tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43032871081345092312024-03-13T12:04:53.158-07:00Sweet Tea & Busy BeesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-44241487893480550672014-11-21T18:45:00.001-08:002014-11-21T18:45:25.156-08:00Baby it's cold outside!Is anyone else cold? The polar vortex seems to have the whole country under a cold hold. Last time I checked I lived in the south so it shouldn't be 30 degrees in November. I do however know some animals who are not cold... the alpacas. The boys are enjoying this polar vortex that has taken over the country. Here's a peek of what is going on in the alpaca pasture...<br />
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Lately I have found the alpacas dotted across their pasture laying just like Raoul soaking up the sun. Their coats are getting long as they prepare for winter so they are not the least bit cold.Perfect for soaking up some rays in the middle of the day.<br />
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If they aren't laying in the sun they are searching for freshly fallen leaves. They are so cute hunting around for their favorite treat!<br />
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All of the boys seem happy and relaxed which makes me happy and relaxed. Wishing you a happy fall hummm from the alpacas. Did I mention they hum? I suppose that is for another post. <br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-945614768975666582014-11-04T17:51:00.000-08:002014-11-04T17:51:13.321-08:00Operation pet the pigsWell the pigs have now called Yankee Belle farm their home for 2 months and have settled in quite nicely. I often catch Monty walking over to the pig pen to check things out, I think they are beginning to understand each other. There is only one problem. We CAN NOT touch the pigs. Don't get me wrong, the pigs aren't mean, they just don't do touch. So I have decided to instate operation pet the pigs! Get excited people, this is an official mission. You may be wondering how I am going to do this, I have decided that food and proximity are the two key components to an official pig mission such as this one.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">" You are going to do what?"</td></tr>
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So I took my chair, book, and pig treats into the pen and planned to stay a while.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Treats for me?!"</td></tr>
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I started by throwing Cheerios to the guys to let them know I came in peace. After they ate some of the treats, I started throwing them closer and closer.<br />
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Nicholas even came over to see what was going on at one point.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">" Can I play too?"</td></tr>
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Sherman ended up almost eating Cheerios out of my hand. He wouldn't quite take it from my hand but he did eat the ones on the ground right next to my fingers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">" Yum!"</td></tr>
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I consider operation part one a partial success. Hopefully lots of yummy treats will lead to some pig petting soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-34409318266098654812014-10-23T19:10:00.001-07:002014-10-24T07:33:07.113-07:00It's Fall Y'all! Fall on the farmAlright y'all it's been a long time since I wrote a post, I wish I had a good excuse but I don't. Sorry! The weather has cooled down and the leaves have started to change since the last time we talked. Let me just tell you that I LOVE FALL! I love everything about it. Sweaters, cider, crisp breezes in the morning, you name it, I love it. Well come to find out the animals love fall too! I spent some time today just walking around watching all the animals enjoy the cooler fall weather.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Alpacas + Fall = bliss </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just layin' around</td></tr>
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The alpacas especially love the fall. The low hum from their fan has finally turned off and they can rest a little cooler each day. They have been spending lots of time around their area basking in the warm sun.<br />
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The cooler weather also means that the boys are getting extra fluffy! Their fleece is growing thick to get them ready for winter. They look much different than they did when they came to us in April. I just want to squeeze them!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oink, Oink, Yawn...</span><br />
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I have learned that pigs get cold easily. At night I find our piggys snuggled in their little hut. They burrow themselves in hay. Burrowing to the point that one day I thought they escaped because they were hiding so well. Melvin and Sherman can be found lazing the fall days rooting around in the cool dirt and laying in the sun.<br />
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I caught Melvin mid- yawn just after his 6th nap of the day. The pigs love fall too.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cluck, peck, scratch</span><br />
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I have happy hens on the farm right now. They are loving scratching through the fallen leaves and finding hidden bugs everywhere.<br />
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The ladies on a lovely fall day.<br />
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I could watch the animals all day. I am so glad they love the fall as much as I do.<br />
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I promised Raoul I would put his close-up on the blog. :)<br />
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This post is linked to:<br />
<a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/10/down-home-blog-hopnumber-102-acorn.html"><img alt="Down Home Blog Hop" border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n600/Melissa_Caughey/downhomebloghop-002.jpg" title="Down Home Blog Hop" /></a> <a href="http://thehomesteadinghippy.com/prepare-winter-farm/#"><img alt="From The Farm Blog Hop" height="180" src="http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/mommy5798/ftfhopbutton.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://ourheritageofhealth.com/old-fashioned-friday-91/">Old Fashioned Friday </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-90303557384923370462014-09-09T20:34:00.002-07:002014-09-09T20:34:43.734-07:00Letter detective: On a hunt to learnSchool is back in full swing by now for everyone I am sure. Being a former teacher I love back to school time. I still want to go into Walmart and buy school supplies in bulk. With back to school comes back to homework and studying. I wanted to share an activity I did with "Batman" that could be adapted to study just about anything.<br />
