Mother's Day thoughts.

This morning as I sit on my back door step soaking in the sunshine, listening to the birds, and drinking my cup of coffee I'm thinking about Mother's Day and what it means to me. My boys have never been big on the cards, and gifts, but for me that really doesn't matter. It may sound strange, but today is just another busy day around our place. Biggest difference is that normally on Mother's Day I have just a little less to do. 

I got to sleep in a bit, and hubby made coffee, did laundry (some of the things he always does when he's home). I went out to the coop, fed and watered the hens, then went back inside to grab that first wonderful cup of go go juice. Hubby is heading back to the city tonight for work so we went over not only today's plans, but the plans for the rest of the week. I know deep down he wishes he could have got me something for Mother's Day, but with break up in full swing, and him only working part time it's just not in the cards this year. 

For me Mother's Day is just another day on the calendar, and I have good reasons for that. My husband doesn't need a special day to get up, make coffee and breakfast for me. My kids don't need a special day to make lunch or supper for everyone. I don't need flowers that will wilt and dry out, but a bag of seeds for my garden, or flowers for my gnome garden is something that means more to me. With our climate those flowers can't be planted for another week or two anyways. 

Mother's Day never falls on a weekend that works for us and our tight budget. Yesterday was my moms birthday, Tomorrow is hubby's 41st birthday, next weekend is May long, I just got my hens last week, and we are doing a yard sale this weekend. It just doesn't fit! Everyday is Mother's Day in this house. Someone is always doing something to help out or put a smile on my face. I don't need 1 day a year to feel special and appreciated, because everyday someone is doing that already.

I know I am blessed to have such an amazing family. It's not all rainbows and lollipops, there are days where my boys drive me nuts, but those before bed hugs and I love yous make it all worth while. So happy Mother's Day to those that celebrate it. I'll stick to my every day is Mother's Day!

~ Niki

Meet The Hens

Ok so obviously I'm not gonna post pics of all the girls individually, but for those of you that we're looking for an update here's some of our new girls. 

This one is my "food hog" unless I'm bringing in food she wants nothing to do with me (yes even if their dishes are full she still comes running if I have a food dish).

The one is one of my "buddies" as soon as I come to the door she runs to me and wanders by my side as I collect eggs, fill up food dishes, and water etc. She's still not sure about my steal toed boots though, shakes her head anytime she tries pecking them lol.

Love spending time with these girls, and they LOVE the weather since that means I can open their window :)

~ Niki

My Kids Rock!

I have to brag up my Dylan tonight. Today while I was out doing errands not only did he do his regular chores, but also went out collected eggs, checked food and water for the hens, even brought them out some treats. Plus is currently feeding their chicks and topping up their water. 

Not to be left out my Joey who did all his chores, put away all the groceries, helped cut up treats for the chicks and hens, and even did some laundry and helped me get loaded up and ready when I left earlier this morning.

It feels so great to not only have my kids understand the how and whys of animal care, but also take a huge interest in the life we are trying to build for our family. A life that in no way shape or form can be a one man show.

Ps this was all on top of their usual reading, and other "school" stuff including doing a bunch of online chemistry experiments. 

Now this momma need to make dinner since all her chores, errands, and some of the construction projects for today are done.

~ Niki

Cool Chicken Coop Plans

I'm always on the look out for new and different ways to construct thing. If it can be made with recycled material well then if definitely is up my alley and grabs my attention right away! I came across a fantastic post tonight on a hoop style coop. Perfect for a couple turkeys or other birds especially over the spring and summer months! Here it is for you to check out yourself. This just might make it onto an upcoming project post yet!!!!

http://www.communitychickens.com/2012/11/stories-from-neighboring-coops.html#.U2mzD_ldU1I

Check it out and let me know what you think!!!

~ Niki

May 14th homestead class plans. Herb Garden & Meet and Greet.

Getting really excited here at the homestead to be starting the homeschool classes in just over a week!

With so much interest one can't help but be excited! So for all you looking for the information here you go!

Date: May 14, 2014

Time: 1:00 - 4:00

Project (s):

Each project will consist of a herb garden starter this is the perfect size to rest on your kitchen counter for fresh herbs for your meals. We will also be making soil block seed bombs for those of you that have a garden space or have larger pots to put herbs in.

I request that anyone interested in any of this years classes please attend this one if possible as we will be going over plans for the entire class term, as well as a fun chat session so everyone gets to know each other a bit as well as their way around the homestead!

No snacks needed for this class as I will be putting a spread together for the first class. Some parents have asked if they can bring something to share with everyone and this is more than ok! I do need to know if anyone in your family has any food allergies, so we can be sure there is something for everyone!

Cost: 10.00/family (one project) 5.00 for any additional projects for the family. 

Tools needed: None just your creativity!

RSVP deadline is Midnight May 10, 2014 as I need to make sure I have enough supplies to cover everyone as well as food ;)

Please email (beyonddreams@live.ca) with the following information:

Contact Name, phone number, and email.

Family member names and ages

How many projects you wish to make

Any food allergies.

We will be offering receipts for those of you turning them in for funding reimbursement, please let me know if you would like them so I can have them ready before class. Once I receive your information I will send you a confirmation email along with all my contact information and directions for those of you that need it!

Payments for classes will be accepted via cash or EMT. 

Can't wait to meet you all have a wonderful week!!

~ Niki