Let's Start With Spring 2014

Spring on the farm is our welcoming of young animals.  This year was no different than the others, we got more birds.  Chickens, ducks and turkeys, oh my!  We had the standard bird losses for several reasons, one being young birds are fragile.  We had a few get trampled and a few disappear, it's pretty standard around here.  We have one on the block, so to speak...Thanksgiving is next week...

We welcomed several litters of kittens and sent them out into the world, to neighboring farms.  We lost several cats this year, a new kitten this past week being the most recent.  We didn't even really get a chance to know her.  Some of our "seasoned" kitties must have met with bigger predators and I know of one who worked his way down a few miles to another farm.

We had 4H pigs this year, from April to August.  Each of the kiddos had a pig and we had an extra in case of any loss, four total.  Kyleigh had Sue, Lucy had Bubba and Nick had Awesome Sauce, and then there was Extra.  We had a good time watching them play around but when it was time to go I can't pretend I was too heartbroken.  For any of you who don't know, pigs STINK.  It's a horrid smell and what better way to attract flies than with horrid smells.  I think we still have a fly in the house and it's been way below freezing for a week.  There will have to be adjustments made before the next cycle of pigs. Period.

In addition to the new animals, we added some structures to the grounds.  We now have the "big" barn started and the "mini" barn up for the birds and bunnies. The big barn has the first of three sections up making a sort of lean to with stalls and room for some tools.  We still have work to do on the mini barn but it is functional.  The trim pieces never went up and we haven't put up the chicken run yet.  I have a really hard time making design decisions, I'm thinking Brian will end up just doing it himself this next spring when he tackles the fencing and new pig area.  There's always something to do on a farm, hobby my butt!

I'll be back soon with a summer re-cap.

Hobby Farm Fire

*Disclaimer* This post was written Friday the 10th, it's taken me a bit to navigate through the new picture adding on the blogs.  Why can't they just leave things alone?  LOL


Howdy Do all.  The last week has been a blur of chaos with an extra serving of WTHeck?  Last Friday, one week ago today, we were settling in a bit after picking the boy up from the bus stop.  We came in the house, got comfy and prepared to chill...  HA!  I wish!  Actually, I was on this technological nightmare and Brian was doing his most favorite of things, cleaning/rearranging/sorting in the basement.  Yes, you read it right...I'm a lucky girl!  Anyhow, Nick let the dog out to run and decided to join him.  Mr. Brown was barking enough to get Nick's attention, Like, Really.  I hear a squeal and then Nick's plowing through the door terrified.

All I can see is FEAR and all I hear is FIRE!  Brian only hears FIRE!  

Brian was trying to get upstairs thinking I had a kitchen fire or something...  I was haulin' out the door and around the house...  This is what greeted me...

I was actually speechless.  ME.  SPEECHLESS!

Brian made it outside and we just kinda stood there for a minute.  At this point it was obvious there was nothing we could do, it was large and in charge.  We called 911 and stood outside waiting.  As you can see in the photo, our propane tank is between our house and the shed.....Major concern there!  Here's another look.

It had started to calm burn down by the time the crew arrived.  It's good to have friends and neighbors, ours are the best!  Nick and I stayed on the opposite end of the house in case the fire spread but we could see the propane tanks for the grill blowing light torches and then a rogue camp fuel bottle managed to escape it's confines.  What a sound, whistling through the air towards us after diverting away from our house and Nick's bedroom window.  It landed about 10-15 feet in front of Nick and me.  Then there were the pops from assorted spray cans, inching up the 'ole tension meter...  It didn't last long.

Hey!  Here's the shed's fire extinguisher!

In all honesty, I'm pretty ok with it.  I'm trying to see the bigger picture like we did with Hurricane Katrina, a blessing in disguise if you will.  Fortunately we don't have to go through as much this time, emotionally.  Most everything is replaceable, even the girls' Christmas horse tack.  The saddle loss is a big downer too.  The worst was knowing our bunnies couldn't get out.  They would've been gone before I even saw the fire, hopefully from the smoke inhalation.  Four sweet little bunnies, bless them.  I had been out haying the horses earlier in the morning.  I also had the chicken scraps to deliver so I left the run open so they could free range for the day...note where the run is now attached to no coop.  Grateful birds, Grateful people, Grateful cat....Yes, when I had been out there in the morning there was a loud calling from inside the shed.  Nutters had been closed in overnight and was none too pleased.

