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7th Annual Immigrant and Minority Farmer Conference

Crazy Boy Farm — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:49:47 GMT

For 4 years now we have attended the Immigrant and Minority Farmer Conference. Our alma mater (so to speak) Minnesota Food Association is one of the host organizations of this conference that in a very real way changed our lives. I remember 4 years ago being so nervous and really clueless about most things agricuutural. Now we are living the dream on our own farm and the conference is still a very important part of our lives.

This year I was on the planning committee and one of the presenters. It felt amazing being able to give back and share my experience with the farmers starting out just like I did. Well honestly most of them probably have more experience then I did but you know what I mean.

Here is the audience from one of my workshops. I spoke on 2 panels. One about Long Term Financing where I shared tips and things we had learned along the way. And then this workshop where I talked about "Sharing Your Story: using your history and experience to market your farm."

According to Glen Hill, Executive Director of the Minnesota Food Association, this is a unique conference and the only one like it in the country. Other conferences I have attended are geared more towards the land owner while this conference is geared towards the beginning farm who will be renting land and often facing many hurdles on their way to ownership.

I have spoken before with translation but this time everything I said was translated into at least 5 languages, "Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Karen and Nepali." Hill added that they want to make a conference where everyone feels comfortable asking questions. At one point a Spanish speaking gentleman asked me where we bought out chicks. I was blown away, I guess we really have come a long way. (FYI we bought the chicks from here and they are all still thriving.) As Aaron Blyth (Also of MFA) said, "This is why our work is so important.

Between the chicks arriving earlier then expected, a traffic jam and a mandatory training at Proeun's work the children had no choice but to come with me for the 2nd day. Luckily Proeun was able to come back and help before my workshop and the people at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture were willing to share their table with the children for a quick breakfast treat of bagels and fruit.

Here the children learn playdough tricks from a new friend. Of course bringing them with us was difficult and not ideal and by the afternoon they were starting to melt down but Two is already at an age where he wants to know what we are learning and is making suggestions for the business. So I am reminded we are a package deal, stuff happens. Four years ago there were only 2 of them, but now they are active members of our farm and business. Next year we will let them play with their cousins though, hopefully.

Chicks Arrive

Crazy Boy Farm — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:56:45 GMT

I had planned on writing about the amazing Immigrant and Minority Farmers Conference I attended for the 4th year in a row and this year presented at. But that will have to wait till Friday because I am brimming with news about the chicks.

For those of you that have never ordered chicks before this is how they come--in a box to the post office. It took just a day to get our chicks from the hatchery in Iowa. Meaning they arrived earlier then expected. Luckily we had everything set up and we have learned a lesson.

We ordered Rhode Island Reds, Buff Orpintons, Sumatras, a couple Polish and a mixed package. It will be so fun to see how these chicks develop and what they will look like.

Two's favorite is this little Polish guy. You can see to poufy feathers that will be quite striking the older he gets. (We ordered a couple Polish roosters as these are Proeun's favorite).

They are so cute and run around under the heat lamps. It is surpising how strong they are on day 2 of life. You have to be very careful when in the brooder though because they will sneak up on you. While I was working with they lights this little sheila climbed on my foot for a bit. Be very careful where you step. Luckily we haven't lost any yet.

Last night we did discover a potential problem though--"pasting up." This condition is when the chicks poo pastes up on their rear ends blocking their "vent" and keeping them from pooing (really technical) anymore. It can be deadly. So we discovered some chicks with pasting up right before bed last night. Treatment includes dipping the chicks rear end in a bowl full of warm water to soften it and then using a q-tip or paper towel to remove the hopefully now soft poo. Then you blow dry the chicks butt and keep an eye on them. Yes this is what Proeun and I were doing until 10:30 last night. Animal husbandry at its best.

This morning when the kids asked to check the chicks I explained the problem to them and they really enjoyed looking for the chicks with the condition. They are really getting to be a big help. I am convinced that they prefer to have a job to do and be of value and service to the family then living and idle life. And honestly I prefer it too.

