and school will be out for Summer! I can hardly wait. This last week has been interesting. I have a thousand loose ends to tie. I suspect that I will spend some time working out everything the summer. I have big plans for my classes for next year. I think the only way it will all work-out is to plan, plan, plan!
My Mother-In-Law lectured me about adding chicken pictures and not pictures of the kids. I am going to "try" and get some good shots of the kids this weekend. I am going to shop for them a few outfits for the beach that will make lovely pictures. We are very excited about our trip to the beach. I wanted to give a thank you to our friend Kimberly B. who's condo we are staying in. We have rented from her for years and love renting from a hometown person. Her website it www.kimberlyscondos.com check her out if you are planning to head to the coast some time.
The kids are exceptional. This weekend we are starting a new reward/chore/behavior system! Notice the order I put them in:) I have awesome kids. For the most part they are well-behaved and well-mannered. We do have some issues with Sawyer and his temper, but for the most part they are good. however, they are NOT neat! I realize that it is my job to teach them these skills even if I do not like to do it myself. So, we are going to start our new system. I am sure it will work for Carys as she has always worked well for rewards. Sawyer, I am not so sure.... We are going to do a lot of talking about what type of reward he wants...it is going to have to be good!
Also, I want to make sure that they get in some "school" work this summer. Carys needs to work on some math like sorting and addition and continue learning more phonics skills for reading. She graduated from K-4 preschool this week! Next year she will be in Kindergarden at CCA. She is very excited and so am I. I know that she loves to learn and she will have a blast. She found out that her friend Mali is going to be in her class and they are so happy!
For anyone who does care the chickens are great and we are getting some really great eggs. They are getting bigger and bigger! I have hatched two batches lately and I am in the process of selling most of them. Raising any type of baby animal is a lot of work. But I really enjoy it and I know that the kids are learning a lot. We have 3 duck eggs due to hatch on Sunday. One started piping (the beginning stages of hatching) this morning. I was surprised but then found out that it can take up to 3 days for them to hatch. We must be very patient!
Love and Prayers to you All~
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Pictures from Cottingham "Farms!"
This is one of the latest additions to the Cottingham Chicken Cottage! This week we acquired 15 new chickens. They are former show chickens and are Dutch Bantams. They are BEAUTIFUL! They look like little statues. We have lots of roosters and will be selling some. If you are interested, let me know!
This is Big Daddy. If you read a description of Australorps it will say they have extra large combs and waddles. Well, here you go! He has the most awesome crow!
This is one of my 5 "teenagers!" I got them on my birthday in Feb. I have two Barred Rocks. They are about 1/2 mature so I call them Teens! They stick together when they go out to forage. I cannot wait to see thier eggs!
This is one of my 5 "teenagers!" I got them on my birthday in Feb. I have two Barred Rocks. They are about 1/2 mature so I call them Teens! They stick together when they go out to forage. I cannot wait to see thier eggs!
Another Teen here. I have three of these New Hampshire Reds that will begin laying in July.
This is one of our Black Australorp hens. They are wonderful layers. I remember when Justin ordered them thinking I was sad becuase they would be black. But they have turned into the most beautiful hens and their feathers gleam in the sun with hints of green. Oh, and their eggs are tasty too!
I call this chick JR. I believe that he is a cockarel (boy) his comb and face are already turning red. I could be wrong, another couple of weeks will tell. I have nine of these sweeties. They lay decent sized eggs for bantams which are small chickens. If you would like to add some to your flock, or start a flock, they are for sale!
Three week old Bobwhite quail. You can see how fast they grow. You can also see a d'uccle chick in there with them. This one says with the quail most of the time. I think "she" thinks she is a quail!
This is Pretty Momma. She was our "gift" exotic chick that McMurray sent us. Please let us know if you think you know what kind she is. She lays a darker egg than our New Hampshire Reds or Australorps.
We just received our new egg cartons in the mail. This is the first dozen to be put in the new container. I hope you will let me know if you would like to buy some eggs. I will deliver!
The darker egg is from the hen pictured above.
This is my first flower bloom from seeds of the season. I planted these with the cilantro and chives because the packet said you could eat them with salad. Not sure if we are brave enough to try them or not. They are supposed to have a peppery taste.
