Needing More Space

As the chicks grow -- which they are doing by leaps and bounds -- it's becoming obvious we need to expand their brooder.

They are getting quite large.

They still have several weeks (if not more w/our crazy weather) before they can move out to the big coop, so in the meantime I believe we are going to need to make a chick brooder duplex.

Originally I thought we'd just make a second brooder box - pretty much  just like the first one.   However, the more I've considered it, the more I'd hate to separate out any of the chicks.  How do I know who are chickie friends and who aren't?  Who wants to stay together and who wants to move?

So.... instead, we are going to expand the current brooder so all the growing chicks have plenty of room WITHOUT leaving their little chickie friends.

First, just look at how they've grown!

Their getting tall.

Soon they'll be AS TALL as the thermometer.

I've been using the thermometer on the back wall as a gauge.  You can see how much further they stand each week next to the numbers on the thermometer.  Amazing!

Bigger and sharper each day, it seems.

Plus, those feet!  Even bigger this week than last.  The 'toe nails' (for lack of a better description) are REALLY getting long and talon like now.  Pretty crazy.








Not to mention, the combs on their heads.  They have them now.  When they were just little puff balls, they didn't really have the combs -- well, at least you couldn't see them.  They are becoming oh so apparent now.

She has a nice little comb coming in.

A good side view of her pretty 'comb'.

In addition, the down like fuzz is quickly being replaced by more and more feathers. In some spots they look a little 'bare' as the fuzz falls off before the feathers replace it.  But, for the most part, they just have big, growing feathers.

Wing feathers.

Tail feathers.

Feathers, feathers, feathers.

Less 'fuzz' and more feathers abound.

It's getting harder to catch them with one hand as they have grown so much.  Watching the girls hold them is cute as now the chicks fill both their little hands quite readily.

Still her favorite - little Silver Fox - the Columbian Wyandotte.

The little dark brahma.  One of my favorites.

Either a speckled sussex or a golden wyandotte.

They are very active too.  They hop, jump, fly around inside the brooder to get to the food, water, grit, and just to hop over one another.

Once we open the door, they REALLY go crazy as they are still fearful of being picked up despite daily handling.

Come back soon as I'll update the progress on their chick duplex construction and how they enjoy the expanded space.

A Spring Day

Yes, spring officially sprung last month, but about that time, here in Wyoming we got about ...... hmmmm..... 8 - 10 inches of snow.

Hence, it hasn't felt much like spring here.  LOL!

Until.............. Last week!

Well, maybe a couple other days, but this day the drifts were melting and we could walk through ALMOST our entire yard without climbing through and over 5 ft drifts.  (Everywhere EXCEPT around the chicken coop and rabbit hutch.  It's still a good 3-5 ft there.  CRAZY!  Maybe it would be a good idea to relocate those things?  Nah, where's the fun in THAT?)

With the sun shining, the breeze warm, and the snow melting the girls and I decided to venture outside to do trash pick-up around the property.

You see, the critters and our very own dog, enjoy our trash and recycling.  All through the winter they get IN to said trash and recycling.  The raccoons, foxes, and who knows what other critters have officially stolen or lost one of the lids to our outdoor garbage cans so now it's a 'free for all'.  The pup thinks the recycling shed is his own personal toy bin.

As you can imagine, we get a lot of stuff floating around our fenced in yard from the pup playing in the recycling bin and the rest of the unfenced yard from the wildlife getting into our trash as well.  The wind then picks up said stuff and carries it even further around the yard.  (Sorry, neighbors.  We are trying to figure out a new plan now that I know the lid is gone.)  With the snow falls we've had, the trash was being covered by snow so it didn't look quite so atrocious, nor had I realized just. how. much. the critters were causing a ruckus with our garbage.

UG!

Last week, the girls and I grabbed a huge black outdoor trash bag and began making a sweep of the yard.  Most of it got 'stuck' in the trees and bushes along the creek bed area - a blessing since it acted as a barrier and kept it from TOTALLY infiltrating the neighborhood.  We picked up a myriad of 'junk' that had been scattered about by animals and wind as we made our way around our property.