Making Home--Studio

Crazy Boy Farm — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:22:19 GMT

I always thought of studios as something for "serious" artists, but after reading Soule Mama for going on 2 years now I see a studio as a place to create beauty in all forms, and a place to include children. That's why in our wonderful new home the studio and homeschooling room are one in the same. I will give more details on the room soon.

After a little break in the unpacking to work on Hmong Times stories, plan a couple presentations I have coming up and prep for the chicks today I was in the mood to beautify the home a bit. Yes the major unpacking is done and now the organizing and beautifying is taking place.

My studio is one area where it is mostly set up but definitely not organized. In our previous home my sewing area was in the basement and occasionally the dining room table. So the storage of all my supplies was a bit haphazard to say the least. Now it is in an area of the house where I want it to look beautiful.

A few years ago I was given all sorts of beautiful linens and a wooden trunk. They seemed to go together ala hope chest type stuff and then went into the basement at my previous home. Here I have closet space and so can take out those pieces ready for use.

That frees up so much space in my trunk that it has now become my stash. The previous owners of this house gave me some beautiful tins

so now I have one for buttons and one for bits of lace and ribbon and beauty to add to pieces.

And just like that another little spot is ready. Of course there are still things to be put away and organize all around it but a little bit of functional beauty that also looks out on our bird feeder is quite a nice little break. I am looking forward to putting together more or this little spots.

Tractor!

Crazy Boy Farm — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:45:11 GMT

Need I say more.

When we had our business meeting last week and discussed all the necessary plans and purchases I would be lying if I didn't admit to just a little stress. But my husband has taken care of it once again, finding exactly what we need for a great price and now we can cross tractor off our to do list!

It's a Yanmar 26 horsepower. It arrived yesterday with free delivery, love the customer service up here, seriously. We purchased it from Olson Power and Equipment. If you are in the area and need any tools they are great people. We also found out they rent equipment so for the occasional heavy duty labor that needs a bigger tractor we have a source for that and once again they deliver, yah!

The kids had a great time riding the loop with their dad and it is really starting to look like a farm now. In a few short weeks our chicks arrive. Plans are already made for the greenhouse, and packing shed. Things are starting to role and things feel great.

I even have a new pastime.

I love going out after the snow and looking for tracks. This one was almost run over by the tractor but it gives you an idea of how big the bird was that left these wing marks as it is framed perfectly in the tire tracks. There were 3 such tracks, this being the heaviest and the hopping mouse tracks were no more after this. I thought hawk, but Proeun said owl. It's great to see the evidence of wild life.

The Business of Farming

Crazy Boy Farm — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:26:05 GMT

Farming really offers you everything. I remember talking with a wonderfully intelligent woman I knew who felt that her work no longer challenged her. I thought in my mind that I will most likely never have that problem. Between raising 4 eternal souls, homeschooling them, running a household and business with my husband I am always challenged--in a good way, mostly.

Now is the time for the business of farming. Words like marketing, cash flow, customer retention, asset aquisition and such become part of bed time conversation with Proeun. Decisions have to be made, big decisions like greenhouse placement, cooler placement, tractors, soil amendments and organic certification.

It is a challenge, but I love a challenge. I am so so blessed to be on this journey with my husband, and he loves a challenge to.

So this week, many many phone calls will be made, probably a few big purchases and plans will take shape.

We are also blessed to be presenters at this year's Immigrant and Minority Farmers Conference. We have attended the conference for the past 4 years. Now we actually have knowlege to share. We will be presenting on business plans for long term funding and advanced marketing--sharing your story. One thing I love about this conference is the international component. When I present it will be translated into at least 5 languages--Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Karen and Bhutanese. Amazing to think that I have something to share with people from so many backgrounds.

The Minnesota Organic Conference

Crazy Boy Farm — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:22:21 GMT

This weekend Proeun and I had the privilege of attending the Minnesota Organic Conference in St. Cloud. Thanks to my parents who graciously came up from the cities to spend the weekend at our farm and help with the children and some organizing! Thanks mom and dad!