So, in reflecting upon another WoodsFam life moment, here's how I choose to see things:

*My family is safe.
*We didn't lose more animals, it could've been horrific...remember the Massacre of 2012?
*We still have a home.
*Brian's home for this one, I didn't have to go through it alone!
*Stuff is replaceable.  We learned not to form much attachment to things after the hurricane.
*The WIND was blowing in our favor, away from the house and propane tank, and it was snowing and not dry outside!!!

All this by the third day of the new year, Way to Go Woodsies!

Hoping everyone has a relaxing weekend.
(We're to expect a little wind this weekend, like 100 mph.  I'm sure there will be tales to tell.)

Blessings

~Ash

2 Years

***Disclaimer***

This turned out much longer than I intended.  

It's been just over two years since we moved out of town and attempted to build a little farm.  Much has happened in this relatively short time.  We've had Daddy come and go several times, leaving us to figure some things out on our own.  We've added animals to the mix and worked a bit on our house.  We've added a little bit to the outbuilding we started with, a huge shed.  We now have chicken coops and a turkey pen, a place for rabbits and more fencing.  I have a few raised garden beds and we planted several trees, none of which took.  There have been vehicle changes, with more to come.  (Momma will need a vehicle and Kyleigh will be getting her license soon.)  We've had friends, family, visitors, house guests and "squatters" a few guys who've lived with us while in transition.  LOL, squatters, Classic!

We gave homeschooling a try, ultimately choosing public schools again.  This was the best choice for us but I still miss the homeschooling from time to time.  We have been Blessed with wonderful teachers, a dedicated principal/superintendent and an awesome elementary principal, not to mention the most wonderful staff.  We have made wonderful friends and have been mostly accepted by "the locals".  Ha!  We've had new experiences, like brandings, and become a part of this community.  We feel the pride of our little towns and it is wonderful to have that sense of family/community, which we have longed for.  Being a part of the military is it's own group, which we will always remain, but living here has been so much more than we could have hoped.  We have been through some tough times with this new family, the losses felt throughout the entire area, and we've had a great time cheering on the home team. Go Horns! Our kids have blossomed.  They've seen so much of the world in cities and suburbs, this "ranch life" has been an awesome new discovery.  They are so much more engaged.  I can't think of any other way to put it.  Kyleigh has really stepped up with the animal care and has matured into a beautiful young lady.  Lucy has opened up and has made so many new friends, some feel like we've known them forever.  Nick is our little, or not so, doer.  Whether it's shoveling snow or running the weedeater this kid knows how to work.

I'm just so grateful to be where I am.  I look forward to many more years and experiences in this little, tiny piece of the Big Sky.  I think I may have to share a few stories from these first years, the blog is only about 8 months old and there were some HI-larious moments, some terrifying, I have yet to share.  Hopefully you'll get as big a kick out of them too.  We ARE the Woodsies.  This IS our life.  You just can't make this stuff up!

How many of you are "living the dream"?  Care to share?  I'm all ears eyes.

In closing, I leave you with a phrase which has become synonymous with the WoodsFam....

"That's NEVER happened, I've just NEVER seen/heard _____________.  (Fill in the blank as you wish, it's probably been uttered.)

Oh, and let's not forget "That's a first."  And NO, these are not spoken as compliments.  They are always stated with shock, awe, confusion and/or disbelief.  Maybe I'll share some of those moments in the near future.

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

~Ash

Yes,This is Our Life.

Greetings.

It's Wednesday, Hump Day, and all I can think is how much it feels like another Monday.  I know I say I try to keep busy but this is a little overboard.  If only life could space out the work evenly...LOL  Oddly enough, my last post WAS on Monday.  I'm still trying to sort out the how-to's of fixing the fence, the shelter is another story.  Being spring and summer coming I am thinking the horses will be ok until Daddy gets back.  In any poor weather, we can move them back to the "turkey and duck" pen.

That being said...the turkey and duck pen are currently inhabited by the displaced horses.  I've got the fencing, the posts are still in place, I have ties and caps for the t-posts.  What I don't have is ANY idea how to get the fencing out of the truck and rolled out the "short" distance I need it.  I'm not good with measurements when "eyeballing" but I know it's not 330' of repair which is exactly how much horse/livestock fencing I have.  That being said, I now need to fix the turkey/duck pen...

