The Fab Four: Our Backyard Chickens

Exactly (or should that be "eggsactly"? haha!) one year ago, our chickens were born. We picked them up at a local feed store a couple days later, and immediately felt like we must be the strangest people in our neighborhood. I mean, who keeps chickens as pets?

Turns out, a lot of people do. Including at least four other families in our neighborhood that we know of. One woman even has some pretty fancy breeds. Ours are more common. Here they are in pecking order:

Violet, our Barred Plymouth Rock. She's the Alpha Chicken, and likes to remind everyone else - including me - that she is definitely in charge.

Buttercup ...

... and Daphne, our Buff Orpingtons (affectionately nicknamed "the Buffys")

Veronica, our Americauna. She lays green eggs!

We decided to become chicken owners for a number of reasons:

They're useful; we compost their manure to use in the garden, they keep the bug population in check, and of course there's the egg benefit.

My husband built their "aviary" right next to the garden.

You can even tell who laid which egg, each one comes up with a distinctive size and shell color/pattern.

In the summertime we get an egg from each of them about every day and a half: well over a dozen per week.

And they're pretty kid-friendly - we chose breeds based on their temperaments, and we handled them a lot when they were chicks so that they'd be used to people.

Veronica

Violet, about a week and a half.

The Buffys, perched on my husband's shoulder (Violet still does this!), about two weeks.

Their first foray out into the big wide world of our backyard, about six weeks.

Feeding them and gathering their eggs are easy jobs for our kids to help with, which they love.

Also, my husband loves birds and wanted some as pets, but with two cats in the house, large-ish outdoor birds were really our only choice. Of course, many people keep chickens for food other than just eggs, but we're vegetarians so these girls are strictly pets.

There are drawbacks, of course: we had to build a low fence around our vegetable garden to protect our seeds and seedlings from getting scratched and pecked at, and I'll have to move my hostas out of the back yard because their tasty-looking leaves are getting fringed at the edges. When you let them free-range like we do, it's a bit like having dogs and we have messes to clean up that we didn't have before. But in all, we've really enjoyed having them. Each one has her own distinctive personality, and it's hilarious to watch them run around.

If you want more information on backyard chickens, there are plenty of resources out there. A couple of our favorites are backyardchickens.com, mypetchicken.com, and the book "Chickens in Your Backyard" by Rick and Gail Luttmann. And feel free to comment or email with any questions, too!

Quilt Along: Week 3

How are your quilt blocks coming? I have 22 finished and 10 others in progress.


I'm thinking of incorporating these ones, too, somehow. They're leftover blocks from past quilts. What do you think?

I'm thinking this might be enough to make a decent cozy-on-the-sofa sized quilt (my favorite kind to make) so I'm going to start putting it together with the big white squares next week. I'll be back then with photos and how-to!

Spring Chickens

I have a favorite sight or blog I like to look at and, it being Chicken Week over here on Praiseworthy, I immediatly thought of this fun little softy and the neat things she creates over at Molly Chicken. 

So this morning I let my kids pick out some fabric and we all got to work.  Payton cut out the pattern pieces, I did the assembly and Sadie distroyed our house.  It was obviously a great morning! 

 

Don't you love this little pocket and the tiny baby chick that hides in the egg.  Reminds me of the thought about a mother protecting her young as she takes them under her wing..or in this case as she pretends to be a kangaroo.  Same dif. right?

 

 Taking the baby out and putting it back in was my Sadie's favorite part.  I knew it would be.

 

She now plays peek a boo with it and calls it her little baby kitchen...yes...kitchen.

 

 Payton took his (which has pants of elephants playing croquet on them...awesome I know!) said thanks mom and went right to pretend playing "Monster Chicken...Bigger then all the Universe." 

I'm happy they love them.  Here is the link to the easy tutorial if you want to create some of your own.  If you do, then don't forget to make a comment and link it to a picture! We would love to see what you create.

Happy Chicken Week!

The Hearts of the Children

"It is impossible to overestimate the influence of parents who understand the hearts of their children."