Anyway this was our first year attending the conference and our first year attending a conference with a real farm waiting for us. By real I mean one with a house on it and one we have access to for all the little dreams and plans taking form.

And the conference had just the information we needed. Proeun attending a 1/2 day workshop Thursday on keeping bees and we discovered Cannon Bees very close to us. Great mentoring options there.

For the actual conference Proeun and I divided our time between workshops. I learned about both hoophouse production to extend the season and the viability of greenhouse production for all winter use. Proeun learned all about bovine genetics and meat processing in Minnesota and we both attended the workshop on small scale poultry (the chicks are ordered and will be arriving early next month!)

Then there was the trade show where we learned all about fertilizer options and organic certification services. We also found a great local place to buy strawberry, raspberry, elderberry and asparagus plants.

As you see our youngest was learning the ropes. The youngest often comes with us for logistic reasons while nursing but now our oldest is showing an interest in the learning side. Every night when we came home Two wanted to hear all about what we learned and what our plans are. Maybe next year we will have 2 children in tow. Notice I didn't bring the good camera, just way to much to carry and keep track of.

Of course I am all about the food. This conference actually has a "forager" as part of the planning committee. Here are some of the great breakfast treats.

Eggs, apple cider and cherry juice so simple and so so so good. At one of the workshops I went to about agriculture in Norway and Denmark the presenter said that in the early 1900s when communism was sweeping Europe the leaders in Norway, which was a pretty poor country at the time, decided that to try and combat the threat they would work on the nations food, increasing quality for everyone and standarizing some favorites--such as open face rye sandwiches with butter and herring for lunch.

It is an interesting concept that keeping peoples stomach happy can combat revolution, but apparently it worked. Now the food in Norway is famous for quality and taste. I am all for a food revolution and enjoyed every bite this weekend.

The homestead

Crazy Boy Farm — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:20:40 GMT

January 1st 2012 was a landmark day for us. On this day our family woke-up for the first time on our homestead. Since then it's been all joy and work and details and a whole lot of fun. Sorry we have been absent for so long--rural internet is not a given we are discovering.

Our days have been filled with lots of exploring as we set up home and farm operations so we will still be busy busy for the next couple months but here are some pictures from our recent wanderings.

A new favorite past time is hooking the dog, who doesn't stay still much, to the sled and letting the children dog sled. We need a bit more snow now though.

We also enjoy identifying tracks. Not too sure on these, maybe a young raccoon.

At least once every day the children thank us for moving. Now are we plan our chick orders and details for the next season they are so engaged, this is really the family farm. So amazing how easily we settle into our dreams but that they seem even more amazing when they are achieved. I have to pinch myself now.

Handmade Christmas

Crazy Boy Farm — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:34:08 GMT

A couple of years ago Proeun and I realized that as our number of children grew so did the amount of accumluation acquired at Christmas. Between my side of the family and Proeun's 5 siblings it was getting crazy. So we decided to draw names for Proeun's side of the family and my side its all about handmade. Here are some gifts going out.

The table runner is the "Kid Art Table Runner" from Handmade Home with one adjustment. We have a laser print and all the iron on transfer paper I found was for inkjet. So we got some fabric markers and embroidery hoops and voila, kid art beauty. That is what we are doing

Here. We made a table runner for my grandma and great-grandma.

Then we have the felted leave coasters for my sister and her new house.

Next we have Shea Butter Brown Sugar Scrub with tangerine and grapefruit essential oil. I learned how to make this treat at one of Erin Piorer's (herbalist) classes. The girl's and I had a great time making this but at first I had a hard time convincing them it wasn't food since it looked and smelled so yummy. I made a double batch so that went out to all my ladies.

Finally the smokehouse almonds.