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Although "Batman" doesn't have any homework from preschool we are still working on letter identification and sounds. I made him an official letter detective and off we went to hunt letters! We have a letter tree in the playroom where we put the letters that we have learned to make them visible.<br />
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I told "Batman" that the letters had escaped and we had to go and track all of them down. This helped him review letters that he knew and I also added a few new ones.<br />
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Let the letter hunt begin!<br />
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He found H outside on the porch. He used his spy phone to call H and ask it what sound it made. We took H and put it in a bag so that we could return it to the letter tree in the playroom.<br />
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We continues our hunt...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those letters were really hiding!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicholas was excited to learn about the letter A for alpaca!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P for pig!</td></tr>
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Once we found all of our letters we headed back inside to put the letters back on our tree and told them not to run away again.<br />
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I hope you can go on your own hunt for letters, sight words, math problems, vocabulary words or what ever your little one is learning. Have fun learning!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-87028929410217622242014-09-07T19:29:00.001-07:002014-09-07T19:29:53.172-07:00When the people are away the pigs will play.Going out to do morning farm chores is one of my favorite things to do. I love greeting the animals in the morning and getting everyone what they need for the day. Well.... we got a surprise when we went out to the pig pen today.<br />
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Yep, they started breakfast without us. I assume Melvin was the strength behind this operation but I wouldn't be surprised if Sherman was the idea man here. I suppose we should have figured that this may be a possibility if we stored their feed inside their pen. We just thought that the metal can with a 50 lb bag of feed in it would keep them out, I guess we were wrong.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVcTHGrfkcQ/VA0UI18mk_I/AAAAAAAAAXE/1ESKS9aEAcY/s1600/IMG_5665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVcTHGrfkcQ/VA0UI18mk_I/AAAAAAAAAXE/1ESKS9aEAcY/s1600/IMG_5665.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hurry, they see us!"</td></tr>
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Well Melvin and Sherman I guess we learned our lesson and moved the food container. Mischief managed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-87921767321264831632014-09-07T19:03:00.000-07:002014-09-07T19:03:14.074-07:00Love at lunch: My take on lunch notes.Before I packed "Batman's" first lunch for lunch bunch day at school tomorrow I decided to hop on the computer to see if I could find any cute lunch notes to include. As I was scrolling through countless super cute notes that I could print out it dawned on me that I was getting lunch notes before lunch notes were a thing. <div>
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My mom would include a special I love you note every so often in my lunch. I don't know the story behind how it started but the message is a picture rather than words. I have to assume this is because she started giving me these notes before I could even read just like I am doing for "Batman." I never really stopped to think about how special those notes were until today in the midst of my internet lunch note search. This got me thinking, would I remember those notes so well if it was just a cute printed off picture? I don't know. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A recent I love you note from my mom, just like when I was little</td></tr>
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This special note appeared in my lunch when I was little but followed me through my life as a sign of encouragement. On my birthdays she would scroll Happy Birthday in lipstick across my mirror and then sign it with her signature I love you. When I went to college she would send care packages and include her special I love you. Even now when she sends something in the mail for me or the kids I can expect to see that special I love you. </div>
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There is something about someone's handwriting that is magical. It almost makes you feel like they are there with you. Try looking at a loved one's card they have signed or a note they have written. I bet you will feel something in your heart when you do. </div>
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So tomorrow in "Batman's" lunch I am not going to print off the cute Yoda note that I had originally thought about. I am going to write him an I love you note picture style. I hope this note can some day become as special to him as it is to me. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mt-b6VmxAyw/VA0NmrPvarI/AAAAAAAAAWs/W1UdCvmMlK8/s1600/IMG_5679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mt-b6VmxAyw/VA0NmrPvarI/AAAAAAAAAWs/W1UdCvmMlK8/s1600/IMG_5679.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Batman's" first I love you lunch note</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-76965568542639801362014-09-05T18:26:00.002-07:002014-09-05T18:26:54.843-07:00A change of the guard: There's a new rooster in townFrodo Baggins was my first rooster. I love him. A lot. He is the scrappiest looking silkie I have ever seen which naturally makes him adorable.<br />
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Frodo has been in charge for a quite a while and his reign over the flock is finally over.<br />
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Meet Mrs. Frizzle. The new rooster in charge.<br />
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Yes I did say MRS. Frizzle. We named him before we figured out he was a boy and it kind of stuck. Anyway... He is small but he packs a lot of punch. He is the head rooster now. I am not sure how the dynamics of a chicken flock work but every now and again a new rooster heads to the top. The ladies accept that he is now in charge and listen to his special signals but all of the hens still love their Frodo.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-1868974122223190152014-09-02T18:59:00.000-07:002014-09-02T19:00:10.427-07:00The piggies settle into the farm.<span style="font-size: large;">Pigsy Hollow</span><br />
