Update on Sunny

A picture of her today after she just got done eating watermelon :)

 I was trying to figure out what day all this started, but I think it's been about a week!  We are lucky that Sunny has been doing so well!  She's still eating great, drinking great, and we let her outside to run the yard with her sisters once we rewrap her wing each morning.  The area of the wing the bone has come though isn't exactly getting better.  Actually it may be a little worse because we can now see two bones.  A family friend that's a retired vet said the area needed to be covered by skin for her to recover.  The problem is there isn't much skin around the area left.  BUT there is a little skin starting to grow between the bones.  I don't think the wing is broken like I originally did (she still flaps it really well - I know because I get flapped daily), but with such a big open injury, she's very susceptible to infection.

I spent many nap times looking up chicken information.   I've repeatedly told Kevin that if she was suffering, we wouldn't prolong the inevitable, but she's not suffering.  She's keeping up with her sisters, and acting perfectly healthy.   This week I joined a chicken forum to see if this had happened to anyone else and how they handled it.  I only found one instance and she had opted to have the wing amputated.  Their quality of life doesn't really change much without a wing.  Her breed can't fly anyways, so losing one wing wouldn't really change much.  But, I had no idea what that would cost.  And being practical, she's a $2 chicken and Kevin and I both agreed we couldn't fork out hundreds of dollars for surgery.  I went ahead and called two places to see if they could give me an estimate.  (BTW, it's really hard to find a clinic that will accept chickens as patients.)  The first place, in Evansville, said they had never done a wing amputation but they were estimating for a consult, xrays, and the surgery it would cost approximately $1000.  I about died.  The second clinic in Spencer County, known for being extremely affordable, said they would do it for $60!!!  I couldn't get over the price difference.

We are going to wait until next Monday and see how she's doing.  If the skin is continuing to grow over the wound, we will wait and see if she can heal on her own.  If it's getting worse, than we will spend the $60 and chance the surgery.  If you feel the need to pray for any chickens over the next week, Sunny would take the prayers!  I'll post another update next week unless something drastically changes before then.  :)

I know, I know, she's just a chicken.  But we love her and I feel a responsibility to do everything (withing a reasonable limit) to help her survive.   

Enjoying some watermelon on a hot day!

Weekly Happenings

VBS ends today and we have a busy weekend planned to prep for a busy next week!  I hardly took any pictures this week -  and that's so unlike me!  Here's some of my highs and lows from the week.

Sunshine:

*warning: graphic picture below*

My favorite chicken, Sunshine aka "Sunny", was found Tuesday with some blood on her wing.  After further inspection we noticed a bone had broken through the skin.  We aren't sure how she injured the wing, but my guess is falling off the roost (where they sleep) in the coop.  She is inside our house in a large container, we keep her wing wrapped and change the bandage 2-3 times a day.  I'm treating the area with triple antibiotic cream right now and she gets a bath daily.  We are letting her run with the flock for about an hour a day to keep them associated but I keep a close eye on her.  She's getting more attention inside than she'd probably like.  She's eating and drinking great and acting normal which makes me so torn on how to go forward with her.  I don't want to kill a chicken that isn't acting miserable, but I know I can't put her back outside with an open wound.  I'm trying to talk Kevin into letting me find someone to amputate the wing but he's not interested in spending any money on a $2 chicken.  And I can't say I disagree, I just want her fixed and I don't know how to make that happen.  I'm rambling now.  

VBS

As I mentioned above, the kids have spent all week at church.  They have loved making new friends and making crafts for me.  Poor Krissy can't really handle being away from me and had a harder week than Hayden or Allie.  Her teacher has been amazingly sweet and treats her as if she's her own, but the first two hours she says Krissy is just so sad and heart broken, but at craft time (the last hour) she really perks up and is a different girl.  I've continued to take her everyday because Kevin and I are getting ready for a 4 day kid-free getaway and I'm pretty sure that's going to be hard on her, so this week was a good way to ease her into that... Mommy guilt is kicking in!