This morning, after telling the dogs to "HUSH UP Already!" I look out and see our neighbor out with the horses.  Neighbor, being a very large bull.  No "shit", it was a bull...and, of course, all I can think of is Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!  LOL  I don't mind the droppings so much but he was IN the turkey pen, meaning he pushed the fencing down on one end.  Now, I realize it wasn't the sturdiest to begin with but Come On.  So, after driving in to town early to drop off Lucy for an overnight field trip, I come home and find we left one dog out.  I then try to start my day when I hear the dogs going crazy and find the bull in the pen.  I proceed to fix said fencing as best I can before the horses make a run for it.  I was really not wanting to do a recovery alone again...  But, I got it fixed up and the horses are still here so that's something.

Then it was time to make a water run, Oh Joy (said in my best "Stimpy" inner voice).  Of course, I was having a bit of a time getting the truck backed up just right for the trailer...yeah, I guess I am a girl in some ways!  That is irritation in and of itself.  I really didn't need the damn roosters coming after me!!!  I don't know what has gotten into them but they are ASSHOLES now.  Manny used to be ok but since Bob has joined the ranks it's every man, woman and child for themselves.  So, I'm trying to hitch up, while fending off rogue roosters and getting in and out of the truck for "just an inch or two more."  I'm sure it would be entertaining for the masses, I wasn't in quite so good humor by that time.  BUT, I finally got it done, thank you very much.  Then it was on to normal, everyday business.  Fiona had an appointment for her immunizations and to have her "easy button" looked at.  So, when it's time to leave I put the boys in their kennels and call  out for the Princess.

For about 15-20 minutes I am calling outside, inside, checking under beds, checking animal shelters (not the pound), you name it.  I couldn't find her anywhere!  I figured she ended up following the bull to make sure he was gone for good or something of that nature.  When I couldn't wait any longer I called the vet's office and asked if I could bring in Paco instead as it was still just immunizations, Fiona was nowhere to be found.  So, no biggs, Paco and I roll out for his checkup, shots, etc.  I'm sure everyone will be happy to hear he is healthy, many more years to come.  He I scheduled an appt. for getting his teeth cleaned later this month and a "bring Fiona in if she's available during his drop off or pick up."  I proceeded to treat myself to a chicken sandwich at The Expedition and a "glass" of wine.  Hehehe  I've found a new red I really like, it's called Goose Bump.  Anyhow, I stayed in town til it was time to pick the kids up and we headed home.

FIONA WAS IN THE HOUSE THE WHOLE TIME!

Yep, she came right out when Kyleigh opened the door.  I guess at some point I must have mentioned the appt. in her presence, dumb me.  She really is a Princess, with fatty tumors~fat pockets~easy buttons.  She's my girl.  I'm so relieved she hadn't decided to wonder off and die or something.  The thought did occur to me, unfortunately.  She has so much to teach the young boys about being loyal, not velcro, guardianship and family/animal protection on the 'ole farm.  Did I mention I LOVE LOVE LOVE this oddly sized dachshund mix?

Yes, this IS our life!

So, that's it for today, Lord willing.  I'm ready for dinner, a cider and some Ghost Whisperer.  Yes, we just started watching it on Netflix and the kids are always asking if we'll have time to get in an episode or two.  We live in a bit of a time warp bubble.  LOL

May you have a relaxing evening and until next time...

~Ash

Tech Tuesday

Helllloooooo Out There...

Today is Tech Tuesday for me.  I've spent the better part of the morning working on this blog business.  I am about cross eyed at this point.  It's a slow progression but if you look closely, you just might see some changes going on.  Then again, maybe not.  Not all changes are on the blog page.  There's quite a bit of admin going on here.  I started out on a whim and I guess it's time to get a little more serious.

I haven't been on here for several days.  I know, boring, but I haven't really had much to share.  We've done more work downstairs but I'm not ready to post any pics yet.  It's just not at the point in which to share.  Laundry and cleaning is only so fun and I'm sure no one cares about mine.  I've made a few things and I'm testing them out to see if any are worth sharing with you all.  I'm hoping to post some new recipes, organizational ideas, renovation progress and maybe even some animal fun.  It's supposed to be a bit on the warmer (above freezing) side of things this week.  Yay!

So here's a a picture describing my life, indefinitely...lol

Have a wonderful week.  I hope to be more entertaining this week.

