Month in Review: December

"I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me." Psalms 30: 1,2

Bible Verse: "For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5b
Movie: Antman

Dessert: Christmas cookies! Danish Wedding Cookies, M'n'M cookies, peanut butter blossoms, and chocolate-covered pretzels are my favorites.

Songs: Jesus is Alive by Josh Wilson; Christmas This Year by TobyMac; You're Here by Francesca Battistelli; The Drifters White Christmas; All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey

Pretty Polish: The Flash

Yes, I'm really digging the Flash.   I've watched it two and a half times now.  Nuff said.  I will get better about taking photos when my nails are at their best; for now, just imagine how nice they looked before. 

Polish used:
Basecoat & Top coat: Wet'n'Wild
Red 1: Nina
Red 2: sinful Colors Under 18
White: Wet'n'Wild shine French White Creme
Gold: Revlon Nail Art Expressionist Vincent Van Gold

Month in Review: November 2015

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." Psalm 28:7

Here are the things I've been loving this month.

Bible Verse: "For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5b
Book:  The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp
Clothing Item: Maxi skirts
TV show: The Flash 

Tea: Celestial seasonings Bengal spice & Celestial seasonings Peppermint
Music:  Beautiful Day by Jamie Grace  & Bones by Hillsong United
Youtube Channel:   Eh Bee Family
 

Pretty Polish: Pink Leopard

This is the beginning of my first series that I know I'll enjoy and hope you will too!  Please forgive my almost-gone style.

Basecoat & Topcoat: Wet'n'Wild
Pink: Revlon- Pinkish 54
Gray: Nina
Black: Cranky Girlz

My Dog Sally

" To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;" Ecclesiastes 3:1,2 

Hey y'all. It's been a rough month.  Tomorrow marks the two week date that my dog Sally died unexpectedly.  She was only four years old.   I truly couldn't have asked for a better dog; I had always thought the smart, loving dogs you see bonded with their owners on TV or heard about were for those who were dog people or for somebody else; definitely not me! But Sally proved that wrong. Before her, I liked dogs but I was more a cat person.  Sally changed that too.  Now I  I love them. She showed me dogs could be great companion animals like cats.

She loved, loved, loved her life here.  Before she came to live with us, she had lived in two other homes; one was her breeder whom she lived with her first two years of life at and then she lived one month in the city with  her second owner.  She was so terrified of practically everything- especially men- when we first got her but patience and an obedience class really got her braver, more curious, and much more playful.  She grew so much and really discovered herself and what freedom was.


She loved the goats, the chickens, the rabbits and tried to help me take care of them twice each day.  She always broke up the fights between our two free-range roosters; now when they fight,it just reminds me of her and how much she really helped us out!

Sally loved to just sit beside me or lay down close by.  She was so so smart and knew the basic commands plus roll over, sit pretty, high-five with one and two hands, shake, other paw, spin around, push open doors/gates, and speak.  When Sally finally understood what speak meant, it was like a whole new world opened up for her.  I loved hearing her bark or whine in excitement over food, play time, milking, critter lock up, or going back and forth along the fence with the neighbor's dog. Now I just see our neighbor's dog waiting by the fence wondering where Sally is.

You really come to appreciate the little things, even the annoying things, that your dog used to do.  Sally used to steal the chicken eggs.  Ooh, she made me so flippin' mad when she did that.   With a smile, nowI shake my head about it.  I miss seeing her wait under the goat barn or by the back door for me to come out. I miss her nudging my hand for a pet and petting that soft, thick fur of hers. I miss playing chase with her. I miss seeing her run like crazy around the yard, barking excitedly. I miss seeing her chase and tease our old dog Max.

I never imagined a pet could leave a paw print on my heart. When I go outside, something is missing. Even inside, when it's time for her morning or evening meal, I realize she's not here anymore; no more excited barks, expectant looks, no more what-trick-is-it-you-want-me-to-do-so-I-can-have-my-food-now.

Each moment you have with your dog is something special, something to be treasured because one day, she won't be there.   But she will leave a great big paw print on your heart.

I love you so much Sally and I miss you more than words can say.

 

 "A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; " Ecclesiastes 3: 3,4

Month in Review

"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."  Psalm 34:8

Hey y'all!  Thought of this while I was preparing my Summer Goals Completed in June post.  I've decided  to list a few things I really enjoyed last month.  Here goes!

