Lady Bug Study Part 1

K's jar, every other day she adds a leaf with aphids.

This Larva is munching away on an aphid. They are veracious eaters!

If you want to raise ladybugs as a unit study or just for fun you don't have to buy a kit!  This happened by accident, K brought in some lady bugs and put them in a mason jar. I was telling her to take them back outside when K said;" Mom! She's laying eggs!" Sure enough there was a neat bunch of lady bug eggs! The female was the giant one.  So we let the momma ladybug go and I began researching all the things ladybug. They're pretty easy to raise. We have an aphid infestation right now so we have a steady food supply. So we grabbed some aphid covered leaves and threw it in the jar. Three days later they began hatching! They remain in the larval stage for 5-7 days, during which the have a veracious appetite! They are machines! We spent a lot of time watching them hunt down aphid after aphid.  I must say, they are ugly in the larval stage...not what you would think a pretty ladybug would look like.  A true ugly duckling story.  We're still waiting for them to go to the pupa stage, it's been 6 days since they hatched so I will post a part 2!  In the mean time here are the resources that I have used:

• This link is for the booklet and cut out time chart.  You will have to sign up to download, but its a great resource website anyway! http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Life-Cycle-of-a-Ladybug-Freebie-654678
• Some good reading:Lady Bug Life Cycle 
• Life Cycle wheel wheel with out answers: http://akidsheart.com/animals/bugs/ladybugcycle.html
• I used this one for the answer life cycle wheel: http://www.ladybug-life-cycle.com/ladybug-coloring-pages.html

There are so many things out there you can do! Make ladybug crafts, reading, etc!

Homeschool Room Evolution

When we bought our house I was very excited about the family room off the kitchen.  Our house is basically split at this point, one side is the kids rooms, bathroom, and laundry room.  The other half is the dinning room, living room and the master room/ bathroom.  I love that this room is the central location of the house.  When we first started homeschooling we had a couch in here and the toys.  We would do school work at the counter or in the dinning room.  Those of you that homeschool know, there is always a mess.  Always! Be it books, projects left to finish the next day, etc.  I was tired of trying to hide evidence of that days schooling; for guests, my husband, whatever.  This is our lifestyle right, no need to be ashamed of it.
I started searching the internet for homeschool room ideas.  Some of them where pretty elaborate.  I loved the look, but elaborate none the less.....and pricey.  I wanted my room to be functional, not just for school but the younger kids as well.  And what about when we had guests over?
So I ditched the couch (donated it) and started searching Craigslist. I made a list of the items I felt I would need:

• Table/ Chairs
•  Bookscase
• Chalk Board

   I found the table on Craigslist for $40.  The woman I bought it from started to sand the top and had already painted the bottom.  Most of the work was already done.  I love a good DIY so I broke out the sander and finished the top.  I had plenty of stain left from when I did my dinning table.  So it matched perfectly.  When I saw the color she had painted the bottom I knew it was meant to be....it matched my decor.  It's a drop side too, so if I need the whole room (like during a party) I can push it up under the chalkboard, nice and flush with the wall.
  I looked into making my own chalk board, which is pretty easy, but honestly even that, to me, was to much money.  (I'm trying to be frugal).  That was a lucky find.  My friend called me from a yard sale: "Hey Crystal, aren't you looking for a chalkboard, there's one here for $3.  Want me to snag it for you?" Heck YEAH! I picked it up from her....lets just say it was rough.  The varnish on the trim was pealing and it stunk...like cat pee. I sanded that bad boy...doused it in vinegar to kill the smell, and stained it to match the table...voila! The one mistake I made, I taped the board with painters tape to keep the stain and  clear coat off the board....When I peeled it up, it took the chalk board finish up with it.  Thankfully my house has a lot of "shabby chic" (code for beat to hell) furniture so it turned out okay.
The Bookcases I got for a killer deal at Target.  They where on sale. I asked a clerk to grab one from the back and took the one that was on the floor.  When I got up to the front to pay, it wasn't there.  The clerk had gotten busy and forgot.  He was very sweet and apologetic, I told him no biggy, as my kids where pulling at me. He said; "You know what, since you're being so sweet about it, we'll take an extra 10% off."  It pays to be nice folks!  On the bottom shelves are coloring books, and reading books for the little kiddos.
I am so glad we did this. I have a functioning room now, the little kids can play while the big kids school.  I can see the back yard from the room too, so I can basically watch all the kids in different areas from one spot!  When we have guests over we have an extra table if we need it.
 The pictures are deceiving....I cleaned up before up took them. Normally you will see books scattered across the table, toys littering the floor (accompanied by the children playing with them).  the chalkboard, when not being used in a lesson has become the family message board, and of course a canvas for the kids.

