Where has the time gone?

I was looking through some old digital photos and I came across my little girl all dressed up in ribbons and bows and thought "My where has the time gone?" She was eight years old, teeth gone, and the apple of our eye! Bam! It hit me like a ton of bricks, " she is a junior and the year is almost half way over!" I can't believe that she will leave the nest soon! She turned 16 in September and where is my little girl. That seems like only yesterday! He father and I have such different hope for her life. He wish for her to stay close and always be his baby girl. He tries everyway in the world to keep her close and little and she is just iching for freedom. I want her to spread her wings and fly. To go where ever the Lord leads her and to make a difference in the lives of others. She doesn't know what she really wants to do yet but, is considering Women's Health. Her passion for others runs deep and the Lord is moving in her life. It is hard to stand back and let her become a lady but, we have prepared her to do well in life. God has always been first, and family second. Now it is up to her to make those decisions and find her way. I know that the next year and half will be challenging and rewarding at the same time. With all the struggles that teenagers bring and all the love that they have as well, our lives have been crazy here the last few weeks. She is such a good girl and not a typical teen at all. She just wants to know what to do with her life and she wants to know now!  She doesn't give us trouble and works so hard at school and church.  I am truely blessed!  The Lord has been so good to me and he gave me a wonderful chance to share my life with such a precious gift in Emily!

I am working on finding a quilt pattern for her graduation present. I know you all are saying "It's a little early don't you think?'' but, if i don;t start it now I will not have it finished and quilted by her high school graduation. If any of you have suggestions for a pattern, bed size, and not too difficult please share. If fact, let's have a contest! I will use the winners pattern to make her graduation quilt and once I decide on the fabric I will send the winner a special gift from me. Let's share photo's of special quilts and ideas of what to do for this little darling for graduation. Here is alittle bit about her: (1) She is old fashion and traditional in a modern way, (2) Fashion is her thing, (3) Pink is her favorite color all shades, (4) she drives a little red vw new beetle, (5) country, farm, cooking, stray animals, glitter, glam, and a heart as big as the world. Timid, shy, humble, yet personal, nerdy, intelligent, and an avid reader describer her to a tee, (6) she plays guitar, is in FBLA, FCA, anti-Drug Clubs, 4H, Drama Club, and runs cross country, shows sheep, pigs, and chickens.

There is just a little bit about her. Ask me questions and let's see what we can come up with! I am open to anything and besides it will be fun. let the conversations begin!

Help! I need a crochet pattern asap!

I am in need of a crochet pattern for baby booties and a hat.  A very easy pattern that will not take long and will be for beginners.  I have looked the web over and have not found anything that is suitable.  I am going to use this with a group of high school girls who will be make items for the NICU.  A special thanks in advance to all those who send me patterns.  If you have pictures of finished projects that would be great also as it is easier for most to see what they are making before they make it.

One in the Hand is better than two in the bush......

Or so the old saying goes.  This is a picture of a baby bird my daughter found inthe yard.  Ofcourse she wanted to keep it and I said...... What did you think I would say?..... "No!"  It has all of its feathers and its Momma was tring to teach it to fly, until you picked it up.   Go put it back!"  Oh that child!  What will I ever do when she leaves the nest?  This summer has been so busy, learning to drive, competeing in competitions, misson trip, and vacation! ..take a breath... and school will start before I know it!  I can't believe that summer is flying by and before I turn around I will have 16 year old junior in high school!

Well, I wanted to let you know that my friends over at Life on a Southern Farm are having a wonderful give a way!  They are giving a way one of their beautiful hand made nesting boxes. (No it is not for this little bird!lol!)  It is for all those chicken farmer's out there.  They have them for every size flock out there both standard and bantum breeds as well!  I sure hope I win!  I have been loning for one of these nesting boxes for my five little hens for some time now.  They deserve a proper place to lay eggs instead of sharing with those pesky old sheep who share their hay bale unwillingly with them.  Man is it ever hard to find those eggs some days!  Anyway, I am sure that if you stop by her blog you will find it is filled with quite the southern charm and youwill leave educated and return time and time again to see just what it going on in her neck of the woods!

