Chatter Boxes

Just a quick update on the chickens for those interested in such things. 

It's been just over a week since we started this new adventure and we're down one chicken.  We're not sure why.  There was one little chick that was smaller than the rest and during a late night check on Friday I found him laying near the edge of the tub.  It was sad but I suppose these things happen.  If we're going to do this, then things like this are part of the deal.  All the others seem fine and they're growing like crazy.  Every time I check on them I swear they're bigger.


They were getting a little restless in the tub we had them in originally so we decided we'd let them explore their outdoor coop a little on Saturday.

FREEDOM!!!

They seem to enjoy having more room, although they do still all huddle together closely.  We let them outside during the day and then bring them in at night to protect them from the cold and other animals.

And this has been another edition of Life In the Country...join us next time when we discuss using miscellaneous items found in a barn as home decor. 

Just a few things to keep this corner of the interwebs up to date...

1.  I was scrolling through pictures on my camera and realized I never posted this picture.
 

It's part of an ongoing study in child development.  Specifically my oldest child and his propensity to grow, and therefore eat, at an alarming rate.  It's a longitudinal study that began in February 2010 when Seth was 3 years old.  I took a picture of Seth snacking on chips and salsa during the Superbowl.  The next year I took another one then another one and so on.  Same kid...Same TV tray.




2.  That same kid was recently honored at his school with a Character Key Award.  Each week the school highlights one of the character traits recited in the character pledge.  The week before Spring Break Seth received the Perseverance Award.  We were there for the award assembly to help him celebrate.

Receiving his award from the Principal

3.  I had a birthday last week and my loving husband got me exactly what I asked for.  I have recently taken up the guitar.  I'm self-teaching at this point but am having such a great time learning something new.  I've been practicing on John's guitar and I love it.  It has such a beautiful rich tone.  So instead of asking him to buy me a guitar for my birthday, I asked him to buy himself a new one so that we could play together.  He had to check with a few friends to make sure that what he heard me saying was in fact what I said.  It was.  So...John bought a used 12-string guitar for himself and now we're completely dorky and most evenings can be found playing classic country songs together in our living room.

4.  Here's a quick chicken update.  All is well.  I continue to check on them every few hours during the day.  They seem irritated by my constant attention at this point but listen here chickens...I'm the one that feeds you, cleans up after you (and you are DIRTY) and gives you water so I'll check on you when I please.



I think they look way bigger than they did just about a week ago.  They say you'll see the most growth in the first two weeks so it makes sense.  So far so good.  They seem happy in their small little corner of the barn.

I think that's it as far as updates.

We're embarking on a new country living adventure...CHICKENS!! 

We decided to dip our toes in the homesteading pool a bit deeper this year.  We've had a fairly substantial garden over the last few years.  I've become more vigilant about the quality of the food we eat.  We have several fruit trees (some more successful than others) and I've learned to can some of our garden veggies. Quality, local meat has been a bit more difficult (and more expensive) to come by. 

So we decided to try our hand at raising chickens (for meat, not for eggs...yet).  We are now the proud owners of 14 Cornish chicks. 


Yes...they are very cute.  And yes...we really are going to eat them.  These types of chickens are bred for their meat.  They grow quickly and won't lay eggs.  I feel good about what we are doing.  Some may think it's weird or even mean.  But, we feel good about it.  These chickens will live a very happy life with us.  We will take good care of them, feed them well, and meet their needs.  Seriously...I have my own stool out by their tub and I'm out there at least every couple of hours making sure they're warm enough and safe.  It's become my new hobby. 

When this adventure is over (roughly 7 weeks from now) we'll know if we are up for the challenge of having chickens for the long haul (for eggs mostly).  We're crossing our fingers that all goes well.

In the wee hours on the eve of our trip to Colorado, Colin lost his first tooth...well...teeth.  He actually lost two at one time.  Both from the same spot. 

It is so cute.  I keep making him repeat words with "S" or "TH" just for kicks. 

The tooth fairy made the long trek to Colorado and left Colin some spending money, which he promptly spent on road trip snacks. 

Now that both boys are in school (for the most part), we get to enjoy Spring Break again.  As a teenager, I spent most of my Spring Breaks skiing with my family.  This last week, we introduced the boys to one of mommy's favorite past-times with a trip to Colorado.



They both took to it well.  Seth did great.  He passed ski school with flying colors.  He practiced what he learned and conquered several long runs over the three days of skiing. 

Colin struggled with technique but made up for it in the joy he found barreling down the bunny slope and crashing with gusto.  He'd crash and jump up laughing, "Did you see that?!" 

We had a great time and came home injury free...praise Jesus!  Now spring can officially begin.  Bring on warmer weather, greener grass, and the last few months of school.