What I have learned after one year of raising backyard chickens...

It has officially been one year since we brought home our fluffy, little cheeping chicks and it has been a wonderful and especially educational journey. The educational part has been the most fun! So here are a few things I have learned:

#1 Backyard-raised chicken eggs really are SO much better! They are lighter, fluffier and way tastier. I love sharing them with family and friends and, I am afraid, I have been ruined forever as store bought eggs just aren't good enough anymore!

#2 Chickens really do have personalities! It has been so much fun watching each of them grow and develop and their personalities have done just that as well. I have a sweet little "songbird" -- she sings and chirps especially when she hears the sliding glass door open. She is super social and we have many conversations (crazy chicken lady, I know). Then I have a very bossy and very sassy one (wonder where she got that) and she LOVES, LOVES, LOVES worms and dances like crazy until I open the door and she literally rushes to the cup before I can get my hand in. And last but certainly not least I have the "middle child" as I call her. She is sweet, quiet and friendly. She gets along with the other two and never causes a ruckus.

Picture of my "song bird"

#3 Some things don't always go as planned! This came into light when Lucky Tucky started to crow one morning, despite the guy at the feed store "sexing" them. So, sadly, she was a he and we had to re-home him (Mason is still not over that)! And this does happen a lot!

Lucky Tucky on the far left

#4 The pecking order definitely exists! So that sassy, bossy girl I have, well she has a mean streak as well! As it has been winter and cold, I haven't really been out or interacting with the chickens more than my morning and nighttime checks. Until one day I was out back and heard a terrible fight occurring! I ran over and noticed that my little songbird was struggling. By struggling, I mean her comb (the red piece on her head and under her beak) had become a grayish color. I crawled into the coop, picked her up, looked her over and there weren't any scrapes or blood so I put her down and picked up the other two and they were way heavier than she was. I put the pieces together and figured out that "bossy pants" attacks my songbird every time she would try and get to the feeder and waterer -- songbird was essentially starving to death! Oh my heart almost broke (I can just see my hubby's eyes rolling at that comment -- does crazy chicken lady sound familiar?). Anyway, I jumped into action and set up a separate waterer and feeder in the hen house and my songbird bounced back almost immediately and is even laying again!      

#5 Do your research!  I did a lot of research before getting our chicks and continue to read up on raising backyard chickens. I am constantly learning new things! That research has helped me out tremendously in many situations like knowing that a gray comb was not good or what to do when one of my chick's crop was almost impacted! Nothing makes me (or Hannah) cringe more when we are at the feed store and people are going gaga over the sweet, downy innocent babies and say "what the heck!" and buy them without knowing how to care for them. I know it sounds bratty of me but, from what I have experienced and read, baby chicks have specific needs right off the bat! I fear for those little ones! 

(I highly recommend reading "My Pet Chicken Handbook"  by Lisa Lucas and Traci Torres)

#6 They are worth the time (and patience and all the worry)! Once you get everything all set and figured out, they are so worth it! They really are easy to raise and they have instilled more responsibility and dedication in my kiddos!   

Having backyard chickens has been a fantastic journey and look we forward to more delicious eggs and maybe even some more chicks!

HelloFresh: in my opinion...

There is no need to be reminded of the hustle and bustle of every day life and finding the time to meal plan and shop doesn't happen successfully in my house and to top it all off we are all finicky eaters. And to mention I loathe shopping -- of any kind. So my hubby suggested trying "one of those meal delivery services".

After much research online comparing the many companies, we settled on HelloFresh. The major deciding factor was the price. So I placed my first order using a promotional code for a discount and selected the family meal plan at three meals a week.

(PSA: I was not paid to give my opinion or swayed in any way)

We have had nine meals so far and I am in love!! As my hubby put it "we haven't had a bad one yet". Now there are always pros and cons so I am happy to spell out what we have experienced. I'll start with the pros:

• Fantastic, creative and unique recipes -- a great variety of proteins, veggies etc.
• Easy to follow recipes with added "start strong" advice that gives tips prior to cooking 
• Quality meats and produce
• "Earth-friendly" packaging and products (https://www.hellofresh.com/recycling/)
• My kiddos have been excited to help cook and the recipes even note when it's a great time for them to jump in
• I think we have saved roughly $150 a week, if not more, on not eating out (I did mention I hate shopping, right?)
• Makes for great leftovers (saving us even more money and provides healthier lunches too)
• They are on it!! When comments or issues are brought up on their Facebook page they are quick to respond and offer suggestions, refunds and/or discounts to rectify the situation.