1 tsp salt
1 tsp liquid smoke
2 tbsp water
4 cups raw whole almonds

Disolve salt in water and liquid smoke. Pour over almonds and stir well. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place almonds on cookie sheet in one layer and bake for 2 hours.

Now with Christmas over we can really work on our move. The count down has begun. So I will be away from here for awhile. I will be back soon with pictures of our new place.

Sometimes Christmas Makes me Cry

Crazy Boy Farm — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:28:35 GMT

The Sproul family is without a mother this Christmas. Just days before the most blessed day of the year Denise Sproul left her husband and 8 children aged 18-6 to sleep in the arms of Jesus. I have never met her but read her books and heard about her so often in my various circles that I felt I knew her. As a Christian I do not mourn for the dead, but the living. Those children that will grow up now without a mother present and yes I want to cry.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of a holiday season and a move it is easy to forget to enjoy every moment with your family. It was a total shocker for me to hear of Denise's losing battle with cancer. I had always thought of her so young and vibrant and I am reminded nothing is a given. Except one thing.

Proeun told me he thought I should meditate. I am reminded of the verse "Mary hid these things in her heart and pondered them." As a momma of 4 miracles there is alot that I ponder too. I remember reading somewhere that when you have a child you are giving birth to an immortal soul. Yes I have alot to ponder too. At Christmas it is so easy to focus on the material gifts. Amazing how its so easy to not see the most amazing gift, creation of a life.

Today I am meditating on words--creation, redemption, forgiveness and the only given--love. I am overwhelmed with the wonder of it.

Denise had a sense of wonder, even as the end neared the wonder of it all is what gives up hope. So on this Christmas I am embracing the tears, the wonder and the love. I encourage you to take a moment to meditate on what is really important.

Embracing Your Creative Self

Crazy Boy Farm — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:13:46 GMT

Huge life changes can be so unsettling. Sometimes in a good exciting way, other times not so much. But at this stage in my life I am discovering the wonder of the creative work of life. Thankfully I am home with my children, living the life with them but often I don't appreciate it and utilize it: but I realize it doesn't take much to connect to your creative self.

Sorry for the quality of this picture. I had to snap it quick before they realized what I was doing. As I took this picture they were all inside and it was a cave. Before that it was a beautiful home complete with guest bedrooms and before that a stable. As I cull the unnecessary for our move toys have been a particular area of concern. What to take and what to give away? While I am struggling, wondering if my children will have enough toys I am reminded it doesn't take any toys at all to keep them occupied all morning.

That said I am experimenting with waldorf style toy making. This is Effie's Christmas gift. I used the Sheep pattern from Living Crafts (scroll down) and created this little treasure in an evening. Yes I thought a black sheep would be cute. Don't know if the children will dig it as much as I do but the older children think it is so cute for Effie. Using natural products and found items are something I really want to experiment with more.

By far this is my favorite project. I have been wanting a Nativity set for years so when I saw this set I used it as inspiration to make my own. I bought the peg dolls at a local craft store then saw these and more on etsy for a great price. So I will have to get more since I wasn't sure how to do Baby Jesus. The reason this project is my favorite is because while I have inspiration it is realLy my own drive, no step by step pattern and so it feels "really" creative if you know what I mean. Yes I am discovering a love for peg dolls. What's your favorite creative outlet?

Farmer Boy

Crazy Boy Farm — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:43:27 GMT

I grew up watching "Little House on the Prairie" while in my opinion it remains one of the great television series we have been reading the books this year and they are oh so so much better. I love that I am finally able to read chapter books with my children and look forward to my story time as much as the children. We just finished the 3rd book in the series "Farmer Boy," the one book that is actually about Laura's husband, Almanzo Wilder.

As we embark on our new journey as farmers this book has alot of interest for me. It is fascinating to me that Almanzo's father raised merino sheep in the 1850s-60s. Or how careful he was when training horses, how to raise a "milk-fed pumpkin" and the techniques for building a sled to haul wood.

The children loved the pictures and I did to. It is interesting enough to be a fun read but has some interesting instructions that I plan to try out this next year.

