Happy Veterans Day!

 

Thank you so much!

 

 MEN AND WOMEN past and present, you have given so much for this nation. 

 

 THANK YOU!   

 

You're in our thoughts, prayers and hearts! 

 

We appreciate your sacrifice and LOVE for this nation! 

 

Croc's has a sale going on with up to 60% off, click on the banner below for a direct link.**

Seed & Plant Catalogs with over 40 to choose from!

Seed Catalog Companies

Here are 40 companies, I will update as we grow here...

1. Alberta Nurseries & Seeds Ltd.  This company specializes in garden seeds for short growing seasons.
2. Allen, Sterling & Lothrop specializes in adaptable seeds for northern New England area.
3. Annie's Heirloom Seeds sells a wide variety of open pollinated heirlooms seeds as well.  They also have a special link for a seed bank and bulk seed orders.
4. Baker Creek seeds is know for being one of the largest in the world, with over 350 pages in their catalog.
5. Banana Tree
6. Bluestone Perennials offers a wide selection of grasses, coverings, perennials, mums, shrubs, etc.  This family owned business is out of Madison, OH.
7. Brent and Becky's bulb seed catalog.
8. Burpee Seed With a variety of herbs, vegetable, and flower seeds there is something for everyone at Burpee.  Among others things they sell fruit plants and all kinds of gardening supplies, check them out.
9. Comstock, Ferre & Co.
10. Digger's a mail order (specialty for Australia)
11. Eden Organic Nursery
12. Eden Seeds
13. Fedco a grower co-op.
14. Gardenimport
15. Good Seed Co.
16. Green Patch Organic Seeds sells nonhybrid seeds in Australia
17. Gurney's Seed Company Out of Greendale, IN, check often for coupons online
18. Henry Field 's Seed and Nursery catalog has seeds, plants, shrubs, patio plants, and so many beautiful varieties.  They also have exclusives for their online shoppers.
19. Heirloom Seeds offers vegetable and herb seeds all types  Along with seeds are insect control products, supplies and bucks.
20. High Altitude Gardens
21. High Mowing Organic Seeds offers their customers 100% organic seeds.
22. Johnny's Selected Seeds
23. Rawlinson Garden Seed is out of Canada and specializes in short season vegetables and herbs.  (untreated)
24. Sustainable Seed Company has huge selection of organic seeds with beautiful photos of the yield from their seeds.
25. ParkSeed offers seeds and plants as well.
26. Peaceful Valley Farm Supply
27. Pheonix Seeds
28. Pinetree Garden Seeds
29. Seedman (Jim Johnson) sells seeds from around the world.
30. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange offers tons of varieties.  They offer veg., flowers, herbs, seed-saving supplies along with growing supplies.
31. Stokes Seeds
32. Territorial Seed Co
33. Talavaya Seeds is a non profit
34. Turtle Tree Seeds
35. Twilley Seed Co. supplies bulk seeds
36. Underwood Gardens
37. Vermont Bean Seed Co.
38. Vesey's Seeds
39. Victory Seed Company
40. Willhite Seed Company

Let It Snow, Let It Snow...

Is it Christmas yet?   No I replied, but only 244 days left ;-)

It is snowing here again in Michigan, our big fat robin is sitting in a rut filled with water surrounded by white fluffy snow.  The snow was almost gone, the falcons have been hovering over the fields and the first 2 robins appeared this week.  Now, the snow! 


We really are excited for the snow.  The snow has kept the logging businesses going and at high demand.  It has blessed us with the much needed moisture.  We wanted lots of snow this year and the Lord gave it to us, praise his name! 


Today was also blessed with a clean up day fire.  We raked the yard, cut down & cleaned up a few dead plum trees.  The wet rain yesterday and snow today, allowed us to have a large brush fire.  So, let it snow, let is snow, let it snow!

Get Your Own EGGS! (Part 2 of 2)

PART 2: THE CHICKEN COOP OR HEN HOUSE

 

 

Now that you are set on a size of chickens or maybe you even purchased your chicks already...

