Getting Rabbits

We got rabbits yesterday. 6 of them. We were told 4 does and 2 bucks. Nope. I checked. We have 2 does and 4 bucks.  Because we were told 4 does, we put 2 in cage for the ride home(we only had 4 cages for the trip home). Managed to put a buck and doe in 2 of the cages. So, I am pretty sure the does have been bred. Will know for sure in about a month. If so, we will keep a doe from each litter to increase our does. We will keep track of which doe is bred to which buck, so that the we don't breed does back to their sires.

But, at least we now have rabbits to add to our homestead.  We are getting there

Roosters!

We finally got some roosters to go with our hens. We were given 3 of them(probably could have got more) by a friend that had too many. One is a Speckled Sussex, one is a Jersey Giant, and one is a mix. So now, maybe the broody hen can do some good.  So far, they seem to be getting along with the hens, and vice versa. That is good thing. Egg production is down with this heat and that is understandable. I don't want to do any thing when it is this hot either.

Really....

wish I could/would keep up with this blog! I know life happens, but I should be able to take a few minutes every now and then to update what is going on.

As of last week, my husband started a new schedule of 12 hour days.  Starting on Apr 17, he had Monday and Tuesday off, worked Wednesday and Thursday, off Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This week it is reversed: worked Monday, Tuesday, off Wednesday, Thursday, works Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  The 2 week schedule repeats.  At least now, we really can plan to do things on his days off because they are guaranteed unless he volunteers.

Me, I have been schooling the kids, taking care of animals and the yard, and crocheting. Lots of crochet. I have made baby outfits and blankets, some potholders, a few swiffer pads. Right now, I am working on a wedding gift, a blanket. I have until June to finish it.  I hope I finish with time to spare, but we will see how that goes.

Job Change

For over 11 years, my husband drove semi-trucks.  In all kinds of weather, year round.  Sometimes, over-the-road, sometimes local.  Back in August, he was able to get a job that got him out of the truck. It is factory work. He is on day shift; sometimes he goes in at 5 and some days he goes in at 7. He is always off work by 3:30.  This way, we have a schedule, mostly.  At least we have an idea of times, so we can actually make plans to do things.  For eleven years, we couldn't. The switch kind of has us messed up, but we are getting used to it.

Wow!

Another year almost gone! It doesn't really seem possible.  Some things have changed; some things have stayed the same.

The Same
We are still homeschooling, we still have chickens and goats.  All 12 chickens are still with us.  Both goats are doing fine, in fact, we think the doe might be pregnant.
I am still fighting my disease, but I am slowly weaning off of steroids, under doctor supervision.  I will be glad to be off of them.

Changes
We will be moving, probably some time next year. The family farm is being sold.  Not sure where we will be moving, but we going to try to stay in the same district.  Hopefully, we can find something that meets our needs: it is in God's control. 
Oldest child is taking college classes; youngest child is starting high school level.  It does not seem possible that they are that old. It seems like it was just yesterday that they were toddlers.

Homestead Animals

We finally have animals other than cats and dogs! Yesterday, we went to a large swapmeet nearby that occurs several times a year.

We found our chickens and got a dozen of them: 6 red sex-link and 6 cinnamon queens.  Right now, they are in a box with a heat lamp in our bathroom. 

We also bought a 4 week old pygmy goat and a 5 year old dwarf Nigerian. The Nigerian may be pregnant, but we aren't sure. 

So, are homestead adventures begin.  Hopefully, within the next few days, we can get the raised beds in.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving.  Today, we wnet to my mother's for a family gathering.  My brothers couldn't make it, but my niece and her family, an aunt and uncle, and some cousins, did. We all had a good time, with lots of laughter and good food. 

I am thankful for my family.  I am thankful for my friends. I am thankful for a roof over my head, food on my table, and money to pay bills. But, most of all, I am thankful for Jesus, my Lord and Savior.