This statement, made by Robert D. Hales in an address to parents around the world, hit my heart with more impact than a cement truck traveling at a hundred miles per hour.

But hearing and feeling inspiration is often much easier than acting on it and knowing how to use it in my daily, task-oriented life. As I have pondered this statement, and tired to really understand my own children I have found a few important things:

I am more loving.
I am more willing to serve freely.
I understand my own heart more fully.

Seeing my children from the inside out has made such a huge difference. Looking on the heart rather than on the demands and cries and constant need for attention has changed my whole world this week.

I am so grateful.
I am so grateful.

Be YOUR best!

I wanna be like you oh oh,
I wanna talk like you oh oh,
Walk like you,

Talk like you, too.
You'll see it's true
Someone like me
Can learn to be
Like someone like me.
Can learn to be
Like someone like you.
Can learn to be
Like someone like me!

(The Jungle Book)

As a mother I am always comparing myself to other moms. It seems as if I am never doing enough. They are always so much craftier, creative, efficient, etc... then me. On top of that they seem to still be giving their children the attention they need. What is wrong with me. What is wrong with us. I seem to always do that. I could list 100's of traits that I want and who I want to get them from.
But really, why do we do it? Why are we always making ourselves smaller then we are.

As I have been reflecting on myself and things I can do to improve, I realized that it is not important what others are doing. As long as we are doing our own personal best, that is enough. There is no need to stress and worry because some other mom seems to be doing so much more. Now is it bad to want to be better, heck no! That is why we are here, to progress, improve, learn, grow. It is not a stagnant life we are living. We just need to be happy with who we are as mothers, wives, individuals.

One thing I realized is that we are all here to teach each other how to become better. If we were all the same, that would be pretty boring. We are here to fill the gaps that others may have. To use our talents to help those around us. To teach others. To lift and lighten one anthers burdens. We have a great purpose here as mothers. We often don't recognize ourselves enough. This is something that I know I will always struggle with, but this past week has made me a little more in tune with myself as a mother.

Leave a comment with a trait YOU have, think about yourself, not some other mom. For all you know, you may be the mom everyone is trying to be.

Continue in Patience

One of my vices in this world is my lack of patience. It seems the harder I work at improving in that area, there is more around me that tests my patience. I want to know how to play that guitar in the back of my closet...right now. I want to lose 15 pounds...right now. I want my toddler to learn to get dressed faster. Notice how many "I's" are in those few sentences? Being patient isn't all about "I" or "me", but that's where the change has to happen.

Last week, I heard from a friend about the Stanford Marshmallow Study. Four-year-olds were asked if they would rather have one marshmallow now or two marshmallows 15 minutes later (watch a short video here - you'll be amazed, humored and impressed). The study followed the children until they graduated from high school and found a correlation between those who could delay gratification, i.e. be patient, to success and positivity, and between those who acted impulsively to stubbornness and lack of self confidence. My husband came home from the Saturday evening session of General Conference for the men of the church and told me President Uchtdorf talked about patience and cited the study in the introduction to his remarks, and I knew I had to know more.

So, what which marshmallow option would you have chosen? It's hard for me to say since I don't think I've always been lacking in patience. President Uchtdorf said, "Patience — the ability to put our desires on hold for a time — is a precious and rare virtue. We want what we want and we want it now. Therefore, the very idea of patience may seem unpleasant and bitter. Nevertheless, without patience, we cannot please God; we cannot become perfect. Indeed, patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action and offers hope for peace."

There is hope for me to be a more understanding, patient wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend if I remember the reward that comes to those exhibiting self control and even long suffering - peace. That is, patient with those around me, patient with myself, and patient with the process of living a fulfilling life each day.

"Patience means to abide in faith, knowing that sometimes it is in the waiting rather than in the receiving that we grow the most."

Mothers and Daughters

It didn't really hit me until about 4 months after this photo was taken, that I had a daughter. Granted, I didn't know she was a girl until the minute after she was born. But I will always remember that day, watching her sleep, when I really truly allowed myself to imagine what it would be like to raise a daughter. I had a blank journal on my dresser; I grabbed it and a favorite pen, and began to write. All the things I wished I could tell her right then. About being a girl in a world that is often so unkind to girls. About finding beauty. About women in her life, some of whom she will never meet, who have a hand in who she will become.