 

 

you enjoy them and live happily ever after.  LOL.  Not really, like any critter, a plan of action is good. You may already have one; even better!  If not, this post is for you along with all the other chicken tenders, LOL, I mean chicken farmers. 

Egg laying hens need a place to lay those precious jewels. 

 



 

The space per bird confined is 10sq. ft. per heavy breed and 7 sq. ft. per lightweight breed, 2 sq. ft per bantam.  Plus roosts.  If you are letting them forage or have an outdoor run, you can get by with about half of that space per bird.  Also remember if sacrificing some space, that they do need to be able to get out of the elements.  Every investment you put into your birds will result in a high quality of eggs and better production.

 

Calculate the space you will need.

 

Maintain a plan for proper ventilation; yet sealed away safely from predators and the elements.

 

Are you planning to add onto a preexisting structure or start from scratch?

 

Ideas beget ideas, here are a few with links for details.  ;) 

 

http://www.instructables.com/id/Backyard-Chicken-Coop/

 

 

 

 

Tarter farm offers this downloadable chicken house plan.

 

 

 

 

 

You can download this free plan from Purina by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

Here is a gambrel style coop that is sufficient and could hold enough hens for a family in town.  Check it out.

  

 

 

 

 

Here's a tractor by the Kycklingars.

 



 

 

 

 

The Cluckingham Palace Coop.  A great portable chicken tractor.

 

 

 

 

 

COCO Channel Castle has a beautiful coop.

 

Mini Coop

Paw Hut Deluxe

Trixie 

 

 

Hopefully these were a help to you.  Here is a link for over one hundred plans and/or layouts.  Best wishes to you.  If you have a favorite, feel free to share with a link.




Get Your Own EGGS!! (Part 1 of 2)

PART 1: GETTING STARTED

Photo by: Stefanie



Overflowing with excitement, I cannot contain the fact that it's chick season!!!  I do believe chickens are the favorite "farm animal" amongst our children.  Do not get me wrong, all the animals are important, good companions or intrigue us with their fascinating behaviors.  Yet, chick season is so fun!  We can go to our local Tractor Supply Store and spot a new breed we should try.  Even if we have a flock at home and 25 new babies.  LOL   It seems we can not get enough of our feathered friends.

Have you raised chickens before? 

Are you limited on space?

Do you have predators or a lot of loose neighbor dogs?

What is the purpose of them?   Meat ?  Eggs?  or Meat and Eggs?

What will you feed them?  Do you want only free range? 

How many eggs will you use a day?

All of these egg-celent questions (I'm corny I know) will determine your set up, breed and the number of chickens you are looking for.

STOP! 

WARNING! STOP!

You will be addicted if you start, this could be hazardous to your health, well being, and pocket book.  (Northerners- that's a purse) OR Your money!  I warned you, I did!  If proceeding, please use caution (or as my hubby says- common sense- and I quote "we only have so many neighbors to give eggs to.."- that's why our dogs love them too ;-)  I really do have common sense- I just love chickies more!)  LOL!


STEP 1: IF you haven't already and you are in town- check your ordinances.  Some states have a farm act, that says even if your local ordinance says no "farm animals in town" they will allow you to petition of guidelines.  For example- if you just want a few eggs, you can commit to not having roosters and show them your set up, etc.  It really varies on your location AND if you live in a "community or have a neighborhood ordinance too".  If this is not an issue skip.  Then look at the yard or buildings you already have.  Chickens do not require a fancy set up, it can be very simple and possibly less of an expense than you think.

STEP 2: Come up with a plan.  Answer the questions above and pin point what kind/s of chickens you would like. 

Generally laying hens are smaller bodied birds than your muscular meat breeds.  Purebred hens or commercial strains is your next question.  The commercial hens are so much more efficient on your feed to egg ratio.  You have the choice of 2 different groups.  The Bantam (smaller- 1/4 the size) or large breeds.

If you are going for a dual -purpose breed, they are larger and more hardy and self reliant.

The you have your meat breeds also known as broilers or fryers. (Not a lot different- Shelter without a nest box, water and feed them until butchering age, harvest, and enjoy freezer fresh meat year round.  Take note they do eat a considerable amount more feed though.)