2 Chronicles 7:14

2 Chronicles 7:14
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

So you might find this verse a bit harsh or stange for a blog.  But, I have been doing a daily bible study called one-2-one.  It is a study for new christians and although I have been saved by God's amazing grace since I was 12 years old, i have found much renewal in this study.  My husband and I teach the youth at our church on wednesday nights and they are in high school or college.  This study has opened my eyes to those things that are so important to a new christian and should not be forgotten by the gray heads as well. 

For me personnally, this week has been about full submission and nothing less. Often times I think we forget that we are not the one's incontrol and when we try to be, we sin against our lordship, Jesus Christ.  After all he didn't die for a certian selcet part of us it was for the whole kit and kaboodoole.  I often think that I can do it all, and do it well.  The Lord many times has had to remind me, in a not so sudtle way, " Hey, I am the one in charge here!"  This concept is often hard for all of us to remember and for allof us to allow to happen in our individual lives.  I am making it a point to do this each day.  To just stop and reflect on the verse above. It says my people, who are called by my name = me , I am a child of the King and am so called his child.  Therefore I must, humble myself = I am not in charge, seek his face = study to find God's will for my life and his hand in all that is around me throughout my day, and turn from my wicked ways.  Now you maybe thinking "wicked ways", what have i done that is so wicked.  I too was wondering the same thing when God showed me, yes he did. I am not doing what he would have me to do when I take control of things in my life, I should be letting him guide me in all things.   Reading through the bible I understand how important it is to be a servant in all that I do, not just the areas that are fun for me to serve in, I must serve even when it is uncomfortable, hard, hot, cold, confusing, and awkward.  Not just on sundays or wednesdays, not just at home or in front of my students but, all day everyday.  So I hope that each of you find that place of service and the blessings that God has promised for those who are called by his name.



On a lighter note, I have included a photo of a fungi that one of my students took.  We are having a hard time identifiying.  If you have any idea what it is will you please leave me a comment.  Thanks for your help and enjoy your day!

I just couldn't stand it any longer!!!! They are just so darn cute!!!!!

Here they are:

So, a trip to Tractor Supply and I couldn't even help myself..........

I am now the proud owner of 13 little chicks...

3 white leghorn Pullets, 6 Buff Orphington Pullets, and 4 I do not know whats, but they all match!

So if you can identify them I would love to know what they are!  I know they are bantam somethings and a surprise is always nice!

Here are some pictures of the lambs.  They are really growing!

I tought once not inculde these really blurry pics, but, this is how they are.  One big blur most of the time.  Hardly ever standing still for anything.

Except to eat! LOL!

And, to look and see what I am doing! 

So leave me a message and help me figure out what these little chickens are!  I am so excited!

The day the Pygmy's took over the Farm!!!!

So, one week ago I took a huge leap and jumped into the world of the pygmys.  Goats that is!  You see I had a gentleman and his son who came and bought all of my hair sheep ewes for an FFA project.  While they were visiting with us he proceeded to tell me that if I got myself some small goats they would take care of the sage grass issues we have on the new property.  It is just covered in sage!, which is not good for hay fields.  As we have been planning to make this property work for us this was a natural and organic means of riding ourselfs of the sage.  Much cheaper too!  We would not need to spend as much money on gas and diesel and we will be feeding the goats at the same time.  So thus began my search for some small goats.  (I know your thinking just put the nubians out there Amy and let them work.  But you see, they are my babies and so particular, and I just can't if i want to milk them.) 

I ran across a good deal on these little gals.  All of whom are breed may I add and I did not pay a penny extra!

So meet the pygmys! 
 Starting from the left hand side and moving across we have:  Talula, and Celeste, and Scarlet.  These are full grown, full blooded pygmys.  Be hind them is Lula and Trula, named after my great-aunts.(They are the light tan ones, these are twin doelings who came with their mother who is not pictures and named Judith.)  They are 3/4 pygmy and 1/4 nigerian dwarf.  And then there is Helen , the black and white fancy goat.  I am not sure what she is but she is a looker.  Very striking.  She has twins already as well.

This is Emily holdong twin one who looks just like his mother although you can't tell cause eventhough it is 60 degrees outside Emily is still wearing her furry winter hat.  His name is Marshell.