Just another week, Living 4 Him!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Daily Dozen
Last Friday, I got a big surprise upon entering the chicken house. That day I picked up a full dozen of eggs. We have 12 hens that are laying so I guess everyone had an egg that day!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Converstaions with Carys
Sometimes it is so hard for me to remember how old Carys is. Much of the time her verbal skills and ability to reason, remember and retain info baffles me. I know that God certainly has great things in store for her.
There are moments in time when you know that everything you have experience and every place you have been prepares you for the task before you. So often people compartmentalize their lives to the point that work, family, and faith become the separate "compartments." I pray God helps me to not let this happen. (I digress!) Had had one of these AH...HA... moments this weekend. When I knew that everything God had taught me led up to this moment, this task.
Carys asked, "Momma, when Jesus came to earth, who was in charge in heaven?" As a Bible teacher/student I know that explaining the Holy Trinity can be challenging as it is complete God-Phenomenon. How then could I expect to explain the supernatural to a four-year-old in a way that would satisfy her quest for understanding without confusing her.
I quickly recalled an illustration that I learned while preparing to teach a bible lesson when I worked at CCA. My friend Scott Davis, Jr. used the analogy of an Egg to describe the three persons of God. All three parts (shell, yolk, white) are undenyable egg. But yet they each have a specific name and function. One however, would have not purpose without the other. The same is true for the Godhead. And, how was I to know that all these years later, my child would be so familiar with eggs that this would be the PERFECT example for her.
Later that night she asked, "If I were to go to heaven before you or Daddy, I think I might be scared." Certainly, the idea of her going before me is something I pray not to experience, EVER! But, we will let God handle that! We talked about the people we know who are already there, Poppa Bob, Grandaddy Cottingham, Ms. Betty. Then I looked into her innocent face and said, " You know, the BEST part is that Jesus will be there." Just like it was CHRISTmas morning, her eyes lit up! She assured me that with Him there, she would be okay!
Oh how God used that little girl to give me the best Mother's Day gift. Assurence that even though I get tired and wonder if anyone notices all the work I put in, that I have succeded! The fact that my little girl gets excited about seeing Jesus is confirmation enough for me that it is ALL worth the labor~
Please pray for Carys. I feel that she is very near to understanding her need for Christ. I have prayed for the moment that she would accept Christ as savior since I was pregnant with her. This will happen in HIS perfect time, but please pray for her (and Sawyer.)
~It is well... with my soul!~
There are moments in time when you know that everything you have experience and every place you have been prepares you for the task before you. So often people compartmentalize their lives to the point that work, family, and faith become the separate "compartments." I pray God helps me to not let this happen. (I digress!) Had had one of these AH...HA... moments this weekend. When I knew that everything God had taught me led up to this moment, this task.
Carys asked, "Momma, when Jesus came to earth, who was in charge in heaven?" As a Bible teacher/student I know that explaining the Holy Trinity can be challenging as it is complete God-Phenomenon. How then could I expect to explain the supernatural to a four-year-old in a way that would satisfy her quest for understanding without confusing her.
I quickly recalled an illustration that I learned while preparing to teach a bible lesson when I worked at CCA. My friend Scott Davis, Jr. used the analogy of an Egg to describe the three persons of God. All three parts (shell, yolk, white) are undenyable egg. But yet they each have a specific name and function. One however, would have not purpose without the other. The same is true for the Godhead. And, how was I to know that all these years later, my child would be so familiar with eggs that this would be the PERFECT example for her.
Later that night she asked, "If I were to go to heaven before you or Daddy, I think I might be scared." Certainly, the idea of her going before me is something I pray not to experience, EVER! But, we will let God handle that! We talked about the people we know who are already there, Poppa Bob, Grandaddy Cottingham, Ms. Betty. Then I looked into her innocent face and said, " You know, the BEST part is that Jesus will be there." Just like it was CHRISTmas morning, her eyes lit up! She assured me that with Him there, she would be okay!
Oh how God used that little girl to give me the best Mother's Day gift. Assurence that even though I get tired and wonder if anyone notices all the work I put in, that I have succeded! The fact that my little girl gets excited about seeing Jesus is confirmation enough for me that it is ALL worth the labor~
Please pray for Carys. I feel that she is very near to understanding her need for Christ. I have prayed for the moment that she would accept Christ as savior since I was pregnant with her. This will happen in HIS perfect time, but please pray for her (and Sawyer.)