Okay for the EGGS:

Fresh eggs are so delicious looking and tasting.  Once you eat a fresh picked egg, you'll have a hard time going back.  The taste is so wonderful, the yolks are so much brighter, AND to top it off : you know what you are feeding them and that they are FRESH!

The typical laying breed will lay 250-280 eggs a year, starting at about 18 weeks of age.  (20 for heavy breeds).

Something to consider is the space per bird confined is 10sq. ft. per heavy breed and 7 sq. ft. per lightweight breed, 2 sq. ft per bantam.  Plus roosts.  If you are letting them forage or have an outdoor run, you can get by with about half that space per bird.

Photo by Junior Libby



STEP 3: Get out that trusty pen and paper.  (or IPAD..shh.. I won't tell).  By now you may have picked out what breed/s of chickens you'd like.  OR at least narrowed down the selection based on purposes.  Then figure out what things will be needed. 

• A Chicken Coop (if keeping the chicks in the basement, porch, etc you may have some time leeway on this. (Nests, cages, run, roosts, etc.)
• Chicken brooder- these are a bit expense, homemade works great (metal dog crate or a heavy card board box with a heat lamp and red heat lamp bulbs will work)
• Chick Starter
• Chick Feeder/s
• Chick Waterer
• Bedding of some sort
• Extension cord/s (optional)

Now you could get these all when you buy your chicks, but it does help to have it set up first.  ;)  Your local feed mill, feed store, or tractor supply store will have these items.  Or you can order them online if you purchase your chicks online.  Here are two hatcheries: 

• Whelps- I will personally recommend them.  (This is not an affiliate- but do mention www.rusticpioneer.com, you did see it here and maybe they would give our readers a discount in the future. ;) ) However, they have always had hardy quality of chicks.  When we've had 25 chicks, we didn't loose 1.  A few personal contacts deal with them annually and they are great!
• Another I've heard so many good things about is McMurray's hatchery.  I have not purchased any of their chicks, however, a lot of 4-Her's do.  They are known for their quality too.

There are other hatcheries too.  If you work, own, or would like to share one; leave the name in the comments section with a link for others to see as well.  Thanks.

STEP 4: Figure out where you are going to purchase your chicks and set up your chick brooder area.

STEP 5: Add your chicks.

In the mean time, GET YOUR OWN EGGS!

PART 2: THE CHICKEN COOP OR HEN HOUSE

(COMING SOON)

 

Affiliates...

I have not been on amazon in awhile and they have some great deals, I decided to open an affiliate account with them because we purchase a lot of stuff through them, here is a banner of some their spring sale link.  We are considering the shed on the cover, has anyone purchased this? 


What do you think?  Have you ever bought large items through amazon?  What's the largest purchase you've made through amazon?


**See disclosure**

Menu Monday!

Monday

• Breakfast- Oranges, French toast w/ cinnamon sugar & milk
• Lunch- Turkey sandwiches, celery w/ chicken salad, apple juice
• Dinner- Boiled dinner, crackers, salad & milk

Tuesday

• Breakfast- Loaded omelets, toast OJ, tea, coffee
• Lunch- Chicken pasta salad & grape/ pomegranate juice
• Dinner- Chili mac & milk

Wednesday

• Breakfast- Breakfast corn cakes/ syrup, & coffee/ tea
• Lunch- Grilled cheese, tomato soup, milk/ juice
• Dinner- (Italian)- milk and garlic bread

Thursday

• Breakfast-Pumpkin pie oatmeal, toast, OJ & milk,
• Lunch- Chicken fried rice & milk
• Dinner-Chicken fajitas, salad & milk

Friday

• Breakfast- Breakfast muffins, blackberries, juice & tea
• Lunch-  Leftover fajita stuffing- salad w/ brown rice
• Dinner- Friday Fun Night (pizza & fruit punch)

Saturday

• Breakfast- Scrambled eggs w/ ham,  toast, juice
• Lunch- Spaghetti, cheese bread, salad, milk
• Dinner- Leftovers

Sunday

• Breakfast- Scrambled egg cups w/ bacon wrap- on the go, OJ
• Lunch- Salad w/ grilled chicken, juice, milk
• Dinner- Picnic buffet

**Snacks for week (rotate until gone)- Oranges, peaches, fruit medley salad, broccoli and dip, pretzels, & juice/ water

Balm of Gilead

Balm of Gilead

(This is educational use, not for medicinal purposes.)

