The Inadvertent Farmer

Happy New Years from Gizmo and Kim!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and blessed new year!

Gizmo does too...

I do?

Yes Gizmo you do.

That's awfully presumptuous of you don't you think?

I know under all that grumpiness you are really a sweetheart. So wish everyone a happy new year Gizmo.

Happy New Year Gizmo.

That is not what I meant...

Well that is what you said.

Fine...no champagne for you tonight.

You don't drink...

Well if I did I wouldn't give you any...

Now is that anyway to act on the cusp of a new year?

You know that some new years don't have camels.

That would be a very sad year for everyone on your blog...

You know not everything is about you.  Perhaps people read my blog for my lovely garden and adorable children.

And let's not forget your dorky poems

My poems are not dorky they are funny.

To who?

I think it is "to whom"

You are correcting the grammar of a camel...this does not bode well for your metal state in the new year you know.

Gizmo?

Yes.

Happy New Year.

Happy New Year to you too....and Kim?

Yes.

It really is all about me.

Yes Gizmo...I know

Decorating for New Year's Eve quick easy Inexpensive

Sorry for the lateness of posting this...nothing like waiting till the last minute to share a fun idea!

I thought about waiting till next year but just couldn't...this is too quick, easy, inexpensive, and a little wacky to not share it with you.

 

When I think of New Year's celebrations I think of funny hats, noise makers, and...

Champagne glasses overflowing...or sparkling cider...whatever your preference.

Anyway...

I have this light in my dining room that is upturned...which makes is a perfect catch basin for dust most of the year.

Today I decided to put that shape to good use!

I went to Michaels and bought 8 boxes of clear glass (not plastic as they would melt) Christmas balls that were 70% off.  I used two sizes, large and medium.

First I put down a wire rack that I use for cooling cookies.  That way I used fewer balls...

Then I just started putting them in...I tried to keep the hook end down and not to show.

After it was as full as I could safely get it, I tied a few (with clear thread) to hang over the side to look like an overflowing glass of Champagne!

I would have hung them down farther but if the two year old stood on the table (which he is known to do) he could have reached them with his trusty bat!

 

And Voile! 

An easy, inexpensive, and most of all fun New Year's Eve decoration for your party, get together or like me...

An evening with hubby on the couch!

 ***

And here is a preview of one of the photos I have chosen as one of my favorites of the year...

Stay tuned for the rest on Friday!

a Fever Dentist Poetry and Computer Glitches

I had big plans for today...BIG

I was going to post my top 10 very favorite, love them so much, photos of 2009.

I was going to get up early and post.

Wellllllll...

Baby Boy woke up around 10pm last night with a fever.

He was up till past 2am.

We slept on the couch till 7am when Sweet Girl got up and wanted breakfast.

I dutifully directed her to the bananas and chocolate milk....

Baby boy soon after woke up and wanted oatmeal.

I got some toothpicks and propped my eyelids open and made oatmeal...with apples and raisins no less.

I plopped the kids in front of PBS to write the post to share my photos and...

DARN...

the computer with all my pics on is acting wonky and will let me on just to kick me off.

So here we are...two days left in the year and I've go nothing.

Well I suppose I could make a little rhyme...

***

The littlest prince quite sick has he gotten

Big sister is worried and thinks its quite rotten

The queen is doing all that she can

To help with the prince...her littlest man

His fever has gotten his mood in the ditch

His mother is tired, trying hard not to...Well you know

She planned great things to accomplish today

But with a feverish boy on the couch will she stay

***

So if my kid and computer are well on the mend

I'll be right back here my photos to send

I'll share my faves from throughout the year

Camels, kids, laughter and... maybe a tear

***

So there you have it, and on top of it all...

I have a dentist appointment!

Dr. thinks I need another skin graft...

Hmmm this day just gets better and better!

Easy photo project Valentines Mother's Day Birthday

I would have posted this in time for you to make for Christmas.  But since both my mom and sister read my blog (hi mom...hi sister!) and this was part of their Christmas gifts I didn't want to spoil the surprise...