~It is well... with my soul!~
Thursday, May 7, 2009
On this National Day of Prayer...
My heart is both heavy and rejoicing. When God created man He did such a marvelous work and made our hearts capable of experience so many emotions; sometimes all at once.
I am rejoicing today for so many things. Of course there is the miracle of Carys' healing. I am not sure why God found favor in us to heal her, but I am thankful that He did! I believe it is because so many believers drew together, in one accord in asking this of God. So then, using Carys as evidence, please pray for the salvation of the loss, the spritual condition of our nation, and for personal growth in your relationship with God with the same fervor! I believe God wants to move, He is waiting to see our faith!
~Thank You God for your Agape Love for which I am so undeserving!~
Secondly, I am praising God for the love my family shares. Justin and I are about to celabrate our 7 year anniversery. We were talking last night about how we thought the five years we dated would never end. We thought our wedding day would never come. I want to NEVER take for granted the love and devotion that I have from my husband. I do not have to look very far to see those who lack that. He is the most wonderful man I have ever know. The best husband, father, and friend. I hold fast to the belief that God created him just for ME! And to this wonderful marriage we have been blessed to add two wonderful children. Children who teach me so much about God's love for me. If you read the Bible at all, you know that God uses these two relationships (spouse and parent) to teach us so much. We are called the bride of Christ and His children all at the same time!
~Thank you God for the blessings of my family!~
At the same time I feel all of this thankfulness, my heart is heavy. If you have not heard, President Obama is too busy today to host any type of event marking the National Day of Prayer at the White House. This saddens me. I never thought he was the best choice for "my America," and this confirms my beliefs. As a student of the Constution I know that the very nature of the document was to create a society in which the minorty (political, numberical minorities) could be protected from the advances of a mob. But is does not and should not prevent the majority's voice from being heard! If the President is not a Christian and does not seek God's protection and blessing, he should just say so! Stop fooling around with people and putting on the fasade that you care about what God thinks!
This Sunday begins our look into the Book of Micah. He was a prophet that proclaimed messages of God's judgment to the nation of Iseral. I believe these should also serve as warnings to God's people (Christians) today. Some of you are not going to like what I am about to say...
I do not believe that America was founded AS a Christian nation. I do however believe that it was founded on Christian beliefs and values. I do not think that God has some sort of covenant wih America. However, He DOES have a covenant with each American who proclaims Him as Savior! To me, there is a difference. He does care about our nation because many of His children live here. Many of God's people in the Bible (consider Daniel) did not live in goldy nations. These people found a way to let their "light shine before men." As Christians, we much take action with our votes, and not let the state of our union be an excuse to stop proclaiming the Gospel, praying, or any of God's commands.
When I vote (and I know this is personal and everyone does not agree) I vote for the people who I think will want to live in the same type of America I want to live in . One where we do not kill babies, one where we have a Biblical definition of marriage, one where people are FREE do worship as they please, and one where common heroes will fight for those freedoms. If people do not want to go to church on Sunday or accept God's free gift of salvation, civicly I believe that should be their decision. I know that you CANNOT legislate moral behavior or salvation. The idea that people do not want God is NOT okay with me spritually. In that reguard, I will use every liberty granted to me (both my the Constitution and by Jesus blood) to let other see what Salvation is all about and what it does for me and means to me (EVERYTHING!)
~God, Thank You for this nation where I can be free. Help me to use the opportunites You give me to be set apart and be about Your business. Please prick the hearts of those who do not know Your love, Your Son! I pray for President Obama that if he is Your child, you will convict him this day that he is not using his leadership correctly in encouraging others to call on Your Name. If he is not Your child, use the Christian people of this nation to show him that You are Lord of all and bring him to a saving knowledge of You. Help us, Your people, in this nation to continue to seek Your will and respond as you lead. Amen~
Wow! That was long, but these are the thoughts of my heart today...
I am rejoicing today for so many things. Of course there is the miracle of Carys' healing. I am not sure why God found favor in us to heal her, but I am thankful that He did! I believe it is because so many believers drew together, in one accord in asking this of God. So then, using Carys as evidence, please pray for the salvation of the loss, the spritual condition of our nation, and for personal growth in your relationship with God with the same fervor! I believe God wants to move, He is waiting to see our faith!