So...you can throw together a great school room, that functions for cheap! I spent about $83 for the table, chairs, bookcases, and chalkboard. One note for the table....It's not big enough.  I have one kid who  loves to spreeeaaaaaad out while she works.  So I will be watching for a bigger one. I am also on the lookout for more bookcases, smaller to fit under the chalk board, and my husband will be building bench seats under the windows....Still evolving.

Lessons on Character.....from Spiffy the Goat.

Meet Spiffy and Spy, the latest additions to our mini farm.  I had grand ideas about bring home a milk

goat, provided by my dear friends, and her jumping straight into the stanchion , eager to be milked! HA! Goats may be simple minded but that does not mean they are dumb!  We built our pen, we built our stanchion, all was ready and beautiful.... I went to my friends house the morning of the pickup, milked multiple goats, including Spiffy, to sharpen my skills before the grand moment when I would milk her on my own at home.  It went well.  I loaded her into the crate in the back of my Yukon, K held Spy in her lap in the back seat.  I brought them home, put them straight in their pen with super yummy alfalfa and grain to help them adjust.  I put down a ton of straw bedding...my first mistake...you don't need a lot...and they will pee on it...immediately...oh no not in their goat yard....in their bedding.  Okay, moving on.  My girlfriend told me to pick up just plain ol' grain.  I heard regular cob...not sweet cob.  Oops....lets just say Spiffy was less than impressed.  So the next morning it was the big moment...my first milking, solo.  I was up and ready...supplies ready the night before...teat dip, check....cleaning solution...check....milking pail...check.  That was about as smooth as it would get...I opened the pen door and she just stared at me...like "what do you want me to do  lady.." So I wound up dragging her to the stanchion....she stared at it...so I picked her up and set her on it...to which she promptly jumped off.  Okay, round two...this time I picked her up and forced her head into the lock. At this point her patience and mine were gone.  I filled the bucket with the not so impressive cob, to which she immediately knocked of the stanchion....an accident I thought, so I picked it up and put it back....down again....hmmmm so I tied it to the stanchion....to no avail she still knocked it down.  Oy...note to self by over the rail bucket. Okay, finally time to milk....or so I thought, lets just say I had to hold her up with one hand and attempt to milk with the other...remember I am a novice here.  I couldn't even get  the bucket under her...i basically manhandled her and milked straight unto the stanchion.  It was one of the most frustrating experiences in a long time!  To top it off she had diarrhea! I called AW near tears.  I didn't understand...at her house she jumped right in, let her milk happily...what was I doing wrong!?!?  So here is where I learned lessons on character from, of all things, a goat.  I tend to force things, make them happen....not always a good quality.  This goat was just removed from her heard, brought to a new home, and then expected to perform with no training (or re-training) what so ever.  I remember when AW had moved her stanchion and all her goats were confused, they are a creature of habit and routine.
So day two comes around, sure enough, she is not happy.  Since last time she was forced onto the stanchion she was ready for a fight.  I came out and talked to her gently...(I also picked up the right grain so that helped). She would not budge and she had to be milked...my frustration grew, and grew, and I wound up picking her up again and the fight was on...she stomped she kicked....she shuffled..She even sat down..she threw the grain bucket on the floor.  Oy...Okay back to the store for the right bucket....and another couple days of this and I was done! I was ready to do what all the other blogs say to do with a "bad goat." Hobble her, strap her to the stanchion etc....But I remembered what my dear friend said.  "Make it a good experience for her...she'll WANT to be up there."
The next milking I took Spy with me, slowly wrestled her into the stanchion, now up to this point she was refusing even grain! If you know goats, they love their grain.  I put Spy up on the stanchion and let him nurse for a second...I could instantly see her relax.  I quietly removed him and put him in the pen next to us.  I quickly sat behind her and tried to milk...oh no!  She began her dance.  I backed off and pet her and talked to her.  Picture a grown women, all by her self, talking to a goat.  "I WILL milk you Spiffy...it has to be done."  I began again, she sat one me....but i would not stop.  There was no bucket I just milked straight onto the stanchion.  She had learned that if she danced around enough I would give up.  It had always been a battle of the wills and I may be stubborn but not as stubborn as a goat!  I just kept on milking away! A comical sight I'm sure, a goat sitting on my arms as I milk away. The next day, I did the same routine, put Spy on the stanchion and let him take a quick sip.  But this time...oh sweet joy this time she let me milk, as long as I was talking to her.  It seemed to calm her...and to be honest made me less timid...I mean come on, how can you focus on being timid when you feel crazy enough to have a conversation with a goat!  So I talked away, prattled on and on.  Oh to be a fly on the wall right.  The next day, I went out, put Spy straight into the pen and started talking to Spiffy, by this point I wasn't having to lift her into the stanchion.  She was still a bit timid, and a bit prancy towards the end...it was taking me a good 15 minute to milk her out.  She even pooped in my milk a few times..I just kept on milking as if she hadn't done anything. (We didn't drink that milk)  She knocked the bucket a few times with impatience.  But, now with practice I finish milking before she even finishes her grain.  It became a race for me!  And now, when I open the pen...I can't keep her OFF the stanchion.  She gives a a quart and a half of sweet yummy goodness every morning.  This June we'll get a half gallon and a quart daily when Spy weans.  And yes, I still talk to her while I'm milking...or just pray a loud. The kids ask to come out with me, and yes its good for them to learn, but sometimes  I say no, so I can have a moment to voice my thoughts with out eager little ears around.
Moral of the Story: Force is not always the answer, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness and Peace, are Fruits of the Spirit for a reason!  Spiffy showed me where I was lacking in these areas.  Not just with a goat, but in life...with my kids, my husband, and those around me.  Lesson well learned, thanks Spiffy.