This one is a pro for me but could be a con for others:

You cannot specifically select the meals that you will receive for the week AND I LOVE THAT!! We are never all on the same page on what we want or where to eat for dinner, which leads to someone compromising and ultimately not happy. But this way, it's like a weekly culinary adventure -- even when I pick up the kiddos from school they excitedly ask what we are having for dinner.

Ok, so now onto the cons:

• The timing on some of the recipes is not really accurate -- taking longer than stated etc.
• High altitude: a suggestion to HelloFresh would be to add high altitude recommendations on the recipes as that truly does affect the timing (living at 5280', I must think through the timing of some of the recipes)

And that's it on the cons. 

So all that being said, I feel it's important to share a good thing when I find it and ordering HelloFresh has been a fun and appetizing adventure and I hope it continues to be!

Here is their link: https://www.hellofresh.com/tasty/

Upon request...

Well it has been months and months since my last post and it has been crazy! I am feeling deja vu as my last post was about wanting summer and here it is March and I am wanting at least Spring! But it'll come in due time and soon enough I'll be jonesing for sledding, hot cocoa and Christmas carols.

Life as we all know it is insanely busy and we live by no exception. Since my last post we transitioned the chicks into their coop which went wildly well, gathered lots of yummy eggs, we adopted another dog (like I said insane), successfully canned pickles, green beans, asparagus and peaches, I got a new job, we enjoyed the holidays and we just plane survived on our little funny farm.

An even crazier thing is that it has been over four years since my first blog post and my little girl is not so little anymore. Just the other day she requested I stop posting pictures and blogging about her as she is "searchable on the internet". And she is soooooooo right!!! So upon request I will no longer blog or post pictures about mu kiddos -- unless permission is granted by them.

But my blogging won't end here as it has been and is my outlet -- through leaving the States, seeing the world and adjusting back to reality, it has been my friend and ironically I have gained friends from blogging. Not sure how often it'll be read but hey, it's all mine.

I have many, many ideas, hopes and dreams and I hope to share them. Until next time!....

Sadness on the farm; goats, ducks, bunnies, peacocks and, most importatly, moving on up...

Last Sunday, I got up early and went to Target (best to time to shop as it's always quiet) and when I returned home Mike and Hannah said with sadness in their eyes, "Lucky Tucky isn't a she but is a HE". "Oh no!!" This is devastating news because in our city, and in most, roosters are not allowed and for obvious reasons and this reason is how she was discovered to be a he -- I guess while I was shopping Lucky Tucky took to the stage (his roosting bar) and tried his little heart out and ungracefully crowed.

Now I have done a lot of research on raising chickens and even the most prepared and veteran chicken aficionados have had this unexpected surprise. It happens very often as it is very hard to determine the sex of chicks and we were no exception. "What are we going to do?". Unfortunately, Lucky Tucky must be rehomed.  

After a lot of searching and a lot of dead-ends, I feared that there was no place to rehome Lucky Tucky until I came across Wardle Feed and Pet Supply. Wardle Feed and Pet Supply is the oldest remaining feed store in Denver, family-owned and operated since 1938 (http://wardlefeed.com/) and they take roosters!! HALLULUJAH!! I was so relieved!

My relief was met with the sickening reality of telling my little Mason that his favorite little Lucky Tucky has to go away -- forever (visions of our old lab, Honey, swirled in my head). Mason took it pretty ok. I guess it's hard to argue with "it's against the law".

I was bound and determined to really enjoy Lucky Tucky's last few days with us; every morning this week, I'd sit on the chair in my family room and watch him take his stage and proudly crow. So cute! He got better every day and it was so entertaining! And I made sure to spoil him with extra meal worms, too.

Saturday came and it was time to let him go. We loaded up Lucky Tucky and headed to Wardle Feed, which is only 13 minutes drive away. It was the LONGEST 13 minutes EVER. From his little box, Lucky Tucky crowed and squawked and squeaked, as if he knew and Mason just cried. We finally got to the feed store and it was AWESOME -- a quant, little farm and feed store tucked into an unsuspecting, suburban, neighborhood.    

A lady greeted us and we told her why we were there and she said "one moment". While she was gone we looked around. There was a neat room full of baby chicks, all sorts of feed and accessories for every type of animal and even freshly jarred honey. This is perfect -- Lucky Tucky's new home.

She came back and told us to follow her. We went outside and to the back and there were all sorts of cages full of all sorts of happy animals. There were ducks, turkeys, even a peacock and of course some goats. It was fantastically cool! We came to Lucky's new cage and Mason said goodbye and gave him a hug. I placed Lucky into his cage Mason stood there crying and as I closed the cage door Mason reached his little finger in and said one more goodbye! RIP MY HEART OUT PLEASE! 