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Melvin and Sherman have already started to settle in and get comfortable at the farm. We spent all of the day after we got the boys building their new pig pen, Pigsy Hollow. One of the first things we added was a pig pool. <b>Pig fact:</b> pigs can't sweat so they need cool water or mud to roll in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFen7dg35T4/VAZvOtMV56I/AAAAAAAAAVc/I0v1nHXL_cQ/s1600/IMG_5533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFen7dg35T4/VAZvOtMV56I/AAAAAAAAAVc/I0v1nHXL_cQ/s1600/IMG_5533.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One hoof at a time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IJG46B1CZOs/VAZxN6z0eEI/AAAAAAAAAVk/VboafMZtu4k/s1600/IMG_5523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IJG46B1CZOs/VAZxN6z0eEI/AAAAAAAAAVk/VboafMZtu4k/s1600/IMG_5523.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>"Come on in, the water's great!"</b></td></tr>
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Melvin seems very happy about his pig pool. Sherman however hasn't been able to get in the pool because Melvin has been hogging the pool, pun intended!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Piggy snack time!</span><br />
In order to get our piggies comfortable with us we have been offering them pig safe snacks. So far we know they love cucumbers and popcorn. These pigs can put down some popcorn!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJ-Hdd5YPEA/VAZzhsEDBdI/AAAAAAAAAVs/dA5yMlXDwTI/s1600/IMG_5567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJ-Hdd5YPEA/VAZzhsEDBdI/AAAAAAAAAVs/dA5yMlXDwTI/s1600/IMG_5567.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>"Popcorn, where have you been all my life?"</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXdhhNsqijY/VAZ09ly5qZI/AAAAAAAAAV0/mfNJSnGnKIA/s1600/IMG_5565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXdhhNsqijY/VAZ09ly5qZI/AAAAAAAAAV0/mfNJSnGnKIA/s1600/IMG_5565.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>"Thanks for the popcorn, I love my new people!"</b></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-37345734581049740262014-08-29T19:48:00.001-07:002014-08-29T19:48:17.169-07:00With an oink oink here: New pigs on the farm.Everyday on the farm is exciting in some way but when new animals arrive it is exciting in a special way. Everyone is alert. Chickens crowed around the fence, and the alpacas stand on high alert to find out what's up. <div>
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Please let me introduce you to the latest members on the farm. Drum roll please......</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96xe40nmRho/VAE1YSkC-uI/AAAAAAAAAUk/_lMu5g85ggM/s1600/IMG_5477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96xe40nmRho/VAE1YSkC-uI/AAAAAAAAAUk/_lMu5g85ggM/s1600/IMG_5477.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Where are we?" " I don't know, looks like a nice place."</td></tr>
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Please meet Sherman (small black pig) and Melvin (big pig with spots). These two cuddly little oinkers are potbelly pigs that moved to the Yankee Belle Farm today. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MNJGA-S498M/VAE3pYN8QjI/AAAAAAAAAUw/2uiohmxUI2U/s1600/IMG_5475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MNJGA-S498M/VAE3pYN8QjI/AAAAAAAAAUw/2uiohmxUI2U/s1600/IMG_5475.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This seems pretty cozy</td></tr>
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They even got a comfy ride in the new minivan. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HyECKVC22b0/VAE45LLElQI/AAAAAAAAAU8/I-rzUjl3PbE/s1600/IMG_5482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HyECKVC22b0/VAE45LLElQI/AAAAAAAAAU8/I-rzUjl3PbE/s1600/IMG_5482.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cheese!"</td></tr>
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<div>
Melvin settled in with a little rooting and a nice nap. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jPk4P9HAHrM/VAE6M946BcI/AAAAAAAAAVI/a0xQCl3Rzg4/s1600/IMG_5484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jPk4P9HAHrM/VAE6M946BcI/AAAAAAAAAVI/a0xQCl3Rzg4/s1600/IMG_5484.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">" Just a little deeper."</td></tr>
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Sherman stuck with rooting for quite a while. </div>
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We are so excited to have our new pig friends here and can't wait to see what sort of pig adventures Sherman and Melvin will have together. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-2283121491621218762014-08-24T19:24:00.002-07:002014-08-24T19:24:38.282-07:00"Batman's" Bible BoxYou might remember back around Easter I posted our resurrection eggs that we were using to learn about the true meaning of Easter. Well, these eggs were still being used after Easter had come and gone. " Batman" and "Strawberry Shortcake" LOVED the eggs. I took the Easter themed trinkets out of the eggs and put in other things that would tie into some of my favorite bible stories. So we continued to go on egg hunts everyday and do our devotion based on our eggs. Eventually I felt like the eggs needed to go and we needed a more permanent solution to continue this new tradition that we started. This is where our prayer box came from. "Batman" sometimes calls it his Bible box because we always read a Bible story after we open the box. No matter what the name of the box, it is an awesome way to fit in a devotion with little ones.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Materials: </span></u><br />
<i>Decorating materials such as:</i><br />
Paint<br />
Glitter<br />
Stickers<br />
A small wooden box<br />
A favorite bible verse to include on the inside<br />
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We spent time decorating our box and "Batman" put his finishing touches on his box.<br />
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Each morning I put something into the box that ties into a Bible story. I hide the box so "Batman and Strawberry Shortcake" can find the box like we are still hunting for eggs ( they love this part ). After "Batman" finds the box we all read our story together.<br />
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I hope this can give some inspiration on how to fit in a small devotion with your little one.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-29511996743454407432014-08-20T21:13:00.002-07:002014-08-20T21:13:52.128-07:00Attention Moms: Use that Mommy intuition! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently had a head on encounter with good old mom intuition. That little feeling way down deep that creeps up when for no distinct reason you, the mom, sense something is wrong. This mom intuition lead my little man to get his first pair of glasses.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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He never not even once told me that he
couldn't see. He didn't give me any indication that he couldn't see.
He watched T.V. just fine, played the ipad, played sports no problem.