A Journey From Pumping to Nursing....

H was born in mid November, that's why I haven't been blogging as of late.  Not just because I had a newborn but the circumstances that followed.  As I'm writing this out I am nursing him, oh the simplicities of life, right....wrong.  He is four months old and has just started nursing!  I have pumped for the last four months, but I am one dogged person...I was hell bent and determined to nurse my son.  H was born two weeks early, from the start he was a strong nurser.  I was quite surprised at how well he latched.  With in 24 hours I noticed he was not latching as well, it got progressively worse and worse.  But he was so content, it seemed, that I didn't chalk it up to much...that is until he started to get the "brick dust" in his diaper.  A sure sign of dehydration.  He also developed jaundice, which I have had with two of the other kiddos, so he was sleepy, and more and more difficult to wake him to eat.  He was two weeks old by this point.  I took him to the emergency room and he was quickly admitted.  I am not usually a crier but I tell you, seeing your sweet new boy get poked and prodded, and he's crying for you; hungry, exhausted...it'll break your heart.  Once they started getting him some fluids and his blood work was done, his numbers weren't pretty..he was jaundiced and extremely dehydrated.  I felt like a monster...guilt right, a mothers worst enemy.  I know I did  nothing wrong, and knew that as soon as I saw the "brick dust" brought him in...but I still felt like I had failed him somehow.  So he lay there, getting hydrated and it was decision time.  A two week  postpartum Mom is not always good at decisions...He needed to eat...they didn't want me to nurse because they wanted to monitor what he was taking in, I tried to pump but was getting next to nothing.  My milk had "come in" when he was still nursing strong but try as I might...not much, maybe a half ounce all together....next problem...how to give it to him.  I was desperate to make my son feel better...So we gave it to him in a bottle along with some formula...he was  whole new kiddo.  So we continued this for four days.  I went down to lactation, the consultant said he had a "perfect latch" but didn't have the right tongue motion.  He was gumming me like I was a bottle nipple. Once he was back to birth weight we where discharged and we headed home.  My girlfriend gave me a pump to use and I set about pumping every hour for 20 minutes and giving it to him in a bottle, adding formula when necessary...a week later we went to his pediatrician and I was given the green light to nurse exclusively again.  But low and behold it did not pan out well, I noticed the same trend as before.  Loss of weight, and sleepiness.  My doctor said that he most likely wouldn't nurse and I ought to plan on bottle feeding him.  I was utterly devastated.  I wanted nothing more to be his source of comfort and nutrition.  So I immediately set about educating myself on everything breast!  I found some great resources and encouragement from my dear friend AW.  There where a lot of naysayers as well.  There where times I questioned my own sanity! Here's how it went.  At first I tried the nurse, bottle, pump routine...but with four other kids to care for it got exhausting and I wasn't being a very good mommy.  So I resigned myself to exclusive pumping and bottle, thinking when he gets bigger and has better head control maybe I would be able to switch him over.  I researched and researched....Continued going to lactation.  The consultant was skeptical...she was puzzled too, he would latch but wasn't getting much out. I took herbs, which, by the way, where a big help (Fenugreek, fennel, alfalfa, and brewers yeast) when ever I felt my supply was dwindling. And I pumped and pumped and pumped.  I tried supplemental systems with little success, I could never get the tubes right and he would only get frustrated.  I found this bottle, the First Years Breastflow at Burlington, I bought it on a whim and when I got home did some research. Boy did I like what I heard.  A bottle that mimicked let down! Could it be!?! I used it for a few weeks and thought, okay lets do the real thing.... success..at first while I was full and engorged but as soon as my milk adjusted to the supply things seemed not so good, he began losing weight...AGAIN!
So I panicked and went back to pumping...my girlfriend AW said some very encouraging words to me.  "Give it a chance, his weight is healthy, don't panic right away and just keep trying."  She said this to me after I called her in tears, thinking I would be pumping for the entire first year!  So I listened to her,,...I took a major step of faith.  I was reminded of when my others would have their growth spurts and would seem insatiable and I would just nurse and nurse and nurse until it passed.  It was time for a "nurse-cation."  So I took a weekend and with the help of my husband went off pumping to nursing cold turkey...no transition just a "we can and we will do it," attitude.  So I nursed every chance I got that weekend, I put him to breast every chance unless he refused.  I was exhausted, I was engorged for a bit, when I adjusted fought the panicked feeling of not "making enough." Success! He's been nursing steady now, I started to write this post two months ago...he's six months now.  I donated all my extra milk, about 400 ounces to Eats on Feets, an amazing group of women who donate their milk to babies who need it, not for profit, the milk is not altered in anyway.  I know its not for everyone and of course everyone has an opinion of it. (Note, I had blood work done before, so I know my milk is safe)
My goal with this post is to encourage mom's who are in the throws of a battle like mine.  You are not alone! You can do it, you will have moments when  you are discouraged and when you feel like you are crazy to do what you are doing.  But you are sacrificing for your sweet baby, you are doing the very best thing you can for them.  Good for you!  And for those of you that can't keep it up, that have to go to bottle, know that there are resources out there for you like Eats on Feets, so if you can't give your baby your milk you can still provide breastmilk for them.
I know there is a lot of information I am leaving out.  Please feel free to ask questions!  Below is a list of sites where I gleaned A LOT of information.  I also read: "Making More Milk." I got it at my library.  It doesn't just cover making milk, it is a great source of encouragement, and covers many situations.  I highly recommend anyone, having nursing troubles, read this book!

