Step away from the chickens, and nobody gets hurt

Meet Peso. The newest addition to our mini-farm.

One of the sad realities of raising chickens is predators. Foxes (yes, we had a fox in the henhouse last year!), raccoons (three at once!), skunks, weasels--they're all looking for a free chicken dinner.

Enter the guard goat. We used to have a pygmy goat, Clover, may-she-rest-in-peaceful-fields. Never did we lose a chicken when Clover was on patrol! But then Clover got old and died. And really, goats can be a pain. They're sneaky. So we went without a goat. And lost 24 chickens in one year. Soooo, this year, we found ourselves a new goat. Here are a couple pictures to give you a better idea of how big Peso is. He is nearly a year old, so this is as big as he gets. He's a Nigerian Dwarf goat--I think. Or a mix. LOL


Jake (7) with Peso trying to eat his Crocs.


Maddy (9) giving Peso a little luv

So Peso really isn't very scary. Unless you're trying to kill a chicken that don't belong to ya!

I thought you might like an update about what else is growing at the homestead.


Danny (4) with Tip and Caramel


Caramel keeping my feet warm.

Three cheers for Friday!

I was going to title this post Finally Friday, but apparently I've used that title before . . . LOL

This is a 6x6 scrapbook page we made at club in March. I love the textured cardstock for scrapping. And you know how I'm currently obsessed with butterflies!

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Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral
Paper: Whisper White, Baja Breeze Textured, Kiwi Kiss Textured, Cardstock Vellum
Ink: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss
Accessories: SU Texture Plates, Beautiful Butterflies Die, Big Shot, White Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals

Flutter by

I love butterflies! Who doesn't, I guess! LOL I have butterfly bushes, and all kinds of other plants butterflies love, just to attract them to my yard and garden. These are the incentives I gave out this week at April's Card Buffet. While they aren't real, they will brighten up the front of my refrigerator!

I used Tombo Multi glue to adhere the DSP's to medium weight coasters. Then I die cut the butterflies using the fabamundo Beautiful Butterflies die in my Big Shot! Then I just glued the pieces together and attached a strong magnet to the back.

Chocolate, mmmmmmmm

The images on this card are embossed with Chocolate Craft ink and clear embossing powder. I love the look of Chocolate embossing. Maybe it's just the chocolate, though. LOL Another Card Buffet card we'll be making this week!

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Stamps: Upsy Daisy
Paper: Cameo Coral, Chocolate Chip, Pink Flamingo DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Craft
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Clear EP, Chocolate Chip 1/4" Grosgrain, Earth Elements brads

Secret Sister Day 3--Happy Easter!

I am just overwhelmed. In the midst of a day already given over to thanks, I am the blessed receiver of LisaBee's generosity, too. So many sweet, thoughtful touches to this final gift! First, the exquisite hand-blown glass flowers from Prague--Lisa was there on a mission a few months ago.



The eggs were filled with adorable buttons with rub-ons--how cute is that! And the three miniature cards are really magnetic bookmarks! They're perfect, and my kids already are trying to steal them!

Lisa also included the Flower Burst Embosslit--one I had been wanting, but couldn't justify. Look at the beautiful card she made! The bottom of the "egg" opens up! And the basket itself will be *perfect* for displaying my card samples! I love the little ceramic plaque on it that reads, "Count Your Blessings." How did she know that orange jellybeans are my very favorite??? A whole package, just for me! And of course, chocolate is always welcome! LOL

Lisa, thank you for giving me such special, insightful gifts! What a blessing to have you as a friend!

Secret Sister Day 2

My secret sister really made my day! Look at all those yummy fleurettes!!!! And the new Saffron ribbon--you KNOW how I feel about Saffron!. And the so-yummy-I-can't-stop-petting-them Summer Sun corduroy buttons!

The 3x3 card--what an awesome design! I have that set and can't wait to make a 3x3 with it now! And the note was so sweet--just what I needed, as it turned out today. Thanks, secret sister! Can't wait to find out who you are tomorrow!

Secret Sister Strikes Again!

I am in a wonderful group of Secret Sisters, and today was the first day of my Easter package! Look at all the goodies! LOVE the coaster box, and look! She used the amazing Walk in the Park DSP, which I somehow thought I could resist and so I haven't ordered it yet! What was I thinking???? Well, she thought of everything, so I'll have chocolate to console me, at least! Thanks, Secret Sis!

You've seen it before . . .

I know what you're thinking. "We've already seen that card. Everybody in the free world has already made it." It's true. There's not an original bone in my body. LOL I've learned to deal with it.

This is the beautiful set Fifth Avenue Floral. All the cool kids have it. All the cool kids have made cards better than this. And I don't care! *I* love it, and my mom's going to love it when she gets a stack of them for Mother's Day. Good thing she doesn't do the internet, isn't it?? I'd have no secrets at all!

Another Card Buffet card for next week! Do you love that yummy White Organza ribbon, or what?? The catalog does NOT do it justice, that's for sure! If you need some, I can hook ya up! :-)

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Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral
Paper: Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Bravo Burgundy
Accessories: White Organza Ribbon