balm for my milk goats.  I found this super easy formula that I want to share with you.

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup shea butter 

20 drops peppermint essential oil

20 drops melaleuca (tea tree) essential oil

20 drops lavender essential oil

Use a double broiler and combine the cocnut oil and shea butter mixing until melted.  remove from heat and stir in the essential oils then place in the fridge for a quick cool down.  once it is soft take your hand mixer and mix until it is soft and will be easy to scoop out of a jar.   

Easy Peasy! 

Bunnies Bunnies Bunnies

I think its safe to say I have jumped on the homesteaders band wagon!  We now have acquired some New Zealand meat rabbits.  The only problem is I have never had rabbit meat or know how to cook it.  But they are so cute im not sure they will become food for our family but rather more pets.   But I also said I would not drink goat milk and now well that is about all we drink.

Home Canned Green Beans, baby goats, and sunflowers!

So we ate our fist cans of home grown and canned green beans!  Im so excited they were yummy!!  The KIDS even liked them!  Differently have to pack larger jars next time the pint ones were not enough ( shocking!)   I just boiled them on the stove till hot drained them and put butter on them then back on the stove till the butter melted!  My favorite way to make them easy and Yummy!  We had them with home grown T-bone steak from mt daughters show steer.  It was a great home grown meal! 

Then we get up this am and Wade and the kids go out to feed the cows and goats  and my oldest finds one of the show doe's dead.  She was fine last night and gone this am.  It really makes you think how fragile life is.  She had a doeling less then a month ago and now its up to us to raise her.  Its always hard for the kids when an animal passes but they understand that we as livestock owners have to pick up and carry on because there are several other animals counting on us.  

And because pretty flowers make me happy I will leave you with some pictures of my Sunflowers that are growing out back. 

Fresh food

I hope everyone had a relaxing Sunday!  Today has been a busy day for us!  We had planned to get and head off to church this morning but I could hardly move my back hurt so bad.  At about two this afternoon I finally had to go out side because our last puppy from our most recent litter was leaving and I had to meet the new owners.   Then once they left one thing led to another and after we went it Mons to pick up the kids, I recited it would be fun ( and a good idea) to try freezing and canning some veggies I have.   So wash and cut....for hours.   Then I get my brand new pressure cooker out  (so excited). But what I did not realize it it would take forever!   OMG. Its after midnight and I'm still waiting for it to let me take the jars out of it.  There is only six lonely jars of green beans in the thing really over and hour?!?!?!?!?   I have they are the best green beans ever!  So I hope your Sunday has been relaxing!   Till next time, Stephanie

NEWS! NEWS! NEWS! 

Sorry I have been away for so long I have missed all of our followers and hope to reconnect with you soon!   We are currently revamping and will be back to crafting soon!!!   We are also getting into more of a homesteaders life style and will be adding that to our blog.  I hope you enjoy theses changes.   Things we will be adding will include: 

• Raising goats for meat and dairy
• Raising cattle
• Raising kids
• Crafts with unique style and bling
• Gardening

Needless to say I have been busy! 

4 H sale

Tomorrow I will have all of my bows at the 4H yard sale along with some baby items.  If you are in the Gainesville area come out and support the local 4H kids!  This will be held at Mel's Tack in Jonesville from 9-1.   Mel's tack is right on Newberry RD between Gainesville and Newberry.   Hope to see you there!

Fabric Flowers

I am in LOVE with fabric flowers!  They are my new favorite thing!  Here are some pictures of some I have made.  Hope you enjoy em!

How fun are they?  You can use them for almost anything!