In addition, we found a pair of socks - yep, you read that right, a pair of socks by the creek; at least 4 hats and 2 sets of ear muff type things; and a multitude of toys; not to mention 2 of our sleds.  Yes, 2 sleds were covered in snow and buried under the trampoline.  Go figure.

Once we finished our 'chore', Trinity and Charity returned inside to finish their school.  Selah and I had a great time outside for another 1/2 hour or so tossing a frisbee around.  Mostly throwing and chasing said frisbee, but it was good exercise and kept us both outside in the sunshine.  Vitamin D is good for the body, right?

Tossing the frisbee for mom to chase.

Trying to catch the frisbee.  She reached a bit too high.

Watching Selah and I play, made Trinity and Charity hurry along with their lessons and they too went out and tossed the frisbee.  We all love when the weather gets nicer after a long, cold, snowy winter.

Tossing and chasing the frisbee.
Just look at that view.  I'd happily sit on the porch
and look at the mountains while they play frisbee.

Retrieving the frisbee was half the fun this day.

It was a good day.  We're all looking forward to more snow melting and more time outside.  One day soon, hopefully the chicken coop and rabbit hutch area will be melted as well and we can get to work making improvements there.

Silver Fox Breeding Trio

I succeeded.

I convinced Techno to allow us to expand our rabbitry by purchasing a breeding trio of Silver Fox Rabbits.

Two does and a buck.

We picked them up near Denver yesterday after doctor appointments for Elijah.  Two birds, one stone sort of thing.  Since we were already going to be in Colorado, we just drove a little further to pick up the adorable bundles of fur.

Once we decided to go forward with our venture in meat rabbits, I had to come up with at least 2 more rabbit cages.

We had Orchid's empty cage, but we were getting THREE rabbits.

A conundrum.

The three could NOT stay in one cage unless we wanted perpetual pregnant does and the possibility of the does harming - even killing - the buck.

No good, no good.

Fortunately, Techno's friend -- whom we had gotten Orchid and Charlie from -- had offered us their leftover rabbit supplies (including cages) as their daughter's last rabbit had died of old age about the same time as Orchid.

What a blessing for us.  Sad, I'm sure for them.

Fixing the sides/tops/bottom of one of the
'new to us' rabbit cages.
I think we may invest in wire to make our
own in the future.  Fixing this one
showed me just how easy it really is to make.

Just put the little 'clamp' on and pinch.
Easy as that.

We picked up the cages Saturday afternoon and realized one needed a little repair.  Nothing major.  Just some 're-attaching' of the pieces to make it secure.  Once that was done, we arranged the hutch to house not 2, but 5 rabbits and their cages.  (Since Lucas will be joining the outside living quarters now that the weather is improving).


Of course, I was gone all day Saturday and Sunday with 4H projects and picking up said cages, so I did NOT get to fix them in the nice balmy sunshine, instead I had to fix them after it snowed.  LOL!  Murphy's law, right?

The new configuration for all the bunnies to live outside.  Lucas will go on top of that single cage in the very near future.

In addition, I made plans for expanding our hutch by using shipping crates to make the space bigger; more spacious; more functional for more rabbits.  (Or course, I need to GET said crates, but I know where some are located, just need to pick them up.)  The girls will be able to house ALL the rabbit cages along the back wall; the food along one side; and 'work stations' along the other where they can train, groom, and practice with their rabbits.  Plus it'll be more 'snow proof' and make it easier to clean cages in the dead of winter when drifts can get close to 5 ft near and around the rabbit hutch.  (I'll do another blog post once we get THAT endeavor underway.)

As the rabbits begin breeding, I realized we'd need cages for the babies once they get big enough to be removed from mama, but prior to being processed for our freezer; sold at fair; or to other rabbit owners.

I remember laying awake one night trying to figure out what I was going to do for cages.  The cost of a multi-teir cage set up is close to or over $200. I wasn't sure I wanted to invest that yet -- just in case we weren't very successful with this whole rabbit breeding venture.

