~ 4 Arrows Farm ~

2012-01-29T14:02:00.002-05:00

There is a howling cold wind blowing......

...but...

..we're not thinking about that today...

..we're drying sundresses!

Little Princess

2012-01-28T15:19:00.000-05:00

The newest member on the farm...

She loves to watch T.V. while sitting on your shoulder...

She loves to snuggle down in your hands and fall asleep...

She is very sociable!

Thrift store find

2012-01-25T14:10:00.001-05:00

I was so excited to find this at a local thrift store last weekend!

I'm currently looking for any dishes that go with it!

Family

2011-11-06T06:18:00.001-05:00

While viewing this film for the first time,

I was moved to tears when I saw my very young Grandmother

Acelia Carey Hall come out of the house and

down the front steps. My dad and his siblings racing around

under her feet. She was a wife, mother, and homemaker, a woman I

still look up to.

Let's Go Back!

2011-11-06T06:14:00.001-05:00

It took me FOREVER, but I finally figured

out how to cut portions of our old family movies

out and get them up loaded to YouTube.

So here's the first one....

Taken around 1936 of my dad and his sister on the

front lawn of their summer home.

Nelly and Walt Whitman

2011-11-04T09:06:00.000-04:00

I have two large file boxes to comb through FULL of all the hard work

my Grandmother Acelia C. Hall had done on the

genealogy of our family. It is a task that relaxes me, and excites me at the same time.

While I was looking through a few papers last night, I came across this little envelope, and here

is what I found inside.....

"Nellie Fenton Carey-

Written 1949 after first reading of Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass-"

(Nelly's handwriting)

On the bottom of the envelope, my Grandmother (Nelly's daughter, Acelia) wrote..

"Mother knew him when she was child in Sea Isle. N.J. He stayed in their hotel"

"Nelly Fenton Carey 1949

1879 Apr. 24- (born)"

She puts the page number where the quote is found..

Page 100 1949

"There is that in me, I do not know what it is, but I know it is in me"

Nelly writes..

"When a child of about eight years (I was born 1879) Walt Whitman was a summer boarder

at my father's hotel

-Minerva House-

Sea Isle City N.J"

"I remember him well and remember one day on beach when

he was talking to his friend Dr Elton-

Vineland N.J.- Walt Whitman threw back his head and

opening his shirt said I am different from many men. I have something

different inside- here- and he almost pounded..."

"...his chest as he said it-

It made an impression on me for I wondered just what he had

in there. I can see him now perhaps a picture in a child's mind

for I do not really know how he looked in about the year

1887..."

"...but this is my memory picture- partly grey thick hair and long reaching to his

coat collar- kindly and almost child like in manner-

Once when some unruly...."

"....children named ? with money but no breeding pushed

my brother and me down into a pile of clam shells and

then ran- Walt Whitman wiped some blood..."

"...from my nose with his handkerchief and said "Dont cry child

and nevr forget no one can hurt you but your self." I thought at the time

he wouldn't think so if it was..."

"....his nose but knew of course long afterward what he meant

Dr. Elton had a pair of ponies "Pet & Dally" and the two- very old

men, they seemed to me- rode......"

".....in a straw phaeton, I suppose it was- at low tide every day-

and several times my sister and I had the pleasure of

riding and holding the reins...."

"...I am now almost seventy one- a widow with four grown sons

a daughter ten grandchildren and one great grand child and am

reading Leaves of Grass......"

".....for the first time- What a wonderful man and what a

wonderful message. In Song of Myself (meaning I am sure "All Men"....."

"...he says- "There is that in me-I do not know what it is but I know it is in me-"

just what I heard him say when I was a child."

Seasonal Tree

2011-10-13T20:06:00.000-04:00

I LOVE my new seasonal tree.

Actually it was in a Christmas catalog, but I have been looking for something with lights that I could keep up

throughout the year.

Our New Barn...In Progress.........

2011-10-13T20:02:00.000-04:00

Our new barn is up here at 4 Arrows Farm.....

We are just waiting for the roof and some doors......

Tack room.....We are currently looking for a chandelier to put in here for the lighting...

CC and I are gonna be "Fancy" farm girls...

Two smaller stalls....

Three bigger stalls......

I love how Scott put the clear "stuff" above the stalls to allow more light into the stalls and barn..

clear "stuff"...

Tack room window....

We figured while we were at it we would hit the chicken coop and the smaller barn too.....

SUGARRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

2011-10-13T19:50:00.000-04:00

OK here it is!

I've gone without sugar for 3 weeks...

Week 1......

I did ok. I didn't eat cookies, cake, muffins, bread, or put sugar in my coffee...

Week 2.....

I started to question myself.....I only juiced and ate veggies and salads...

End of Week 2......

I cried!!!!

Week 3

I came out on top feeling great.

The biggest changes are...

When I go to bed, I sleep allllllllllll night long.

No more restless legs

I wake up with out my joints feeling hot, swollen, and achy

I don't have the "Lay down and die sleepy" feeling in the afternoon

I lost 6 lbs.

I also have to mention that alot of my improvements have come from the fact that I no longer have

caffeine in my diet!

I am eating more fruits and veggies, juicing alot, and eating whatever I can in raw form.

I say all of this to tell you..... this is my new favorite blog....

ohsheglows.com

I was able to eat some really yummy food thanks to her recipes

Like the one above!

Wheatberry salad

I did stay away from honey, maple syrup, and other natural sweeteners for the 3 weeks

I only use natural sweeteners now, even in my canning.

Don't be surprised to see ALOT of sweets being posted in the next couple of months.....