~Ash

Kitchen Gardening

Welcome Everyone.

It's Monday, again.  A new adventure on the 'ole farm.  Today I am planting a few seeds to see if I can get them to grow indoors.  Winter is just so long here, I can't wait.  I've focused on herbs for the most part.  I did plant some beans and tomato seeds, you can never have enough tomatoes.  I love to cook.  Why is it I have never maintained herbs indoors?  I've planted and grown and forgotten.  I've been a lazy gardener the last couple of years.  Time to change that one.  No more excuses!  It doesn't matter if it's pretty so long as it grows.  What is my obsession with patterned raised beds anyway?  Neat, clean lines in a garden...I am a little OCD about some things.  I am in awe of those who can place plants haphazardly.  Most of the time, it looks fantastic.  I am trying to loosen up a bit and get out of the "meticulously landscaped yard of suburbs."  I miss my yard and my old house.  I do not miss having neighbors on top of neighbors.  I am trying to embrace the natural landscaping.  I should probably sketch out some ideas.  I will be taking it slow this year and only grow a few different veggies.  Think quality, not quantity.  I have a bad habit of getting overly optimistic and usually plant too much and get overwhelmed, resulting in disaster.  I should also admit to being a composting nightmare.  I always put off and then forget the whole "stirring" of the pile.  I have found a few interesting ideas on Pinterest I may try, we'll see.

So there it is.  It's 7 January and I am already itching to get into the soil.  One babystep at a time.  I am thankful to have had the turkeys and ducks working on the garden areas for me.  I should let the chickens out soon also.  They have been staying close to the coop with all the cold weather.  I'm sure they are ready to get out and roam in some sunshine, warm sunshine.  It's also super windy again today.  I can't blame them for staying in, I am too.

What are your ideas/plans for gardening this year?  Please share.

TTFN

~Ash

3 Kings Day/Epiphany

Good Afternoon.

Today is Epiphany, or Three Kings Day.  The start of the Mardi Gras season!  A celebration of remembrance of the 3 Wise Men visiting the baby Jesus.  Many people take their tree/decorations down on this day.  My decor got the heave ho two days after Christmas, thank you Brian.  This means its time to start thinking about the King Cakes!!!  I love the food associated with Mardi Gras in our house.  King Cakes, Gumbo, Etoufee, Jambalaya, Dirty Rice...it's all wonderful.  Not sure what will be our menu for Fat Tuesday this year but I can say I'm excited about it!  A celebration of the birth of Christ leading up to Lent is a good time for all.  The prep for the solemn remembrance of Jesus's Crucifixion and the joy of His Resurrection.

Not much else to say today.  I dropped the hubby off at the airport and then took Nick to PetCo to look at some fish.  He ended up bringing home a baby betta and two ghost shrimp.  Let's all cross our fingers, please.  He doesn't always have good luck with fish.

AND, last but not least for today....Lucy's 12th Birthday is Saturday, the 12th!  Where does the time go?

Have a Wonderful Week.

~Ash

Goodbye 2012

Tonight we will bid farewell to the year 2012.  It's been a year of triumphs and struggles all around.  Here at the 'Ole Homestead we've seen the slow changes of our city life becoming our country life.  We've learned so much along the way.  From water pumps to branding cattle, we've been fortunate to experience these moments in life.  We are settling into our little town and our little farm.

We have strengthened our friendships and neighborliness.  The kids are enjoying school and have become more interested in sports.  It really is amazing how much more we are experiencing.  Having the kids in a smaller school offers them opportunities they weren't so lucky to have in the bigger schools.  The sense of community here is something I've never really witnessed first hand until now.  It's just a great place to live.

We have added to our farm this year.  After the "Massacre of 2012", we have added chickens, bunnies, cats and a horse.  Soon, we should start to get a little more egg production.  We have a lost (she prob doesn't think she's lost) dog, Cora, who is deeply missed.  Just today Lucy woke up crying after having a dream she had returned.  It really stinks.  With the animal additions, we have also added fencing and a new coop/shelter.  It's definitely slow progress but progress none the less.

Looking forward to 2013, we are hoping to continue building up our little area here in Big Sky Country.  We will definitely be setting new goals and continuing to work toward a better life for our family and the world we live in, spiritually, financially and healthily.  I wish everyone a safe and happy new year.  May you all continue to be blessed in the future.