Then.... it hit me.

We still have our 'small' chicken coop that I use as a 'brooder box' that I could convert into 4-6 rabbit cages with a  little 'repurposing'.  (I'll be sure to share that project once it's in progress as well.  The coop was buried under a snow drift and suffered a little damage as a result.  But... all in a days work, right?  Some nails, wood, new wire - it'll be right as rain.)

Perfect!

Of course, that does mean I need to come up with an alternative plan for a brooder box, but that's for another time.  Another 4H project?  Sure, why not.

The rabbits all seem content.

We managed to obtain ownership prior to the April 15th cut off for fair guidelines.  We also are in the process of determining if we will breed them now as the kits need to be no less than 6 weeks old by 4H fair time.  One is too young, so she will have to wait till after fair to be bred.  The other had a litter recently that she lost (mothering instincts kicked in a little too late and all her kits died.  Not an uncommon occurrence for a first time rabbit mama - so I'm told.)  So, we are debating whether or not to re-breed her or wait.  Decisions, decisions.

Let the fun begin!

Here's our new trio of Silver Fox rabbits.

Scarlet - the young doe -- just 4.5 months old.  Not as much silver in her fur, but evenly distributed, which is what you want.  Even Steven.  She's a bit shy still - having just moved to a new place many hours from her old home.

Look at that sweet face.

The silvering is faint in the picture.
It's more prominent than this photo shows, but still much
more subtle than the other two.

Trixiebelle - the older doe.  She's 10 months and has a good amount of silvering that is also nice and evenly distributed.  She had 12 kits with her first litter.  A good mix of blacks and blues.  I'm excited for the blues even though they are not yet acknowledged as an acceptable color of Silver Fox rabbits. I believe they will be in the coming years AND they are just beautiful.

Feeling shy and nervous in her new home.

Nice silvering.  A little sparce in her face.

Finally, our buck.  Shortstop.  He's heavily silvered, again with nice even distribution.  He's a big guy and a sweet guy.  His brother has won many championships.  Hoping the same for him.  He was going to be one of the breeders kept rabbits to continue his wonderful line of champion blood, but the rabbit she had in mind for us, hurt his eye and she didn't want to sell us an injured rabbit.  Here's hoping his champion bloodlines continue in our little rabbitry.

He's been a little more curious.  Hopping around,
sniffing everything.  Adapting well.

Just look at all that silver.  Trinity says 'he looks like an old man'
since he's so 'silver' all over.

1 Year Diaversary Take 2

Just last month we celebrated the 1 year mark of Selah's diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes.

Today we celebrate that same milestone with Trinity.  Just 3 weeks later.

One year ago today, we checked her fasting blood sugar to get a reading of somewhere around 250.

This was the evening I knew in my heart.  Her cheeks were
sunken.  She had little energy.  She was thin and pale.
The next morning we tested.  Suspicion confirmed.

We knew.

Our hearts sank.

How could this be?  3 weeks after her little sister, how could she too be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes?  It was surreal.

So pale and thin.  Even a couple months before diagnosis.
How did we not notice?

Again, how do you celebrate such a life sentence?

Once again I'm reminded of the alternative.

Although we wish she had never been diagnosed with this incessant disease, that wasn't the hand we were dealt.  SHE was dealt.  Trinity DOES have T1D.

We celebrate because she's no longer skeletal.  Her body now uses the foods she eats to nourish itself instead of destroying itself.

Fullness back her face.  Eyes not so sunken.
Dexcom proudly present to monitor blood glucose levels.

She feels better too.

The very day she was diagnosed she made the comment, "I don't like the shots, but they sure make me feel a lot better."

Giving herself her own life saving insulin
shot for the first time.
Little sister cheering her on, wearing her
continuous glucose monitor proudly.

Celebrate?  You bet.  It may not be ideal, but her body can now process the foods she eats.  Her body can heal and grow.  She's no longer fading away.

We are celebrating the strength she's shown; she's developed.  Her perseverance is inspiring.  Her bravery breathtaking.