I do still cook for an army and none of them are going off sugar anytime too soon!!

Sour Cream and Onion Kale Chips

2011-10-13T19:29:00.000-04:00

Kale chips seem to be all the rage right now, and I've been up to my eyeballs in Kale!

So, after freezing it, sauteing it, eating it raw, putting it in smoothies, and juicing it,

I finally caved in and made these!

You can find the recipe here or here

You WON'T be sorry!

Enjoy

Daddy

2011-09-27T18:39:00.000-04:00

This is my daddy.....

6 mo's old.....

Cute....

as a.....

button!

I feel totally blessed to have these photo's to pass on to my children!

A Great Start...

2011-09-27T09:27:00.001-04:00

It's early in the morning..

It's dark outside...

No one is up...

The house is cold...

You start a fire in the fireplace...

You make this apple pie oatmeal...

You sit on the big overstuffed couch.....

You curl up with your fleece blanket..

and furry friend(s)...

Your day is off to a great start! :)

Fall Garden

2011-09-25T08:17:00.000-04:00

My fall garden still has some color, and is still producing!

"Woolly Mammoth Sunflowers "

I have no idea where this came from. It started growing in my garden, so I let grow not knowing what was going to come. It is a cross between a pumpkin and a squash.

Asparagus

Birdhouse Gourds

Zinnias in "Smoothie Mix"

The bumblebees that made it all possible!

"Horse treats" ;)

Sweet Peas

Tomatoes are just starting to ripen

Nasturtiums

Lot's of Kale to juice and use in soups!

Dill

Acelia planted an assortment of sunflowers.....

One of my favorite velvet noses!

Looking for her carrot.....

The Everbearing Strawberries are still bearing......

Zip and Honey waiting for their carrot treat!

Father and Daughter

2011-09-22T18:09:00.001-04:00

~Father and Daughter~

While looking through several photo's with my cousin Ansley, and my mother, we came across this picture that I think all of us would agree is our favorite.

This is my Great Grandfather, Timothy John Carey (Husband to Nelly) with his only daughter

Acelia Theresa Carey.

You want to know some neat facts about our family?

My Great Grandmother and Grandfather had 4 boys and only one girl.

I had 3 boys and only one girl.

They named their only girl Acelia Theresa Carey.

We named our only girl Acelia Carey Harding.

My Great Grandmother was a stay at home wife and mother.

Her daughter was a stay at home wife and mother.

I am a stay at home wife and mother.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

(From Nelly's Book of Quotes and Poems)

A world of love may be expressed

In just a very simple way.

And so dear daughter from the heart,

I wish you worlds of love today.

~Nelly

~ Nelly ~

2011-09-20T08:17:00.000-04:00

This is Nelly, my Great Grandmother (on the right) and her daughter, my Grandmother Acelia.

I have taken on a HUGE project this winter, reading, and typing over 50 letters that Nelly wrote to her daughter during the 50's and 60's, cropping old photos that date back into the 1700's, and putting all the information into one big book for our families. She comes from a long line of devoted wives and mothers. Women who believed it was their duty to be in the home working to provide a haven for their husbands and a secure, loving environment for their children. Though Nelly and her ancestors didn't do this perfectly, (none of us do) they did their best with what they had.

In the months ahead I'll be cropping pictures and typing letters and papers written by Nelly and her mother, Acelia Constantine Pitt, about motherhood, homemaking, and the duties of a wife. I'm getting everything ready to go into one big book for the family!

Here is a poem that I found in a little book of Nelly's. It was a small book that she used to jot down important poems, sayings, and newspaper clippings, that really meant something to her.

I'm not sure if she penned this herself or copied it, but I'm giving her credit for it till I can prove otherwise, based on the fact that she usually wrote the author of the little sayings she copied into her book. I'd really like to give it a title, any ideas?

Is there aught in life that is better than this?

A gurgle, a smile, a coo, a kiss-

Soft arms that entwine, cheeks pressed against thine-

Innocent eyes that sparkle and shine-

A love that is sweet, deep, true, and pure-

If you own all this, you can never be poor-

Do you wish to be happy?

Then put to rest, or snuggle up tight and close to your breast-

a baby!

Acelia Carey Hall's Whole Wheat Health Bread

2011-09-14T10:48:00.000-04:00

My Grandmother Acelia was an incredible woman. She was a homemaker, devoted wife, and mother. I remember as a little girl, my brother and I would stay with her and Grandpa for the weekend, and we always had this bread toasted for breakfast with honey drizzled over the top. I have a recipe box filled with all her favorite recipes, and I'm sharing this one with you today! My kitchen is currently filled with the smell of these freshly baked loaves!!

Whole Wheat Health Bread

(Makes 3 loaves)

4 Cups Whole Wheat Flour

3-4 Cups white flour

4 tsp. salt

2 tbl. sugar

4 tbl yeast

2 1/2 Cups reconstituted dry milk

1/2 Cup butter

1/2 Cup molasses

1 1/2 Cup raisins

1 Cup chopped walnuts

Bring raisins to a boil in 1/2 Cup of water, set aside to cool. In a large pot combine the milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, molasses, and heat to 120 - 130 degrees. Add yeast and 2 cups of whole wheat flour, raisins with liquid and nuts. (At this point I transferred to my Kitchen Aid to mix in the rest of the flours) Add the remaining 2 cups of whole wheat flour, and enough white flour to make a soft dough consistency. Knead for about 10 mins. Place in a large greased bowl, make sure the top gets greased too. Let rise in warm place for about one to 1 1/2 hours.

Knead again and shape into 3 loaves and rise to top of pans.

Bake 375 for 30-40 mins.