So this winter the kids and I have been making balms and salves.  What a blessing it has been, we are hooked and love it!  The longer project has been Balm of Gilead. 

First we picked some buds of several downed trees.

 We then filled our quart jar 3/4 full with organic virgin olive oil.

Making a double broiler system, we boiled the buds in olive oil for 3 hrs.

  (The fresh picked buds covered in oil begin to heat and this helps release the resin.)

Removing the jar carefully from the heat we placed the lid and screw band over top.  We then placed it resting near the wood stove.   Each day when we fill the wood we shake it around.

Balm of Gilead is used  for many purposes.  (This is educational use, not for medicinal purposes.)  I can only tell you what we love it for.

An example would be my husband wounded his hand.  There was an open gash and a lot of swelling with pain.  Only a few weeks ago the boys and I made a mixture salve with a few different oils and herbs to compliment the tree oil.  We purchased little tins like this:



Each one of the boys can place it in their first aid compartment of their backpack for hiking.

The salve we made was applied to my husbands hand.  The swelling seemed minimal, it started to "numb" it a bit, and with the chamomile and lavender, he was very relaxed. ;)  All in all, it looked a lot better 14 hours later. 

As always, check with a doctor first, but for education purposes NOT MEDICINAL, here is a basic recipe:

Balm of Gilead

1 Cup oil (extracted oil)

9 oz of beeswax

4 drops of Vit. E



  The balm can be mixed with different oils, this is just a basic recipe.  Grapefruit seed oil, lavender, lemon, chamomile, or your carrier oil to palm, coconut, etc.  Just remember by altering (adding or starting with a solid at room temp. oil) will change the texture and properties. 

Whether it's a project when the kids are asleep or a family project, have fun experimenting!  

Sugar Scrubs continued...

As you may already know there are several variations and recipes resulting in luxurious, delicious flavorful sugar scrubs.  Here is a quick round up of a few more.   If you have your own sugar scrub recipe and would like to share a link for that, please do so in the comments selection and I will list them in the next sugar scrub update.  Thanks.


1. Mint sugar scrub from lovegrowswild here.


Homemade brown sugar scrub, photo by babycenter.blog (click photo for link)

2. Brown Sugar scrub here.
3. Sugar cookie scrub.
4. DIY Peppermint sugar scrub from Beth.




Photo from little house on the corner, Amanda has more on her coconut scrub, these are cute!  Click on photo or link below for her coconut scrub or other great treasures on her blog.

5. Coconut sugar scrub. 
6. Lip scrub
7. Pumpkin sugar scrub
8. MommyMusings has some wonderful gingerbread sugar scrub, smells delicious.
9. A lavender foot scrub here.
10. With maple syrup season here, we may give this recipe a try.  Color My Bliss has a maple syrup sugar scrub, lemon, and brown sugar scrub recipe.

DIY Kids- Project Birds!

DIY Kids-Project Birds

The warm weather is almost here...yay!  Do you find yourself up at night thinking of all those projects and cute ideas you have?  Maybe the vegetable garden arrangement, a new flower bed, possible a few more rhubarb starts?  Those are all there, trust me; however, the first thought is birds.  The kids love attracting and bringing in new birds (and other critters).  Here is the Tinkering Tuesday theme- bird.

Bird Feeders



How about a handy recycled tissue box? Click on the picture for instructions.

Head on over to cub scouts ideas for a few details on these simple ideas for kids.

This tray feeder is so simple and fun!  Thanks Spoonful!

A simple feeder out of an orange juice container or any card board box.

Pinterest picture

This is such a cute accent to a flower garden too.  Click picture for the details.