The one thing he didn't want to do was anything with paper and
pencil. He doesn't like to color, he will not write, he has trouble
cutting, he even has trouble tracing letters. At first glance lots of
people and even I thought he might have trouble with his fine
motor skills. Luckily I have an Occupational Therapist for an Aunt
who said his fine motor skills were great. Hmmm now what!? He even passed the eye exam they give at the pediatrician's office at their 4 year old visit. This is where the mom intuition comes in. </div>
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I decided that I would take him in for an eye exam before he started preschool just to make sure everything was a-OK, I thought something might be off with his vision. It's a good thing I took him in because he left with a whopping prescription for a 4 year old. My little man is extremely farsighted. No wonder he didn't want to color, write, trace, or cut... he couldn't see any of it! Now he is happy to look just like Dad and see everything through new eyes.</div>
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I wrote this post to let all of you moms out there know that your mom intuition, gut feeling, or whatever else you call it means something. Just because your doctor tells you something is fine or you don't see the "right" signs for a problem don't ignore your instinct. Thankfully "Batman's" eyesight was a very fixable problem with an easy solution. Give yourself a pat on the back moms, we have pretty important jobs.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-36835510826411530072014-07-02T11:39:00.000-07:002014-07-02T11:39:02.338-07:00We're feeling hot hot hot!Summer is in full swing here at Yankee Belle Farm and it is HOT. Humans and animals alike are trying to spend the day keeping cool.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Alpacas:</span><br />
On a hot day you can find the alpacas getting their tan on in the sun. It seems silly that these furry guys wouldn't lay in the sun when it's hot, but they do! They kind of look dead when they lay like this but have no fear they are just soaking up the sun.<br />
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If the are not soaking up the sun they are waiting to be sprayed off with a cool hose.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGxppNqP_vs/U7RHpbMsumI/AAAAAAAAARI/nggZvH22d6c/s1600/IMG_4706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGxppNqP_vs/U7RHpbMsumI/AAAAAAAAARI/nggZvH22d6c/s1600/IMG_4706.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacas enjoying the cool water</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ducks:</span><br />
The ducks of the farm like to spend their time in the water when they are hot. They like it when I fill up a tub with fresh cold water for them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NEFIt1kht84/U7RJcDWgpmI/AAAAAAAAARU/PBPTGswH8II/s1600/IMG_4713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NEFIt1kht84/U7RJcDWgpmI/AAAAAAAAARU/PBPTGswH8II/s1600/IMG_4713.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 ducks in one bin</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chickens:</span><br />
Chickens on the farm can be found trying to drink out of the duck's water bin or dust bathing on a hot day. Chickens roll around in the dirt to keep themselves cool and clean.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCo8lPiA58U/U7RLA4_bzMI/AAAAAAAAARg/Q2wKpxW1JPQ/s1600/IMG_4639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCo8lPiA58U/U7RLA4_bzMI/AAAAAAAAARg/Q2wKpxW1JPQ/s1600/IMG_4639.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elvira pecking at the door on a hot day, maybe she wants lemonade!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yf8_KY2a0Eo/U7RMPUpjdeI/AAAAAAAAARs/7udeYc7Mvxw/s1600/IMG_4749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yf8_KY2a0Eo/U7RMPUpjdeI/AAAAAAAAARs/7udeYc7Mvxw/s1600/IMG_4749.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone gathering around the bin for a cool drink of water</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just trying to stay cool</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Humans:</span><br />
Last but not least you can find us humans of the farm sipping on a cool drink or trying to stay cool in the pool. Sometimes the chickens even sneak inside the fence for the pool. Luckily they haven't tried to take a dip yet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9GeR9pBb9k/U7RPtBIdytI/AAAAAAAAASI/psW4Fb3cJ34/s1600/IMG_4353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9GeR9pBb9k/U7RPtBIdytI/AAAAAAAAASI/psW4Fb3cJ34/s1600/IMG_4353.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Shortcake is ready for the pool!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batman is part fish I think</td></tr>
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Well whether it's animal or human we spend our summer days staying cool and having fun. What do you do to beat the heat?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-86126430807768501492014-06-24T19:57:00.001-07:002014-06-24T19:57:56.922-07:00Little Monty turns 2!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had our first alpaca birthday on the farm today, Monty turned 2! Naturally we had to celebrate in full Yankee Belle Farm style so we celebrated with Monty throughout the day.<br />
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The guys came right over to the fence in the morning ready to start the day of celebrating Monty.<br />
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I even got a few birthday kisses from the birthday paca. He had a great day with some extra grain and fresh leaves. Oh and of course the people celebrated too....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special cupcakes for the paca's people.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batman wanted to admire the cupcake before he ate it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Shortcake didn't waste any time diving in.<br /><br />Happy Birthday Little Monty!</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-63966847671831674012014-06-23T19:29:00.001-07:002014-06-23T19:29:13.507-07:00Spit Happens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who me?<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
Well we've had the alpacas for a couple months now and we L O V E them! I can't even remember not having the boys in our backyard. At this point all of my friends know about the alpacas and several of them have met the guys. Most new people that I meet also know about the alpacas because it always somehow comes in conversation because, well, how could it not. I get three really common questions when I mention alpacas....</div>
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1. What is an alpaca?</div>
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2. Are you the alpaca farm on 64? ( a huge new farm on a big main road near us )</div>
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3. Do they spit on you?</div>
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Most people focus on #3... do they spit. Everyone has an opinion on alpaca spit. Even the people who ask what an alpaca is have an opinion on alpaca spit. My answer, yes alpacas spit. No the do not spit on me per say. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why alpacas spit:</span></div>