(Crazy hair day + a sad Hayden {will explain that at the end})

Parenting Mishap:

Hayden was very excited to learn the new friend he made at VBS went to his school.  On day 3 of VBS, Hayden's teacher told me this boy's mom was waiting in the back of the sanctuary to talk to me.  I assumed she was wanting to exchange numbers and set up a play date and so I started talking about how excited Hayden was to be friends with her son and how great it was they went to the same school.  After I gave her my number and suggested we get the boys together this summer, she went on to tell me why she wanted to talk to me.  Her son came home from day 1 of VBS with a dollar Hayden gave him.  She lectured her son about how he shouldn't take money from his friends and not to accept anymore.  Well the next day Hayden gave him $21 which he accepted and said Hayden gave another boy an unknown amount of money too.  This mom seemed really troubled by this but nicely questioned me and my knowledge of all this.  I had no clue he'd taken money with him nor did I have any idea he was passing out money to "friends".  I assured her I'd talk to Hayden that afternoon and hopefully it wouldn't happen again.  I felt like she was slightly judgy about my lack of knowledge so I ended up texting her that afternoon to thank her for talking to me and to let her know I talked to Hayden... and got no response. #awkward. But Hayden and I did have a great conversation where I praised his willingness to give generously, he freely told me about giving the money to his friends, but we ended the conversation by setting up a rule that he should talk to mom or dad about giving money before he gives it.  

Sugar Cookies:

I made some amazingly delicious jumbo sugar cookies this week.  With all the chicken stress, I just wanted to bake because it'a a stress reliever for me.  And they were such a hit with the family!  I think these will be fantastic gifts for teachers and the bus driver next year :) 

Cinnamon Butter:

I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I made some cinnamon honey butter to pair with my sourdough bread.  It was good but needed some tweaking so I adjusted some of the ingredient amounts this week when I made it again and it was a total success!  I'm planning to post the recipe before the end of the month so look forward to that!

Adios 4 Wheeler

Last night at 9:30pm, Kevin got a text message from someone inquiring about our 4 wheeler for sale.  The man wanted it last night for his sons 5th birthday today.  Kevin met him in Henderson at 10:15 at night and he was thrilled to get it.  It sounds like it went to the perfect family and I'm so glad the kids got a chance to ride it last night before bed.  Kevin broke the news to the kids after breakfast and Hayden was pretty upset about it (insert sad picture from a couple paragraphs ago).  He's completely out grown it but he still enjoyed it.  Maybe one day we will own another.  

Weekly Happenings

We had a non-stop weekend but it was also relaxing and productive... Don't ask me how that happened!  The kids spent time playing in the sprinkler, Hayden & Allie did a little school work, we played cards when it rained, and we stayed on top of house hold chores! (That doesn't happen most weeks!).  Here's a recap of a great week!

Memorial Day Weekend in Spencer County:

Saturday we met some family in Spencer County to decorate some family graves.  The kids actually did really well at the cemetery, but I had to correct behavior and let them know what was considered disrespectful as we went (i.e. sitting on headstones, picking up trinkets left on headstones by family members etc.). Next year we may try to go to another cemetery or two so they can hear some family history stories! :)

After we left the cemetery, we went to Huntingburg.  I love the little shops there. And I left town with only spending $1!  I found an adorable little vase that I knew would be perfect for all the little flowers my kids pick for me!

We spent the rest of the day at Christmas Lake.  The kids explored the yard and found all kinds of "treasures".

We had a deer join us during dinner!

My favorite find in the yard was discovered by Allie... It was this opened nut shell shaped like a heart!  

Mailbox Landscape:

Sunday afternoon Kevin and I were sitting outside talking about outdoor plans and what we'd like to get done.  We decided to just jump right in and tackle one project that afternoon - the mailbox.  Days earlier I sprayed the mailbox area with weed killer.  The big rocks we used were all in our backyard.  Actually 3 of those big pieces were one big rock Kevin was able to split.  The river rock was taken out of old landscape about a month ago and it's been sitting in the driveway waiting for me to use it!  It cost us nothing to do this little transformation, which was the best part.  We've had several neighbors tell us how nice it looks.  I'm anxious to get the front upgrades finished (still need plants/rocks in front of the house, we'd like to replace the porch columns, and refinish the basketball goal), but I know it all takes time (and money!).

4 Wheeler:

We decided a couple months ago to sell the kids 4 wheeler.  Kevin has had problems with the carburetor so he decided to just order a new one and replace it.  He fixed it on Monday and all the kids were so excited to ride it.  We questioned whether or not we should sell it because the kids love it so much, but it just comes down to the fact we only have the front yard for them to ride it in and it's just not worth keeping it.  So if you know anyone wanting a little 4 wheeler, send them my way!