We celebrate the fact we can now fight this beast - this destroyer.  Just as Satan goes back and forth like a predator, seeking to destroy and kill, so is the nature of type 1 diabetes.  We celebrate the fact we now have the knowledge of this monster's presence so we can be on guard and protect against it's attacks.  It's attempts to loot and demolish.

Although this day brings tears - sadness even - as we recall the childhood lost; the perceived health diminished. As we acknowledge the precarious tightrope balance between life and death.  We still celebrate because despite the difficulties, the challenges, the anxiety, we have the opportunity to feel all these things because ---- Trinity.

Pink cheeks, weight gained, body restored.

Her LIFE!



That's. Why. We. Celebrate!




That's why we will continue to celebrate!!

Each day, each month. Each year.

Each D-I-A-V-E-R-S-A-R-Y!!

What a difference a year (well almost a year)
can make.

A Job Offer

Most who know me, know I'm a HUGE advocate for being a stay-at-home-mom.

I feel it's my calling, my role, even my privilege to have such a career.

I love being with our children throughout the day; throughout their childhood.  To be able to mold their values; their worldview; their educational process.  To be the primary influence in their lives.  To direct them in the ways of God.  To attempt to be a good model for their lives.

However, sometimes new opportunities just drop into your lap -- even when you aren't looking for them.  Even when you don't think you necessarily want or need them.  That's what's happened in my life recently.

Over the last 6 months or so I've been given the opportunity to serve our neighbors, our local businesses, even our community in small ways that pulled me OUT of our home once in awhile.

Initially I was helping our neighbor with her cleaning business. She has a lot of local clients that she cleans houses for.  Personal residents to rental properties. There were a few months where she was swamped (yes, she's THAT good at what she does) so she asked if I'd be willing to help her out once in a while.  I graciously agreed.  I was honored to be given this opportunity to assist her.  It resulted in me being away from home a couple hours a day, usually only one day a week, a couple weeks a month, for about 3-4 months.  Not a major change for our crew.  Our routine.  I was still able to do school with the girls in the morning and head out around lunch to clean.  I was always back in plenty of time to prepare dinner and be with the family in the evening.  I'm not even sure they realized I was gone most of the time.  ;-)

Then, as that position was dwindling down, my friend called to ask if I could help out a local guest ranch with laundry duties.  Basically just helping to get laundry 'caught up' from the weekends to start the new week of guests.  I talked to the owners and we figured out a workable plan. I'd come once a week, in the afternoon, and fold laundry for 2-4 hours (whatever was needed to finish up the weekends laundry load).  Again, it was easy to fit around our schedules and school as I would head out in the afternoons and was only gone a few hours once a week.  Still home for dinner and family time.  The girls did realize I was gone for this position as it was consistent, week after week.  The days were flexible making it easy to work around schoolwork, housework, and appointments for the kids.

Recently, the local Post Master suggested I apply for the 'Relief Post Master' position being offered at our local post office.  This position would enable her to occasionally take days off for vacation, personal days, or even sick days.  The position is just as it sounds.  I'd be the 'fill in' gal at the post office on occasion.

I came home and discussed it with Techno.  A similar position had been available not long after we moved here.  We had discussed the possibility of me applying.  At that point in time, it wasn't ideal. I was still needed 100% at home. Selah wasn't yet officially doing school. Trinity was on the cusp of being a strong reader and Charity was just beginning to read independently.  They both still needed a lot of input and guidance from me in their lessons.

We both agreed -- it was NOT the right time.  It was not what God was prompting me toward.

Now?  Things are different.  The older 2 are completely independent and capable of 'filling in the gap' if I need to be gone.  They've handily proved that with the plethora of doctor's appointments and such the last year has brought.  The girls are getting more and more independent.  Trinity and Charity are both strong readers; excelling in all their subjects; capable of completing their seat work with minimal intervention on my part.  Selah is now able to read on her own and is 'on the cusp' of being more independent in her studies as well.  Obviously she still needs instruction from mom, but she can manage to do some seat work on her own.  All three of them are navigating their on-line lessons like pros.