I've kept writing in that journal whenever I can, and I keep one for my son as well, buoyed by the remembrance of a woman I know who lost her mother at a very young age. I told her about my journal once, and she told me how she would have loved to have a journal like that, written by her mother especially for her.

This weekend, I have had the chance to reflect on the unique relationship between mothers and daughters. It's something I completely take for granted, and I don't fully understand, this intense bond between a mother and her daughter; or a daughter and her mother for that matter. I know for certain it's unlike any other relationship we can have, and that if we are mindful it's one in which both mothers and daughters can grow and be blessed together.

I especially took to heart this weekend the words of M. Russell Ballard, an apostle in our church's highest leadership, in our general conference. In one part of his address on Saturday morning he spoke of how young women behave and become so much like their mothers, it's important to be a good example (or, as once was told to me, be the kind of woman you want her to become). He advised that when they are faced with an often hostile world, their mothers are their first line of defense. And that even if they don't seem to listen ... they are learning from us all the time. He quoted Emerson: "What you do speaks so loud, I cannot hear what you say."

My relationship with my daughter is very young, and even now it still overwhelms me sometimes. I draw encouragement from my own relationship with my mother. I don't remember a lot of her specific advice from when I was in her care (even though I'm sure it was offered plenty of times!). But I astonish myself with how often I remind myself of her. It's a good thing she's just the sort of woman I want to become.

Our Mothers Knew It

As a young mother with two small children I have found myself feeling inexperienced and sort of lost some days. I keep finding it easy to justify my ignorance by basically giving myself a free pass to make mistakes or take days off from being mom. I shamefully catch myself using the excuse, "they are too small to remember." I think I'm desperately just trying to make myself feel better for messing up a day or spending my time "caring more for the deeds of doing then of the spirit". How do you find that balance?

 There are many times when I have tried to be that sweet, special, kind of mother who only talks gently and who thinks lastly about herself, and most of those moments have helped shape my family's lives but, I will admit, though, that there are other days when I lose myself in complete selfishness...big time. I have let my 4 year old play video games for way too long while I work on the house or try to get a project completed. I will see how long I can go...go...go without my sweet little baby girl really needing my attention. I then find myself at the end of the day wondering if I had even made an impression on them and wishing that I had taken the time to watch them smile, see them grow or even talk to them. Unfortunately that is when the guilt sets in. Discouragement takes over and wishing to begin again drains my soul. I am then faced with the choice of giving up or trying harder.

   After being literally filled with hope this last Easter weekend I found myself thinking a lot about this sentence: Alma 56:48

"We do not doubt our mothers knew it".

Do my kids understand what I know? Can they see it in my eyes even though they are small?

One of my biggest fears is that one day I will get up enough courage to ask them "What does mommy know?" and they'll say with that perfectly honest and childlike integrity, "Mom, you know how to clean. You know how to sew and you like to be on the computer." It makes me sad just thinking about it. I don't want to be known for that. I want to be thought of as a truly loving mother and devoted wife. That's all. I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes on Sunday as I listened to our church's General Conference:

"The love of a true mother comes nearer to being like the love of God than any other kind of love."

- Joseph Smith

I think that the day you discover you really know yourself and you have accepted who you are is the day that you will feel that true kind of love for your little ones. I don't think a selfish heart can grab hold of a Christ like love because a pure love is selfless and perfect just like He is. I think that knowing is the most important thing we can accomplish here on earth. I understand that a perfect knowledge of everything is unattainable right now but to know who we are and why we are here is key to becoming more like him. So...

My Goal: To become a mother who really really KNOWS.

As a jumping off point:

I know that with each new day comes hope...even when the sun is not shining.

I know that truth is evident when I am really trying to listen.

I know that when I am feeling lonely it is only because I have forgotten who loves me most.

I know that if I push myself beyond what I believe to be capable of, then I'm personally in for a neat surprise.

I know that I am a daughter of God.

I know that my kids were given to me to care for and to teach.