This site is a great encouragement:
http://www.exclusivelypumping.com/

Kelly Mom is awesome, so much info!
http://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/pumping_decrease/

This is a well written blog about pumping:
http://www.naptimetales.com/2012/05/pump-pump-it-up.html

I used this site A LOT!
http://www.lowmilksupply.org/index.shtml

There are a ton of online communities out there that have great information as well.

Sweet and Sour Balsamic Asparagus

This is my Nana's recipe, and it'll change any asparagus haters pallet! It's very quick and easy to make, but trying to nail down exacts in my family is not always a simple task. We're a 'little of this, handful of that kind of family," not the easiest to interpret into recipe form.

You'll need:
Bushel of fresh asparagus
3/4cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
Tbsp whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick (you can use loose cinnamon, about a tablespoon but it can give the reduction a gritty feel)

Combine your reduction ingredients in a sauce pan and whisk together, simmer on medium until it reduces to the consistency of table syrup... I personally like it thicker, more like molasses. Make sure you watch it and stir often so it doesn't burn.

Syrupy yummyness!

Steam your asparagus to your desired crispness, I like mine soft with a bit of a snap in the middle.

Plate your asparagus and pour your reduction over the top. Voila! Delicious awesomeness!

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup and Biscuits

What is it about this time of year and a good hearty chicken soup? This is a relatively easy recipe, requires not to much work, and is delicious!  I make this every time I cook a whole chicken.

First things first, your chicken stock.  This is where the crockpot comes in.  I take my left over carcass, with all the left over meat and put it in the fridge.  This is real easy because I usually cook my whole chicken in the crockpot.  The next morning I add water so it is about 2/3 full (it is going to reduce down) and turn it on low. I let it go ALL day.  This is great to do before you leave for work.  But Crystal....I didn't cook a chicken the day before...grab some chicken legs from the freezer or fridge and throw them in the crockpot all day instead of a carcass...same results.  When you get home, or its that time of night for us stay at home folks, put your strainer in your soup pot and pour the entire contents from the crockpot in, pick the meat out and throw it in a bowl...toss the bones and other parts, add the meat to the stock...boom! Instant soup.  And the meat...oh man...so tender it will literally fall off the bones! Now we don't leave it there of course, you need some flavor!