AND...

His twin Tanya!

All of these goats were named by Emily.  Don't ask because I do not know the method behind her madness.  We also have two other girls who are bred and will be joining this gang, there names are silver, she is a nigerian and Naomi, who si an alpine/nigherian cross.  They both are in solitary confinment as they are close to delivering and are as mean as you can get until their babies get her and then they nicen up quite abit.  So lots of fun going on in the barn yard and on the new property. 

No other babies yet!  And we will see where this leads me!  I love your comments so drop a line.

So, it's been a while... The winter is still here and so is the snow...

So it has been a whlie since you all have seen the babies and all the furry around the farm.  We have been coverd in snow, and if not snow, then rain.  CAN I JUST SAY "I HATE MUD!!!!!!  Yes, my temper is getting flared over the weather but, we will weather the weather, what ever the weather, weather we like it or not.  I must remember "Spring is coming, Spring Is Coming!" 

Meanwhile in the middle of all the chaos I find peace in the barn.  Here are just a few pictures that graps the moments of peace I find.

Water that is not frozen is always welcome.

We like it too!  And, my have we grown over the winter.  These are the yearling Suffolk and Hampshire sheep we kept from last year.  They are all just turning one and have really bloomed here lately.  Emily showed these girls and it looks like some of them might get to be shown this year as well as yearling ewes!

And although blurry this is the veiw I see the most.  Everyone running around looking for me or a bite to eat.  I will be selling a small starter flock of Suffolk/Hampshire sheep.  This encludes a ram and three maybe four ewes.  Would be a great start for someone looking to get into the sheep business to who just wants a clean up crew for the property.  Hope you enjoyed your visit.  Leave a comment or two if you did.

Pictures From Around the Farm......

These first few pictures are of the new property.

A view down the bottom side of the property.

From a top of the first rise looking up.

Now looking down from the top of the line before the woods.

Down the old railroad bed that runs along the base of the proerty.

Wade looking at the pond wondering where to start with the clean up.

Now for the Lamb:  Look at this BlackFace momma nursing two white face lambs that are not hers.  She has turned into a buffet after weaning her own lamb.

We are just too cute running around in the snow.

Me and Mom just chowing down!

Look how sweet this little guy is!

Holly with ince in the sun.  I can take pictures that are not of animals sometimes.

An Old Gate

PrincessFuzzy

Sadie The Mule

The Rake.

I hope that everyone had a good yime looking at the pictures and getting to see what the view is from my backyard!  Stop by and chat if you can!

Dream coming true!...It'd Hard to believe it!

Well, sometime ago, around 3 years my husband and I decided to approach the man who owned the farm bedise us to see if he was willing to sell.  There had been talk in the area that he was going to sell it and someone wanted to put a subdivision in.  We were mortified about a subdivision and would sell and move where we didn't have to deal with lots of people around us.  So we asked and he and my husband drew up and agreement.  We would make a payment each month to him and upon maturation of the terms set aside the deed would be ours.  This had been the gentlemans inhartience and he was not comfortable letting it switch hands until the passing of his grandmother.  She was allowing a cattle farmer to lease it and he would continue it until her passing.  So we were not aloud to do anything with or on the property until then.  So we watch and wait.  Over the Christmas holiday the dear lady passed away.  We were contacted by the gentlemen a week ago and so the papers are signed all we are waiting on is the closing with the bank and the deal is done.  My husband is like a kid in a candy shop.  Today we are going to walk the propery and see where we will begin the clean up.  The boys said "the first thing we needed to do was put up a new fence,"  when asked why their reply was "we need to move our cows over there."  Very practical I must say but, we have two cows and this is a 30 acer farm.  My husband wants to clean the area where the pond is and clean the pond out first so that he can fish anytime he wants.  It connects to out backyard and he will be there all of the time no matter what the temperature is.  (The boys had not thought of that.)  I want to see what part will be best suited for hay and pasture and then decide how we will set it up for rotational grazing.  I will be able to run more sheep and this will be nice as I will not spend all summer with ewes running me over at the barn and less flies around the house.  Needless to say we have our work cut out for us but that is fine as we are looking at this being a production for our retirement.  I will take some pictures today and post them later.Off to get thehouse work done.