Well Lucky Tucky wasn't phased at all. He started eating and drinking immediately and walked around curiously inspecting his new place -- he was going to be ok!! PHEW!

While at this cool feed store, there was a chicken swap going on. This is where people bring their hand-raised animals to sell or swap. We took advantage of this gathering and walked around. There were chicks, chickens, roosters, bunnies, ducks and more peacocks (who knew?). It was fun and lessened the sadness of saying goodbye to our little rooster!

Our week was not all sad, in fact it was tremendous. This week Hannah and Mason successfully completed 4th and 1st grade, both with honors and Hannah had 100% attendance!! We are so proud of them and their efforts. They are so excited to move on up to 5th and 2nd grade but especially excited for summer break!

I am looking forward to summer as well. Finally had some nice weather as of yesterday!! Now we can really finish the chicken coop!! Can't wait to watch the chicks explore their new home!!

 
 

 

 Goodbye, Lucky Tucky!

 Look at that hairdo!!

 

 

 

Horsing around, five little monkeys and there's a first time for everything...

Life has been great on the Gines funny farm and crazier than ever. The last two weeks have seemed to kick us into an even higher gear with school coming to a close with awards and celebrations and gymnastics competitions building us up to State.

It hasn't all been "business" though. We have definitely been horsing around, as well. Our fun-loving family got together to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. And we all went full out -- including hats, dresses, food, drinks and horses. Yes, horses. Inspired by the Melbourne Cup party I attended in Indonesia (miss you Aussie ladies), we decorated horses and participated in a horse race. Two winners from each race faced off in the championship race and the winner was Mason! It was a blast -- that and Mike wore a dress in festive spirit -- too fun!!      

This last week I also had a chance to chaperon Mason's class to the Denver Zoo. Managing five little monkeys in a crowded zoo with a thousand other schools was a little overwhelming at times but those little kiddos were great and seeing and hearing their excitement over the animals made it worth every second!! It was special too, as I was standing looking at the kangaroos, I realized how many animals I have been able to hold and see in real life throughout Asia and Australia and how blessed we are to have had that experience.

Hannah's gymnastics competitions continue on and she continues to humbly grow, develop skills and learn. This last weekend was her home gym meet and she was most excited for this one as she stated "I know the gym and the equipment". That proved to be true and she nailed three of her four events, getting 1st place on those three events and achieving 3rd place overall. She was ecstatic! We are so proud of her but not just for the placements but for her determination and passion.

Speaking of firsts. It has been a long time since we have gone camping and Mason has never slept in a tent (I know, I know, poor kiddo). So while Hannah was at a slumber party Mike dusted off his old hunting tent and made camp in our backyard! All three of us and Kiesel (our lab) snuggled in for the night. I was an adjustment but Mason beamed all weekend long and he can't wait to go real camping!!!

We are sooooo looking forward to summer -- BBQs, boating, camping, hiking and swimming. And I am really looking forward to some warm, nice weather as it continues to rain and be dreary! Soon enough it will happen!!

 

He got exactly what he asked for, among the dinosaurs and did I mention spring?…

We have successfully accomplished (survived) another two great weeks! The weeks have gone by as fast as most do but this time we were prepping for hosting a special guest!! Our special guest is (another) dear friend from Indonesia. He is a native Indonesian and he has had the amazing opportunity to attend school in Florida for Hospitality Management. We were so excited to see him and he was equally excited to see us and especially the notorious Rocky Mountains.

His flight was scheduled for a 2:00 am arrival so Mike slept a little and I woke him up to head to the airport. Apparently while on the flight our friend was mentioning to another passenger how he wanted to see snow. He has never seen snow and well, he got exactly what he asked for. In fact a low grade blizzard was on it's way and just for him, it seemed!

He and Mike arrived home safely and went straight to bed. The next morning I came downstairs to see him sitting in front of our large picture window and was showing his wife (via Facetime) the fluffy white goodness -- I couldn't help but smile and I was thankful for the storm.

That day we braved the snow and drove up one of the many canyon roads and he got to see the jagged hillsides of the Rocky Mountains with gorgeous pine trees covered in snow. We then drove to the very famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre:

Red Rocks is a geologically formed, open-air Amphitheatre that is not duplicated anywhere in the world. With Mother Nature as the architect, the design of the Amphitheatre consists of two, three hundred-foot monoliths (Ship Rock and Creation Rock) that provide acoustic perfection for any performance. The dramatic sandstone monoliths serve as a history book of animal and plant life in the area for the past 250 million years. As spectators gaze at the towering red sandstone rocks, they view the ancient tales of prehistoric times. 

