Bitter COLD!

Ugh!! We are being hit with some bitter cold temps today and tomorrow. Tonight's low is going to be around -7 and I think it lingered around -1 for the most part today. This weather is hard because Philip can't let the cows out of the barn or the barn will freeze up. The barn isn't heated, but he has it buttoned up real well and it stays a pretty comfortable temperature. I had to give him a few of the kids flat sheets we don't really use, to take to teh barn to hang over a couple drafts. Now the cows can enjoy looking at Batman, Sharks and Finding Nemo =)

Last night our neighbors horses got loose and enjoyed an engorging feast on our NICE 2nd cut haybales that we're in the yard. Hopefully they didn't get sick. That good of feed isn't great for horses and their sensitive tummies. They were having a grand ol' buffet though. Instead of opening one bale and eating from that, they opened about 7. Two of which will have to be fed right away so they don't spoil, and our neighbor did his best to repair the wrap on the others. For those of you that don't know, round bales are put in green and wrapped in plastic to cure. They get HOT in the center and keep. If any air gets in, they will mold and spoil and freeze this time of year. You can only imagine Philip's surprise when he pulled into the dark farmyard at 5 am to see about 7 HUGE animals. lol. I bet he was glad to know that they weren't his cows out though. The neighbor was pretty grateful to Philip for calling him, and was really sorry about the bales. Oh well. Our cows have done their fare share of damage. It sucks, but it's no ones fault. Animals tend to escape.

Garrett started winter sports with his class last week. They go Ice Skating at an indoor rink on Fridays for about half an hour. He had a fit last week because he didn't want to go. He went anyway. I told him he HAD to try it, and if he still hated it, then I would not make him go again. Guess what? He LOVED it and is so excited to go again tomorrow. Silly boy!

Sawyer officially started preschool yesterday at the Village Early Learning Center in Saxtons River. He had a blast. His teacher, Joy said he had one of the best first days she has ever seen, and was not happy to see me at noon, knowing I meant he had to go home. I was a little sad about that, but glad that he had fun. They have a big bunny named Freckles, and of course my little animal lover LOVED her.

I have been thinking about getting a job. I am really not sure where to even begin though. It's hard. I didn't think it would be this tough, but I haven't worked but a little here and there since I was pregnant with Garrett, over 6 years ago. With the price of childcare, and the few jobs available out there, the task is daunting, but personally I am ready. I need the people interaction I used to get, and my babies are getting older, and we could really use the extra income. It won't really be worth it though if it all goes to the cost of daycare.

Well that is enough rambling for now.....Philip just got home and I am sure he's hungry!! Thank goodness for Stouffers~ =)

Until next time.....

Calves!

We have a whole bunch of heifer calves right now. They are so cute. There is Sugar and Spice, who were just weaned off from the bottle. Sugar took right to the pail, but Spice was a little unimpressed. I had to try her a couple times, and she refused to do it for Philip. He ended up giving her a bottle. The next morning she was good for me, and drank with the first attempt. She has been weaned since. That was a few days ago.

Then there was Stevie and Sue, 2 sweet calves about a day or two apart, born about 3 weeks ago. They had been in the same pen since birth, and were too cute. A woman inquired to me about selling them a heifer and we really need some space, so we offered her Stevie and Sue, a small bargain for taking them both, as we were hoping they would go together. The woman and her family loved them, and took both of them. Philip was so happy after they left with them, because of the fact that they went together, and to a great home, with kids, and other animals and he just felt REALLY good about where they were going.

Well, good thing we made the room, because 2 days ago the FIRST CALF OF 2009 was born!! Joanne, one of our proven dams was bred to a proven sire, gave birth to a BEAUTIFUL heifer calf we named Tele...short for Teletha. She is absolutely the sweetest thing EVER. So pretty, so soft, and so lovey. Philip calls her "Princess".

Another heifer was born yesterday, Lydia had an adorable little girl we named Tonya. She has a white patch on her head, and white "stockings" on her legs. She is a good girl too.

Sydney, my little heifer calf from my birthday present, Paisley, was really sick for awhile. We had to treat her for both Pneumonia and Coccydia, and give her Deliver for a good while to clear up the runs. It was touch and go for awhile, and I was so worried about her. For about 3-4 days she couldn't get up without Philips help, but was still eating and drinking good, and she was getting pretty bloated which was scary. With lots of love, and TLC, and a few prayers... alongside Philips medicinal care, she pulled through and it was a great morning when I came clamboring down the steps of the milkhouse to see my baby girl had got up on her own and was bellering at me to feed her. I almost cried. YAY! My little Sydder-bidder as I call her lovingly... was back to her sassy little self again.

As you may have noticed in the paragraphs above, that we have switched from S names, to T names. With our naming method, we go by the alphabet, starting each new year with a new letter and use the same letter all year long. Every single heifer calf born in 2009 will have a T name. In 2010, however, we will start again at A. We don't use Q, U,V,W,X,Y, or Z.

Well that is about it on the calves for now. They are doing well and growing so fast!!