Two things really fascinated me about the book--1. The price that Mr. Wilder got for his products, like $0.50/bushel for potatoes, $2/bail for hay and $400 for a team of horse. Yeah if you are thinking what I am thinking the prices haven't gone up that much in 150 years.

2. When Almanzo's older brother chooses a career as a shop keeper over farmer and Almanzo must make his own decision the benefits of being a farmer have not changed that much either.

So I would definitely suggest adding Farmer Boy to your winter reading list. Things I really want to try include winter evening taffy pulls and story telling nights. I look forward to slowing down a bit once the move is complete. What's your plans for quiet winter evenings.

The Announcement

Crazy Boy Farm — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:06:41 GMT

So the past 2 weeks have not gone exactly as planned but here goes with the big announcement--Crazy Boy Farm has found its permanent home. After 3 years of renting land and preparing for this moment it is almost here. Yes almost. These things can sometimes drag one and this is the case for us. So hopefully we will be moving before the end of the year. So I will spare the physical details until then.

Also CSA sales are now open. Hop over to our website using the tabs to the left for more information on our CSA. One important thing to note is that though our farm has been certified organic for the past 3 years our new farm has been farmed conventionally until now. So we will begin the process of certification right away and use the same great farming methods we will not be certified organic again until the 3 year transition is completed. We plan to continue offering the same great variety and use the same growing techniques.

So that is the great, amazing news. We are all so excited. The negative thing is the actual move.

Some things in boxes, some things sorted, but left out for frequent use and some things getting ready to be thrown away. The process has required a reordering of our life and conscious decision about what to keep and what to leave. I am thinking that I should go through a similar clearing out every couple of years. I am employing these 2 rules to decide what stays and what goes 1. is it useful (i.e. have I used it in the last year or so or will I use it in the next year?) and 2. is it beautiful to me?

So even with the clutter and the impending move which is doing wonders to teach us about contentment and the importance of relationships above of all else we are trying to take moments for beauty in this the most beautiful season of all.

Our first gingerbread house.

A bit of Christmas crafting ("elving" ala Soule Mama). More on that after Christmas.

Mama projects abound also. I thought about putting away the sewing and knitting to make way for the practical work of sorting, packing and moving. But I am finding I need it even more now then before. So here is a hat I completed for Two. He loves it and for a boy I have to fight tooth and nail to put on pants versus shorts a hat he likes is a blessing in more way then one.

And there has been quite alot of dreaming. Here are some fabrics I purchased in Banberry Place's after Thanksgiving sale. These will be pillows and curtains in our new master bedroom. Yes there has been a whole lot of dreaming going on lately.

Thanksgiving plus CSA

Crazy Boy Farm — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:17:10 GMT

I know I hoped that Proeun would be able to post about his recent 3 generation hunting trip. But something very very exciting has happened and I need to turn my attention to that. So I will be taking the next 2 weeks or so off from blogging to complete all the required details. Check back December 5th for our big announcement.

In the meantime we are working out the details for next year's CSA. We have already had a couple people ask to buy shares--talk about planning ahead. So I will be working out the details. December 5th share sales will open as well for next season. We are planning to expand and add a couple more dropsites and maybe a different drop day. If you are interested in being a dropsite please drop us a line. Prices will stay the same. Thanks for all your support. Be back soon and Happy Thanksgiving!

Back to "work"

Crazy Boy Farm — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:24:06 GMT

I don't know if I have shared with you yet but we are a hunting family. Honestly I was not pro-hunting before marrying Proeun and it was almost a deal breaker for me. But I listened to the arguments, about keeping populations in check, environmental stewardship and family. So this last week was the annual hunting trip. This year Two accompanied Proeun for the first time, and due to circumstances got to have his dad, uncles and one set of grandparents all to himself. I have asked Proeun to write a recap of the week so maybe he will be able to write it for Friday.