Remembering When.....

Proverbs 22:6 (King James Version) :  Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

I ran across this picture this week as i was cleaning out the attic.  I sat and just boo - whoed.  I know crazy right?  I really can't blieve that this little gitl has grown up into a beautiful 15 year old young lady.  It seems like just yeaterday she was running through the barn yard catching chickes.( Oh yeah that was just yersterday!Lol!)  Well, you know what I mean.  I know that the Lord gives us things to enjoy about each stage of life, but i truely miss the years 3-8, I really do.  That was the time I could solve most of lifes problems for her, not so many of them theses days.  I realize the value of the vere abovemore and more each day when I see her make good choices and trusting that the Lord will lead her where he wants her.  Through all the antics of being a 15 year old and living a Godly life I know that her day is filled with choices I never had to make.  Eventhough I teach in the same school she attends it is not my place to intervine unless it is a major wrong.  She has to live her life and learn to listen to that still small voice.  I think God each day for the blessing he has given me with her.

Here they are! The sweetest little peeps in the world...

I have for a long time been wanting to get back into raising chickens. (This summer had been the first summer since our fifteen year old was five that we have not had some sort of poultry in the barn yard.) After all , chickens are what got us started in the farming business when Emily arrived home from her great aunts house with a box of five little chicks.  That was it she was hooked.  Spending all of her waking hours totein' around a little hen.  She loved those chickens so much.  Soon five turned to us ordering her a surprise box of twenty five for easter.  Never in a million years would one think that a little girl would fall asleep watching those chicks run back and forth from the water to the food trough and then to rest under the heat lamp.  For days she set with the hatchery catalog looking at each picture of the chicks and tring to figure out what she had in that box.  In a small little compostion book she would write down ehat she thought they were and what page they were on.  by the time they were feathered out and in the barnyard she had most of them identified.  Even talking to our extention agent and having him come to the house to help her identify the ones she did not know.  Wow!  I can't believe it has been almost 10 years ago, time sure has flown by.  The summer she was in fourth grade we were at a flea market with my parents and low and behold what does this little brown eye girl wearing pigtails come carring back to my husband and I, you guessed it!  Two little splashed colored silkie chicks.  The cutiest little fluffy babies in the world!  They melted my heart and hers.  We raised them for quite sometime. Really up until she decided to get into showing sheep in depth.  That was when the chicken yard was turned into a sheep pen and the poultry went out in the yard.  This is the reason Wade made us get rid of something.  When the chickens, ducks, and turkeys started pooping on the concrete he said :They are Gone!", and so it was.  (A sad day I must say for the Haney women.) 

Yesterday, a blessed yesterday!  I recieved a late Christmas present per say.  Two of the most precious little silkies I have ever seen!  A hen and a rooster, just perfect for me!  Straight off the Fraker Farm and raised by Paula herself, these little jems make me so happy!  I got up this morning and headed to the barn only to be greeted by a hearty "Cock-a-doodle Do".  Something I haven't heard in a long time.

Good Morning All! And is it ever Early!

So, it was 4:30 A.M.. Yes, in the morning of my first day back to work since christmas break!... What am I doing up?.. I should be sleeping?.. You see my 15 year old wok me up at 3:30 a.m. to tell me that she was scared and couldn't go back to sleep. So after an hour of trying to lay there with her and calm her back to sleep we are up watching Law and Order. I am blogging, as you can see. It is really hard to get hold of a computer around here. I have ment to get these pictures up since I took them a few days ago. As you can see, the barn yard is alive with babies! This picture is of the first two born. Look how much they have grown!

Here is our Little Orphane!  She is just the cutiest little lamb, atleast we think so!  She is a very hearty lamb and is growing quick.

Look how she eats!  She has also started eating grain and hay and here new momma is such a nice girl!  She is a keeper for sure~

Here is another lamb born the day after the big ordeal.  She is a cutie with that soeckled face and black muzzle.  Very shy and quite.  Her momma is a bit jumpy and I have to be super quite and calm when I am in her pen.  She and her mother will probaly get to stay in the droppen for a few extra days just to have time with the extra TLC yo uget when you are there.

Look I have a new friend and she look a bit like me!