Enjoy!

Flavored Water

2011-06-14T20:09:00.000-04:00

When Scott and I stayed at Hawks Cay in Florida for our 20 year

anniversary, we went to a spa.

When our massage and facial was done we relaxed in our robes and slippers, and sipped

this Blueberry and White tea antioxidant mixed with our water.

It was so good, we brought a bottle home.

It is delicious and adds a light taste to my ice water.

Sweeter Than Honey

2011-06-14T07:53:00.000-04:00

You know what is Sweeter Than Honey? Nothing, in my opinion.

I'm probably a little bias though...

"Sweeter Than Honey" is Honey's show name. It took Acelia a long time to

come up with it. I think it fits both of them perfectly!

Entering her dressage test...

They did very well and tied for third!

Not bad for their first show!

Honey LOVES to jump!

Acelia LOVES to jump!!

They did very well, and make a fabulous team...

Got Grass?

Islamorata Fishing

2011-06-04T08:02:00.000-04:00

We took an entire day to go fishing for Tarpon

I can't even count the turtles, ray's, and sharks we saw!

Scott caught a Lemon Shark!

Number 5 on the most dangerous!

The water was so beautiful and very shallow......

Here's Scott's 125lb Tarpon....

Took him 45 min to reel him in!

The captain released it and that Tarpon took off like lightning!

The Garden is Up!!

2011-05-31T07:30:00.000-04:00

My asparagus is doing really well this spring! We are going to get three cuttings!

I planted 43 Everbearing strawberries this year!

If the chickens continue to sneak in here, we are going to have a

'go a round'!!

Future raised beds! Going to be planted this week!

5 different kinds of lettuce are up!

My 'fun' thing this year....cantaloupe!

Current Projects

2011-05-31T07:21:00.000-04:00

This is our new fireplace! I can't wait till it's done.

It just needs the top put on and then.....

bring on the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers!!

Aleta and Delta

2011-05-31T06:51:00.000-04:00

One of the things we did on our trip was swim with dolphins! We chose the

Dolphin Research Center

in Marathon Key. It was a great experience!!

Meet Aleta (in back) and her 1 year old son Delta!

Cute face!

Giving Scott a fin ride!

So much fun!

Delta is still learning to give kisses, and this is as far as he will go right now....

Mama Aleta

Asparagus from the garden!!

2011-05-24T11:18:00.000-04:00

I am so excited this is the first year I have harvested asparagus from

our very own garden!

Farm going on's...

2011-05-24T10:36:00.000-04:00

Ok project numero uno is to fix the driveway! DONE!

The horses will be pleased as punch!

It's quite a rough ride in a trailer, going over all those pot holes!

The ground work for the new barn is being done! We are placing it close

to the house and the driveway. We have too much snow to be trudging our way

to a barn! Plus, I love the smell of the barn and the horses.....

This magnificent eye sore is going going GONE!!

Scott is having this ripped out (we are leaving the flag pole) and turned into

and outdoor patio with a brick oven fire place and some patio furniture!

I always let this grow up because I am afraid of snakes. I just feel like they are lurking

in those weeds and rocks waiting to give me a heart attack!

This is Zip and Honey's new paddock for the time being!

It's new and it's dry.....

and they love being next to Miss Fancy!

Hawks Cay Resort

2011-05-24T10:23:00.000-04:00

This is the amazing resort we stayed at in Duck Key!

It was beautiful!!

Every other night they lit this fire and had live entertainment....

(Photo from the web)

One of the two pools they had! Heated I might add!

(Photo from the web)

The man made salt water lagoon! I didn't swim in it ....

...it wasn't heated!!

Team Penning Clinic Pt 1

2011-05-23T07:29:00.000-04:00

So I'm taking a break in the 20 year anniversary post to show

ya some pictures of my boy and his horse Zip!

I am a proud Mama!

This has been a 2 year dream for him! He wants to work cattle on a ranch out west

someday.

He went to Central Maine Team Penning Clinic

and learned how to work on a team to team pen.

He loved it to say the least....

His horse loved it!!

This little girl was on his team. It was her first time and she did amazing!!!!

"Round em' up"

"Come on cow"

She wasn't the least bit afraid and she handled her horse very very well!

20 Year Anniversary Trip Pt.2

2011-05-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

The first stop.........Robbie's Marina to feet the tarpon!

Tarpon have tiny little teeth, kinda like sand paper.

Their big ol' fish!

So this is how it works......you buy a bucket of fish, and dig your thumb nail into to tail end and hold on!

Dangle it just above the water and watch the tarpon eyeball it.......

They are quick as lightning....they jump up and will take the fish and part of your hand (if your lucky),

then you can come home and show everyone your tarpon scars and scrapes!

It's a guy thing!

20 Year Anniversary Trip

2011-05-14T14:28:00.000-04:00

Scott and I will be married 20 years on May 25th this year. So we took a window of opportunity and went on our anniversary trip to Hawks Cay Resort, in Marathon Key, FL.!! We had the time of our lives!

NYC!

Flying over NYC it was beautiful. The sun was just coming up!

We rented some pretty hot wheels! All I can tell you about the car is it was bumblebee yellow, with huge tires, and no matter what song you played the base made the mirrors vibrate!

(....and Scott cried when we handed the keys in)

(Just Kidding :)

The water! The beautiful water! It was amazingly beautiful!!

and.....

I loved it!

and....

I thought it was beautiful!

Scott and I tried a Florida lobster......

.....no thank you.

Latin American Sauerkraut

2011-02-14T10:20:00.000-05:00

My pineapple vinegar is done!