So today I ponder different things in the life of the Doeun family. Now that the vacation is over and we are officially back to "work" what does that mean for us? Work looks alot different for us than most families as it centers around the home. So it is fitting that getting back to work would be a return home. But it also feels alot different, there is a joy in it and a deep sense of privilege, both for the circumstances that have led us to this place and the decisions and convictions.

Last Friday I was off on a free-lance writing assignment. For those of you who don't know I write for Hmong Times part time and no Proeun is not Hmong. It has been one of those unique circumstances that is an incredible story that allows me to be home 90% of the time. Anyway I was talking with a dear friend and fellow writer who had just had a baby. We were discussing mothering and the topic of work came up. She works in academics and while she enjoys her work felt she needed some additional challenges.

Right then an there I felt a deep sense of thankfulness wash over for me. See I always feel "challenged." Whether I always feel good about it is a different story. Part of my work is the work of educating my children I could write volumes about the intricacies of our journey but let's just say my work will always be challenging and that is something I should be thankful for.

So as I spend the day doing laundry, getting the house back in order, cooking meals and trying to explain again why today we do school and no we can't wait just one more day I am thankful for the opportunity to challenge myself and the children at our home in this amazing life we are called to.

P.S. sorry no pictures today--too busy working.

Happy Veteran's Day

Crazy Boy Farm — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:58:19 GMT

I grew up immersed in the stories of the "greatest generation." The stories are truly amazing, I could write a blog just on that alone. I have a sense that Two also has a budding interest in history and those who have gone before, for I truly believe that we must never forget, "or we will be destined to repeat." And so for today I wanted to give a brief list of those people, many passed on who have affected me and the way I look at the world--

Richard Huspek
Robert Kruger
Donald Larsen
Howard Froberg
Vera Peterson

Thank-you for sharing your story with me, and for all the stories that go untold!

Sew Sew Weekend Part 2

Crazy Boy Farm — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:10:55 GMT

It was a succesful weekend. I am so thankful for my parents for all their help taking care of the girls and helping me with my sewing project. You know how it is for us busy mommas sometimes you just can't fit a shower in the day and finding clothes that fit in that difficult time right after having a baby is awful. Then there is comfort, style and modesty to consider as your nursing baby insists on eating right now. Anyway it is all to easy to just fall into a routine of self sacrifice and lets face it frumpiness and disarray.

Well I have had enough. So this weekend I began work on my new wardrobe. I had bought the fabric last May but then farming season started and well now it begins. Thanks to my mother's expert help, my dad's time with the children, my mother's serger and The Backwoods Mama sew camp I am well on my way to some new and decent clothing, that is comfortable and functional for us busy moms

Two knit tops, a utility smock and knit pants I just happen to be wearing as I type. I still have some hemming to do but I wanted to get as much done with the serger (special sewing machine for finishing edges and sewing knit fabrics) as I could. I was planning on giving you a fashion show, but I realized I have no one to take pictures of me right at the moment so here you go.

One thing I loved about Backwoods Mama's patterns are the ability to change it up. The turquoise top I made almost exactly to her pattern though I added a bit wider hem band. The purple one I made much longer and roomier for a more tunic like look and to wear over my new leggings I just purchased. The utility smock is missing the pockets since I didn't have quite enough fabric for the pockets, but I have 2 more in the works.

It was so much fun working on these projects. In high school I was billed, "most unique dresser" but it is hard to stay on top of a wardrobe when you have so many to care for. Now I am getting back into the groove. For simplicity I picked 4 colors to be my base colors--turquoise, purple, pink and grey. So anytime I add something to my wardrobe I want it to be one of these colors or coordinate. This will save money and time without a lot of excess mismatched clothes and shoes. A note on cost: fabric can be expensive however the quality is often much better then cheaper store bought clothes and you can customize with items you can wear many different ways.

