Sunday, March 31, 2013

Happy Resurrection SONday

Good morning precious ladies, 


It will be a busy day today at the farm celebrating Our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ! My prayer for you is that the fullness of His raising on the third day.... will be ever so real and precious to you and my family today! We will be going to church and then coming home to prepare our meal for our family and baseball players that could not go home. I would appreciate your prayers. We know that at least two of them who need Jesus.... will be coming to church and our home. A huge answer to prayer....... we have prayed for sometime! Thanking the Lord for His answer!!!!!!! 

Know that you are loved sooooooo much by God......so thankful He provided a way for all of us through repentance and a saving knowledge of what Jesus did on Calvary....... for our sins. Precious!!

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

Happy Resurrection SONday!!!!!!!

Love you, 

Linda

Friday, March 29, 2013

A Beautiful Day on the Farm......Spring is Coming!!!!!!

Hello sweet ladies,

What a lazy fun evening (I am putting this post up on Thursday), I had on the farm........the Girlies were
running all over the farm finding bugs and maybe worms! I loved watching them scratch. The grass is growing in places........ which is showing us that spring is coming! Can't wait!


 I moved Puddles and his little chicky friends to the Milk House. The house gets really dusty when they are in here...so when they get a little bigger I really want to get them outside. I tried moving Puddles in with Waddles.........didn't work. Waddles was kind of mean.... so I decided to not put them together. I will wait.


I moved Seal and her 4 little ones out into the Potter's Shed. They are growing as you can see. See the little grey on the little cream ones? They are like little Siamese kittens. 


 Look at this sweet baby, they don't have their eyes open yet. 

Another Momma cat had 3 little ones yesterday in the afternoon.......in a old box. They will have them anywhere! We will be finding homes for some kittens!!!!!!!

LIFE is happenin'...........all over the farm! 

 He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.  But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.  By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people?  And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.  Isaiah 53:3-9

May the Lord bless you on this Good Friday! 

Linda


Hope you enjoy this video I did of the Girlies out scratchin' close to the garden!




Wednesday, March 27, 2013

and her name is............

Hello sweet ladies,

LILY!

I have been enjoying all the names you have been sending me. I tallied up all the names and Lily came out way ahead!


The name that was close behind Lily was Blossom, which I also thought was very sweet! Then Violet was next. 


They are both so playful. I am so enjoying having babies on the farm. 

Thank you so much for helping us name her. She is so so precious. I have been holding the all of the baby sheep..... hopefully they will be getting tame.

Planted some more veggies and tomatoes. They are setting over some warmth to help get them sprouting faster. 

Thank you for all the comments!!!! I enjoy reading them. 67 degrees this SONday........can hardly wait. 

Well, blessings to your day,

Linda




Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Olivia and Her NEW Babies!!!!!

Hello Sweet Ladies, 

when I got home I took care of all the Girlies, chicks and baby ducks.....then I was off to take care of Willow, Branch and lil' Branch, Olivia and Sweet Magnolia. When I got to the gate I noticed that Olivia and Sweet Magnolia had a baby lamb in their pen. I kind of freaked, because we keep Willow and her babies in the shed when we are gone at the college. I thought Branch or lil' Bud had gotten out somehow. Really no way could Branch and lil' Bud have gotten though the gate. I finally calmed down and ran over to Olivia! Guess what I found?


 Two new babies.......they were Her own babies! 
PURE SWEETNESS!!!!!!


They were so tiny. Buy the time I saw them they were all dry.  I think she had them a few hours prior of me getting home. 

Such precious little ones!


I was trying to see if they were girls or boys..........YAHOO! We had at least one I could see! Meet little Rosebud. So excited to have a girl......now to see what the other one was........


the one on the right........yup a girl!!!!!! I was so happy. Now I have 5 girls in my flock. 



We decided to put them out in the third pen where we have some grass. 

Willow smelled Olivia's little one.......she wasn't nice and kind of flipped the baby. That was it......it wasn't going to work. My sweet man and I separated them again. 


I couldn't take a chance on one of the babies being hurt. We put Olivia and babies in the pen with the shed. They are doing great! I will sleep better knowing they are safe. Wow, what happens to your heart when you have animals that depend on you! I am lovin' it! God has been so good to me. I am grateful that He is letting me experience the little lambs......and so soon after their births. He has given me gifts......I know that for sure!


After I got Olivia all settled, I took my camera out to take a few pic's of Branch and "lil' Bud being silly. I could have not planned this more perfect for you to see Branch playing......now I know why his name is Branch!


Branch picked up a little broken branch in his mouth.



He was so cute.....he kept rolling the branch with his tongue. 
Lil' Bud was looking at him so funny.


Branch was being so silly. I was so excited
I captured him doing this for you! 

Hope you enjoyed the pic's............it was a very very sweet day and evening! I love love my new babies!!!!!  

I need one more name for the other little girl, if you 
would like to leave one in the comments.

God bless you,

Linda









Sunday, March 24, 2013

It is SONday!

Hello sweet ladies,

Saturday night it snowed all night.........and blew. When we woke up there were snow drifts all over the farm. It was beautiful! The sun came out and a lot of it melted.