Here's what I made.....

Latin American Sauerkraut

(Cortido)

Makes 2 quarts

1 large cabbage, cored and shredded

1 cup carrots, grated

2 medium onions, quartered lengthwise and very finely sliced

1 Tbl. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

Mix all ingredients except pineapple vinegar together in a large bowl and pound lightly. Stuff cabbage loosely into 3 quart-sized wide mouth jars and add enough vinegar to cover the cabbage. The top of the cabbage mixture should be at least 1 inch below the top of the jars. Cover tightly and keep at room temperature for about 3 days before transferring to cold storage.

A couple of things......there was an awful lot of cabbage mixture left, and I think I didn't pound it enough. Anyway it"s a trial run and we will soon see how it turns out!

Valentine - Kina Grannis (Official Music Video)

2011-02-14T06:47:00.001-05:00

In honor of Valentines..........

2011-02-14T06:46:00.001-05:00

Pineapple Vinegar

2011-02-11T08:43:00.000-05:00

I have been reading the health benefits to fermenting vegetables.

So this is my first step in one of the recipes I'm going to make.

Pineapple Vinegar!!

2 Quarts of filtered water

The skin and core of one pineapple

2 tsp. of oregano

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

Put all ingredients into a glass bowl and cover, let sit for 36 hours!

Stay tuned, if it comes out right, I'll show you what I'm gonna make with it!!

Bread and Butter Jalapeno Pickles

2011-02-11T08:39:00.000-05:00

I can not wait to try these!

Ice Fishing

2011-02-06T07:22:00.000-05:00

I once heard a man say, "If God intended for us to fish in the winter, He wouldn't have put a lid on the water." Kinda what I think, but it would be more along the lines of, "If God intended for us to fish in the winter, He wouldn't make the temperatures so cold!" Fortunately for me it was a balmy 30 degrees yesterday, and through the coaxing of my oldest son, Dean, (who has been gone all week, and just wanted some family time) I submitted to going ice fishing. Here's how it went........

Step 1. Make momma happy (We all know the saying :) chair, camera, fire! Dean threw in a bag of Chips Ahoy Heath for extra credit too!

Shovel the snow .....

Make Buttons happy with coat, raccoon, and warm fuzzy blanket.......

Start drilling........

Keep shoveling.........

Keep drilling.........

Keep your bait cold, wet, and breathing.......

Make sure you have a sled to trek everything back and forth to your traps!

Sunglasses are a must!! It was like a bazillion tiny mirrors reflecting in your eyes!

Wait for the flag to pop up! When it does yell FLAG!!!!!! as loud as you can!

David and Asa shoveled and shoveled and shoveled.....

Checking traps and drilling more holes!

Asa realizing I have the camera, which ended her fun for day!

The first catch of the day!

Togue or Lake Trout!

Buttons enjoying her fire!

The one and only way I will go ice fishing!

Buttons warm and cozy!

From the Mitten Maker.....

2011-01-31T18:13:00.000-05:00

Coyote Fur

Bobcat Fur

Coyote Fur

Brisket Results......

2011-01-22T06:20:00.001-05:00

So this is the finished product.

The men that I feed LOVED this! It tasted like warm, tender, melt in your mouth beef jerky! However; I am trying to feed my family a little more healthy these days, and this was a salt over load to say the least! I had Dean taking Scott's blood pressure all night!! Just kidding!

It really is way too salty. I would make this again, but it needs to be tweaked to cut the salt!

I served this with mashed red skin potatoes with fresh raw buttermilk from a farm up the road....

Salad with homemade buttermilk dressing........

Still not right......

2011-01-20T12:24:00.000-05:00

She is still not right. I'm feeling very down and discouraged about it too. She wont let me touch her or hold her. Some of her immediate symptoms are getting better, and I'm very thankful for that!

More of Penne....

2011-01-20T12:21:00.000-05:00

This is slowly becoming her "afternoon" chair......

When my morning work is done, and I grab my cup of coffee to sit and read with........

Here she is, in this very spot! Soaking up all the warmth from the fireplace.......

It's a dogs life!

Brisket.....Texas style!

2011-01-20T12:18:00.000-05:00

Just popped this into the oven.......I'll let y'all know! :)

Get the recipe here!

Lite Lunch

2011-01-19T13:12:00.000-05:00

We had a light lunch today. The kids and I have been eating this alot lately....

Here's the recipe!

*I did omit the mint!

To the freezer....

2011-01-19T09:57:00.000-05:00

10 Mangoes cut and ready to freeze so I can have them on hand to make these!

Francis Chan - Balance Beam

2011-01-18T16:05:00.001-05:00

Hawaiian Papaya

2011-01-18T13:03:00.000-05:00

CC and I were in the supermarket yesterday, scoping out the exotic fruit, when we stumbled upon these......

Hawaiian Papaya

Just scoop out the seeds, peel the skin, and enjoy.......

Tuna Melts

2011-01-18T12:28:00.000-05:00

I loved this quick easy lunch treat! Go here for the recipe.......

I put mine under the broiler.......

Delicious......

In Honor of today.......

2011-01-12T11:50:00.002-05:00

The weather is raging outside today, and though we aren't getting the snow that most are in the state. As of right now (11:55 am) we have a dusting. The wind, however; is howling! I've been leisurely browsing through my list of blogs. I stumbled upon this one ! I love Mary Janes Farm Magazine, and just received my newest issue yesterday. This is one of my favorite blogs. So sit back with your coffee or tea and enjoy this youtube video.

Chicken Stoup

2011-01-12T08:24:00.000-05:00

Well, I've been cooking up a storm here at the farm.