Adieu 2012,
Tchuss, Ciao, BYE BYE

~Ash

15 Years...Who'Da Thought?

Hello everyone.  It's Tuesday, the 4th of December, and only 4 days to go to the Woodsies 15 year anniversary!!!  Holy Smokes!  I know plenty of people who doubted, questioned, scoffed etc. and all I can say is, I am the luckiest, most blessed girl in the world!  I've got my Mr. Right and a wonderful family, awesome friends, amazing memories and so much more to look forward to.  Ain't life grand! :-)

So, on the farming end of things we are moving slowly.  The animals seem to be happy and healthy which is our priority, obviously. We are still keeping our eye out for a companion for Belle, she must get so lonely.  She does get time with us and the birds.  She seems to enjoy her time with the turkeys and ducks.  We also need to get a shelter up for her.  She goes in with the birds if it's really bad out.  Oh, and it looks like two of our "new" chicks are roosters.  That will make three with only four hens...I believe we're gonna need more hens...

 (Our sweet Cora is still missing.  I still find myself getting choked up when I see pictures of her.  She is such a goof.  I continue my prayers knowing each day the chances of seeing her again diminish substantially.  Three weeks is a long time.)  

Being winter, even if the Montana weather says differently, we are focusing our activities inside the home.  We've got quite the "laundry/honey do" lists and they seem to grow faster than a new puppy.  Cleaning the carpets is this week's priority, I've gotten quite a bit done so far.  As I'm always looking to save $$$, one can imagine my pause when facing the cost of steam cleaner cleaner.  It's outrageous and doesn't really work so good anyway.  Pet Lover's or Professional formulas, my fannie.  So, yesterday, I decided enough was enough.  I did a little researching online and decided to go with simple, inexpensive and readily available.  I used my homemade laundry detergent.  Yup, homemade laundry detergent, you read it right.  So far, so good.  I am also using my homemade stain remover on the tough spots.  Not sure how that will work out but the areas I did yesterday look good and, get this, NO PET SMELLS!!!  I detest spending my day laboring over the carpet steam cleaner only to smell the bouquet that can only be created by pets and heavily scented cleaners (cover ups).  I'm actually more than a little excited about it.  Cheap thrills, huh.

Well, I'm off to do some more steaming.  Hoping everyone is having a good day.

~Ash

Back to It...

Well, we've had a wonderful Thanksgiving week around the Woods household.  Lots of fun, food, friends and family.  We had such a good time with everyone!  Our upcoming week will hopefully settle down a bit.  Kyleigh starts cheer practice four days a week, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Advent...  The kiddos have requested I make an Advent calendar again this year so I will start on it soon.  Maybe they'll be able to help with some daily ideas for celebrating.  Saturday, the 1st, it will be my aim to get everyone up in the mountains and find the "perfect" tree, weather allowing.  It will also give us the opportunity to stop in to the Lazy Doe.  It's a wonderful little place to grab a bite and a beer.

We've got some things to take care of around the house/farm as well.  For starters, the car and truck need some attention.  The turkey coop still needs to be shingled.  We need some updates with our extension cord supply and another heated waterer.  And those stinking bunnies...I just don't know the best way to keep them happy, healthy and warm!  It's a mind bender and I intend on triumphing. I've got many ideas jumbled up in my head which I am trying to decipher and plan out.  As for IN-side the house, there is always something to work on.  The kids have been putting Christmas stuff out downstairs today while Daddy and I were in the kitchen.  He was butchering deer and I was cooking...and cooking and cooking.  They were actually getting along and helping each other AND cleaning up!  Someone Pinch Me, I MUST be dreaming!  THANKFUL!!!!

So, I guess it's early to bed tonight.  I'll be driving the Hubby in to work tomorrow.  Also, it's a Monday which is clean sheets and towels day...I can't wait, I LOVE my clean sheets.  I will also be able to get some of this CHAOS under control.  It's my Weekly Home Blessing day.  I'm a Baby-Stepper for sure.  (My Thanks to FlyLady *a wink and a smile*)  Hmmm, maybe this week won't be quite so settled.  LOL  Just another day in the life of the Woodsies.  At least I already have dinner for tomorrow.  Turkey Soup, Yum.  Oh, and hunting season is OVER!!!  Woo Hoo!!!

Here's to a Wonderful Week.

~Ash