Far Better Farmstead

The weather is a little warmer today at 34 degrees and raining.  I had a very busy afternoon yesterday so I didn't get to pre measure my grain so I had to do that before I went into the barn.  Just as yesterday I also added an apple to the feed.  I am prepared to milk that goat.

Life is always an adventure when you live on a farmstead.  Today I got ready as I have for the last few days to milk the goat.  I feel confident that today will be a victory for me.  Sadie is getting more comfortable and I feel more confident.  So what can possibly go wrong?

It is 22 degrees at 6:30 this morning when I trudge out the door toward the barn.  In my right hand I have udder wash.  My left hand holds grain that is pre measured, while my left arm is wrapped securely around my milk pail.  On my head is a head lamp.  Behind me, this morning, are my two, very curious, younger children.  We have one goal in mind... Milk that goat!

Goat milk! The early bird gets the worm, so the old saying goes.  As for me, the early mom gets the milk.  Day two of milking the goat finds me better prepared.  I have fixed the hanging light in the barn so that even the neighbors should be able to see.  And just in case it isn't working correctly, I have one of those handy flashlights that go on your head.  I am definitely going to be able to see what I am doing this morning.  I have the grain pre measured so Sadie won't have to get anxious before I ever get started.

The big day is here!  Sadie, our Nigerian dwarf goat, kidded two weeks ago Saturday.  I have been getting ready to milk her since before the births.  I have read books, magazine articles, blogs, and anything else I could find on how to milk a goat.  But now I must put what I have read into action.

Been to the grocery store lately?  Did you get "sticker shock" as bad as I did? As many of you may know by now, I am always looking for ways to save money. As a Stay-at-home-Mom (SAHM) the way I contribute to the bank account is by not spending unnecessary money. That being said I wanted to share with you one of my biggest money saving products..Laundry detergent.  As you can image with four children, I do a lot of laundry.  I have chosen Monday as my day of the week to do all my laundry.  Yes, I do it all in one day.  I like to have the job done and not have to think about it for another week.  This does require all day and sometimes I have to finish the next morning with the last load but for me, this is the best way to get the job done.  Since one of the chores that my children do is making sure their dirty laundry gets to the wash room and putting away their clean clothes, doing laundry on Monday also makes chores easier for them to remember (kids...

Well our new kids have arrived! Sadie gave birth to triplets! This seemed unusual for a first birth and we are very grateful. The 2 little nannies are black with white and the little billy is white with black. The little billy is much smaller than the other 2 but he is getting up and suckling, so we hope he will be ok. Anyway, a very blessed day on the Far Better Farmstead!