Bible verse -  "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

Blizzard - Oreo Cookie Blizzard from DQ
Books -  Jambalaya for the Soul by Jesse Duplantis
Dessert -   Anything that includes ice cream!
Movie -   Disney's Dinosaur
Song -  Broken Vessels [Amazing Grace] by Hillsong
Youtube Channel-  BlimeyCow

Summer Goals Completed in June

"The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil."  Proverbs 13:19

Okay, ready for the things I've done so far?  I sure am.  I think it's looking good!

Done:
Posted on/ updated LibertyBlessings page 3 times
Went to ADGA show in June

Bought a hula hoop for part of the agility course 
Took photos of chicks in diorama

Updated lady twice how the Leghorns are doing
Bought shirt from Tractor Supply Co

Gave cat bed to friend
Get pets' nutrition plan down and do it

Went to Lakeside Park 1/3
Read  Larson's Book on Spiritual Warfare by Bob Larson & Jambalaya for the Soul by Jesse Duprantis
So far, all caught up with my New Testament reading

Sent birthday cards to folks with birthdays this month

Set up Hummingbird feeder
Cleanup area outside my windows

I've been pretty on top of caring for the garden and it's still looking good, plus we were blessed with two separate days with rain which greatly helped.  Thank You God!


Not too bad...I think I could accomplish even more next month, Lord willing!

 Is this your first time to visit my blog?  If so, check out this link for my Summer Goals blog post. Take care y'all!

"Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.  For what is your life?  It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.  For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."  James 4:13-15

Summer Goals

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."  Proverbs 29:18

Hey there!  I realize that I'm nearly a month late in posting this but better late than never, right? I did something similar before; though, I hope to accomplish much more than I did then.   Instead of doing a bunch of goals that would be hard to reach or rather impractical, I listed things that are nearby, realistic to accomplish, and not so expensive.   It's basically a list of things that interest me and/ or are something I've been wanting to do for some time now.  I will likely be adding things to my list as they come to mind.  I hope to update you each week with what I've done thus far.   It should be fun! 

Sew 2 Skirts
Go to ADGA show in June
Keep LibertyBlessings website updated
Sew something new & sell it [if it's nice]
Downsize coat
Read 1-2 books a month
Sew 1 Apron
Test for CAE, Cl, & Johnnes
Work in garden 3-5 times a week
Keep room clean
Exercise 3-5 times a week
Do a Bible Study
Sew 1 pair pjs
Work w/ goats every day setting up
Blog once a week
Sell/giveaway unneeded items
Draw something 1-4 times a month
Walk Sally 3-5 times a week
Post on LibertyBlessings page once a week
Take chick photos in dioramas
Purchase t-shirts from the following places: TSC, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Dallas Zoo, Mardels, Catfish Parlour, Voice of the Martyrs, and a fun goat one
Go swimming15-20 times
Go out with siblings for ice cream
Go bike riding or walking on the three mile dam
Give cat bed to friend
Take photos of new chickens 1-4 times a month
Build an agility course
Have friends over to swim
Mend all clothes
Update friend on how her chickens are doing
Work with Sally on agility 3-5 times a week
Go out with brother for coffee
Get photos of all goats set up
Find and ID six different snake species
Do a selfie with each sibling
 Watch a movie and have popcorn with siblings
Write in journal at least once a week
Get pets' nutrition plan down and do it
Send birthday cards to everyone
Go to local park three times
Read whole New Testament ; 3 chapters a day
Set up Hummingbird feeder outside my window
Cleanup area outside my windows
Volunteer at Dallas Zoo
Work at local vet clinic/s
Get snake hunting permit
Volunteer at local bird rehabilitators
Go to July 4th parade with Sally
Write one poem or short story a month


"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat." Proverbs 13:4

South to San Antone

 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." James 1:17

A week ago, Mom and I headed down to San Antonio to pick up my last doe purchase for this year.   It was a beautiful day.  I loved the bright sun-shininess, the clear blue skies, and the large white clouds hanging over lush green fields and forests. 

On our way back, in Georgetown, we stopped by the local feedstore to check out what they had to offer for chicks.  They had quite a selection of pullets, so we picked out a few we'd wanted.

Afterwards, we visited with my grandfolks, which was so lovely and relaxing.  The meal was positively scrumptious.  I so enjoy getting to spend time with my grandparents at their home.

 
And this is my new girl: JustDucky.  She is such a sweet little goat.