My mother has had knee surgery and has come to stay for awhile.

I've been trying to make some comfort food, so yesterday I made "Chicken Stoup".

It's not soup and it's not stew.

It's both!

Somehow when I start these recipes, I deviate and end up with something totally different.

Here's what I did.....

Chicken Stoup

2 Cans low sodium chicken broth

1 onion diced

~Put these two ingredients into a stock pot and simmer until onions become soft~

In a frying pan, put .....

1 Tbl butter

1/3 Cup orzo

Toast the orzo until golden, then add...

3/4 Cup of brown rice

2 cans of low sodium chicken broth

Simmer until rice is cooked.

(This is Rice A Roni! Homemade! No preservatives! Shhhh don't tell anyone!)

I shredded some left over baked chicken (about 2 chicken breast) and threw that in the Onion/broth pot, then added 2 stocks of chopped celery, and laid about 4 handfuls of fresh snowpeas on the top of everything to steam.

Add your rice mixture, stir, and your done!!

I feel like I was up all night. I had to switch the ice water in the little cooler that stays on her knee every 2 -3 hours. So we're having a fireplace, PJ, coffee, comfort food, napping Netflix, day!!

Baking Day

2011-01-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

I spent the entire morning and part of the afternoon in my kitchen.

It felt sooooooooooo good!

Italian Stew

2 Tbl. olive oil

1 lg onion chopped

5 small cloves of garlic chopped

Saute onions in your stock pot till soft, then add garlic.

Add~

6 cups of chicken stock

1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes

1 zucchini

1 summer squash

1 can of cannili beans

1 Tbl. of Italian seasoning

1 Tbl. of parsley

1 tsp. salt (or to taste)

1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

Simmer till the vegetables are al dente

(You can also add some cooked chicken or spicy sausage to this to get more protein, and give it a little kick!)

Serve with.............

Pioneer Woman's Herbed Rolls

I didn't have any fresh rosemary around, so I improvised and used my Italian seasoning instead.

I also used this recipe for the bread (no sugar).

It made two cast iron skillet pans of rolls and three loaves of bread.

We had these rolls with dinner.................

Fresh country pork spare ribs, right from our own farm.

A garden salad, and zucchini and summer squash, with iced tea!

I also made homemade whole wheat English muffins, they were so easy and quick. Next time I need to double the recipe!

The Afters - Light Up The Sky - Official Video

2011-01-09T19:17:00.001-05:00

Beckah Shae - Scripture Snack - Soundmind

2011-01-09T19:06:00.001-05:00

Make sure you watch these all the way to the end! They're great!!

Beckah Shae - Scripture Snack - Desire

2011-01-09T19:00:00.000-05:00

Feeling Better....

2011-01-09T18:39:00.000-05:00

Well, we are slowly coming back to the land of the living. We have had a really lazy weekend at the farm, and I mean really lazy. We've had a steady diet of Netflix, and blog surfing.

I've been cleaning a lot and doing lots of laundry! I'm really looking forward to getting back into some cooking (along with the rest of my family) and some sewing! Mitten season isn't over yet!

Son #3 is slowly recovering from some sort of virus that has had him in bed for 7 days!!! Nights are the worst for him right now, but each night is slowly getting better.

My little Buttons is recovering as well, from a rotted tooth, that made her incredibly sick. She isn't herself yet, but I'm hoping by tomorrow she will be back to her happy puppy self!

Down time.....

2011-01-05T09:35:00.000-05:00

Here at the farm we are experiencing some down time.

Boy number three has a very nasty stomach flu, and my stomach has been queezy for

two days.

Boy number two is recovering from a sore throat and head cold........

Boy number one is coming down with a head cold, body aches, etc.........

DSL arrived yesterday!

Just in time.....

I'm heading back to bed with the laptop and my Netflix acct.........

An Experiment....

2011-01-03T06:27:00.000-05:00

I've been experimenting with taking videos with my Blackberry, then trying to upload them to my computer, then seeing if I can upload them to my blog........

So, here goes.....

I give you......."Fancy's Walk" :)

Susan Branch

2011-01-02T07:25:00.000-05:00

I was surfing all day yesterday (The Internet, that is!). Mainly because everyone was sleeping after being awake for 24 hours! I spent most of the day with my pony. We went for our two mile walk, built a snowman, and cleaned out her stall. Yes, Fancy even helped with the snowman! Every time I rolled the snow into place she would rub her head all over it shaping it for me :)

So back to my surfing!

I love Susan Branch! While I was on her site I found these !!!

I have all kinds of wallpapers for my desktop to go with the seasons and months to come! Not to

mention the stationary at the bottom of the page!

Thank you Susan!

Now for some cute pictures of my day yesterday..........

(Keep in mind I was terribly bored!)

Before the apple flavored horse treat eyes....

She can smell them but can't find them....

BUT she's a smart pony......

Working on the nose.........

Warming up!!

2011-01-01T09:29:00.000-05:00

(Me and my shadow)

Miss Fancy and I took full advantage of the beautiful day yesterday, and headed out of the paddock! We took a two mile walk down the road and back. She loved every minute of it, as did I! We are gearing up to go today too. She's out there right now pacing back and forth back and forth wondering where I am.

(Our kind of winter day!)

This is our kind of winter day. All I need to do now is locate the state where the temp's are like these during the winter months, and MOVE!!! :)

Shhhhhhhhhhhh.............

2011-01-01T08:50:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

It's 2011 and I am looking forward to the new year.

No reason in particular, just a fresh new year ahead, and I love beginnings!

Everyone here on 4 Arrows Farm has had quite an evening. Everyone, that is, except moi....