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Alpacas use spit as a defense mechanism. They have no top teeth so they can't bite, they have toe nails so their kick can't do too much damage, so they spit. Now I know you might be thinking, what could spit possible do? Well let me tell you the smell of alpaca spit will knock you over. This spit comes from the bottom of their gut and could clear a room, or barnyard. </div>
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They typically don't spit ON people, well at least mine don't. They spit at each other and if you happen to be between two perturbed alpacas then you are out of luck. Mine usually spit over food or when they are playing, which looks more like fighting. </div>
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I thought we were spit free because for the first 2 weeks there was no spit! Our lovely blue barn was in mint condition and they seemed to be getting along great. Then one day I noticed they had started spitting. </div>
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See all that greenish hay looking stuff... spit. Let me give you a closer look.<br />
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It looks more like hay spatter to me. Bottom line, alpacas spit but it doesn't matter much to me. I just wipe it off, and go right on about my day because, well, spit happens.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-65997660005679266372014-06-15T13:51:00.001-07:002014-06-15T13:51:32.030-07:00A tale of two mother hens. An adventure in co-parenting. Usually mother hens are fiercely protective of their chicks. One hen with her baby chicks. But as everyone who has animals knows, they don't always do what the books say. Sometimes they make their own rules. This is the case with our two little moms.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Meet the girls</span><br />
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One silkie bantam, Gandolf the White, and one brabanter, J Chicken, found each other and became instant friends. These are two very different breeds of chickens and the first time I saw them together was on their nest.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">21 Days on the nest</span><br />
They decided to sit on the nest together from the very beginning. They had never really been chicken friends before but they sure decided that they were going to do this together. for 21 long days they sat on the nest side by side. When adoption day came I brought both chickens inside and separated them before I gave them their new chicks. You see, their eggs weren't hatching so I bought some day old chicks to slip under them so they would think their eggs had hatched. I wanted to separate them because I thought they might get violent and steel each others chicks or hurt each other. NOT. THE. CASE! The second I separated them they started going nuts clucking and flapping trying to get back to each other. Well this wild chicken show lasted about 5 minutes in my dinning room before I realized I had to put them back together. So back they went. When nighttime came I slipped into the coop and put two chicks under one chicken and two chicks under the other one and prayed that they would keep their chicks and there would be no hen fighting. Now I waited.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Protectors</span><br />
Once the they came both moms they went into full protector mode. Protectors of their chicks and of one another. I almost couldn't stand the cuteness when I went into the coop to find the on mom with her wing over the other mom and chicks. I couldn't make this stuff up!<br />
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They have been teaching the chicks everything they need to know and doing it together, co-parenting. I guess sometimes you need a partner to help and in some cases a rooster just won't do.<br />
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I feel like these two are forever friends now and I love watching them lead their babies around the yard everyday. Only time will tell what their relationship will be in the future, but for now they are together forever.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-60683625520115154182014-06-12T19:39:00.000-07:002014-06-12T19:39:01.193-07:00A lesson in love. A mamma hen.I have taken an unexpected blogging hiatus due to computer difficulties for about a month. I wanted my first post back to be full of energy and awesome animal stories from the farm. Unfortunately that is not the post I need to write.<br />
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Last night I lost one of my favorite chickens to a predator. Not only was she the cutest fluffiest silkie you have ever seen, she was the most friendly chicken around. She tolerated "Batman" picking her up and even taking her to show and tell at school. I know that having chickens means loosing chickens. It is part of keeping livestock. Just because it is inevitable does not make it easy.<br />
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Gandolf The Grey was a fierce mamma hen. She would do anything for her little chicks. She adopted 6 chicks without question. It is amazing to watch a mother hen with her chicks. Their protective instinct runs deep. They teach their chicks everything they need to know and protect them at the same time.<br />
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I noticed she and one of her chicks were missing when I was doing my nightly coop check. Every once and a while a chicken doesn't come back to the coop so I have to trudge through the woods with my flashlight until I find them hiding in a bush somewhere. This time I had a bad feeling. Gandolf the Grey always comes back. It was especially strange because her chicks were snug inside not under their mother's wing. One of her chicks was also missing. I searched and searched and could not find them. Eventually I had to call the search. I got up early in the morning to search again. This time my search ended in tears and feathers. My poor little chicken had been a victim to a raccoon (at least I think it was a raccoon. ) I assumed that the animal took the little chick.<br />
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Tonight when I went into the coop I noticed one little chick standing in the corner. After doing a count I realized it was the lost chick! The chick had survived.<br />
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Mamma Hen was just protecting her chick. She sacrificed herself for her baby. As I spent time holding the scared chick and comforting her I thought about a mother's love. Mother's will do anything for their babies, even chickens.<br />
