Farm & Family

How to Raise Pastured Poultry, Part 1: DIY Brooder Pen

It’s going to be a crazy next few months, y’all, what with moving, installing new gardens, mending fences, and adding pigs, more laying hens and more meat birds to our homestead.  On top of all the renovations in the new house.  Oh, and did I mention we’re thinking of boarding horses?  Yep, it’ll be a…

The Best Livestock Guardian Dog for Chickens

Note from Kathleen: Today I’m welcoming my favorite guest post author…my husband, Mr. Native Texan!  Also known as Greg.  He’s definitely the animal expert on our homestead, so I’m going to let him tell you all about our experience with our livestock guardian dog Mudge.

3 Acre Homestead for Sale in Northern Virginia

In 2012, Mr. Native Texan hit the big 4-0.  In honor of such a momentous occasion I gave him a chicken coop plus a few laying hens.  He loved it, and the rest was history! Later this year (2018), it’s my turn to celebrate four decades.  So we’re buying a 20-acre farm.

Our 2017 Homesteading Year in Review

2017 was a big homesteading year for us.  Most notably, it was our first year to raise pastured poultry from start to finish.  What an adventure! There were triumphs (chickens) and defeats (broccoli).  We learned a lot and worked our tails off, and have spent the winter recuperating and gathering ideas and energy for year 2018…

100+ Non Toy Gift Ideas for Kids

As my kids grow older and their “stuff” seems to multiply overnight, I find myself wondering how many toys a kid really needs.

Awesome Scripture Music for Kids

Listening to Bible verses set to song is an amazingly effective way to memorize Scripture.  What better way to encourage your family’s efforts at Bible memory than listening to awesome Scripture music for kids? 

Skip the Gadgets: Best Toys for Creative Play

Need a little help choosing the best toys for creative play?  Each toy listed below has been well-loved by my three children.  Your kids will love them too!  

5 Crunchy Books that are Changing My Life

Just when my friends and assorted family members thought I couldn’t get any crunchier…

How to Get Rid of Vine Borers for Good

Ready to get rid of vine borers for good? There’s nothing quite so discouraging as watching a perfectly healthy zucchini plant wilt before your eyes, while you stand by, helpless.  If you have trouble with vine borers, I’ve got good news and bad news.

Top 8 Essential Oils for Chickens

Have you ever wondered if you can use essential oils for chickens?