Faith Farm

Review of our new log splitter

Good Morning!  Our log splitter came in last week.  Its an 8-ton Hydrolic splitter.  We put it to the test.  I must say I am impressed at the pure simplicity and functionality of this product.  It simple to use and works great.  You can see what I got here:

http://www.logsplitter.com/log_splitter_8_ton_hydraulic.htm

Our DS is graduating and starting on his own home and DH and I cannot split enough wood the traditional way (atleast not comfortably-lol).  So we started looking at our options.  We always look for ways without using electricity first, without fuel second.  That leaves us with manual tool options.  I looked at several "manual" log splitters and we decided this was the best option.  It was a good choice.  It works well.  I know it is an odd time of the year to be thinking about splitting wood but I wanted to share this info with you in case any of you might be looking for options regarding next winters heating bill.  You won't be breaking any speed records with it but it does a good job.  Blessings>faithfarm

The three F's - please read

A New Adventure!!!

I am so excited about a new adventure we are about to start here on the farm.  We are going to train our new bucklings (soon to be wethers) to be working goats!  We are going to train them to the harness for driving purposes.  The two large nubian babies are going to be trained as team pullers for a cart and the large Alpine baby to pull a single cart or cultivator.  I have thought that training working goats would be such a fun and useful thing for us to do and now we have the wethers to do it!  If any of you have any experience in training or using working goats please share with me.   All info is appreciated.  Here is a video I found that shows a working goat team pulling a wagon--it is so cute!  I can't wait to get started. Blessings>faithfarm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5dmtc-L2aQ

HSBFront Porch

My funny homesteading day-

Planting and critter count

Homestead Update

IRS Stimulus Payment Schedule

Here is the IRS website for :

http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=180250,00.html

Stimulus Payment Schedule for Tax Returns Processed by April 15

Article on rBST or rBGH

I thought this was an interesting article on artificial bovine growth hormone that was worthy of reading.  I thought the ties between Monsanto and the new group Afact was worth noting.  If you have not taken the time to look into Monsanto (gene-altered crops)it is an interesting read.  I'll let you draw your own conclusions.  Blessings>faithfarm

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/business/09feed.html?_r=2&oref=login&oref=login

Kidding season

Good Morning!  Kidding season has been very busy around here!  We have been blessed with six kids.  Two Nubian bucklings, one Nubian doe, two Alpine bucklings, and one Alpine doe.  They are beautiful.  The Nubians were born on Good Friday and the Alpines were born on Easter Day!  Our bantum chicks hatched out the same weekend.  It was a very blessed weekend.  Our hands are full around the farm preparing for summer but I promise to get an update posted very soon.  I hope you all are doing well and are enjoying the abundance of spring!  Blessings>faithfarm

back to normal--

Things are starting to get back to normal here.  Everyone is recovering nicely from the flu.  The weather is crazy...we are supposed to get anywhere from 4-10 inches of snow today--I was wearing short sleeves and enjoying the sunshine yesterday-lol----We recieved 4 inches of rain in the last week so the ground is too soggy to work.  Our goats are still very pregnant---so our nights are filled with midnight barn checks.  We have the incubator filled with eggs and the rabbits are multipling quickly---the new rabbitry is not started yet--I am hoping weather cooperates enough to do that this weekend---We have all the fruit bushes, trees, and vines in the greenhouse waiting on the weather to settle out.  Spring is close--and with it will come alot of new babies.  My sister had her first Dr. appt. and she is 6 weeks along...they did an ultrasound and the baby's heart beat looks good.  We are all so excited ....  this will be the first baby in our family in 9 years....It is such a blessing.  I believe it is going to be a fruitful year.  With all that is going on in the world I am greatful for the peace of homestead living.  Blessings>faithfarm 

Adding fruit to you homestead

Pick-your-own site

Good Morning!  I found a neat web site that has a listing of pick your own farms for every state by county and even some out of the US - you pick farms.  I thought it was worth checking out.  It also has canning tips and a few other interesting items.  The site is http://www.pickyourown.org/index.htm

I hope to be installing my new computer today-so hopefully all will go well and I'll be back on line shortly-I hope to be able to post some pictures with this new machine.  I hope you all have a very Blessed day! >faithfarm

Blueberry info

Whats going on around here-

Parental rights

Good Morning!  I want to share an email that I am sure many of you have already seen but just in case I wanted to make sure the information is out there.  Please email or post comment or questions if you need further information.  Blessings> Faith Farm

February 7, 2008

Dear HSLDA Members and Friends:

I am writing to you today about obtaining permanent protection for our rights as parents. For nearly 25 years, HSLDA has focused on defending the right of parents to home educate their children. We have met with great success in this effort, and we have seen God’s hand of blessing on thousands of families as the homeschooling movement has progressed.

After all, this movement was built upon the firm belief that parents possess a God-given right to direct the upbringing and education of their children. And I know that you’ll agree with me in saying when that right is under fire, we must do whatever we can to protect it.