I know that inspiration comes anytime we seek it.

I know that my hands are to be my Savior's hands...to be used in any way He may need me.

I know that the gift of a second chance can be life changing.

I know what my mom and dad know.

I know that I can do better.

I know that He lives.

I know that one day I will become who He wants me to be.

I know that motherhood is the greatest kind of good out there.

I'm going to try harder.

A Praiseworthy Moment in Time

Just wanted to share a moment that inspired me, and maybe will inspire you too.

We took a page from SouleMama's book today and made a better effort to make dinner time special. Even if it was just pizza and orange juice!

Both of my tablecloths are special to me. Splurges, purchased at a store I can't afford anymore, they remind me of all the good friends we've had around our table in the 7 1/2 years we've been a family. Even if I never iron them anymore.

We have fancy napkin rings, which I do love to use. But these ones are extra special. My daughter and I made them last summer with a sturdy cardboard tube and extra paper from her birthday invitations.

Handmade flowers created by one of my dearest friends. A happy reminder that fresh-cut flowers are just around the corner!

By the way, tonight's spinach and olive pizza was a raging success! Neither of my kids picked off a single topping (they normally pull off everything and just eat bread and sauce). Definitely doing that again!

Make it Personal

Have you ever read the book Wemberly Worried? It's a children's book by Kevin Henkes about a little mouse girl who worries about every single thing: "Big things, little things, and things in between."

 

We love this book...and this author :)

Well, when it comes to party planning, I am Wemberly in adult human form. I worry about the big stuff--the food and the guest list and the decorations--and the little stuff--like my apron and what kind of napkins to use and whether or not the dishwasher is empty--and all the things in between--like if my kitchen floor and bathrooms get cleaned ahead of time and what kind of music to have playing while we eat. I guess you could say I have a love-hate feeling for party-planning. I love doing it, yet I hate what it does to me. All that worrying puts my head in a fog and I often come away feeling disappointed in myself.  But over the past couple years of planning parties on my own and with friends, I have learned that one of the most important elements to a successful party is personalization. This makes all the difference.

Over the last couple years, a few of my friends have gone out of their way to present me with very personalized gifts and celebrations for my birthday and I can't tell you how wonderful it makes me feel. For example, there is something simply wonderful about sitting in a chair that was painted just for me. :) And that is just one of many gifts that fill my rooms to remind me of the people who love me.

Last week was my Dad's 50th birthday and I was so excited (and worried) about planning a big birthday bash and getting him an awesome gift. But he requested something small (and would have preferred nothing at all) and everything I inquired about for a gift he really wasn't interested in. So, we planned something personal, just the way he wanted it. And you know what, it was simple and perfect. We ordered his favorite pizza, had only our family, and made him one very personal gift. He loved it. I didn't worry (too much) and everyone enjoyed themselves. One of the best parts was an unplanned dance party requested by my three-year-old daughter. What grandfather could resist his granddaughter asking for a dance?

He had the two cutest helpers to blow out his candles. :)

Since he turned the big 5-0, for his gift we compiled a list of fifty things we love about him and had it printed out to place in a frame with a mat decorated in watercolor art done by his three granddaughters. Needless to say, he loved it and even got choked up as my sister read it aloud for the whole family to hear. I think he felt special on his special day. And that was the most important thing.

 I will never forget how much I worried about my oldest daughter's first birthday party. We had never planned a party like that before and wanted so badly for it to be perfect.  Some people thought we were silly to do so much for a birthday party that she would never remember. But you know what, we remember. We remember what a challenge and joy it was to be first-time parents and all of the memories we shared during that time with our family and friends. Having them all together to celebrate was the perfect way to recognize what a special time it was for all of us.

If it's a party with a purpose or a party just-because, the outcome is the best when you have the people there who you want to share it with. So no matter how much you worry or plan, sometimes it's simply the people who make it the most personal, and you don't have to do anything except invite them.