If you think of Red Rocks Park as just a beautiful place to see a concert, think again! Around you are 868 acres of deer, dinosaurs, pines and prairie, geological wonders and spectacular vistas. At 6,450 feet above sea level, Red Rocks Park is a unique transitional zone where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. The diverse environment allows visitors to see plants, birds and animals of both regions.  

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a geological phenomenon – the only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world. From Sting and The Beatles, to opera stars and U2, every artist aspires to play on this magical, spiritual and emotional stage (http://redrocksonline.com/about/history-geology).     

Red Rocks is an amazing playground for every outdoor enthusiast and is particularly stunning blanketed in snow -- we all enjoyed the (cold) impressive view!

The rest of the weekend we played in the snow, ate until our bellies were full and our friend, peacefully, fell asleep beside our crackling fireplace. It was wonderful to see him and I got choked up when it was time to say goodbye -- ugh, I hate goodbyes! But he was ready to go home as he is closer now to seeing his family back in Indonesia and I think, I hope, he has some wonderful stories to tell!

After we said our goodbyes another busy week ensued. Hannah had another gymnastics competition where her beam routine was her strongest event and, again, she did very well but is humbly learning the competition ropes. Mike, Mason and I were able to attend the Boy Scouts Scout Show where all the Colorado packs come together to share, learn and showcase each packs' individuality and what scouting is and can be!

I know I mentioned spring -- the birds chirping and flowers budding but the snow is hanging on and the temperatures are low and cold (making me miss the warm Bali beaches that we once frequented). But life on the on the farm must go on and soon enough I will be yearning for cooler weather. Speaking of farm, our little chicks are thriving and continue to grow bigger and bigger!! They are living up to their sassy sister nickname. They certainly have encouraged some responsibility and accountability, especially in Hannah. Can't wait to get our first eggs!!

Tunnel to the top of Red Rocks:

View from the top of the amphitheatre: 

The amphitheatre in the summer: 

http://redrocksonline.com/about/history-geology

The Sassy Sisters and my heart just melted...

This last week has been fun on our little farm. The snow from the blizzard has thawed and bulbs are sprouting and birds are starting to sing -- ah spring!!!

As the newbie (prissy) chick mom, I have learned even more this week. Our little chicks are not that little anymore. They are still tiny but have grown tremendously from the little cheeping. fuzzy, fluff balls that they once were, just last week. In addition to growing, their personalities have bloomed as well and I have dubbed them the Sassy Sisters. They are each developing their own attitudes and they are ADORABLE! The Sassy Sisters have also learned to jump out of their baby pool and when they get caught they jump back in and act as if nothing happened -- hence the Sassy Sisters idiom. And, as of late last night, they now have a wire wall of protection until their coop is ready!

We have also had some pretty cool educational experiences and celebrations this week. Both Hannah and Mason were featured in the school's art show (an attribute definitely not inherited from me). Hannah's piece was a castle designed out of metal and Mason's was a creative portrait (which I wonder if my morning bedhead inspired?). Their art and the art show in all was inspiring and super impressive. Absolutely a talented bunch of kiddos.

Another educational experience was one I got to see first hand and that was volunteering with Hannah's class at Young Ameritowne:

Young AmeriTowne is an award-winning educational program offered to 4th and 5th grade teachers to help teach students about business, economics and free enterprise in a fun and hands-on way. https://yacenter.org/young-ameritowne/

Young Ameritowne is a mock-town that is comprised of a Towne Hall, bank, newspaper, auto body shop, a college, medical center and grocery store, just to name a few. Each student leading up to going to Young Ameritowne must apply and interview for a job of their choice throughout town. After their interviews they were assigned their roles. Hannah was assigned the Towne Hall accountant (even though she really wanted to be the town judge). To say the least the little townsfolk ran the town very smoothly, all the while, contributing to the economy and balancing their checkbooks. It was a really neat experience to be a part of.  

The workweek quickly concluded and Saturday was upon us, Hannah's first gymnastics competition. I was in utter shock in the morning when she said "I am not even nervous!" -- I was TOTALLY nervous!!! That little girl was beaming from excitement and wore a smile from ear to ear the entire time! My heart just melted -- what a grounded, connected and balanced little person she has become! She did fantastic on every event and placed very well considering there was another gym there that was really, really good!!

That same day Mason had the district race for the Pinewood Derby for Boy Scouts. Mike said it went ok but those top cars are designed to go really, really fast!! It was an experience for him and, nonetheless, I am proud that Mason was the one who made and designed his car himself and sat alongside Mike when he needed help. Definitely the point!

It has been a great and fun-filled week full of blessings! The upcoming week is proving to be just that as we are thrilled to be hosting another dear friend from Indonesia. And he's never seen snow -- this is going to be good!!