  

Cute Little Chickadees

 "He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end." Ecclesiastes 3:11

It's been two years now since we've acquired new chicks.   The layers are getting older and demand for eggs is growing ever more.   I looked to see what Craigslist had to offer.   There were quite a few birds available, but they were out of our price range. Then I spotted a post in the pet section; four Leghorns needed a new home and they were a price I knew we could afford.  The next morning, Mom and I headed out to pick up our new girls.

This is Croatia, chatting with the male guinea Mr. Handsome.  Well, more like arguing over who was boss.

 

This is my girl, Asia. She's such a sweet, talkative bird.  Isn't she so pretty in pink?

That's Pensacola the photobomber.  She  wouldn't stop pecking the camera and absolutely loved being the center of attention.   

This is Italy, my youngest brother's bird. Wondering about their names yet?  My youngest brother and I decided that we should name them after each of our favorite places.   That was going to be easy..so we did!

The very next day, we picked up eight adorable little chicks.  They were probably only two or three days old.
 

 These are our little silkies, Sushi and Yoko.

 Daffodil and Daisy, pretty and posed...

 with Iris the Barred Rock.

 

Lily was quite the active one...

 and Tulip couldn't help but join in the mischief with her!

Mom and I also picked up a pretty white guinea.   Miss Polar ran to and fro looking for her buddies while I tried snapping a photo, but all proved vain. No worries.  I'm sure I'll get a good one of her soon.

I'd been taking care of our neighbors chicks for almost three weeks.  When he came to pick them up, he told me I could pick a few to keep.  I totally love these girls. They're such sweethearts.  They're so cute, cuddly, and curious.

The four White Jersey Giants explored dinosaur territory during their shoot.  Neera and Plio weren't quite sure what to make of these giants...

 while  Baylene and Eema took it easy and relaxed.

 

I took one of the exotic chicks upon Mom's urging; if she's a pullet, she'll be a pretty little layer!  Fossil [the Silver Spangled Hamburg] and Suri [the mottled Japanese Bantam] decided to go on a dinosaur hunt.

Wait, where'd Suri come from? Well, truth be told,  I've got one more batch to share with you.  Hey! It's called chicken math; look it up.  Beware: If you ever get into chickens, this WILL happen to YOU! 

 These are two unnamed Black Australorps.  I've wanted Australorps pretty much since we've talked about getting chickens seven years ago. 

These are Mama's girls (I hope).  We both love the cochins since they're great layers, good mamas, and have the sweetest temperaments.

 

 My sweet little Buff Orpingtons, Pua Lokelani [means Pink heavenly rose & it's the flower of Maui, Hawaii] and Pua Nani [means Pretty Flower].

  I'm so grateful for all of our new birds.  God willing, they will give us lots of eggs.  For now, I'm going to enjoy watching them  grow up into what they're created to be.


"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away." Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 6

Headed to Houston

I had put a deposit on a third doe shortly after I found Cocoa and Tana.  Really loved what I saw for the mammary system on her dam, Tippy.   I have a feeling Diamond is going to be a lot like her mom; she's a nice solid doe which I love.  She's not dainty, yet she still looks feminine which you want to see in a dairy goat.

This time, Dad came with Mom and I.  Though it rained quite a bit on our way there and back, it was a lot of fun!  I was so surprised by how much flooding there was.

 

 About a third of the way there, we noticed several of the side roads had been blocked off because it they were so flooded.  It was  between one of these and the highway that we saw a deer contemplating whether to cross or not.  Well, as soon as we passed her, she attempted to.  She nearly missed being hit by a camper and immediately turned around, headed back where she came from.

We stopped at a beautiful rest stop for a bit of a stretch and break before heading back on the road.  Just before reaching our destination, we passed through a fair-sized town called Cut-n-Shoot. Totally love the name and it even had a few city buildings that perfectly fit the town's name.

After picking up Diamond, we headed to the Ranch Hand Cafe to get us a satisfying meal.  I had a delicious Avacado burger with scrumptious fries.  

On our way back, much closer to home, we stopped by Russell Stover's for some chocolate.  We were just in time and had about 15 minutes to browse before they closed.

through Cut

 I had a wonderful day with my folks, meeting a fellow goat herder, and picking up a super sweet doe.   I'm excited to see what Diamond will do once she's mature and freshened.  For now, I'm enjoying her sweet temperament.  What a pretty girl!

"She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar...She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard." Proverbs 31:13, 14, & 16