Free Birthdays

There are 4 people in our family; My husband, my daughter (3.5 years), my son (1.5 years), and myself. Of us 4, three have the same birthday. Yup, you read that right. My husband, daughter, and son all share the same birthday. No, it was not planned. She was a week early, and he was a day late. All natural labor progression, no c-sections, no inductions. Yeah baby! It makes things interesting.

I have only had to plan one birthday for all three of them once so far. When it was just my husband and daughter it was easy. He did not care that she had all the attention. In fact, he loves being overlooked on his birthday. He does not like the spotlight. I have always held a familyish party for him so he gets some attention. But it is going to be hard as the kids get older.

There are some nice things about having three on the same day though.

• Red Robin has a birthday club. Each one gets a free meal no purchase necessary. We can go out to dinner and only have to pay for me.
• Cold Stone has a birthday club, so they all get free ice cream too, no purchase necessary.
• Marble Slab has a birthday club which means more free ice cream.
• Baskin Robbins has a birthday club, so even more free ice cream.
• Denny's has a free Grand Slam on your birthday so another free meal. ( I have seen the commercials for this one and I don't see anything on the site that you need to sign up for. Probably just show up with proof that it is your birthday.)
• Children's Place has a birthday club so you get a 15% off coupon for your entire purchase.
• The Melting Pot has a birthday club and you get a free desert fondue.

All these, I belong too. I know there are more freebies I belong too as well just for the kids too, Toys-R-Us and the Ikea Kids Club (sign up in the store) are the ones off the top of my head. There are tons more birthday Freebies listed at Freebies for Mom.

For my family, we could probably eat almost for free for two weeks around there birthdays if we wanted too. There are so many freebies. All of the coupons I have received are good for two weeks as well. It is not just the day of your birthday which is really nice. So go enjoy your birthday treats. They are even better knowing it is free!

Parties - they're not just about the food...well, maybe a little

Has anyone else gone through this whole day thinking it wasTuesday? No? I'm the only one? OK never mind. Here's my tardy post this week.

Party planning...hmmm. Who doesn't love a good party? When I was a single girl, my roommates and I reveled in having our little apartment alive with fun and festivities. One roomie in particular, Debbie, and I were the perfect team. I was the mostly in the kitchen who thought up and executed the goodies, and she was the entertainment. We got so good at it that we were able to throw together impromptu get-togethers with ease, and those were often the best ones.

Nowadays, it's a little trickier to plan parties, so whatever I can do to make it easier on myself, well, that's what I try and do. Here's a fun read that I own with some valuable tips in this book, and it's one of my favorites:

Her tastes are definitely more refined than mine (I've never baked a rack of lamb or made any kind of pate'), but this presidential-budget-writer-for-nuclear-programs / turned / caterer / turned / cookbook-author-and-TV-personality makes me dream of perfectly successful parties with minimal effort. She's a smart cookie, imparting party wisdom based on past successes and not-so-successes. In the book she intermingles menues and coordinating recipes with tips. Here are a few:

• Stay cool. Don't let the guests know you're stressed or that you've been slaving or obsessing over the food all day. "Otherwise, they feel bad that you have worked so hard, and the party is off to a rocky start." We're glad they've come, so act like it.


• Assemble food. Instead of toiling for hours or even days before the party, it's OK to purchase food and assemble it the day of, and you'll be a more relaxed and pleasant host because of it.


• Cook together. Your guests can be your sous chefs, so give them a nice cold beverage and put them to work! It's more fun that way when everyone is involved. This is a fun idea for a pizza party.

Recently, our baby girl turned ONE and it was probably the least stressful birthday party I've put together. The theme was around "spring chicken" since that's what she is! It was later in the afternoon, so it was lunch time but before dinner. I used my Stoneware I've collected over the years, which is a silver/pewter composite that is molded into bowls and plates. This tied together the presentation of the food. The tablecloth is more summery, but it's so cheery, I just couldn't NOT use it.

There were snacky things for both kids and adults, the centerpiece being my attempt at petit fours. They were more of a free-form glorified cupcake, but yummy just the same. I made these a day in advance and brushed the cake with just a little simple syrup to keep it from drying out.

And what did the guest of honor think of her first big she-bang?

photo

...and that's all that really matters, right?

Party on!