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My little chicken had done what any mother would do, protect her baby. I will always be sad that she is gone but it makes my heart smile because she was doing what I would do, protecting her baby.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-25786234491731351832014-05-05T19:44:00.002-07:002014-05-05T19:44:26.267-07:00Giraffe or Alpaca?!Lazy Saturday snacking on the trees. Ahhh life as an alpaca.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-88982682540944049552014-04-30T20:38:00.001-07:002014-04-30T20:38:28.326-07:00Baby fever: They all want chicks!Some people say that women get baby fever when their friends are having babies, which I think is true in a lot of cases. This same rule is true for my chickens! Since Gandalf The White decided to go broody and sit on her eggs, 3 other chickens have jumped on the band wagon and want to hatch chicks. Not only do they all want to sit on eggs, 3 of them want to sit on the same nest.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls sharing a nest</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Somehow they seem to be working it out. They are all sitting on a few eggs and co-existing in the same nest space. Maybe they decided they want their chicks to be best friends.<br />
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Goldie decided she wants the box for herself. She is VERY protective of her eggs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Goldie sitting on her eggs. She hasn't left the box in 3 days</td></tr>
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I decided I needed to see what was going on under those chickens so I candled the eggs. Candling the eggs is holding a light up to the egg to see if there is a developing chick inside.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candling an egg</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The dark part of the egg is the developing chick and the lighter part is the space left in the egg. I was so excited to see that the chicks are growing! Hopefully in a few days we will have some new guys and gals to add to the flock. <br />
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Check back in a few days to see if our little chicks hatch. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-2629909616116357172014-04-30T20:22:00.001-07:002014-04-30T20:22:53.378-07:00From the farm kitchen: Apple chips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love apple chips. I could eat bags of these things. I was so happy to find out how easy they are to make at home. You can eat them totally guilt free and it's also a great snack for the kids!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Apple Chips</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u><i><span style="font-size: large;">In<span style="font-size: large;">gredients:</span></span></i></u></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">* Apples</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">* Cinnamon</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<i><u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Procedure:</span></b> </span></span></span></span></span></u></i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. <span style="font-size: small;">Preheat the oven to 200 degrees<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. Slice apples into thin slices. I used a mandolin which created uniform slices but slicing thinly with a knife <span style="font-size: small;">would work well too. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. <span style="font-size: small;">Place the apple slices on a parchment lined paper and sprinkle with cinnamon.Use as much or as little cinnamon as you like.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">4. Bake the apple slices for <span style="font-size: small;">1.5 hours </span>and then turn the slices over.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">5. Bake for an additional<span style="font-size: small;"> 2.5-3 hours.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">6. Enjoy your chip<span style="font-size: small;">s!</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <u><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></i></u>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-42658820043456798902014-04-27T19:36:00.001-07:002014-04-27T19:37:16.154-07:00There's a hen in my sink!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rpSun_8bojE/U127hIWNEWI/AAAAAAAAAKY/1wMhb56Qx4M/s1600/IMG_4123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rpSun_8bojE/U127hIWNEWI/AAAAAAAAAKY/1wMhb56Qx4M/s1600/IMG_4123.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goldie in her chicken spa bath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Most of the time things on our little farm are peaceful and in order, but sometimes not so much. Sometimes animals get sick. Last night I had a hen in the sink. Most people have chicken in their kitchen on their dinner tables. I have a squawking, flapping wet chicken in my sink. I suspected that this little girl, Goldie, was egg bound, which means she had an egg stuck. A warm soak can help remedy the situation and ease the egg out. So I brought her inside and created a little chicken spa day. We still haven't seen an egg but she seems to be doing much better.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile.... I also have a chick in the dining room in our makeshift chicken hospital. On a nightly chicken check I picked up one of my girls to give her a snuggle and noticed she had a beak injury. The top half of her beak was missing!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-83OQAThQA00/U129mbWbwxI/AAAAAAAAAKk/jm7bYv30KQs/s1600/IMG_4000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-83OQAThQA00/U129mbWbwxI/AAAAAAAAAKk/jm7bYv30KQs/s1600/IMG_4000.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Beaky" the night we discovered her injury</td></tr>
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We have been nursing this little girl back to health for a few days now and she is doing 110% better! She has learned to eat despite her missing beak. I am sure she will be happy to return to her friends soon.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-48859482748583004642014-04-23T20:57:00.002-07:002014-04-24T20:34:10.803-07:00'Twas The Night Before Alpacas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfzK80GlE68/U1iK09GO3HI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/9LyayWMpHmw/s1600/Nicholas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfzK80GlE68/U1iK09GO3HI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/9LyayWMpHmw/s1600/Nicholas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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‘Twas the night before alpacas and all ‘round the farm
preparations have been made so there would be no alarm.<br />
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The fence has been pulled across the posts with care<br />
In hopes that alpacas soon will be there.<br />
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The chickens and ducks were snug in their sheds awaiting their new snugly
furry friends.<br />
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With the hubby worn out from building the barn<br />
We both settled down until we would hear the alarm<br />
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When deep in our dreams worries arose<br />
we both woke up thinking do we need to run back to Lowes!?<br />
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Away to the barn we flew like a flash<br />