                                        

Birds love oranges on our nail board.  We simply slice in half and put in place on a nail board.  Here is a link for several more simple, yet cute ideas.  Enjoy! (click here)

You could also help the birds out by collecting twigs, yard bits, tissue paper scraps and any nest building materials the birds could use.  Just place them in a suet feeder or simple near your feeder tree. 

 

Click on the picture for some super cute ideas from this mom.



Menu Monday!

Monday

• Breakfast- Oranges, brown sugar oatmeal, toast, & milk
• Lunch- Turkey sandwiches, carrots, apple/cranberry juice
• Dinner- Grilled hot dogs and brats, salad, baked beans, chips & milk

Tuesday

• Breakfast- Hash browns & eggs, toast OJ, tea, coffee
• Lunch- Hearty enchilada bean soup (turkey), dinner rolls, & milk/ tea
• Dinner- Boiled dinner, butter crackers, milk

Wednesday

• Breakfast- Pancakes with strawberries, eggs, coffee/ tea
• Lunch- Soup, crackers, milk/ juice
• Dinner- Baked chicken parmesan, linguine, peas, texas toast & milk

Thursday

• Breakfast-Homemade power bars (oatmeal & pine nuts), OJ & milk,
• Lunch- Fried loaded hash browns (onions, peppers, etc.), egg sandwiches on wheat, OJ, milk
• Dinner-Taco venison rice medley, dinner roll, milk

Friday

• Breakfast- Pumpkin pie french toast w/ wheat, fruit salad, milk, coffee, tea
• Lunch-  Taco salad, juice
• Dinner- Friday Fun Night (boys pick)

Saturday

• Breakfast- (early go) Bagels, OJ & coffee/ tea
• Lunch- (picnic) Fajitas & fixings, milk & juice boxes
• Dinner- spaghetti, cheese bread, salad, milk

Sunday

• Breakfast- Scrambled egg cups w/ bacon wrap- on the go, OJ
• Lunch- Boston Butt, & giant butter rolls, vegetable chicken salad, brownies, milk
• Dinner- leftovers, milk

**Snacks for week (rotate until gone)- Bananas, oranges, peaches, carrot wedges, broccoli and dip, corn bread, rhubarb squares & juice/ water

DIY Sugar Scrub!

Delicious Sugar Scrub

3 C. Sugar

1 Cup oil of olive oil

(*feel free to substitute with your favorite- I like almond oil)

10 drops of essential oil of choice for scent

(ideas are peppermint, lavender, chamomile, etc) 

(These are great for an AM scrub- lemon, orange, a combo., etc.)

In a large bowl mix sugar and oils.  If you want to make more than one scent, hold out on the 10 drops of essential oil.  Instead place your divided mixture into several bowls or coffee cups and add 3-4 drops per /cup.  Place in cute jars and/or decorated containers.  Great gift item.  This is super easy!

Here are links with similar recipes and deviations:

 1.  The most delicious recipe ever!  Cinnamon vanilla sugar and sweet n' spicy brown sugar scrub by tidymom.  A great luxurious spa gift or accent and she has a link for great gift tags as well.  Enjoy! 

2. Cute idea from Vivian and recipe a little more textured than my recipe.  This is great for removing paint from your hands.





 

3. This lavender sugar scrub posted by Samantha is another option for gifting. This includes a recipe, and label template.  Thanks Samantha!

4.  Sarah includes this with a recipe of her own, it looks great too!

5. White cane Glimmer Sugar Scrub

Click here for a few more links.

Warming up

What a blessing the sunshine is today!  The sky was so clear last night.   It seemed as though every faint star in the sky was shimmering.  The heavenly site was even more spectacular when we spotted a couple stars rocketing across the sky on the drive home.  However, the crisp air was cold.  Then this morning the sun peaked out above the tree line and the warm glow was so beautiful.  Warm air made outside morning chores even more enjoyable ;) and the children played outside for most of the day.  Today it felt like the meltdown after so many weeks of extremely cold weather.  (Yet, only 12 degrees when I looked, but we'll gladly take it.)  A much needed snow day was at hand.  A day filled with cocoa, sledding, lots of laughs and smiles is a sure way to boost spirits around here. Winter camping anyone? the itch is back...  