Was it the right time?  Should I apply?

Given the limited hours that I would be expected to work, we decided I should go for it.

I got on-line. Filled out the application.  (Boy was that interesting considering I haven't officially held a job in about 20 years -- other than folding laundry of course.)  My 'work history' was more my 'volunteer' history as they only wanted the last 7 years or so.

I filled out the background check.  Did a pre-employment drug test.  Had an interview.

An interview!

Haven't had one of those officially in 20-25 years - since I was hired for my first several positions out of college.  WOW!  That's a LONG time once written out and thought about.   :-/

I was nervous, but not quite as much as I expected.  A couple times during the interview I felt like that 20 something young woman just starting out in the workforce.  Yet, I also felt calm.  Either way, I was ok with the outcome of this particular adventure.  The stakes weren't quite as high.

I would enjoy helping our community by being an assistant for our current post master, but I'm also content with being at home -- serving my family as I've done the last 20 years.

The interview went well.  It sounded like I 'had the job'.  Even our current post master who sat in on the interview agreed.  When the phone call was over, she looked at me and said, "I think you have the job, don't you?"

A couple days later, the e-mail arrived.  I was offered the job and now had 7 days to accept or decline.

The moment of truth.  Do I go through with it?  Do I take a 'job' outside the home after all these years as a full time-stay-at-home-homechooling-mom???

A little more discussion with Techno and we decided........................................

YES!

At max - it'll be 6 hours a week.  Usually on Saturdays - late morning to mid-afternoon.   More likely  only 6-12 hours a month when the official Post Master wants a little breather from her 6 day a week work schedule.  (So she can actually visit family; get away for the weekend; just take a break.)  If she should ever need time off for illness, I can step in and fill the gap at the post office.  There's also the possibility of a week long stint if she ever takes a vacation.  Although, I've never seen her take a vacation since she started this position.  (Of course, she never had a relief post master to fill in for her so....... who knows.)

It's a strange new world to be entering a 'paid job' outside the home again.  I'm blessed to be home with our kids and I wouldn't change that for the world. This small opportunity will allow me to dip my toe in the workforce waters once again, while continuing my chosen career as 'MOMMY' most of the time.  I look forward to being a blessing to our neighbors and getting to know more of the members in our community while manning the post office yet still caring and ministering to my own family at home.

I can't deny that the income from these 'little jobs' has been nice as I've convinced Techno to allow me to expand our mini-mountain-menagerie.  Critters are expensive - in case you didn't know. LOL!

Plus, seeing as how I've been a stay-at-home-mom for so many years, this will help me get closer to the all elusive 'social security retirement benefits' that I currently do not possess enough 'work hours' to receive.  Well, if said benefits are still around come time for me to retire.  :-)

But that's a whole different kind of post that I'm NOT going to attempt.

Comedy During Pump Change

I have written about changing the girls' insulin pumps before.  My focus was on Selah and how she handled a pump change one night.  How brave she was.  How wise she was.

This time my focus is a little more light hearted.

It was pump change day again.  As it is every 3 days.

Trinity gathered all the supplies we'd need.  I put the cream on the girls to numb the area for the 'Big Poke' that accompanies the insert of the new inset for the pump.

She went through the normal routine -- rewinding the old cartridge while I filled her new cartridge with life saving insulin.  Then putting the new cartridge and tubing into the pump.  Loading the cartridge. Priming the pump tubing.  She consistently does all this on her own.

Finally it's time to insert the needle for the new inset.

This is definitely not something Trinity enjoys.

In fact it causes quite a bit of anxiety in her little mind and body.

It's often hard not to smile as she shakes her head 'no' frantically, telling me she's NOT yet ready for the 'big poke' all the while taking fast deep breaths to the point of making me fear she may hyperventilate.  I try to remind her the longer she puts it off, the more her numbing cream will wear off and the more the poke will hurt.

Usually after a couple seconds to a minute of this, she's ready and finally gives me the nod of approval to squeeze the applicator, inserting the needle to place the inset.

This time?  Let's just say she took it to a whole new level.