to double check our work and pick up the trash<br />
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When what to our wondering eyes should appear but a perfectly set up barn
complete with alpaca chandelier.</div>
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So... we await the arrival of our alpacas in the morning. Stay tuned as we start our great alpaca adventure! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-6692287625698892382014-04-22T19:41:00.001-07:002014-04-22T19:41:45.376-07:00Earth Agents: Earth Day activities<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61UuTGMjLGc/U1citClrfOI/AAAAAAAAAIU/ChkkzrH94rg/s1600/IMG_3878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61UuTGMjLGc/U1citClrfOI/AAAAAAAAAIU/ChkkzrH94rg/s1600/IMG_3878.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earth Agents!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I was little I was sure I would single highhandedly save the earth. My neighbor/best friend and I even started The Save The Earth Club. It was official. We has sashes and patches. So naturally every year we celebrate Earth Day in a big way. This year the kids were Earth Agents, like secret agents learning about the planet.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:</span></b><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Recycled earth crayons:</span></u><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Materials:</span></i></span></span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Broken <span style="font-size: small;">bl<span style="font-size: small;">ue and green cryaons</span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">mini cupcake wrappers</span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mini cupcake ti<span style="font-size: small;">n</span></span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Procedure:</span></span></span></span></i></span></span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Place the mini cupcake wrappers into the tin.</span></span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. Fill each wrapper with broken pieces of blue and green crayons.</span></span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. Bake crayons in a 200 degree oven for 25 minu<span style="font-size: small;">tes.</span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">4<span style="font-size: small;">. Let crayon<span style="font-size: small;">s completely cool before removing them from their wrappers.</span></span> </span> </span></span></span></span></i></span><i> </i></span><i> </i> <br />
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We learned about recycling by making recycled earth crayons. We used the globe to see how the earth is made of water and land. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ovKl-mZ9qGI/U1cj5pSuomI/AAAAAAAAAIg/z6KdUNiYTj0/s1600/IMG_3861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ovKl-mZ9qGI/U1cj5pSuomI/AAAAAAAAAIg/z6KdUNiYTj0/s1600/IMG_3861.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batman getting ready to make recycled crayons</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D68P6ilPWD8/U1cl4ERk4wI/AAAAAAAAAI0/395sfUAUCpo/s1600/IMG_3865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D68P6ilPWD8/U1cl4ERk4wI/AAAAAAAAAI0/395sfUAUCpo/s1600/IMG_3865.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJQ8Ju05OA8/U1cmCojxieI/AAAAAAAAAJA/0PQL9oUqiUs/s1600/IMG_3881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJQ8Ju05OA8/U1cmCojxieI/AAAAAAAAAJA/0PQL9oUqiUs/s1600/IMG_3881.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d2BwjEtvMSU/U1coAXwSq1I/AAAAAAAAAJk/v-vsaajYwK4/s1600/IMG_3882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d2BwjEtvMSU/U1coAXwSq1I/AAAAAAAAAJk/v-vsaajYwK4/s1600/IMG_3882.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Strawberry shortcake" coloring with her recycled earth crayon</td></tr>
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Nature Scavenger hunt:</span></u><br />
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I also took my little secret agents on a nature scavenger hunt. They looked for different colored flowers, animals, insects etc. "Batman" used his kid digital camera to take pictures of all the things he found on our hunt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSabO6ZCY3c/U1cmqVJip_I/AAAAAAAAAJI/JZ6HxrHuIj0/s1600/IMG_3875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSabO6ZCY3c/U1cmqVJip_I/AAAAAAAAAJI/JZ6HxrHuIj0/s1600/IMG_3875.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Batman" found some white flowers</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCMfsHcVYjw/U1cm6LZ_6WI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/VjrFz1Uz2_Y/s1600/IMG_3877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCMfsHcVYjw/U1cm6LZ_6WI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/VjrFz1Uz2_Y/s1600/IMG_3877.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Batman" chose his favorite tree to do a bark rubbing</td></tr>
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We finished the day off with an earth fruit pizza. It was Delish!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tkuQ9-JoDn8/U1cntXs6d7I/AAAAAAAAAJc/4o2HAF75pS4/s1600/IMG_3929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tkuQ9-JoDn8/U1cntXs6d7I/AAAAAAAAAJc/4o2HAF75pS4/s1600/IMG_3929.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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What did you do for Earth Day? Leave a comment, we would love to hear how your family celebrates.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-88461974806557016642014-04-20T17:41:00.001-07:002014-04-20T17:41:27.023-07:00Farm Life: Boots Required<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0Ch-u0IOJY/U1HxuQnmWQI/AAAAAAAAAG0/evGXpn3pf6g/s1600/IMG_3910.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0Ch-u0IOJY/U1HxuQnmWQI/AAAAAAAAAG0/evGXpn3pf6g/s1600/IMG_3910.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We did not plan on having a farm, in fact I am one of the most non-farm
people you might meet...well ya know, until recently. Now that we have
our animals and are adding to our little farm bit by bit, I wouldn't
have it any other way. Almost everyday someone asks me; why? Simplicity,
that's why. No cell phone is going to feed my chickens, and there is no
app to hose down the alpacas when they get hot. You actually have to go
outside and spend time with the animals. <br />
<br />
It takes a
family to raise a farm, including a mini farm. When livestock is
involved, so is everyone in the house, even "Strawberry Shortcake." This
forces us to come together as a family and spend quality time together.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQkH9BzoXG8/U1Qq8hTIlNI/AAAAAAAAAHE/h5ClfmCfQ3U/s1600/IMG_3959.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQkH9BzoXG8/U1Qq8hTIlNI/AAAAAAAAAHE/h5ClfmCfQ3U/s1600/IMG_3959.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Strawberry Shortcake" helping with the eggs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Everyday
we have to go out together and get the eggs from the ducks and
chickens. It's time we have scheduled everyday to get outside and notice
nature and notice each other. I have always had a love for the past.