Potty Training:

And because I'm SO proud of Austin, I have to give you a potty training update.  I know it's only been two weeks since we officially started, but he's mastered it!  And not just during the day, but nap time and night time too!  Hayden was a potty training pro, and did exactly what Austin has done - quick/easy/no accidents/just got it.  Allie wore a diaper at night all through year 3, and right before her 4th birthday was able to stop wearing them.  Krissy was staying dry during the night so this past week she's stopped wearing diapers at night too (but she's been day time potty trained for over a year).  Are we really past the diaper stage?! Holy moly!  In case you wondered what technique we used, I have the kids go bottomless and wear a long Tshirt for a couple days.  Austin wasn't a fan of bottomless so I let him wear undies.  He went pee outside a few times but never had an accident inside.  Day 3, I let him wear pants but no undies and we did that for a good week.  The middle of this week he started wearing undies and shorts.  We've gone out on shopping trips, did an overnight trip this past weekend, and still no accidents.  Ok ok, I'm done.  Just so proud of him!

Memorial Day Cookout:

We spent Monday evening at Kevin's parents house.  They grilled burgers, hot dogs, and brats for us.  There was also a yummy fruit tray that his parents sent home with us and the kids loved it.  The highlight for the kids was finding this little frog in the outdoor umbrella.

4th of July Outfits:

I went to Sams Club a couple weeks ago and loved a 4th of July outfit they had in the girls sizes.  I told myself to wait, they didn't need it, but I couldn't stop thinking about them!  I ended up giving in and getting them this week!  Actually the Evansville store only had Krissy's size when I decided to purchase them, but my dad was traveling to Terre Haute and picked up one at their Sams Club in Allie's size.  Kevin's work is hosting a family night with front row seats to the fireworks downtown on the 4th so we are looking forward to that!

We are looking forward to a low key weekend and VBS this coming week!  Hope you have a great week!

Weekly Happenings

This last full week of May brought with it some welcomed changes!  Summer break officially started for Hayden! (Insert happy dance) Kevin ended his almost 3 weeks straight of work and we are starting off the weekend with lots of family activities!  Last night one of Kevins coworkers and his family came over for dinner and we had a lovely evening with them!  My kids loved their little girl that was almost 6 months old.  Kevin grilled ribeyes and inside I made seasoned mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, fruit salad, homemade bread and cinnamon butter and for dessert I made homemade brownies and apple pie!  Definitely one of the better meals I've made lately! :))

Quick recap in pics:

Austin got stung by a bee.  He ran inside screaming, holding his toes up when he walked and I just knew he'd stung.  After a closer look I saw the stinger under his 4th toe.  I got it out, added some lavender essential oil to the sting, and the other three kids quickly took over comforting him (with snacks, drinks, ice packs and his favorite blankets!

We got to see some family and celebrate my nieces birthday last weekend.  My kids also got to meet their newest cousin!

My week wouldn't be complete without some baking.  I made strawberry cupcakes, twice, and was happy with them.  They weren't perfect, but they were good.  And I promise I don't eat batches of cupcakes every week.  I eat a couple, and so do the kids and we usually throw them away the next day. 

I also made me favorite homemade brownies for Hayden's teacher and bus driver (and funny side note:  I may have messed them up!  I made the brownies again days later and realized I probably forgot to add the oil!  Darn!)

The baby chickens moved in with the big chickens this week.  It's not been smooth sailing.  In fact it's safe to say the big sisters hate the little sisters.  The pull the feathers, peck them, but their heads, and make them slew below them on the stairs... Which also means they get pooped on!  Poor babies.  And they would rather sleep in the fence but I'm afraid they will get eaten and I make them go in the coop!

First day of school vs last day of school!

Summer break officially started!

Krissy loves to dress herself and I love seeing what she puts together in the mornings :)

Hope you have a great weekend!!!

Best Parts of My Week

We are in the middle of Kevin's loooong work stretch and to be honest we are both at our burn out points!  It's been exhausting trying to keep up, but we both keep encouraging each other throughout the day and are both offering lots of grace for all the the things that aren't getting done as quickly as we'd like.  With that being said, we have a lot we are looking forward to in the next few weeks and it's keeping us going! 

Fleas

In the 9 years I've had Harry, I can't remember ever giving him a bath. And Charlie's never had a bath either. Until this week!  Both cats somehow got fleas (not sure if they came from the dog or Charlie's frequent escapes outside).  I bought a highly recommended (and pricey) flea medicine (Advange II) and it worked a little bit but definitely didn't take care of the problem.  And I call it a problem because Austin ended up having two fleas on his back one morning after he woke up! Gross, I know.  The cats like to sleep in the kids beds, but this week they were banned from bedrooms.  I stripped all the beds, washed every ounce of bedding, and vacuumed the floors 1-2 times daily.  I can definitely tell the cats are feeling better and are scratching less.  Harry, unfortunately, has lost some fur over the last month and ended up with scabs from scratching... so he's still looking pretty rough!