Parental Rights are in Jeopardy

A “perfect storm” that could literally demolish the rights we value so deeply is approaching on the horizon. If these threats persist, we could soon be looking at the demolition of the parental role, and an upsurge of government intrusion in family life.

Even though parental rights are recognized as a fundamental right under current Supreme Court doctrine, there are two threats to the recognition of this principle.

The Threat from the Federal Courts

Today an increasing number of Supreme Court justices refuse to recognize that parental rights are a fundamental right. In the 2000 case of Troxel v. Granville, only four of the nine Supreme Court justices expressly agreed that the Constitution “protects the fundamental right of parents to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children.” Two of these justices—then-Chief Justice William Rehnquist and Justice Sandra Day O’Connor—have since left the Court.

Even Justice Antonin Scalia, a noted conservative, holds that parental rights are not judicially enforceable at all until there is a specific parental rights provision in the Constitution.

The Threat of International Law

Even as the recognition of parental rights is fading within the federal courts, international law which diminishes parental authority is approaching possible ratification. The growing use of international law in American courts offers a frightening glimpse into the future. If the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) becomes binding on this country, then parental rights as we know them will be erased. This international treaty provides for the government to define what is in the “best interests of the child,” supplanting the parent as the ultimate decision maker.

Moreover, if the UNCRC is ratified, all state laws which recognize the right to homeschool will be superseded by international law if international tribunals or American courts think that such education is not in the “best interest of the child.” We would do well to remember the example of Germany on this point.

There is Only One Solution

I am convinced that there is only one solution to this attack on the child-parent relationship: We must amend the Constitution to permanently secure the rights of parents. The Parental Rights Amendment is the only way to protect and preserve the rights of parents to make key decisions for their children, as well as to direct their upbringing and education.

The only way that we can accomplish this goal is to gain the nationwide support of millions of parents like you. We need to raise our voices to safeguard the child-parent relationship. And we need to be organized and vocal so that Congress will listen.

It’s the Battle of Our Lifetime

The battle for parental rights will be the fight of our lifetime. That’s why I am turning to you for support as we launch this vital campaign.

The process of amending the Constitution is both long and challenging. Our goal is to have a substantial number of Congressional co-sponsors before the Parental Rights Amendment is even introduced. Ultimately the amendment requires final approval of two-thirds of both the House and the Senate. Once passed by Congress, the amendment must then be ratified by three-fourths of the states.

We Need a Groundswell of Support

As you can see, passing the Parental Rights Amendment is not going to be easy. But it is completely possible. If we can find 10,000 people within each congressional district who are willing to contact their congressmen and senators on this issue, then we can gain a favorable response from most members of Congress. We are referring to these individuals as Citizen Co-sponsors. Our goal is to find 10,000 Citizen Co-sponsors in at least 80% of the congressional districts in the country. While this number may seem daunting, it is clearly attainable. In fact, if each HSLDA member recruits 40 people to become Citizen Co-sponsors by signing the petition, we will reach this goal.

The bottom line is this: we need a groundswell of support and activism from our HSLDA members. That’s why I am asking you to do two things right away.

1. Join ParentalRights.org

You can become a Citizen Co-Sponsor simply by signing the petition for parental rights on ParentalRights.org.

But I am asking you to take this one step further.

I am challenging you to join the campaign. With a gift of $25 or more, you can become a member of ParentalRights.org. There are two reasons why we urgently need your financial support. The first and most obvious reason is that building the infrastructure to secure a Constitutional amendment requires a substantial amount of money. Second, under existing federal law we can only send detailed information about the political implications of this effort to dues-paying members. Therefore certain communications will only be given to our dues-paying members rather than those who have only signed the petition.

2. Get your friends and neighbors involved

I’m asking you to enlist your friends and family to visit ParentalRights.org, and encourage them to join the campaign. Our user-friendly Tell a Friend application enables you to upload email addresses from your address book, and easily inform friends of the importance of the campaign. Growth is essential during the early stages of this effort, and that support needs to start now.

We need grassroots support from dedicated parents in all 50 states to ensure the smooth passage of the amendment. I firmly believe that the homeschooling movement is the key to victory in this massive effort. We’ve come a long way in the last 25 years… but there is so much more ahead.

I’m challenging you to join the fight today.

Sincerely,

Michael P. Farris
Chairman, Home School Legal Defense Association
President, ParentalRights.org

