Double Yolkers!

We have a hen that has been laying double yolk eggs for months.  The last few days she has been only laying every other day.  This is an unusual event.  My husband found articles with people getting 6 in a row and the odds of that are 1 in a trillion, yes that is a trillion, that could put the odds of finding a dozen double yolkers at 1 quadrillion.  The person that we sold a dozen of these eggs to, all 12 eggs were double yolkers.  He took this picture and emailed it to my husband.  I have trying to put at least one double yolker per dozen for those that are purchasing eggs from us.  This is just another reason for buying local  farm fresh, free range all natural eggs!

First Christmas at the Farm 2013

We are so excited to spend our first Christmas on Buttercup Farm!  It has made this Christmas special just being here.  As I type this I am smelling hickory wood being burned in our wood stove.  It is so cozy in our little farmhouse.  Cozy means challenging decorating.  I really had to pick and choose what decorations to use this year.  I am sure I will decorate totally different next year.  I mainly decorated the family and dining area.  I hope to exapand the decorating to other areas of the house next year.  On this post I am sharing some pictures of the Christmas decorating.  I hope you enjoy the tour. 

 I had to insert a picture of our sweet puppy sadie!  This is our first Christmas in 10 years without our beloved Jack Russell Lucy.  Having Sadie has softened that loss.  She is a sweetie and a cutie!

 My daughter and I made the burlap garland off of pinterest post.  It was more difficult than I thought it would be, but the result was worth it.  I did the top garland which is a little tighter.  Alli made the lower one.  I like her look better.  After we purchased the burlap garland (2 rolls) from T.J. Maxx, we went back a few days later and all the burlap was gone.  I wish I would have bought them out.  We didn't have enough to go around the entire tree.  We still love it though!  The burlap has musical notes on it. 

 This Christmas village is part mine and part my mother's.  I love the size of this village.  It fits perfectly on my buffet which is filled with our movies.  The village has a church, school, library and houses.  It is so beautiful it makes me want to live there. 

 I love snowmen.  I have collected them for years.  This is one of my favorite figures.  These snowmen look like they are having a blast as they sled down a hill. 

 This is not the best picture and is a little bit of a hodge podge, but I wanted to show off the giant ornaments that my husband accidentally bought me this year.  He bought some pallets at an auction and we found these gems in a box.  I have four giant bulbs.  I put three in this cermaic bowl that was given to me by a friend.  (She found it at a thrift shop)  I have one more on the fireplace mantel. 

 These little sheep were part of my mother's collection.  She left them out all year and so do I.  Next to them is a lovely birdhouse.  We do a Christmas exchange at our work every year as part of our Christmas party.  Everyone purchases a 5.00 gift and wraps it up.  Then we all take numbers and pick gifts or steal from others.  It is like a white elephant only we purchase nice gifts.  I purchased this bird house and stole it back because I loved it so much.  So, basically I stole my own gift back!  Fun!!

 I know decoraters all over the world are cringing because I have a recliner in my picture.  Well, we live like real people and comfort is important.  I love my recliner!  It may not be pretty, but it is comfy.  I love having the Christmas tree right next to me.  We actually had it in another area of living room, but my husband didn't like the lights shining in his face.  I however, love the lights.  I sit and stare at the tree and it makes me happy!  I see ornaments from the span of my life.  I have seen a lot of posts from friends and family with gorgeous Southern Living like trees.  Mine is definately not of that caliber, but I can't stand the thought of not putting meaningful ornaments on my tree. 

 Some might think my troll elves are ugly.  I beg to differ.  They are whimsical and fun!  Everyone should have a bit of whimsy in their live!  Another T.J. Maxx find.

 This was my mother's mouse and lantern.  I love this mouse.  I don't like the real ones, but this one is one of my favorite Christmas decorations. 

 My friend gave me this plate as a house warming present.  It fits my decor perfectly and says it all.  We do serve the Lord and thank Him everyday for His wonderful blessings!  The true meaning of Christmas for us is the birth of Christ.  Without Him we would be nothing!  Every Christmas we read the Christmas story from the Bible before we open up gifts.  It is important for us to instill in our children the true meaning of Christmas!

 Christmas Goose!

First Christmas on the Farm

We are really excited to have our first holidays on the farm.  Thanksgiving was fabulous.  We were a little pressed for space, but it was cozy and the time with family was precious.  The only thing that could have made it better would have been if my mother could have been here.  She passed away a little over a year ago.  Even though she wasn't here in person, I believe she was here in spirit.  One of the things that helps me feel close to family members that have passed is having things that they loved displayed in my home.  Hubby calls these things clutter; I call them memories.  I have a book case that my grandfather built, a large wooden carved white goose that my mother always displayed on her table, her collection of sheep, my grandmother's and great-grandmother's quilts, and I have my great-grandmother's dresser and my grandmother's dresser.  I even have my grandfather's lunch pail that he took to work every day! I am not a materialistic person, but I love these things because they were loved by those that I love!  As I decorated our cutie pie, smallish Christmas tree this year, I had to make a lot of decisions about what ornaments to use.  The ornaments below were a no-brainer for me.  My mother made the Mr. and Mrs. Claus ornaments, and we had them on our tree every year when I was growing up.  My tree would not be complete without them.  Our Christmas tree is a beautiful blend of past and present.  My daughter and I made a new memory this year by making the burlap garland.  I have seen a lot of my friends and family post their trees on facebook, and they are beautiful.  They could be in a magazine they are so perfect with all matching bows, ornaments and colors.  For me, though, it wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't have the lovely mix of eclectic ornaments from the many years of collecting!  From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and God bless you this holiday season!