Our church had a New Years Lock In ( 6pm to6am) and hubby and the kids all attended, they are all asleep now and will be most of the day. They aren't doing so well right at the moment. Let's just say dry toast and ginger ale is on the menu for today.

7 a.m. Guinea wake up call....

Its suppose to be 48 today!! Woot woot...

Looks like another two mile walk with my Fancy pony....

Oh what fun it is to ride..............

2010-12-30T07:36:00.000-05:00

I am super excited about my Christmas gift from my husband!

He bought me all the tack to harness up my little mini for her cart!

I can't wait! I am currently getting her used to the bit and me being behind her instead of beside her. Hopefully by spring we will be ready to try the cart. I have all kinds of wonderful things planned for her and I.

Cart trips to get the mail.......

Parades.........

Maybe, a new sleigh for winter time.......

She is young and FULL of energy!! She loves to be busy doing something and a cart with interchangeable skis and wheels would allow her to pull all year round.

Most importantly, allow us to work TOGETHER year round!!

I love my Fancy!

Christmas.....

2010-12-29T07:44:00.000-05:00

Our Christmas is over and was relaxed and enjoyable.....

We spent Christmas Eve afternoon with Scott's side of the family, and then my Mom joined

us in the evening to spend the night and enjoy some snacks!

The evening started out relaxing....we enjoyed some finger foods....talked....enjoyed the fire.

The next thing I knew, it was Christmas Eve, everything was opened, the kids were smiles from ear to ear, and I was thrown into the techno abyss.........

David an MP3.......(He didn't need any help with his!)

Acelia an iPod Touch.........(Fairly easy to set up....but needed an hour to get familiar with it!)

Dean a HP Laptop........(He set most of it up on his own, but wanted help getting the mouse unlocked!)

T.J. an electric drum set! Music to my ears....I'M NOT KIDDING EITHER!

I love listening to him......he needed no help with these.....he's a natural!

Breakfast for dinner.....

2010-12-20T17:29:00.001-05:00

Pumpkin waffles and sausage from our farm....

A True CHRISTmas Song....

2010-12-18T13:51:00.001-05:00

Quality Time

2010-12-18T13:29:00.000-05:00

You know what I love?................................

I love my husband..........

I love when the alarm goes off at 5:00 a.m. in the morning..............

I love when the coffee starts to brew, and the smell rises up to my bedroom........

I love when my husband leans over and says,"Wanna get a thermos of coffee and go for a ride with me?"

Just us................and princess Buttons................of course!

Just hubby, princess Buttons, me, and a long snowy dirt road.............

With cross roads everywhere............

.....and trees all decorated for the season.....

.........beautifully decorated with ornaments not made by man.............

You have to get up early to see them............

....run and slide.....run and slide......brought to you by Mr. Otter

(You have to get up REALLY early if you want to meet him)

All snug and warm for the winter.......

.....natures music.....

pretty cool......

VERY cool.....downright COLD!!

~Princess Buttons~

Thanks Hubby for the quality time!

Husbands Handiwork

2010-12-18T13:08:00.000-05:00

Orange Mexican Wedding Cookies

2010-12-17T19:22:00.000-05:00

2 cups unsalted butter, softened

2/3 cup firmly packed confectioners sugar

3 Tbl orange zest

4 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

Confectioners' sugar

In a medium bowl combine butter and confectioners' sugar. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy, about 2 min. Add orange zest, beating until combined. Add flour and salt, beating to combine well. Wrap dough in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until set, but not browned. Let cool on pans for 5 minutes. Roll in confectioners' sugar. After cookies have cooled completely, roll in confectioners' sugar a second time.

~ Light and delicious~

December Sunset

2010-12-17T19:08:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday!

2010-12-15T12:25:00.000-05:00

A New 4 Arrows Photographer?

2010-12-14T18:29:00.000-05:00

.....Yes, I think so...........

Hidden Camera

2010-12-10T13:52:00.000-05:00

It is extremely difficult to get a photo of Asa using the Nikon.

She will tolerate my cell phone camera though.....

When she caught me snapping these from the deck, she was outta here!!

Winter riding with David and Zip

2010-12-10T13:46:00.000-05:00

Dashing through the snow...

2010-12-10T13:36:00.000-05:00

Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins

2010-12-10T13:21:00.000-05:00

These tasted like they came right from a bakery! Head over to Heritage Schoolhouse and click the highlighted link there!

Garlic and Lemon Shrimp over pasta

2010-12-08T09:45:00.000-05:00

I strayed so far from this recipe it wasn't even funny!

2lbs. of cooked shrimp

4 Tbl butter

1/4 cup olive oil

2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 cup white wine

1 can chicken broth

Melt 2 Tbl. of the butter in a large skillet, add the olive oil and garlic. Let the garlic simmer on low heat for 2-3 min. Then add the wine and turn up the heat to medium and reduce the liquid by half.
Add the can of chicken broth and continue to reduce the liquid by half again.
Add the 2 Tbl of butter and let melt into the sauce
Turn off the heat and add the cooked shrimp.

Serve over cooked pasta, yummy!

The Look!

2010-12-08T09:35:00.000-05:00

Here it comes..................

......the "I'm ready for my nightly treat" look!