Okay, here's my secret weapon! Farmhouse Long Grain & Wild Rice, herb and butter flavor.....ouch you got me....no crazy concoctions.....some carrots, some celery, a good dab of butter, salt and pepper.... simmer that all together for an hour or so and bing-bang-boom....delicious homemade chicken soup!  Now I know what you're thinking chicken NOODLE soup right....I boil some egg noodles and throw them in about 15 minutes before dinner.  I love to make this as a meal to take to family and friends in need...its so easy to make more or less according to how many you are feeding.

Okay the offical recipe:

Simmering away...looks yummy already!

• *Chicken stock + the meat (as described above)
• 2 boxes Farmhouse Long Grain & Wild Rice; Herb and Butter Flavor (or any other boxed rice with a flavor packet)
• 2-3 carrots sliced
• 2 stalks celery sliced
• a big dab of butter
• salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of granulated garlic
• cooked egg noodles

Once stock is ready all the ingredients except the egg noodles (no one likes soggy noodles).  Simmer for at least one hour, so the flavors can meld together.  Just before serving add egg noodles.  Not to much though!  Voila! Serve with your favorite bread for sopping up the juices!  I love this biscuit recipe.  His directions are phenomenal, and they are delicious!  I also like to serve with home made french bread.  

Hope you enjoy


*If you absolutely do not want to make your own stock...you can buy it at the store, and some canned chicken meat.  I have done this before...it was still pretty good.

Reheating:
The noodles and rice soak up the broth, so add some water when you reheat.

A Plethora of Peaches! (plus a yummy pumpkin spice peach strussle recipe)

One of three boxes!

I love the Nothwest.  We have so much to offer; beautiful scenery, bountiful harvests, the weather is never to 'extreme' save the wildfires here and there.  This time of year, especially this year, is a time of transition for us.  You begin preparing for the winter snows, the frosts, and cold.  This time of year we are busy outside, we go to the 'bluff' to pic fresh ....you name it...apples, peaches, pears, cherries, berries, etc.  I have learned a new art....canning! 
I wound up with 60 lbs of peaches this year! 60 lbs! Not even I can get creative enough to bake all those peaches into some sort of delicious treat.  My girlfriend suggested I invest in a water bath pot, and some jars.  I thought, this will be a great learning experience for my kids.  So off I went to purchase the supplies.  Holy Mooly, a word of advise: NEVER wait until canning season to purchase your supplies.  Even Wal Mart was picked clean.  I managed to find the supplies I needed and headed home to get started.  I researched, made phone calls, even my neighbor came over to give pointers.  You see, I like to know what I am doing before I...well....do.

The girls are eagerly awaiting the first batch of peaches!

It was a learning curve, I wont deny that, and sticky...just plain sticky...partially because my girls "slipped" the peaches for me.  Lots of peachy juiciness running down arms and elbows to the floor below.  Husband wasn't to thrilled with the mess (that is until he later had a chance to try the finished product...now he's hooked). 
I went with a light syrup

• 1 Cup Sugar to 3 cups water
• I use organic evaporated cane juice (the big bag from Costco)

                                                                   While the girls slipped I sliced, coated in lemon juice and threw them in the awaiting syrup pot, where I simmered them for 10 minutes, then into the awaiting jars.... I washed my jars ahead of time in the dishwasher and left them in so they stayed warm.  From there into the hot bath for another 20 minutes.  In some jars I sprinkled pumpkin spice seasoning for future pies and crisps.  I happened to make a crisp for breakfast this morning...oh my yummy awesomeness! The pumpkin spice had infused into the peaches, add some cinnamon strussel topping...(recipe below)
All in all we did pretty good.  24 quart jars full to the brim, some frozen slices, and a yummy large crisp.  Good Stuff! 

The "fruit" of our labor....bad pun I know.

Pumpkin Spice Peach Strussel

1 quart canned or fresh sliced peaches (my peaches are already "infused" with the pumpkin spice)
1 tbsp pumpkin spice

topping
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
cinnamon to your liking (I use about 1 1/2 tbsp)
stick of butter

mix the pumpkin spice with your sliced peaches and place in your pan juices and all. Its easiest to just sprinkle it across the top then give it a good toss.
Mix topping, melt butter and pour into topping mixing until wet.  Sprinkle on top of peaches and bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until topping is crunchy. 
Let sit for about 10 minutes and serve!