 

For Farmer's Market

One of our goals is to sell farm fresh eggs and chickens as well as herbal products at Farmer's Market.  We hope to get into the Farmer's Market in Lee's Summit since it is ranked one of the top markets in Missouri.  However, they have a waiting list, so we will just have to see if we get in.  I am a little nervous about being ready for this venture since it is so new to us and we are new at farming.  Anyway, I decided I should start looking for things for our future booth. I have been on the hunt for booth displays and signage.  I was waiting for my cooking class in Downtown Lee's Summit at A Thyme for Everything, and I went into a cute little shop next door.  That is where I found the Fresh Eggs sign.  I fell in love with it right away and had to buy it.  Right now it is resting in my kitchen on a small shelf above my cabinets.  Eventually, it will hang in our booth. 

 

 At an estate sale we found these bushel baskets.  These will be perfect for displaying vegetables and/or fruit for sale.  I do not like to pay full price for things, so estate sales and garage sales are a great place to find treasures.  I can't wait to garden and fill these with goodies to share. 

 Sometimes you find things in the most unexpected places.  The Farm Fresh menu sign was at T.J. Max on sale for $55.00.  The thing is, I bought it and they didn't charge me for the item.  I got home and looked at my receipt, and it wasn't on there.  This was the day before Thanksgiving.  I wasn't about to go out during Thanksgiving or Black Friday.  I don't like crowds.  I went back on Saturday and told them they forgot to charge me for the sign.  They looked so befuddled that I had actually came back in the store.  I think most people would do the same.  I couldn't feel good about using something that I didn't pay for.  It would be the same as stealing to me.  The manager called me and said she was mailing me a 20 percent off coupon.  Wahoo!  I love T.J. Max and Home Goods.  I love this sign too!  I have been looking for a chalk board sign, and this metal sign is perfect.  I think it says, "Come to my booth and buy from me."  I hope you all will come to the Lee's Summit Farmer's Market if we have the opportunity to sell there.  It is December and we are already excited for what the spring and summer season will bring!

Eggs Galore

When you go to the grocery store to buy eggs, they look basically the same. Within a carton, there are eggs of the same color, size, shape, etc. Our eggs are not like that. 

We have several different types of hens. And we get several different types of eggs. Going to get eggs each day is such a treat. We never know exactly what we are going to get. 

We get big eggs, small eggs, round eggs, long eggs, white eggs, brown eggs, speckled eggs, and so forth. Starting to sound like a Dr. Seuss book? I think so.

There is not much of a difference with these eggs on the inside. But they each have a different look.

These tiny eggs are always fun to find. They are much smaller than any of the eggs that you get in the store. Their yolks are a bit smaller than regular eggs, but the real difference is with the whites of these eggs. They barely have whites! When we crack them, these eggs are almost all yolk.

At least once a day, we find one of these big eggs in the coop. We haven't figured out which hen is laying them yet, but we enjoy finding them. These eggs are almost twice the size of the other eggs. And they all have double yolks! 

We have ten of these giant eggs They are so big that it is difficult to close the carton. 

It is so much fun to be able to go out and gather eggs of all shapes and sizes. They are all a bit different, but one thing that they all have in common is that they taste great!

Chai Tea Truffles

What is better than a nice steaming hot cup of Chai Tea?  I will tell you what is better, a steaming hot cup of Chai Tea with a Chai Tea truffle!  Our school counselor from a few years back gave us these scrumptious little bites of pure joy along with a Chai Tea bag.  It was so sweet and thoughtful and delicious.  I had to have the recipe.  She found the recipe in the Kansas City Star.  My daughter and I set out to find the recipe with the help of Google.  We make these delights at least three times a year. The recipe is forgiving. If you do not like a particular spice, then just leave it out.  We do not use fennel because it is not our favorite spice.  They are still delicious.  Also, you can substitute Almond Bark for the white chocolate if you don't like white chocolate.  I love recipes that can be modified to our own particular taste buds!!  I hope this recipe will be one that you can make with your family as you make special memories together this holiday season!  