This was an inexpensive fun to do photo project that I made for gifts as well as our Christmas cards.

First I started by picking a font I like on the computer and printing the word LOVE onto a piece of paper.

Then using the printed LOVE as a reference I drew each letter on a piece of poster paper.  Next I filled in each one... 

Then the kids and I went out in the field to take some pics with the letters...

We tried lots of different things...having fun all the while!

I considered just one large photo... 

But after seeing these I decided to try to find a frame with openings for each letter to be on its own... 

The possibilities are as endless as your imagination on this!

My mom and sister were thrilled...and I like it so much I did one for myself.

The cost was less than $15...the frame was 1/2 price at Michaels...at that price you could cover your walls with them!

And for any new readers...

Please ignore the dust on my floors. 

For my regular readers...

Well you all know that dust is a decorating accessory around here...along with mud, dirt, manure and other assorted delights!

 

If anyone makes one of these I would love to see it and share it here with everyone!

Also...

Post Linked to:

 

 

   

Not Me Monday the Camel Kiss

Oldest son is home from college for Christmas.  Gizmo loves oldest son...

In spite of their great affection for each other...

This never happened!

Because it just never could...

Hey...don't I know you? 

Snifffff...

Aren't you the one that always brings me apples?   

I knew you were...

Hey dude thanks! 

Come a little closer old buddy...

You know I had a cool beard like that till your mother shaved it off...

I know, its a tragic story...

Hey man...I sure missed ya!

And while you're home...could you tell your mom it wouldn't kill her to give me an apple now and then...

And a little extra grain would be nice...

And could she do something about the fence?

I think its broken again.

 

Hello?  Still there?  This is me...this did not happen. My oldest, my precious college educated first born son, the one I raised so sensibly, would never, ever kiss a camel...never!

Come on over to Not Me Monday to see what else we are NOT doing!

 

 

 I can also be found over at Not Dabbling in Normal today talking about my grand and sweeping New Year's resolutions...or not!
 
 

Silent Saturday Sunrise

Last week we covered sunset...today sunrise.

I know...shocking!

I must say that sunrise is absolutely my favorite time of the day.  So much potential at sunrise.  So many things I'm going to accomplish.  So many adventures to go on!

 

 

 

Besides its fun to watch God paint the sky!

(Note none of the colors in these have been edited...they are just as I saw them!)

 

So...do you have a favorite time of day?

 

 

Christmas Snow CAMEL...be careful what you ask for!

Some of you have asked about the photo in my header...well here is the story behind it!  Be careful what you ask for.

 

Here be popular demand...GIZMO, Super Duper Snow Camel!

 

 

Gizmo...oh Gizmo, come on out and play!

 

 

Come on boy...I have an apple for you!

 

 

Besides your adoring fans are waiting to see you...

 

 

What are you lookin' at...dumb llamas!

 

   

This better be a good...you know how I hate snow!

Sorry buddy, but you have some friends in blogland that want to see you...

Hrrrmmmmfff

 

 

What do you mean you only brought one apple?????

 

 

I suppose you think that hat's funny?

Giggle...yeah I do!

 

 

Well  Ho, Ho, Ho....................my arse!

 

You know that if you talk like that Santa won't bring you anything in your stocking!  You'll just get a lump of coal.

What as opposed to one measly apple?

That is NOT the attitude Santa is looking for...

What's with the old guy anyway...doesn't' he know that camels are the only really cool way to travel? 

Reindeer???  Really....

Merry Christmas Gizmo...

Merry Christmas Kim...can I go now?

Yes Gizmo...you can go now.

Merry Christmas all...

     

Have Garden Pests? Mine are BIGGER!

(Note...the elk have been hanging around of late so I thought I would republish a story of their adventures from this exact time last year.  I'm just finishing up my handmade Christmas gifts...I just might make it!)

Do you have slugs that nibble on your lettuce?  Caterpillars eating holes in your cabbage?  Rabbits tasting your spinach?  Beetles that devour you crops?  

Well how about these for garden pests?

 

ELK!!!