Shrimp alfredo!

(Photo by Taste of Home- click on picture for link)

Delicious Shrimp alfredo!  Double this recipe and serve with garlic cheese toast for a hit to any kids.  (I sauté our shrimp in butter, garlic, and fresh parsley then add to sauce as directed.)
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/shrimp-alfredo

Menu Monday!

Monday

• Breakfast- Smoothies, fruit medley, coffee/ tea
• Lunch-  PBJ, fruit bowl & milk
• Dinner- Spaghetti w/ green beans, garlic toast, & milk

Tuesday

• Breakfast- Maple Oatmeal, toast, milk, juice, tea
• Lunch- Veg. ramen noodles, crackers, & milk/ tea
• Dinner- Oven fried pork chops, baked potato, steamed broccoli, milk

Wednesday

• Breakfast- Hash browns, eggs, toast, oranges, milk
• Lunch- Chicken noodle soup, crackers, milk/ juice
• Dinner- Hearty stew, dinner rolls, milk

Thursday

• Breakfast- Breakfast muffins, OJ, milk, coffee/ tea
• Lunch- Scrambled eggs w/ ham & cheese,  rolls, juice
• Dinner- Creamy chicken bowtie casserole w/ peas, milk 

Friday

• Breakfast- Yogurt, fruit salad, pb toast, milk, coffee, tea
• Lunch- Omelets (onions, grn peppers, etc.), OJ, milk
• Dinner- Shrimp alfredo, garlic toast, milk

Saturday

• Brunch- Breakfast bake w/ sausage, milk, juice, coffee, tea
• Dinner- Fajita fry soup w/ sour cream & tortilla chips, tortilla donuts (honey & cinnamon), milk

Sunday

• Breakfast- Personal egg bakes in muffin tins (bacon wrapped), OJ
• Lunch- Stir fry (pork & veg.), dinner rolls, fruit salad, Texas sheet cake, milk
• Dinner- Fajita fry soup, milk

**Snacks for week (rotate until gone)- green snap peas, carrots and ranch dip, power ball (cranberry, soy nut & honey sunflower seeds) no bakes, pears, donut cakes, snicker doodle cookies & juice/ water

Menu Monday!

Monday

• Breakfast- Pumpkin pie Oatmeal w/ coconut & walnuts toppings, OJ & coffee/ tea
• Lunch- Chicken dumpling soup & milk
• Dinner- Sloppy Joe casserole w/ green beans, mashed potatoes, & milk

Tuesday

• Breakfast- Ham and cheese omelets, wheat toast, OJ, tea
• Lunch- Leftover casserole or soup, greens, dinner rolls, & milk/ tea
• Dinner- Hearty boiled dinner, butter crackers, milk

Wednesday

• Breakfast- Smoothies, fruit medley, coffee/ tea
• Lunch- Loaded taco bean and rice salad, milk/ juice
• Dinner- Chili mac, salad, dinner roll, milk

Thursday

• Breakfast- Cin. raisin oatmeal, toast, OJ, milk, coffee/ tea
• Lunch- Vegetable medley casserole,  rolls, juice
• Dinner- sautéed mushroom and venison w/ gravy over brown rice, milk 

Friday

• Breakfast- French toast w/ wheat, fruit salad, milk, coffee, tea
• Lunch- Fried loaded hash browns (onions, grn peppers, etc.), egg sandwiches, OJ, milk
• Dinner- Friday Fun Night Homemade pizzas

Saturday

• Breakfast- Biscuits & sausage gravy, OJ & coffee/ tea
• Lunch- Chicken enchilada soup w/ fixings, milk
• Dinner- spaghetti, cheese bread, salad, milk

Sunday

• Breakfast- Homemade sausage egg "McMuffins" on the go, OJ
• Lunch- Venison stew, dinner rolls, fruit salad, brownies, milk
• Dinner- Enchilada soup, milk

**Snacks for week (rotate until gone)- celery sticks w/ pb, carrot wedges, tangerines, breakfast break muffins, honey corn cakes, chocolate chip cookies & juice/ water

DIY-Candle Gift Ideas!

