Brag Time

Rachel

I took Ashlee outside this morning to help me with chores and with milking Rachel.  Ashlee noticed Rachel shivering and asked me what was wrong with her.  I explained that Rachel isnt used to our cold barn and never got her thick winter coat due to being in a warmer barn all winter and not outside like Haley, Glady and Cocoa....so her fur is thinner and she gets colder.  A few minutes later I look over (I am in the middle of milking) and see Ashlee with her coat off and her shirt half way off.  She gave me her shirt to put on Rachel to help keep her warm.  I love this kid.

Cocoa

This is Cocoa.  He is a SaNubian (saanen nubian cross) Weather (castrated male) He is a giant teddy bear who goes into a trance when you brush him or give him a good scratching.

Fiona

Cute little Fiona sucking on my finger ...  there arent many ways to get a baby goat to stay still for a picture...finger sucking and a bottle are pretty much all Ive got  (:

Haley

This is Haley, my 3yr old who thinks she is queen of the castle.  She and Glady (below), who is 5yrs,old, are both pregnant and due to kid in April.  They are very very attached to each other and do not like to share their barn stall with anyone and also do not like sharing me with the other newer goats. When I milk Rachel, they stand up on their hind feet watching me the whole time, begging for attention.  Haley and Glady were my first goats and I totally love them and their stubborn personalities.

Glady

We are enjoying life on our little farm, a year ago if you would have told me that by the end of the year I would be raising 5 Nubian dairy goats, 5 giant rabbits, and a load of chickens....I would have told you that you were off your rocker. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love raising these animals.

I have recently had several people ask me "were you raised on a farm or ranch?" and they are always shocked to learn that I was raised in suburbia in South Jersey.  I credit my desire to raise my animals and to use natural and holistic approaches to nutrition and healing to my mom.

I remember when we first got fiber rabbits, Cinnamon and Sugar I believe were the names of our first two, then we got Antoinette...she would pluck their fur (a fluffy mess) and spin it to make mittens, scarves, sweaters etc.  I remember coming home from school only to find a bath tub full of soaking sheep fleece. She taught us about cleaning the fiber and carding (brushing) it and spinning with both the drop spindle and the spinning wheel.  I loved what I learned (even though I gave my mom a hard time back then...sorry mom)  I want to raise my kids to learn and love Gods creation.  I want them to know how to use plants and animals to survive, thrive, work, heal and learn.  

That is what this blog is all about, a documentation of our experiences.  I hope you enjoy reading, please leave me a comment below and let me know!!!  I hope one day my kids can look back on this and enjoy the fact that we documented some of our day to day life experiences.

NEW BABIES

okay, maybe only one of our new additions is an actual baby, but they are both new to our farm and all my goats are my babies....


This is Rachel (from Country Winds Dairy Farm in Zeeland, Michigan)  She is almost 2yrs old (will turn 2 in April) She is what is called a FF or First Freshener (first time momma, first time having milk in her udders) She was basically given to us due to her lopsided udders.  I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have fresh milk NOW, instead of waiting until April for May Haley and Glady to kid.  Plus she will provide milk for this little lady....

Meet the ever loving, and oh so stunning.....Fiona (also from Country Winds Dairy Farm)

You know you love her too!! She is about 3 weeks old...she is like having a puppy...sooo cute and cuddly and fun.  We love her to pieces.


Country Winds Dairy Farm has loads more babies looking for homes. They currently have French Alpines, American Alpines and Purebred Nubians.  And they have some insanely gorgeous spotting too!!!

Here is a picture of Isabella loving on some of the babies at Country Winds

you know you want one.


You can contact Country Winds here : http://countrywindsfarmllc.webs.com/

Everyone Poops

Have you ever read that book?  "Everyone Poops"  Its quite entertaining, especially for kids....

But it seems someone, somewhere is always having an issue with poop...(sorry to gross you out) 

Today I am talking about my goats, once again, Haley is having an issue...and I know this by her poop.  You see, goats are pretty easy to read (in most instances) and when their poops don't look like little chocolate covered nuts, then there is an issue.  

What do you do when you have tummy issues = poop issues?  Do you reach for the pepto, or Milk of Magnesia or Tums?  we don't

I go out into the kitchen and take some spices out of my cabinet; Cinnamon, Cloves, Cayenne, then I gather a few herbs from my medicinal cabinet; Slippery Elm Bark, Yarrow.   

Some of you may not realize that things like Cinnamon are good for things other than in your apple pie or on your toast, or that Cayenne is good for anything other than some awesome chili or Mexican foods.  Well, today you may learn something.  

Cinnamon: aids in digestion; it has strong antibacterial properties, especially for cold and flu; it has an energizing effect on your mood; it is anti-fungal; it can relieve pain and improve circulation.  

Cayenne: increases blood flow, warms you up, helps with arthritis stiffness, sore muscles, is soothes nerve pain, joint pain.  They clear congestion and reduce inflammation in your sinuses when you are sick. They lesson gas and bloating, and aid in digestion and boost your metabolism.  

Clove: heals muscle pain, abdominal pain, arthritis. It is antibacterial, healing abscesses, colds, viruses, ear pain, dental pain, it is antiseptic and analgesic.  It improves digestion, relieves indigestion and nausea. 

Slippery Elm Bark:  heals wounds, burns, ulcers, reduces inflammation and is a pain reliever. It treats diarrhea, and heals mucus membranes.  

Yarrow:  Encourages clotting, disinfects cuts, if taken as a tea it can slow menstrual bleeding. It helps to cool fevers and expel toxins.  It is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. 

Now, healing naturally is not for every body, and I don't mean to say that you are doing things wrong if you don't do things my way...my purpose for sharing is to help you learn alternatives to using chemicals.  I learned this combination from an awesome group of friends who turn to http://firmeadowllc.com/ for their herbal mixes.  I highly recommend this site, and also http://mountainroseherbs.com/  for buying your herbs, oils and medicines.  They are great people, always willing to help you out and help you learn to heal.  Another great site: http://www.drchristophersherbshop.com/DCFormulas.html

You can count on many more posts about the awesome herbs and supplements we keep in our cabinet, and maybe even a few more posts about poop 

Keepin' it Real

I love goofiness...

My hubby and I have been married for over 10 yrs and I truly, madly, deeply believe that our silliness keeps us young.  I may have grey hair, but by golly, I am wrinkle free (although I do believe that my plumpness aids in the wrinkle free factor)

This morning while I was happily enjoying my hot shower, kids giggling in the next room, having a pillow fight on my bed, and ripping all the covers off and just having a grand time...my hubby stopped home from work (work is very close to home) he was talking to me for a minute when suddenly I was hit with a large amount of ice cold water, directly in my face.

I loved it. and I totally love that we torment each other like kids sometimes.

         you cant fake this kind of cool

Welcome to Peaseful Acres!!!  Today is a chilly rainy/foggy day so we plan on hiding out in the house as much as possible.  Making cheese and bread !!  YUM  I have been on a kefir cheese kick and am exploring all kinds of breads, my favorites being sourdough breads, but I am taking a dive into gluten free breads too.  fingers crossed!!!