Meringue Swirls

2010-12-08T09:19:00.000-05:00

3 large egg whites, at room temp

pinch of salt

1/4 tsp cream of tartar

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Coarse sugar crystals and/or silver nonpareils, for sprinkling

Preheat the oven to 250. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Beat the egg whites and salt in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until frothy (use whisk attachment if using a stand mixer.) Add the cream of tartar; increase the speed to medium high and add the sugar,1 Tbl at a time. Add the vanilla extract and continue beating until the sugar is dissolved and the meringue is thick, glossy and forms stiff peaks, about 6 min.
Fit a piping bag with a large star tip. Fill the the bag with the meringue and pipe spirals on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle with the coarse sugar.
Bake 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the meringues stand in the oven until dry, about 2 hours. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

I did a few things different from this recipe! I did not cook these for an hour. They only cooked for 15-20 min. You need to touch these and see if they are dry, otherwise they start to turn brown, and they will not have that white, pretty look to them. I also took them right out and let them cool on my counter, and they were fine. :)

Cappuccino Pinwheels

2010-12-08T09:03:00.000-05:00

3 cups unsalted butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 lg egg yolks

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 Tbl. light corn syrup

4 cups flour

2 Tbl. coffee-flavored liqueur

2 Tbl espresso beans finely ground

2/3 cup finely chopped semisweet chocolate

3/4 cup raw sugar (optional)

Beat the butter in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until pale and thick, about 5 min. Whisk the egg yolks, vanilla and corn syrup in a bowl, then add to the butter mixture and beat until fluffy, about 2 min. Turn off the mixer and add the flour; pulse turning the mixer on and off until just combined. Transfer half of the dough ( about 2 packed cups) to a sheet of parchment paper.
Mix the coffee liqueur and espresso in a small bowl, then add to the remaining dough in the mixer along with the chocolate, pulsing until combined. Transfer the chocolate dough to another sheet of parchment paper. Pat each portion of dough into a 10 X 6 inch rectangle and cover with another sheet of parchment paper. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
Roll out each portion of dough between the parchment sheets into a 12 X 8 inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Peel off the top parchment sheets and carefully invert the lighter dough to press it together. Refrigerate until firm, at least 30 min.
Roll over the dough a few more times to make it slightly thinner, then peel off the top sheet of parchment paper and trim the dough into an even rectangle. Position the dough with a long side facing you and roll it away from you into a tight spiral, using the parchment paper to help. (The dough should be just soft enough to roll; chill or let stand at room temp as needed.) Wrap the log with the parchment paper and freeze until firm, at least 1 hour. (The dough will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.)
Pre heat the oven to 325. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the log of dough into 1/4 inch thick rounds place about 11 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with the raw sugar, if desired. Bake until the cookies are firm and lightly browned, 15 to 20 min. Let cool 2 min. on the baking sheets, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Double Chocolate Crackles

2010-12-07T12:21:00.000-05:00

1 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup cocoa power

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

6 Tbl unsalted butter melted

2 large eggs lightly beaten

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

1 cup confectioners sugar

Whisk the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk in the melted butter and eggs until combined, then stir in the white chocolate chips. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until firm, about 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Put the confectioners sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll tablespoonfuls of the dough into balls, then roll in the confectioners sugar until well coated. Place 1 inch apart on the baking sheets.
Bake until the cookies are puffed and the tops are cracked, about 10 minutes. Let cool 2 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

Mexican Chocolate Shortbread

2010-12-07T12:08:00.002-05:00

12 Tbl unsalted butter, softened, plus more for the pan

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3 Tbl. cocoa powder

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. salt

Pinch of cayenne pepper

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 Tbl. raw sugar

Preheat the oven to 350. Butter a 9 inch square metal baking pan, then line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all 4 sides. Pulse the flour, almonds, cocoa powder, cinnamon, salt and cayenne, if using, in a food processor until the almonds are finely ground.
Beat the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add the flour mixture and beat until just combined (the dough will be crumbly). Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan (you can cover the dough with plastic wrap and use the bottom of a measuring cup to even it out).
Prick the dough all over with a fork, then use a sharp knife to cut it into 18 strips. Top with almonds, lightly pressing them in. Sprinkle with the raw sugar. Refrigerate until the dough is firm, about 10 minutes.
Bake until the shortbread is slightly puffed and firm, 30-35 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately retrace the strips with a knife; cool completely in the pan on a rack. Lift up the parchment paper to remove the shortbread from the pan, then separate into bars. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

More "Snowy" Music

2010-12-06T08:49:00.002-05:00

Snow Day!

2010-12-06T08:47:00.001-05:00

SNOW!

2010-12-06T07:50:00.000-05:00

6" fell Friday night, and it's coming down at a pretty good clip right now!

Looks like Macy is trying to make snow angels :)

Snow-Capped Macaroons

2010-12-03T09:56:00.000-05:00

For The Cookies....

2 lg. egg whites

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup sliced almonds (crushed)

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. salt

3 cups sweetened shredded coconut

For the glaze

6 oz. semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

3 tbl. light corn syrup

1 tbl. unsalted butter

Coarse sugar crystals, for decorating

1. Make the cookies: Preheat the oven to 325. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly beat the egg whites in a medium bowl until frothy, then stir in the granulated sugar, almonds, vanilla and salt. Fold in the coconut.

2. Drop tablespoonfuls of the batter 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Dampen your hands and form into tall pointed mounds. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the macaroons look dry, 15 min to 20 min. Let cool 10 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

3. Make the glaze: Put the chocolate, corn syrup , butter and 3 Tbl. hot water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave until melted, about 2 minutes. Whisk until smooth.

4. Dip the tip of each macaroon about halfway into the glaze, then place on a clean parchment paper lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, then refrigerate until the glaze sets, about and hour. Store in airtight container up to 1 week.

Makes 36 macaroons!

Decorating the tree pt 2.............

2010-12-03T09:39:00.000-05:00

More decorations...........