Questions about manual log splitters & SNOW

What's new around here

Good Morning!  I hope this finds you in good health.  I thought I would just take a moment to catch you up on what has been happening at our homestead this week.  This week has been a week of gathering and tending.  Our rabbits have started to multiply, we now have 5 healthy babies and another doe close to birthing.  We have a new breeding doe arriving Friday (New strong bloodline).  If I have never said this before let me say it now--Rabbits are a great way to provide meat to a homestead.  They are easy and cheap to raise.  They provide a large amount of meat to a homestead in a very short period of time.  Rabbits are also very cold tolerant and with a little thought and planning can be easly managed through even the hottest summers.  The way I see it---it's like anything else---it might not be your favorite meat of choice but with a little time and practice it can become a very tasty part of your diet.  Rabbit meat is also healthy and lean.  It has a high protien content, so less meat still provides the nutritional requirements in you families diet.  Of course if you breed right--you'll have all the rabbit meat you want and enough to share.     The goats are getting very large..I am expecting multiple off spring from both dairy goats.  The Alpine (which is my personal favorite breed) is strong and healthy gaining the right amount of weight and size.  All is well with her.  The Nubian is still having some health issues.  She is the first goat I purchased and is alot older than I was told at purchase.  She is maintaining good weight and size, but requires alot of time and attention.  I am still having udder issues with this doe.  I am now looking at the very real possibility of having to bottle feed her off-spring.  There are many who feel this is the best way to do all babies but the way I usually look at it-I like to keep things on as much of a natural basis as possible.  I can still get all the dairy I need and raise the babies with the momma's....but you have to be prepared for the other option as well.  We are about 6 weeks from delivering both does.  The other doe I have, will not be bred until Fall 2008.  I decided it was best to wait until next season...she is not a large doe and I didn't want to risk harm.      The chickens are laying again...when the sun is shining I get a dozen eggs a day and when it is cold and cloudy I get 4-5 eggs a day...even with the lamps.  They are still providing for our needs at this rate so I am greatful.  We have the tractor barn almost complete-weather (cold & high winds) have kept us from putting up the last few pieces of metal on the sides.  We have the new chicken coop and yard planned out and are just waiting for time and weather to start building it.  We have placed our order to McMurry for 25 Buff Orphingtons to add to our flock.  The large brooder box is almost complete.  Just needs the finishing touches.  We will be making another trip into town to purchase lumber and supplies this week or next (it is supposed to snow here today----hmmm-we will see).  This batch of lumber is for the front yard fence and rabbitry.  The new rabbitry will hold 22+ breeder cages and 2-6ft baby cages.  I am excited about this project.  We will also be getting a load of 35 10" X10" X 10' RR Ties from a local man who made me an excellent deal.  This is my DH project.....He plans on making walkways (to keep us out of the mud-yeah) and work on the back porch area with these.  We have put in the order for the double wash tubs and wringer from Lehmans--I hope to get this next week.  This will help us to bring down our electrical useage and makes us one step closer to getting off the grid.  We are still waiting for the  freezer to arrive.  We decided to go with a 10 C ft. energy star freezer instead of a propane or DC model.  Cost and availability aided our decision...the big old freezer is dying fast--LOL.  There is an assortment of misc. other stuff going on but these are the major things...We are trying to get alot of these projects wrapped up before planting season and spring rains start.  So be patient with me when I am slow to answer emails and questions--LOL---I really appreciate each of you who are on this blog and those of you who take time to comment and ask questions about faithfarm....You are a blessing to me.  God is so good to us and I pray that he continues to guide us and give us wisdom about our homestead.  I hope you all have a truely BLESSED day filled with much joy and laughter.  >Blessings>faithfarm

First babies of 2008 are here!

Things going on around the farm

Good morning!  Things are changing here at Faithfarm--Lots of new and exciting things are on the horizon.  This is the time of year that we decide what to build, what to increase or decrease, what to change and improve.  Some projects we have already started like building the barn for the tractors...almost done!  Here are some of the things we have going:

1.  Increase #of meat/egg chickens---which includes new yard and coop

2.  Add Turkeys and Turkey shelter

3.  Add Dairy cows--finish fence and shelter.

4.  Add more fruit tree's and berry bushes

5.  install hand well pump

6.  build screen porch w/manual wash station

7.  Add pigs and shelter

We currently have 2 dairy goats expecting in March and the rabbits are multiplying fast---there are a half dozen other projects always going.  The one thing that I have learned about homestead living is there is always something to be done.  It is easy to get overwhelmed with the thoughts of what needs to be done....I look at it in a couple of ways--First---all things are possible with God---and secondly--its like any business--the first three years are a time of growth.  I have developed a rhythm in doing things--we all have--what takes so much time to do at first becomes faster-smoother-easier---a part of everyday life.  I have learned that what appears to be impossible on paper-often is so much easier in real life.  I don't know how it works out that way--God knows!  You have to have faith and trust and a bit of grit..lol.  It has been a huge change for me--always before I believed what I could work out on paper--"there's X number of things to get done and X amount of time and money"  --- it just doesn't compute---your mind can't see how it is possible.....The wonderful thing about this is all the blessings and unexpected doors being opened.  Your mind can't see those things---So even as I write down what we have going--my mind wants to say...thats alot...there isn't enough time to get all that done..how is that going to work?....but I know that it will get done....and God will give us the strength and peace we need to make it happen.  He has brought us so far-even through the "that's not possible" stages....It's like that story of the 2 farmers who needed rain. Both prayed for rain. But only one of them went out to prepare his fields to receive it.   You have to trust God to send the rain.  Blessings>faithfarm

Rev. 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.