Maybe that explains why I have no smartphone, I need to disconnect. The
farm is a way for the family to disconnect together.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pv6pPKyU2bo/U1RldhBAntI/AAAAAAAAAH0/M41pp6vMYsE/s1600/IMG_3871.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pv6pPKyU2bo/U1RldhBAntI/AAAAAAAAAH0/M41pp6vMYsE/s1600/IMG_3871.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking up the morning eggs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
We
are starting to become accustomed to our new farming lifestyle like it
has been a part of us forever. I still need to remind friends when they
come over that if they want to go into the barn, boots are required!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AS_vP-ngnP0/U1Qw9HunxXI/AAAAAAAAAHg/rGzl2F44EQY/s1600/IMG_3903.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AS_vP-ngnP0/U1Qw9HunxXI/AAAAAAAAAHg/rGzl2F44EQY/s1600/IMG_3903.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-60475708787525499582014-04-17T20:39:00.004-07:002014-04-20T18:04:45.708-07:00Resurrection Rolls: With an Easter Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MofrSjDg3sU/U1CVdZ4HDBI/AAAAAAAAAF0/E4tfumKTCpM/s1600/IMG_3856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MofrSjDg3sU/U1CVdZ4HDBI/AAAAAAAAAF0/E4tfumKTCpM/s1600/IMG_3856.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
To continue learning about Easter I decided to try making Resurrection
Rolls. These rolls are a fabulous Easter lesson and involves eating a
delicious treat. The best part is when the kids bite into the roll and find that Jesus, the marshmallow, isn't there! This is our first time making these but I can't wait to
make it a tradition!<br />
<br />
We had some fun with this activity and incorporated some dramatic play. We labeled the oven as the tomb that we would put Jesus into.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F4lxDrVN5qU/U1CXxIjiHmI/AAAAAAAAAF8/ZSIciCPC6bo/s1600/IMG_3841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F4lxDrVN5qU/U1CXxIjiHmI/AAAAAAAAAF8/ZSIciCPC6bo/s1600/IMG_3841.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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"Batman" had a great time helping make each roll. I included the story that we talked about as we were making each roll at the bottom of this post.<br />
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Now things got really great. " Batman" was guarding the tomb while the rolls were cooking. He even tried to make me attempt to break into the tomb in which he promptly used his sword to avert me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little soldier guarding the tomb</td></tr>
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We go big or go home around here. For Palm Sunday we were galloping down the hallway with palms shouting Hosanna! So a soldier at the tomb is totally normal, have fun with it!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i>Ingredients:</i></u></span><br />
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* 1 can of crescent rolls<br />
* One marshmallow for each roll<br />
* 2 TBS melted butter <br />
* 2 TBS sugar<br />
* 1 tsp. cinnamon<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><u>Procedure:</u></i></span><br />
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1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.<br />
2. Unroll your crescent rolls and lay each roll out on a cookie sheet.<br />
3. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, this will be used for dipping.<br />
4. Roll the marshmallow in butter and then in the cinnamon, sugar mixture.<br />
5. Place the coated marshmallow in the middle of the crescent roll and roll the marshmallow up in the crescent roll making sure to pinch any seams so the marshmallow doesn't leak out.<br />
6. Roll the marshmallow wrapped in crescent in the cinnamon, sugar mixture to coat the outside of the roll and place on the cookie sheet. <br />
7. Repeat for each crescent roll.<br />
8. Bake for 13-15 minutes.<br />
9. Bite into your roll and see that Jesus has risen!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Resurrection Roll story:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Resurrection Ro<span style="font-size: large;">ll</span> story explanation:</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303287108134509231.post-55250263363677725912014-04-17T19:57:00.005-07:002014-04-17T19:58:20.584-07:00Easter gardensToday in our resurrection eggs we opened the egg about Jesus praying in the garden. I decided that we should add an Easter garden to our regular garden to remind us about Easter all the time. The kids are always loving to dig in the dirt so they were into this idea. I have seen these garden ideas in church and online. I will share with you how we made ours. Adapt yours to fit your family!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2mS3e_OPEA/U1CSKmSu_6I/AAAAAAAAAFY/EHJY1WTvUQM/s1600/IMG_3837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2mS3e_OPEA/U1CSKmSu_6I/AAAAAAAAAFY/EHJY1WTvUQM/s1600/IMG_3837.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Easter Garden</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i>Materials:</i></u></span><br />
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* Pot or container<br />
* Cup or a smaller pot for the tomb<br />
* A large rock to cover the tomb<br />
* 2 sticks to make a cross<br />
* Other small stones to create a path to the tomb<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i>Procedure:</i></u></span><br />
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There are no specific order of steps for this project. Just let the kids get in there and start creating, with guidance of course.<br />
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First we searched for the perfect sticks for our cross.<br />
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Next "Batman" and " Strawberry Shortcake" filled the pot up with dirt and added our tomb.<br />
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"Batman" then placed the cross behind the tomb in the special spot that he picked out.<br />
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When we were finished, "Batman" thought we needed to add a Jesus. We searched for the perfect Jesus and settled on a Star Wars action figure.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesus in the tomb</td></tr>
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To finish the garden off we put the rock over the tomb. I will move the rock Easter morning and we will talk about what happened to Jesus.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ulrunOyNRKY/U1CSR6SJOSI/AAAAAAAAAFo/cMF8TCjkloM/s1600/IMG_3839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ulrunOyNRKY/U1CSR6SJOSI/AAAAAAAAAFo/cMF8TCjkloM/s1600/IMG_3839.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stone has been rolled over the tomb!</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0