3 weeks old - Goodbye Cavy Babies

3 weeks old yesterday these Teddy Cavy babies are, Sunday, now ready to go to new homes. One to a fellow 4H group member and hopefully the other two to 4H kids as well and one to stay here with us. Naming him 'Whip Cream' due to the white on one whole side our son asked for some pictures of himself with all of the babies before heading to their new homes. Such a sweet experience. So fast 3 weeks goes by. He is so proud that his piggy was such a good mommy and took such good care of them and I'm so proud of him for taking such good care of his animals- checking in on them throughout the days, handling them, cuddling them, talking to them, and now finally letting them go.

Fun times with babies!

It's much better to give than to receive...

Since we've moved to Arizona...3 1/2 years this month our son has not parted with one thing. One toy, one article of clothing...anything. We thought maybe the move was hard, clinging to everything from 'home' or cherishing and remembering just who gave him each and every item. Yesterday when speaking about Christmas, reading a few stories together something in him clicked. We always talk about doing things for others, making sure we give back not only during holiday time but year round...and yesterday he decided he would like to do the same. Telling me if he goes through all his toys and we can take them on Monday that still makes it over a week until Christmas- that's enough time for another boy or girl to have my toys for Christmas right, he asks me. Yes that should be enough time. Asking me to help, mid afternoon we were up to our heads in toys, clothes, blankets, everything from his closet pulled out. And our joyous son was thrilled he had one large box and two trash bags filled with give away items.

And as we finished he said, "Mom its like Christmas for us when we give our things away- because I'm so happy right now- another boy or girl is really going to like playing with my toys."

And we are again reminded it is much better to give than to receive and to help others.

May this holiday season find you doing things for others, celebrating the birth of Christ and cherishing your time with family and friends.

The Bunny Girl

Our kids are both animal kids...our whole family is. Our daughter especially loves her rabbits and cavies. A few weeks ago our daughter made a huge decision- it was time to retire her Blue Dutch Buck showmanship bunny from showman. Nearly 7 years old, he has been a show bunny for different kids, all his life. Our daughter also made a decision to part with one of her larger breed rabbits and make a trade and in turn get a new showman rabbit, a Tortoise Dutch Buck named 'Buddy'. She never ceases to amaze me, this bunny girl of mine, this animal lover. She did her research before we went to choose a rabbit, taking an article about the tortoise Dutch with her along with her ARBA book (American Rabbit Breeders Association) of the breed standards. She took her time, choosing between 4 different bucks and finally decided on Buddy. In part because of his great looks but in part because he was the friendliest of the bunch- and a showman bunny is especially special- a tight bond between child and rabbit. A great trust is needed between them, the breeder told us. Buddy and our daughter bonded immediately and have spent hours now cuddling, exploring, talking on her bed. The start of a friendship that will last many years to come.

Welcome Buddy to our home and to your new family.

Special bonds...animals and people have. To be cherished.

Frogs, Floods & Greens to Eat!

Getting back to the frog track, we spent some time this morning reading the frog books that were checked out from the library then everyone picking video's from you tube on how to set up a frog tank, taking care of tadpoles and learning about poison dart frogs. Rain came today as we attempted to do laundry but were forced to go dry at the laundromat instead of our clothes line. Hubbie offered to hang a line inside near the fire but perhaps next time that will happen. The trials of not having a dryer- great on the sunny days and when it rains, well we still needed clean clothing!

 With the rain, history we spent some time with this book 'Washed Away' then watched a few video's on the Flood of 1913. Most interesting was the attention the kids spent looking at the way people dressed, the horses and carriages and the homes, the towns compared to today. 100 years ago they both marveled. 

100 years of change.

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The 1913 Flood in Morgan County, Ohio - 26 minute documentary 

(video would not upload above)

100 year anniversary report below:

 Getting our greens with two Spinach recipes:

Recipe link: Spinach Pasta Pea Pasta Dish

 Recipe Link: Spinach-Stuffed-Portobello-Mushrooms

(we left out the meat!)

Tomorrow brings Friday, a start into our weekend. Tomorrow we visit a rabbitry to part with one of our rabbits and in turn adopt one of the owners retired rabbits. Our daughter wanting to part with one of her larger rabbits and gain a smaller one and an addition the owner of the rabbitry has been looking for. A good swap. A few errands in the afternoon then I'm sure much bunny play and animal snuggling time will be happening in the house tomorrow.

May Friday bring you much joy, happiness and blessings as it carries you into your weekend.

Church, 2 week Chickens & a new Pigeon

Sunday has brought church with friends, a wonderful service to start December. Supporting our daughters friend perform, playing her violin to Silent Night. Opening with prayer and a song shared...then songs sung, a wonderful sermon and meeting new families and new friends. Our hearts were truly blessed today on our first time attending this church that just happens to be within walking distance. Community and family feel. I believe this is where we are going to call 'home' and attend regularly.

Animal chores, cage cleaning, it never ends. Every day is some kind of animal work day. Pride as we ensure they have the best home possible, clean, well taken care of, fed and loved. Our son cherishes his new pigeon, spending time with it today, taking it inside the house, saying he wishes it could live in his room, snuggling, talking to it. A few pics of growing chicks...now 2 weeks and 3 days old- feathering coming in. Growing so quickly! An afternoon finishing house hold chores, reading, practicing piano, spending time together and getting to bed early after a long weekend of fun.

May this Sunday find you as blessed as we feel, cherishing our family and our new friends.

Christmas Parade 2013

This weekend started off with 4H awards night and yesterday brought a smallstock 4H open house as well as in the evening that night marching in a Christmas parade with our 4H club.

All the kids had a great time at the parade, even in the cold. A stagecoach, some horses, a few bunnies and tons of friends and fun.

 Everyone getting lights ready, the horses hitched up...

 Hanging out with friends..

 And its ready to go.

 Decorated & Lit

A great evening with friends & their families, getting into the holiday spirit.

{this moment}

{this moment}

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Stories & Hot Drinks with my two children makes any cloudy afternoon brighter!