Happy 7th Birthday Riley Jo!

Happy Birthday Riley! It is hard for your daddy and me to realize that you are a big 7-year old already! (This is Riley on her Christmas concert night; with her teacher)

Riley with Tucker-boy...

Remember when she was so shy around you, Uncle Joe...

...on a make-shift teeter-totter...daddy was running the opposite end...

Working on the house...

Chees'in It Up...

Riley and Tucker again; this picture taken right after flooring was installed...

Have a wonderful Birthday today (tomorrow the 11th) Riley...we love you all the way to the moon...and back! :)

last night you reminded me of my mom

When you fell on the ice last night, you scared me so much. As I ran to you, all I could think about was my concussion and how I did not want you to go through that. It took you awhile to get up, with Brandon and I anxiously looking on. That is when Elaine kicked in. You were more worried about the 4 eggs that you dropped than yourself. That is what mom would have worried about as well. I know that you are hurting today, but know that I love you.

I am praying that you feel better today.

Look what Riley spotted in the timber this morning!

Jeff and Riley went out to do the chores this morning and Riley spotted this beauty in the trees! They came back in to get the camera; and were lucky to get this shot before he turned and flew away. (click on picture to enlarge for better detail)

So majestic!

Today, you have been given a gift

Today, is the only day that you will have a chance to live today. Things will happen to you today that will NEVER happen again. You could have an opportunity to affect someones life today that you will never have again. Today is a gift. Act like it and have an awesome day today.

So have a happy Feb. 6th, 2010! You will never have the opportunity again.

More bad news

Last night in Burlington, Emma got elbowed in the jaw. She has a small fracture and is in a lot of pain. X-Rays showed a very small crack. THey think it will heal just fine without doing anything. Needless to say, she is in a lot of pain.

Highs and lows

Well, Brandon played his second regional game last night. Unfortunately, his season came to an end. They lost to the #1 team which was Griggsville-Perry. On a more positive note......wait for it........wait.........

Brandon is the Southeastern Junior High School Spelling Bee Champion. Yeah! He will compete in the Hancock County Championship on Feb. 18th. Way to go B!

Brandons B-Ball game

Brandon's basketball team has had a pretty rough season. They have only won one game this year. In their defense, they are a 1A team and play nothing but 2A or 3A teams. Our school district is very small. Throughout the season, he has never got down and tries his darnedest.

Well, today was the first game of his 1A regional game. We went to Perry and played against Meredosia-Chambersburg. I was very nervous, just hoping they could win one more game at least. Well, we smoked them. 44-4. Brandon played awesome, had a lot of rebounds and steals and scored two points. GO SUNS!

Next game is Monday against the #1 seed Griggsville-Perry. Wish us luck.

Slater Creek Farm update

Well, Rileys face says it all. She is now the proud owner of Gracie. She chose the name.

Miracle is really growing. She is soon to be 4 weeks old and already climbs all over the barn and straw bales.

Meet Ted, Gracies twin. He will be banded soon and probably be sold within 2-3 months.

This is what Gracie looks like when not being held. Hard to take pictures of constantly moving objects.

This is Madeline. AKA the boss. She is the mother of Gracie and Ted. She runs all the goats and they definitely defer to her. She eats first or else.

This is Alice. She was not pregnant like we thought and has never been. She will be bred in a couple of months. She is by far the most trouble. Constantly knocking the straw over and getting in the way. She is also the friendliest and will let you pet her anytime.

This is Beatrice. She is Miracles biological mom but now just treats her like any other goat. She is older and very shy. She is second in command, answering only to Madeline.

At last we get to my favorite goat. This is Buttercup. She is very skittish and she won't let you pet her. She is at the bottom of the pecking order. All the goats push her around. She gets the least amount of grain, so Deb and I sneak her some before the greedy goats find out about it. When they do, they just ram her out of the way. She lost her two pure white kids on Dec 30th in a terrible snowstorm.

Eggs for sale

Farm fresh eggs for sale. Deb can deliver to Quincy 1 day a week. $2.00 a dozen or 2 dozen for $3.00. They are better than store bought eggs and are delish.

Kid update

Well the first 24 hours are up and the kids are doing great. Still haven't see them pee yet, so no names. They both are on their feet and nursing. The one in the picture laying down is a little smaller and took a little longer to get going. Both seem to be doing awesome!

Slater Creek Farm Birthing Center

Well I went to feed the goats this morning and SURPRISE! Two new goats had arrived sometime. Madeline, who is the momma goat in charge, finnally decided that it was time. We don't know if they are male or female yet, but that will come within the day. Names will soon follow One of them knew exactly what to do. Here she is getting what she needs. Momma's colostrum. Madeline had them all cleaned up so we are hoping she will be a good momma. Will update soon.

I am loved

I woke up this morning to find that Deb and Riley had customized the Magna Doodle just for me. What an awesome feeling when someone expresses their love to you in non-traditional ways.

Then two hours after that, I was surprised with a phone call from Ellie. I didn't quite understand everything she was saying, but I am sure that I am her favorite Uncle.

Last update on Miracle...

Miracle moved out to the barn on Wednesday, at 11-days old. She is doing well and loving being able to run and jump and play. Although she was shivering a little bit this morning. We have a bed and a heatlamp in the barn for her so she stays toasty warm. This shows how small she is. She will be bottle fed (twice a day) until she is 6 weeks old. Then hopefully she will catch on to eating grain and hay. Neither of which does she seem too interested in right now.

Thanks for checking on her.

Miracle is one week old

Sorry to those of you that are tired of this subject; but we are just thrilled with her. She really is so sweet! She just started doing this today. She will kick up with her front legs and try to get on my back or shoulders. So absolutely adorable!

Slater Creek Farm Update

Well Miracle is 5 days old and, oh how things have changed! First of all, she truly believes that Deb is her momma. Anybody can feed her but when Deb leaves the room, she goes to "bellerin". She is very healthy now and attacks the bottle like my brothers at the Memorial Day Campout. We do question her right eye. She might be blind or have reduced vision. For right now she has been a blast and has brightened this cold winter season.

We thought Madeline or Alice was ready to kid at the last update. No new kids so far.

As far as the snow goes, we have been enjoying it. The picture is from last week but Deb and Riley even went sledding today. Brrrr! Have a great weekend and stay warm.