As I placed the applicator over the numb area on her tush, she began shaking her head no while verbally squeaking out, 'no poke, no poke, no poke.'  I sat with the needle prepped but not squeezing to insert the needle as I always do.  Waiting for her to give the nod of approval, letting me know she had steeled herself for the poke.  She didn't trust that I was going to wait and in a panic bellowed, "Don't poke me.   Not yet.  Don't poke or I'll tell mommy."

I couldn't help but burst into laughter along with the rest of the family.  Her threat of telling mom - which she uses on her sisters, was now being used on........ MOM herself.

Laughter helped her relax and a few moments later she finally gave the go ahead to insert the needle.

A gasp.  A sigh.  A deep breath.

The cannula was inserted, the needle was removed, the tape adhered.

Finally, inset is complete for another 3 days.  Phew.  We survived another pump change.

It's not easy.  It's not fun.  I'm sure it's more than a little painful.  But.... we got through it. She got through it.  With laughter even.

Here's to yet another day of living and thriving with Type 1 Diabetes.  Even if it's as simple as a good chuckle over minced words during a bit of a panic attack.

Getting Big

The chicks are growing by leaps and bounds.

It's quite amazing really.

Just this weekend they were still these little puffs of fluff -- now?  Now they a little less fluffy and a little more 'chicken-y'.

Growing and changing.

The girls even said, "Mom, they look like real chickens now."  Which was funny in and of itself, but..... they are exactly right.  They are looking more and more like their adult relatives.  Like REAL chickens.

Look at those wings and tails on these chicks.

I'm not sure they are teenagers yet, but at the very least they are well into the toddler stage.  Busy and in to everything.

The other day as we fed and watered them, the girls wanted to hold them -- of course.

As I handed one chick out to the girls, another chick decided to 'test it's wings' and flew -- yes, flew -- out of the open brooder door and right...... down...... to..... the..... floor!  Onto it's little head.  OOPS!

Fortunately, she seems just fine. But.... it caused a lot of panic and 'oh no's' by the girls.

See how brave they are?  Walking on the edge -- literally.
This is how the one little girl 'flew' to the ground.
Bravery at it's best?

I'm amazed at how big their wings have gotten.  They can actually lift off the ground  -- as evidenced by the plucky escape from the brooder.  Get it?  Plucky?  Anyway....

The other amazing thing is their feet.  They were so cute and tiny just a week ago.  It's similar to children -- they obviously have to grow into their feet.  But, they don't seem quite as clumsy as little kids as they transition to 'fitting their feet'.

Just look at those feet!  No longer cute and little, but getting bigger by the day.

They are eating and drinking and scratching and pecking with the best of them.  We all find it comical when they peck at the bedding pieces that stick to the green door of the brooder.  I'm convinced they think it's bugs.  Good practice.

Silver Fox and her friends pecking at the specks on the door.

Still cute as can be, the girls continue to love holding them and spending time watching them.  I do hope they get more used to being handled, but... at the end of the day, they are still CHICKENS. With the circle of life as it is, they may one day end up on our dinner table or in our freezer.  It may be good if they aren't 'too friendly' so the girls don't get overly attached.

Eating food, scratching at the bedding.
Just being..... Chickens.

However, that time is far off.  They will hopefully grow to be productive little egg layers, providing nutritious eggs for our family and living a long happy life in our mini-mountain-menagerie.




Charity is praying her little Silver Fox (the Columbian Wyandotte) is NOT a rooster.  We aren't sure we'll keep any roosters as we don't currently have a need for fertilized eggs and we're not so certain our neighbors would appreciate the early morning wake up call day after day.

We've informed the girls any roosters would likely become dinner once they start crowing.

I can understand her fervent prayer.

We are greatly enjoying watching the development of our little chicks.  Tiny fluff balls losing their 'down covering' as they start to grow their wing and tail feathers.  Each day brings new changes, new looks, new behaviors.

Transforming into mini versions of the adult hens we have outside before our very eyes.

Wonder what is next?  It's fun to watch and learn.