This weeks Happenings...

   This week as all weeks was a busy one. We may not get out everyday but life still moves at rapid pace when we are stuck indoors. We endured this weeks warm temps and  then they fell drastically. We had three days in a row where we didn't see the sun. It was just clouds, cold,fog and rain. I really need the sun. It peps me up. Thursday was a magical day. The Lord blessed us with SNOW! A tiny glimpse of the season to come. The older kids squealed with delight and Gideon looked in awe. Last year he was to small to remember snow. It went as quickly as it came but rest assured it will be back. Thursday was also milk pick up day! The kids love going to the farm to get their milk. It helps them visualize where their food comes from. They met a new dog this trip. No matter how many times our kids see animals each one is so special to them. They love all over them and leave a lasting impression. Gabriel lost another tooth this week bringing the total tooth loss to 4. He is so afraid of losing them but when they come out he is so very excited. Garin this week turned 3 months old! Time is flying by I wish I could make it slow down just a tad. Gideon absolutely loves his baby brother. Kissing him, playing patty cake, and talking to him. Gideon is garin's protector. It is funny if Justin picks garin up Gid goes Mom! Mom! Dad!. Like hey mom get over here dad picked garin up, Help! LOL! It is wonderful to see such a bond. Genesis has had a low key week playing play doh, painting and trying to keep all her hair. Gideon has taken to pulling it to get attention. Poor girl is so outnumbered by the boys but she sure can hold her own. Justin is doing great at work and getting rave reviews. Another week down many more to go. Praying everyone has a Blessed week! Below is a picture of Gideon loving on Garin.

                             God Bless,
                                    Joy

Raw Butter

      After skimming the cream off of five quarts of raw milk I finally made butter! I have always dreamed of making my own butter. Churning it the old fashioned way while sitting with the family listening to the radio. With Grandma and Grandpa in their rocking chairs. The cool night breeze coming in the windows. Then at the end of the night everyone saying goodnight to each other from their rooms...Goodnight Mama, Goodnight Daddy, Good night Gabe, Goodnight Genesis, Goodnight Giddy, Goodnight Garin, Good night John Boy. Ahh, Well enough of the dreaming of being the Walton's. I may not have had the time or the equipment to hand churn but I did have this handy dandy stand mixer. I placed my wonderful liquid gold, also known as raw cream in the bowl and turned on the mixer. Then waited and waited. Actually I was able to put 3 kids down for naps before it turned to butter. With the help of my amazing hubby we rinsed and strained it with a  cloth 3 or so times. Saving the lovely buttermilk for baking. After it was strained in the babies clean burp cloth due to the fact I did not have cheese cloth, we put it in the fridge to store. Tonight the kids and I for supper had mashed potatoes with fresh made raw butter. It was delicious, the most delicious butter I have ever tasted. For dessert we had apples with fresh homemade peanut butter. As the kids were finishing supper I popped the peanuts into the food processor and viola fresh peanut butter. The kids loved it! Below are the photos of the process of making butter. Enjoy!
                                                      -God Bless-
                                                         Joy

Raw Milk

     Yesterday we finally fulfilled a dream of ours. We bought our first 3 gallons of raw milk. Fresh from the cow that morning. We packed up the kids and went to the farm . They were so very excited to be going to a real farm with cows. We pulled up and they saw cows, chickens, cats and dogs. One of the "Littles" even started crowing at the rooster. We walked into the building with our empty mason jars to be filled. The kids watched with such excitement as the farmers wife filled each of our jars. After we got our milk we went outside to pet a few animals. First a lovable and very playful dog then a cute and cuddly kitten. After saying goodbye we checked to make sure we had four kids back in the van and no extra animals. To home we went to enjoy our delicious milk.
     Raw milk has amazing nutrients. We are very lucky to live in a state were it is legal. Our Oldest son has been lactose intolerant  since birth. We have read many things about people who are lactose intolerant being able to drink raw milk. We have been very excited to see if he can drink the raw milk instead of all these lactose free, soy and coconut milks.  So far he is tolerating the raw milk well. No adverse reactions yet. Normally if he drinks regular pasteurized milk the effects are almost instantly. I pray he can continue to drink it and it nourishes his and our bodies.  
    A few fun facts I found out about the raw milk. The taste, well there is nothing like it! It to me literally tastes like cow smells. Not the yucky manure smell just good clean cow smell. Also cream, oh yummy cream. I have been skimming the tops of the jars in hopes I get enough to make some homemade raw milk butter.