Welcome Tuesday! One of my favorites gifts I love to get and give is candles.  I love candles!  Whether you are a candle lover, having company, need a centerpiece or would like to make a gift for another candle lover, you'll love these cute and simple ideas...

Jars, self explanatory.  Any material will work, sand, glitter sand, rocks, etc.

Seashells, get creative, this picture was on pintrest.  http://www.pinterest.com/sandragi/



Another great idea with a full tutorial and mason jars is here.

There are a variety of birch candle holders and so many beautiful ways to display the candle creations.  This is one way here.




Menu Monday!

Monday

• Breakfast- Oatmeal w/ maple, wheat toast, OJ & coffee/ tea
• Lunch- Chicken broth & veg. soup, crackers, & milk
• Dinner- Spaghetti, green beans, dinner roll, & milk

Tuesday

• Breakfast- omelets (loaded veggie and cheese), wheat toast, OJ, milk
• Lunch- Leftover spaghetti, greens, dinner rolls, & milk/ tea
• Dinner- Hearty boiled dinner, butter crackers, milk

Wednesday

• Breakfast- hash browns, fried eggs, wheat toast, OJ, milk, coffee/ tea
• Lunch- Vegetable soup, cheese & crackers, milk
• Dinner- Loaded burritos w/ homemade tortillas, refried bean, cheese, salsa & cornbread

Thursday

• Breakfast- Cinnamon oatmeal, toast, OJ, milk, coffee/ tea
• Lunch- Leftover burritos, salsa, cornbread, milk
• Dinner- Venison steak tips w/ onions, mushrooms & gravy over mashed potatoes, green peas, dinner rolls, milk 

Friday

• Breakfast- Pancakes w/ preserves, berries, OJ, coffee/ tea
• Lunch- Fried loaded potatoes w/ apples, egg sandwiches, OJ, coffee/ tea
• Dinner- Friday Fun Night *boys pick* (Will adjust on Wednesday)

Saturday

• Breakfast- Biscuits & sausage gravy, OJ & coffee/ tea
• Lunch- Black Bean enchilada Soup, tortilla chips, cheese & sour cream, milk
• Dinner- Venison roast w/ vegetables and gravy over rice, milk

Sunday

• Breakfast- On the go breakfast burritos
• Lunch- roast turned into a hearty stew w/ creamy gravy, dinner rolls, fudge brownies, & milk
• Dinner- Leftovers

**Snacks for week (rotate until gone)- Peaches, Broccoli & cauliflower, puppy chow, carrots & ranch dip, cinnamon muffins, corn bread, & juice/ water

Growing Links!

 

 

    Spring is in the air.  Well at -24, spring is frozen or in the heart ;)  It will be here before we know it!  We are so excited for spring to get here.  Everyone has their "project" or individual garden ideas!  It is so sweet to see eyes light up when talking about the pumpkin patch or corn garden they wish to plant this year.  I love it!  We've been doing some research on transplanting corn for some time now and it was always a "no, no" or "not going to work" therefore, I've never tried it.  Well this year our family is going to try a few garden experiments, along with our normal planting.  We  are excited!  Here is one very useful link that I'd like to share about transplanting corn, enjoy!  (CORN)

 

 

    In planning the garden, one great tool is a general per person guide.  There are several "guides", but here is a cheat sheet. and layout tool.  HERE   The guide is useful for the first year and varies per person and family, along with if you plan to preserve for the year.  With our added cold storage we would like to add extra squashes, pumpkins, potatoes, and grains this year.  Here is a basic root cellar guide.  There is even an example of how to make one from an old bus!  Along with a root cellar layout, here is one for the things you may put in it.  Also, here is a free organic garden planner on iTunes for the iPhone or iPad   https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/organic-gardening-planting/id510043427?mt=8

   Enjoy the thoughts of spring and have fun with your kids planning out their own little (or big) garden!  They'll love it and enjoy tending to it through the summer seeing their final accomplishments from the labor.  In the mean time here is a great layout for the year in the "gardening realm" with a plethora of information!