Sew Sew Weekend Planned

Crazy Boy Farm — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 02:31:50 GMT

Proeun and Two will be away deer hunting this weekend. While I have a few special things planned for the girls I am even more excited about all the sewing I plan to do while the men (grown and budding) are away. We will take vacation from school and I know my parents have some things planned and my mom, master sewer that she is, is going to help me and I a "sew" excited (sorry for the pun, couldn't help myself).

I bought a bunch of fabric last spring before the farming season and except for one pair of pants it is still sitting. Finally I am going to work on it. So I am blogging a bit early so that tomorrow I can begin the fun. I'll have some pictures Monday. Promise.

Happy Pumpkin Day!

Crazy Boy Farm — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:43:28 GMT

Halloween is not a big celebration in our home. When we were setting up our own household and family and consciously choosing traditions and making our own we chose that Halloween would be pretty low key. One of the things I don't like about the day is how scary it is for little children. For example last year I took Mavis trick or treating, she was terrified and practically in tears. Thanks all you adults and big kids out there. So we have made traditions that reflect our family values more. We still trick or treat but carefully and forget about all the media up to the day. Anyway sorry for the soap box.

One thing that we do enjoy is the pumpkin. This has been a tradition that is really daddy's time with the children. It has gotten even more meaningful over the years as we have grown our own pumpkins. I think it has been over 4 years since we have bought a pumpkin. Another tradition is each child has their own pumpkin to pick the picture for (something that has really been challenging Proeun lately). We may have to change this and share pumpkins but the children love it.

Master carver at work.

I get the job of cleaning out the pumpkins and

Sorting the seeds. I love roasted Pumpkin seeds. This year I tried a new method from Serving up the Harvest.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Wash the pumpkin seeds and remove the "strings." Start a large pot of salted water, bring to boil. Boil the seeds for 1 1/2 -2 hours. Strain. Preheat over to 250 degrees. Spread seeds in single layer on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 45 minutes or until dry and crispy. So so good.

The finished product a flower, scary face and butterfly. Have a great day.

Fall Knitting Season

Crazy Boy Farm — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:50:09 GMT

Fall has always been my favorite time of year but winter not so much. However with the hustle and bustle of spring, summer and early fall I am relishing the fall knitting season and winter. I am finding time to do all sorts of things I have been wanting to do like bake, sew, exercise and knit. The past couple of weeks have been really productive for me. Here are some of the things that have been on my needles lately.

Pilot hat for Effie.

Hat for me plus finished
d

the scarf I started after spring's Shepherd's Harvest Festival with yarn I bought from Winterwind Farm. Actually both the hat and the scarf are from the same yarn. 2 skeins gave me enough for both projects and some left over.

Finally the sweater for Mavis. She is my middle girl and such a sweet soul. I loved knitting this up for her. She was so happy to have mommy making something special for her and really motivated me to finish it up.

Upcoming projects include hats for Proeun and Two and legwarmers for me (yes legwarmers). Such fun! If you are on Ravelry look me up.

The joy of work--chopping wood

Crazy Boy Farm — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:34:39 GMT

Contrary to popular belief kids love hard work, especially when done with their parents and they really feel like they are helping.

I promised I would share more of our staycation adventures. Well we didn't just stay, we went camping also. To the family land. We have been working so hard with my parents and Proeun's family to get a nice cabin set up. The children love having this wild space to explore and Proeun and I love to practice our homesteading skills like identifying mushrooms, trees and tracks, learning the ins and outs or woodburning stoves and propane heaters, lamps, etc.

With hunting season less then 2 weeks away and the newly installed woodburning stove tested out the duty of last week was to chop wood.

Turns out Proeun is a master wood chopper. Proeun and dad work on splitting the logs. While the children wait anxiously outside of flying log range for their signal

to come collect the wood and stack it on the pile.

Even Mavis was able to help. Children now when they are really helping and they love it. I was reminded once again how important it is to include them in daily tasks on a real level. Thank goodness my parents and Proeun were of the same mind.

At the end of the day there is much joy in a job completed. I am so thankful to rediscover the joys of hard work for myself and to share it with my family. Though honestly taking pictures isn't too hard.