Btw, the cats smell so so good and they are sooooo incredibly soft!  I can't stop smelling and petting them. True crazy cat lady story.  I told Kevin I may make this bath thing more frequent! Ha!
Oh and one more funny story... The cats were SO mad after their baths.  I don't think they recognized each other and I certainly don't think they were fans of their new smells because the cat hissing and growling was serious business for 24 hours!

**I can't remember if I posted this or not, but we purchased a new Dyson Cinetic big ball Animal & Allergy vacuum.  Our old Dyson was dying and not working well, but it gave us almost 9 years of clean floors, so I knew I wanted another!  The new one is even more amazing and I love vacuuming just to see how quickly I can fill the canister.  I know... Between smelling the cats and enjoying vacuuming, I'm a bit weird!

Finding Nemo

I let the kids pick a new movie on Apple TV.  They picked Finding Nemo.  Allie has been walking around all week calling everything "my squishy".  I'm sure they will want to see Finding Dory when it comes out!

Growing Pains 

Krissy, Allie, and Austin have been dealing with growing pains this week!  Literally every night this week I was woken up by someone's cries of leg pain.  The girls both woke up after Kevin had left for work, so I just had them lay in bed with me while I rubbed their hurting leg(s).  They'd end up falling back asleep and usually I'd fall back asleep while rubbing their leg!  

Art Smarts Camp

Our church hosts a summer camp called Art Smarts.  It's a week filled with teaching kids about Jesus through the arts.  My kids LOVE it!  I've assisted at the camp for probably 5 years now, but decided to step it up this year and teach!  I'm teaching a preschool cooking class.  I've been looking for perfect recipes the kids can help me make while focusing on our theme, "Taste and see that the Lord is good!"  My class will consist of 3-5 year olds and I'm lucky enough to have a 3 & 5 year old to practice recipes with!  

Baking

I wanted to perk myself up this week and thought I'd try one of the new recipes I've pinned lately..."the best yellow cupcakes from scratch".  Can't tell you how many of these recipes I've tried over the years, or why I continue to fall for the lie that they are the best, because it's just not true.  They weren't the best.  Not even close.  I'm not sure I'll ever find a cake recipe that is as light and airy and moist as a box mix!  These ended up in the trash shortly after I made them.  And I still have about a dozen more "best" recipes I want to try - so I'm sure I will.  Just need to remember to keep my expectations low!  However, I did make some great brownies, cookies, bread, and cinnamon rolls this week!

Treating the teachers and bus driver!

Chicken Hair Cut

Our little white chicken, Sunshine, was getting quite the poof!  I was reading about her breed and realized a lot of people trim the poof so the chickens can see better.  I had no idea I should be doing that, but I did notice she was always behind the others, slow to get treats, and slow to run away from other big chickens/the dog and it's because she can't see past that poof!

The next day she got a trim and she's thrilled about her new look!

(You can see her eye in this last picture, it's just closed!)

Potty Training

I have to end with a high!  Austin has done amazingly well potty training this week!!!  I knew we were going to be home all week and thought it was a perfect opportunity to work on his potty skills.  Our earlier attempts were unsuccessful because he wasn't interested in my tried and true methods! Ha!  (We always do no bottoms and a long Tshirt for a few days.  It's worked with the first 3 kids!)  When he gets out of the bathtub, he runs around naked screaming "naked party!" So you can imagine my dismay when he refused to go bottomless.  I compromised and let him wear undies but no pants.  Every time he's started to go, he's stopped and told me, so I haven't had to clean up any major accidents.  (I should note that while we are outside, he feels like it's perfectly acceptable to pee in the yard. That's happened twice so we definitely need to work on that!)  The first two days he was afraid to poop on the potty but the last couple days he's done great.  He's also been allowed to wear pants the last few days too :) We haven't left the house in undies but we may give that a shot tomorrow!

  

Let's Go Fly A Kite

 We've had a bit of unseasonably cool weather lately, and spent a lot of time at home.  About two weeks ago I spent $5 at Walmart on 4 cheap kites.  Who knew they'd provide hours of entertainment?! Sidenote:  The girls have been dressing themselves (on our days we stay home) so overlook their oddly put together outfits ;)

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