Pretty............now for some charades.........

I thought A.C. was being herself............but she was being a jockey!!

I get this look every night around 8.......looking for her nightly snack....

.....and all through the house
not a creature was stirring
not even a mouse.........
Goodnight! :)

Decorating the tree........

2010-12-03T09:29:00.001-05:00

Dean and David went down back yesterday afternoon
and chopped this beauty down...

It was a little on the tall side........

They cut it down to size......

Buttons was totally bored with the whole process.....

We ate these yummy treats while we decorated.....

I cooked the treats and the rest of the crew decorated the tree........

A Warm Blanket

2010-12-03T09:19:00.001-05:00

She is so precious!

CC and her Honey!

2010-12-01T08:08:00.000-05:00

She loves riding in the snow!

Gunineas

2010-12-01T08:05:00.002-05:00

Our guineas are doing great! I enjoy having them on the farm!

Fancy

2010-12-01T08:04:00.000-05:00

She has captured my heart! :)

In Bloom

2010-11-30T06:46:00.002-05:00

Salisbury Steak With Mushrooms

2010-11-30T06:45:00.000-05:00

1 lb of ground beef

1 lg egg beaten

1/4 onion chopped (about 1/2 a cup)

7 saltine crackers finely crushed

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

3 Tbl of unsalted butter

8 oz. of sliced mushrooms

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

3 Tbl flour

Buttered egg noodles, for serving (optional)

1. Gently mix the beef, egg, onion, cracker crumbs, sage, 1/2 tsp. salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl using your hands. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into oval patties, about 1/2 inch thick.

2. Heat 1 Tbl butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Brown the patties, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to plate.

3. Add 1 Tbl butter to the skillet and cook the mushrooms until slightly browned, about 2 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste, scraping up any browned bits. Sprinkle in the flour and stir, then stir in 2 1/2 cups hot water and simmer until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2 minutes. Add the remaining 1 Tbl butter swirling to combine.

4.Return the patties and any juices from the plate to the skillet simmer until the sauce thickens and the patties are cooked through, about 2 minutes.

Have your daughter make peanut butter cookies for dessert! :)

Craft Fair Find

2010-11-30T06:29:00.000-05:00

I saw this throw at the table next to me and I couldnt resist it! It reminds me of my favorite magazine "Mary Jane Farms" Perfect for my little farmhouse!

2010-11-29T08:08:00.000-05:00

This little one hit the window this fall..............

Poor little one...............

If he only knew..................

(He did recover and fly away :)

Our horses thank you!

2010-11-29T08:04:00.000-05:00

1 down! Four million to go!!!
Thanks T.J.!!

Italian Muffuletta

2010-11-29T07:59:00.000-05:00

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 tsp dried oregano

1/3 cup olive oil

10 or more kalamata olives chopped

1/3 cup green olives chopped

1/4 cup roasted red bell peppers chopped

1 lb round bread loaf

4 oz. thinly sliced ham

4 oz. thinly sliced mortadella

4 oz. thinly sliced salami

4 oz. thinly sliced provolone cheese

1/2 red onion thinly sliced

1 1/2 oz arugula leaves

First things first! In a med. sized bowl mix

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 garlic cloves chopped

1 teas. dried oregano

1/3 cup olive oil

10 lg pitted kalamata olives chopped

Next.....start with a nice round bread loaf

(about 7" in diameter)

Cut the top of the loaf off and

hollow out the bottom and sides of the loaf

Spread some of the vinaigrette in the bread bottom

and around the sides of the loaf.

Layer the meats and cheese in the bottom half and top with onion then the arugula...

Pack it full! Spread some of the vinaigrette on the cut side of the bread top then replace the bread top! Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate! Cut sandwich into wedges and serve!!

She's in love....

2010-11-29T07:25:00.000-05:00

Penne

2010-11-29T07:19:00.000-05:00

Don't let her fool you...........

She only "appears" to be sleeping................

She actually has her game on...........

at all times........

from this.................

to this.............in a flash!!

Something Beautiful By The Newsboys

2010-10-04T06:58:00.001-04:00

4 Arrows Farm Sunset

2010-10-04T06:17:00.000-04:00

Photo by A.C.

Photo By A.C.

The Nest!

2010-10-04T06:12:00.000-04:00

Game Camera Photos!!

2010-10-04T06:08:00.000-04:00

I believe ~ Third Day

2010-10-03T08:45:00.000-04:00

Am I crazy?

2010-09-13T07:57:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I feel crazy, but not because,I am a stay at home mom of 4 children ranging in age from 11 to 17. I don't feel crazy because I homeschool all of them. I don't feel crazy because I am home almost all day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. I don't feel crazy because we do not take a family vacation. I feel crazy because I love staying home!! I love my home! I don't want to get away from it all! When I feel as though I do want to get away, I don't want to GO away. I want to sit on my front porch and enjoy the view, sip ice tea, and talk with my family........

I am realizing it doesn't take much to make me happy...........a wooden fence for my miniature horse, fresh eggs, fresh bacon, a fire, my fleece sheets........Any one of these alone or combination of them, fills my heart with joy....................

I have thought about this all weekend............

Then it came to me......................I live a contented life! Sure we have our crazy weeks, and become discontented from time to time. Those "discontented times" tend to be rare for me, though they do happen. At the end of those crazy weeks, I want to stay home, lock myself inside, and just enjoy my family, my friends. and my home.

The secret to my contented life? My relationship with Jesus...........I know all that I have in my life comes from my Father. I can have peace within and joy knowing it all comes from him...........

Thank you Father...........

I am a content woman..........