~Thank You God for your Agape Love for which I am so undeserving!~
Secondly, I am praising God for the love my family shares. Justin and I are about to celabrate our 7 year anniversery. We were talking last night about how we thought the five years we dated would never end. We thought our wedding day would never come. I want to NEVER take for granted the love and devotion that I have from my husband. I do not have to look very far to see those who lack that. He is the most wonderful man I have ever know. The best husband, father, and friend. I hold fast to the belief that God created him just for ME! And to this wonderful marriage we have been blessed to add two wonderful children. Children who teach me so much about God's love for me. If you read the Bible at all, you know that God uses these two relationships (spouse and parent) to teach us so much. We are called the bride of Christ and His children all at the same time!
~Thank you God for the blessings of my family!~
At the same time I feel all of this thankfulness, my heart is heavy. If you have not heard, President Obama is too busy today to host any type of event marking the National Day of Prayer at the White House. This saddens me. I never thought he was the best choice for "my America," and this confirms my beliefs. As a student of the Constution I know that the very nature of the document was to create a society in which the minorty (political, numberical minorities) could be protected from the advances of a mob. But is does not and should not prevent the majority's voice from being heard! If the President is not a Christian and does not seek God's protection and blessing, he should just say so! Stop fooling around with people and putting on the fasade that you care about what God thinks!
This Sunday begins our look into the Book of Micah. He was a prophet that proclaimed messages of God's judgment to the nation of Iseral. I believe these should also serve as warnings to God's people (Christians) today. Some of you are not going to like what I am about to say...
I do not believe that America was founded AS a Christian nation. I do however believe that it was founded on Christian beliefs and values. I do not think that God has some sort of covenant wih America. However, He DOES have a covenant with each American who proclaims Him as Savior! To me, there is a difference. He does care about our nation because many of His children live here. Many of God's people in the Bible (consider Daniel) did not live in goldy nations. These people found a way to let their "light shine before men." As Christians, we much take action with our votes, and not let the state of our union be an excuse to stop proclaiming the Gospel, praying, or any of God's commands.
When I vote (and I know this is personal and everyone does not agree) I vote for the people who I think will want to live in the same type of America I want to live in . One where we do not kill babies, one where we have a Biblical definition of marriage, one where people are FREE do worship as they please, and one where common heroes will fight for those freedoms. If people do not want to go to church on Sunday or accept God's free gift of salvation, civicly I believe that should be their decision. I know that you CANNOT legislate moral behavior or salvation. The idea that people do not want God is NOT okay with me spritually. In that reguard, I will use every liberty granted to me (both my the Constitution and by Jesus blood) to let other see what Salvation is all about and what it does for me and means to me (EVERYTHING!)
~God, Thank You for this nation where I can be free. Help me to use the opportunites You give me to be set apart and be about Your business. Please prick the hearts of those who do not know Your love, Your Son! I pray for President Obama that if he is Your child, you will convict him this day that he is not using his leadership correctly in encouraging others to call on Your Name. If he is not Your child, use the Christian people of this nation to show him that You are Lord of all and bring him to a saving knowledge of You. Help us, Your people, in this nation to continue to seek Your will and respond as you lead. Amen~
Wow! That was long, but these are the thoughts of my heart today...
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Eggs for Sale!
We are officially to the point that we have more eggs that we know that to do with! If you or anyone you know would like to purchase "Farm Fresh" eggs call or email me. (au386@att.net) They will be reasonably priced and are 100% organic. Our chickens are not fed antibiotics or medicated feed after weeks of age. They produce beautiful light to dark brown eggs. Pass the word along!
I also have a limited number of Bantam chicks for sale. They are two weeks old and almost ready to be outside. They are decent layers of small eggs and great for people wanting to start raising chicken. They are of the Mille Fleur variety. A picture of the dad can be seen on the following blog post http://cottingham3.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-is-up-with-weather.html
Again, call or email if you are interested.
I also have a limited number of Bantam chicks for sale. They are two weeks old and almost ready to be outside. They are decent layers of small eggs and great for people wanting to start raising chicken. They are of the Mille Fleur variety. A picture of the dad can be seen on the following blog post http://cottingham3.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-is-up-with-weather.html
Again, call or email if you are interested.
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