 

1/2 tsp. cardamon

1/8 tsp. cloves

1/4 tsp. fennel

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. ginger

1/8 tsp. star anise

1 Chai tea bag

Pinch of Nutmeg

1 18oz. vanilla sandwich cookies

1 8 oz softened bar of cream cheese

1 lb. white baking chocolate

 

Mix all the spices together and set aside.  In large mixing bowl, add 1 tbsp. of the above spice mixture along with the cream cheese and crumbled cookies.  The cookies needed to be crushed.  I use my food processor.  Get the cookies as fine as you can.  Once you mix the cookies, cream cheese and spices, make 1" balls.  Place the balls on wax paper and refrigerate for about 15 min.  Right before you take the balls out of the fridge, melt your chocolate.  You want to do this right before you are ready to dip the balls or your chocolate will seize up on you.  Make sure not to overcook your chocolate, or again, it will seize up on you and it is really difficult to fix when that happens.  We have had it happen and have fixed it with a little butter.  Anyway, back to the recipe.  Take your truffles out of the fridge and dip them in the chocolate.  Return them to fridge for an hour.  These make excellent gifts.  Wrap them in clear bags along with some tea bags and tie with raffia, jute or ribbon.  Enjoy!

We've Got Fire!

Part of our journey in becoming self sufficient includes utilities.  I am still trying to talk my hubby into letting us dig a well.  I haven't won that battle just yet.  Even though our water bill is reasonable, I love well water.  It tastes better, it makes your hair silky, and it is free.  Well, it is free except for the initial costs!  We did decide to use wood to heat our house.  Step one was to put a wood-burning stove in the fireplace.  My husband sent me a picture from his phone right after it was installed.  The picture made it look so small I almost cried.  Then I thought it looked like a fireplace for a fairy house, so then I started laughing.  When I got home, I was pleasantly surprised that it was not as small as his picture.  However, it is a small stove.  If the stove was not small, we would be run out of the room every time we use it.  We are hoping that this little wood stove will help us keep our utilities down during the winter.  We still plan on installing an outside wood-burning furnace next year.  If our electricity goes out, we won't have to worry.  We will be nice and cozy in our family room.  We are not sure what to do with the ugly bricks and the large black surround.  We are still pondering those decorating decisions, but at least we have fire!

Asian Beetle Apocalypse

Many people today are obsessed with the zombie apocalypse. I think they are focused on the wrong thing.

What they should really be worried about is the Asian Beetle Apocalypse.

That's what our farmette is facing right now. 

The other day, I came home from school and saw forty or so bugs crawling on one of the doors. Another thirty bugs were lying on the mat. We also found them on the ceiling, on the window ledges, and flying around our house and building. They are thoroughly invading our farmette. Incredibly creepy, if you ask me. 

We thought at first that they were ladybugs. It turns out that they are actually a type of Asian Beetle. They look a lot like ladybugs, but the coloring is different. Either way, it would be awfully nice if they would leave.

I can handle a lot of things, but I do not do bugs. Especially when they land in my hair or crawl on my clothing. 

Our chickens don't like these bugs either. Apparently, they taste about as good as they smell. Which isn't good at all. 

It Is Official, Our Farm Name...

Drumroll please...our farm name is going to be Buttercup Farm!  Thanks to all our friends and family for voting on Facebook.  Red Rooster Farm is a fine name, but Buttercup Farm won out.  Below are pictures of our beautiful buttercup roosters and hens!  The pictures don't really do them justice.  Their coat shines in the sunlight and reflects a myriad of beautiful colors.  It was so much fun trying to get a picture of these beauties because we don't have the greatest camera yet, and they wouldn't stand still.  I don't think they understood that we were just trying to take their picture.  We are really excited about what the future holds.  Our goal is to have 1,000 chickens in the yext year.  We will raise free range, organic-fed chickens for butchering as well as egg layers.  We are currently getting 14 eggs a day!  It will be exciting to see the business grow.  The eggs are so delicious too!!  I will try out some recipes soon and post them.  It is all about the eggs, you know!! 

 Hello, handsome!  These pictures were taken in the wood shed which is attached to the chicken coop.  The chickens love hopping from log to log.  They also love the bugs that hide in the crevices of the wood. 

 "I am pretty, oh so pretty!"  That is what this rooster must be thinking. 

We have a farm truck that is a 1974 Ford F100.  It is a black beauty!  We bought it from a friend for a great price, and it only has around 40,000 original miles.  The bed is rusted out, so our plan is to have it repainted black and have Buttercup Farm painted on the side along with a painting of a buttercup rooster.  Then, we plan on putting on a new flat bed and rails.  We will use that truck for Farmers' Market and anything else.  We will be sure to take before and after pics. 

 This is a buttercup hen.  They are not nearly as beautiful as the roosters, but they still have interesting coloring.  She is on top of the wood pile. 

Another buttercup hen! 

Free Range Chickens and Eggs

• Free range chickens are the happiest!  We have found out some interesting facts about free range chickens lately. 
• They like treats in the evening.   The treats will make them want to leave you presents.
• Leftover garden scraps make greast snacks.  So do leftover stale Panera bagels.
• Without clean water they will quit laying eggs.
• Multiple hens will lay in the same nesting spot
• Our eggs are the most delicious and nutritious eggs.
• You will never go back to store bought!

 Yummy, garden scraps!

 Chicken scratch!

 All farm implements are fair game to roost on when chickens have access to them.

 Chickens are so fun to watch.  They are relaxing and theraputic!

 Roosters on the log splitter!

 Time for a drink!

I never get bored finding eggs. 

 This hen is saying, "Excuse me, I am not done laying my egg, get out!"

 More presents!

Cock-a-doodle-doo!!