On SONday our table was full. We had all the kids plus another family with us! It was wonderful! I am putting this post up on SONday evening. 

 I have wanted to show you how I transplant my tomato seedlings. So thought I show tonight.


Remember when I put my seeds in a tea cup? 
Go here if you would like to see what I did.


The little tomato seeds started growing and needed to be transplanted. These got a little bit bigger than I wanted, but they will still work fine.


I bought some 9 oz. paper cups, so I could transplant the little tomato seedlings. 

1. Take a small knife and slip along the side of the tea cup and gently lift the dirt and seedlings upward. Remember be very careful. Take a little clump out onto your surface. Gently separate each seedling.
2. I use a wooden dowel and make a hole into each cup filled with potting soil.
3. Holding gently to the leaves.......do not press them. I place the root into the hole I just made.
4. Carefully bring dirt around the root using a small knife. Press around the two leaves.

Make a small hole in the bottom of the cup using a paring knife. Set each cup into some warm water until it is soaked.
Then I slip the cups into a plastic bag and set into seedling trays, until the seedlings have 4 leaves. 


I think it gives them a little boast. 


Look what I found at a salvage yard. It cost me $5.00. I think it was used for tools, not sure, but I knew when I saw it what I was going to use it for. 


On each shelf I set the cups in the planting trays. Above the plants I hung the shop lights. I am going to love using this shelving unit!!!!!!!!


As the plant grows I raise the lights. It works wonderful and the little stems grow stronger and wider. Not all spindly. 


I love how the Lord makes what He created so beautiful! 

Hope this helps you if you would like to try doing your own seedlings. If you ever have any questions, just let me know. I do things kind of simple, but it works for me! 

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

I have only 5 more weeks working at the college. I can't tell you how excited I am to get back to the farm for the summer. 
I have lots of plans! 

Hugs to your week! 

Linda






Thursday, March 21, 2013

Gooseberry Patch and Prairie Flower Farm Winner!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello sweet ladies,
Thought you might like this pic......one of my fav's so far! 


I am so excited to finally get to tell you who won!!!!!!!! It is.......

 Laura Lane 
of 

Remember my question was to tell me a little bit about yourself? This is what she said,

Hi Linda, 
  1. I'm a big city girl gone small town girl gone country!

    I live just a few miles outside Joplin, Mo of tornado fame.

    I have four children, three of whom I am currently homeschooling.

    I married my high school sweetheart. You might say we're going steady permanently.

    I've a single surviving hen who will soon welcome chicks from the farm store. I have 2 cats who are siblings. Rukia (Roo key ah) is expecting a litter of kittens any day now. .

    I enjoy sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, crafting, baking, cooking, and making soup.

    I love to read and often review books on my blog, Harvest Lane cottage.

    I like to cook from scratch, and I adore Gooseberry Patch books. I've collected a lot of them on Paperback Swap over the years.

    I don't enjoy gardening, but I do enjoy canning, especially jams and jellies. Fortunately, my husband is a master gardener.

    I do hope you'll come and visit me at Harvest Lane Cottage!

    Laura


CONGRATULATIONS Laura!!!!!!!!
Laura, I can't leave a message on your fb. They were going to make me pay to do it. Not sure what I am doing wrong......please email me back!!!!!!! Hugs, me

She is also a facebook follower!!!!!!!

I loved reading all of your stories ladies. Truly it helps me get to know you all so much better!!!!!!

I hope you enjoyed the reviews for the 


101 Farmhouse Favorites cookbook!

I really really like this cookbook!!!!!! There are more recipes that I will be trying! There are so many other good ones that I didn't get to try! 

If you are interested in buying it you may go Here and do so!

Sweet ladies, thank you so much for signing up for another party! I truly truly....... appreciate it!!!!

I am putting this up on Thursday night! 

Hugs and God bless your day! I am so so thankful that it is Friday!!!!!!! Snow is coming on Saturday and Sunday! I love snow and know it won't stick around very long....it is spring now........right.....I will enjoy it! 



Linda


Branch, my sweet little boy!!!!!

Good morning sweet ladies, 


I just had to show you one of the pic's that I took last night of Branch.....doesn't he have the sweetest little face? I love him....a lot! 

I will be doing the drawing of a name tonight after I get home from the college. Can't wait to see who won the Gooseberry Patch cookbook and Emma and Her Chicks Tea Towel!!!!! 

Hope you have a sweet day......and may the Lord bless it big time......hugs, Linda



Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Willow and Her Babies & The Last Early Bird Review!

Hello sweet ladies..........( I am putting this up on Tuesday evening)

Those of you who follow me on my facebook already know that Willow had her babies. Yes, I said babiesssss. Two little boys! Can't believe I got little boys again. When I got home of course I immediately went out to see how she was doing. I had the camera in hand and I was ready to video just in case........I have to say I was so excited, when I turned the corner and heard this small little baa I about jumped out of my skin! When you listen to the video you can't laugh. I got so excited and I sound......well.....I will let you decide. I think dumb! 

