The Farm Critters

Just observing farm animals is not only entertaining but interesting.  Nature has its own way and I think many times, we as humans, attempt to impose our reasoning and thinking on animals.

Our Chickens

Our chickens are doing great!  They lay 2 or 3 eggs daily now.  When the weather is decent, we let them out to be "free range".  They go all around the barn, garden area, horse stalls and in the pasture.  In the evening when it is time for the chickens to go in their indoor pen, I call, "Here chick, chick, chick", and they amble toward the door. They are so funny to watch.  They stop for a last drink of water, grab a last bite of cat food, then go in the door.  The cats give the chickens the "right of way" as they come in and I know why.  The chickens will act as though they are ready to peck the cats so the cats make their lives simplier by moving out of the way when they see the chickens coming in.

Here are the chickens:

Eagle, as the grandkids have named her, has her own agenda.  She can be seen in the top right.

The last drink before the stroll to the pen

Last bite of cat food

The stroll to the pen

This is what I mean by the cats getting out of the way of the chickens!

The Horses 

Rosebud and Freckles come into the barn to be fed in the stalls.  Rosebud goes right in and waits.  If she thinks I am taking too long, she neighs to remind me she is waiting.  Freckles pushes against the gate or will stomp her front paw impatiently for her food.

I was guilty of "spoiling Freckles" by letting her take a bite out of the feed bucket before heading to her stall.  Mel suggested it would be better if she would go in and wait for her food.  Time to "unspoil" her.  She was not too pleased about the change, but has adjusted.  Every once in a while she will pull a stubborn moment, but then goes in for her food.

Freckles heading into the stall





She is patiently waiting!

Rosebud waiting for her food (maybe camera shy???)



A New Year

Wow! 2012,  a new year for farm life,  family life and married life.  What will the year bring?  No one but God knows that answer so we trust Him, have faith, and enjoy each and every day of 2012.
Mel and I enjoyed a quiet New Year's Eve.  In bed by 9:30 then up by 5:00 - a farm schedule, but it works well for us since we are morning people.
We look forward to our 41st year together, the grandkids another year older, our kids doing well in their jobs and lives. 
Of course on New Year's Day we had black-eye peas, the traditional good luck food, along with other delicious food that Grammy had prepared.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."  Psalm 118 29

Christmas Eve

Mel and I began our morning very early - 4:10 a.m. to be exact.  The 3 younger grandkids had slept in our room. 
This shadow loomed over me, gave me a kiss and told me that Grandpop and I were the "bestest grandparents in the world".  Wow! What a compliment!  It was Jett.  I told him thank you.  He laid down for a little while then stood up by the bed and told me he would be our "guard-dog" while we slept. Again I thanked him for watching over us.  A short time later he is by the bed for the 3rd time and tells me he needs to go potty.  Ok, that's fine.  He goes into the bathroom, turns on all the lights, flushes the toilet and then the lid slams down, comes back in to lay down again.  Now we hear 2 other giggles so Emma and McKaylea are awake.  All 3 jump on our bed and are ready to begin the morning.  Mel and I are too at this point.  Examples like this are what make special memories!

After enjoying coffee, it was time to begin preparations for the Christmas Eve Get-Together for the extended Bradford Family.  I had good helpers - Mat and Jake moved the tables in for me and then Emma, McKaylea and Jett decorated them for me.

Family arrived so it was time to eat.  So many goodies and finger food to enjoy!

Time for the annual "Grammy and kids, grandkids and great-grandkids pictures". 
This was the first time since 2006 that all the grandkids and greats were together at Christmas Eve when the annual pictures are made.

Grammy with the grandkids and great-grandkids

As she calls them, "The Grands and The Greats".

Who knows what was said in this pose!

Grammy with "The Greats"

Grammy with "The Grands"

Grammy with "The Kids "

3 Generations Together

How very blessed with family, fun and special memories!!!

The Eve of Christmas Eve

Our immediate family got together the Eve of Christmas Eve to have fun together and do stockings.  Since our trip in January to The Great Wolf Lodge is our Christmas, we just do stockings at Christmas.  The girls and their families arrived and we just enjoyed a good time of being together. 
Of course, food is always a big part of our get-together.  We had Elliott Nachos, ball park style nachos and a delicious cheese dip that Amberlea prepared.  Dessert would be devoured later.

The girls in the kitchen visiting and preparing nachos

The guys visiting and waiting for the food

After eating Santa Mel made an appearance.  His "Ho Ho Ho" got the grandkids attention!  The grandkids were thrilled!

Santa Mel had done his own shopping so everyone was eagerly awaiting what he would pull out of his Santa sack.

One of Grandpop's embellished stories

The girls and guys enjoyed the fun and the kids' reactions to Santa Mel

Emma and McKaylea received a "Magic 8 Ball".  You are to ask it a question and it gives you an answer.  Also each received a birdhouse that they can paint.

Mathew, Jacob and Jett received camouflage hats and a pocket knife.

Jett was so proud to be included with the "big boys" in getting the knife!

Proud Grandpop and Grandmom with their 5 special blessings

After Santa Mel the kids opened their stockings.

\

Even the "big kids" had stockings!

After retiring his Santa hat until its return next year, Mel opened his gifts.

After stockings and gifts, it was time for chocolate cheesecake fondue - Yum! Yum!

Kids are playing, guys are watching TV, the girls have time to "catch-up".

Christmas - the time to be with family, enjoy the love we have for each other and for those special memories and fun times.
Most of all, we remember the birth of  Jesus.  God showed us His love for us by sending His Son, our Saviour - the reason for the season.