Here is the video!



This is the littlest baby lamb soon after he was born.


They are so so precious! 


The little guy on the far right is all yellow. My farm girlfriend Cheryl said that it was because he urinated in the womb. Momma is working on getting him all cleaned up! They will look better in a few days.

Thinking of names........ if you would like to add some you are welcome. I am soooo tired tonight! Having little ones on the farm takes it out of you!!!!!!

Okay.........I have one more REVIEW!


I love my girls......they bless me so much with pretty eggs. It is so nice to have them available when I am cooking! Tonight was no exception! Here is another recipe I chose for the 

Early Bird Review!

101 Farmhouse Favorites Gooseberry Patch Cookbook 


It is so easy...to make up ....and very delicious! 
Ask my sweet man.........he said, "yes"!

Here is the recipe:

Easy Bacon Frittata
3 T. oil
2 c. frozen shredded hashbrowns
7 eggs, beaten
2 T. milk
12 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
3/4 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add hashbrowns and 
cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until golden. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Pour egg mixture over hashbrowns in skillet; sprinkle with bacon. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 10 minutes, or until eggs are set. Sprinkle with cheese; remove from heat, cover, and let stand about 5 minutes, until cheese is melted. Cut into wedges to serve. Makes 6 servings.

For a side to go with this cut strawberries, oranges, apples and grapes......you have a healthy meal for your family. Breakfast of dinner.......our family loves breakfast foods for our evening meal! 

Okay.......this is your last time to sign up for the 
Gooseberry Patch and Prairie Flower Farm Party! Go here and sign up if you like! 

The lady who's name is drawn will win the


101 Farmhouse Favorites Cookbook and
the handmade
Emma and Her Chicks Tea Towel


Plus if you go to sign up there is a free stitchery download of this little tea towel......also if you would like the kit that is available also!

Thank you ladies for making our parties so much fun.......they just won't be the same with out cha!!!!!!

Hugs and God bless your day,

Linda

Monday, March 18, 2013

Another Review from the Gooseberry Patch 101 Farmhouse Favorites Cookbook!

Hello sweet ladies,


When I got home I ran and I mean ran out to check on Willow. Bless her heart she is still just getting bigger. 


Her utter is getting really big......so at least we are getting closer right? I am so excited I can hardly stand it!!!!!! I thought since some of you ladies have never been on a farm, this might be interesting to see where she nurses her little ones. PRECIOUS! God thought of everything! She would probably not be pleased with me if she knew I showed you this......don't tell her!!!!!!


After I checked on Willow I went around the farm to gather the eggs from the nesting boxes. My sweet man had been gathering them for the last few days.....or so I thought. He must of thought I was gathering the long Hen pen.......three nesting boxes were full of eggs. Don't they look pretty?  Love it when I see lots of eggs! Taking three dozen to work tomorrow to sell! 

Okay......it is time for another ...............


We eat our big meal at the college at lunch time... so when we get home we always eat light. Tonight I thought I would try this recipe........


it is called the best........and it was!!!!!!!

Here is the recipe
The Best Chicken Noodle Soup

16- oz. pkg. thin egg noodles, uncooked
12. c. chicken broth
1-1/2 T. salt
1 t. poultry seasoning
1 c. celery, chopped
1 c. onion, chopped
1 c. carrots, peeled and chopped
1/3. c. cornstarch
1/4 c. cold water
4 c. cooked chicken, diced

Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside. Meanwhile, combine broth, salt and poultry seasoning in a very large pot; bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir in vegetables; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Combine cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl; gradually add to soup, stirring constantly until thickened. Stir in chicken and noodles; heat through, about 5 to 10 minutes. Serves 8 to 10. 

 Thought I would also make these rolls to go with.

 Lighter-Than-Air Potato Rolls from the 

Family Dinner Favorites section. 


Lighter-Than-Air Potato Rolls

1/2 c. instant mashed potato flakes
1 t. sugar
2 T. butter, softened
1/2 c. hot water
1/3 c. cold water
2 c. biscuit baking mix 
*(used a recipe to make it from scratch, don't buy it)
In a bowl, stir together potato flakes, sugar, butter and hot water. Add cold water and baking mix; stir until a soft dough forms. Gently form dough into a ball on a floured surface; knead 8 to 10 times. Roll out (I just patted) into a 10" by 6" rectangle. Cut into 1 squares; arrange on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 450 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until golden. Makes one dozen. 

When I was on my vacation I bought this adorable sunflower chicky, I filled it with honey...perfect! I spread butter with my new little butter knife and drizzled honey on top of the rolls. Nummy for a light supper.

Hope you enjoyed this review.......if you haven't signed up for the Gooseberry Patch and Prairie Flower Farm Party 
please go here to do so, if you like..smile! 

Free download Emma and her baby chicks stitchery pattern!!!!!!

* if you want the recipe I used for the biscuit baking mix........go HERE.......it is easy and very good!!!!!

Hoped you enjoyed the review!!!!!!!!

Hugs and God bless you sweet ladies!!!!!!

Linda

I will let you know as soon as Willow has her babies!!!!!!!