You can't make them do anything they don't want to do.  If they want to get in the garden, well that is absolutely what they are going to do.  If they want to rub their antlers on your trees and break large limbs off, yep they're gonna do that too!  Deer are just small fry compared to these big beasts!

 

See that fence post?  It used to have a tree staked to it...they ate it...down to the ground!

Elk and the Buick!

 

Ahhh a young one! 

Note:  excuse the photo quality, all these shots were taken through our windows.  With the amount of noise my kids were making if I had opened a door the elk would have bolted like the wind.  They are very jittery creatures under most circumstances but it is elk season and so they seemed extra nervous.

 

Boys will be boys...

 

 

Gotcha!!!

 

 

Spikes...

 

 

Last year they got into the garden just in time to either eat or stomp all of the pumpkins in the pumpkin patch.  They love my ornamental pear trees.  Roses are like candy to them. 

Fortunately the herd (40 to 60 head) only come through a few time a year.  They scare off easily if you happen to see them.  They hate the camel and don't venture on the side of the property where Gizmo resides...I think he freaks them out!  He actually stampeded them once, what a sight seeing a camel chasing a herd of elk down the hill.  They didn't quit running until they were to the property two neighbors away, lol!

I will admit though that they may be big pests but they are sure a lot cuter than a slug or beetle!

 

I need a Silent Night

I'm not one to put videos on my blog but darn I love this song!

It speaks directly to my heart...

And I suspect it will to yours too...

"I need a silent night a Holy night to hear an angel voice

Through the chaos and the noise I need a midnight clear

A little peace right here to end this crazy day with a silent night"

I hope you are taking the time to enjoy and be thankful for the blessing in your life...

And remember that God came down and showed up...in person.

Just because He loved us so much.

Now if that isn't a reason to be thankful I don't know what is!

Silent Saturday Snow

We haven't had any snow yet here...lots of rain...lots of wind...an more rain!

So I am reaching back into the archives to refresh my memory what the white stuff looks like!

If you have snow could you send some my way...I'm tired of the rain!

Have a wonderful (and white) weekend.

Kim the inadvertent farmer

 

  

Friday Funnies a Christmas Star!

Hey Sweetie are you almost ready to go?

Yes mama...I can't wait to be in the Christmas play! 

 

You're going to be the prettiest star ever!

Thanks mama...I'm going to do my best.

I'm going to shine my hardest...

Like this... 

 

Laughing...Not sure that the star needs to try quite that hard! 

Are you sure mama?  I need to try my hardest.

Just make a sweet face...ok?

Ok mama.

 

That's perfect! 

 

Santa Claus is coming to town...on a COW!

Since I claimed to be classy yesterday I might as well confess as to what I really am at heart...a country bumpkin...a classy country bumpkin mind you!   This is one of my all time favorite Christmas decorations...

 

 

Now how can you resist a cow with bangs?

Not to mention an very hip bell and cardinal for decoration!

 

 

Ahhh the jolly old man himself, with little blue bird friend in tow...wait, what is that I see hanging onto Santa's beard?  Could it be....?

 

 

Yes it is...a goose!  Santa knows that a goose it the perfect companion for keeping that long beard out of his face!

 

 

Now hold on just one  minute...don't tell me Santa didn't milk the poor thing before deciding to take her for a ride.  Hmmmff!

Men just have no clue about engorgement!

*

Well at least he didn't come into town riding something crazy like say...a chicken or something!!!

 

 

 

Note both of these pieces are by williraye studio

 

ChristmasTrees of Memories...

This is a public service announce...

The inadvertent farmer will be mostly reruns through Christmas due to her many children, messy house, upcoming parties she is hosting, cookies that need to be baked and eaten, fudge that needs to be made and eaten.  There is also this old house we are the the throws of remolding that needs tile, paint, carpet, trim...and more paint.  I frankly am frazzled and crazed since I have almost no Christmas gifts made and I have sworn that I will resist the urge to go to Target and buy everyone something and be done...

So something has got to give and since giving my children away till Christmas is not an option I will be cutting back on time spent here on the computer with you my dear readers...please don't forget about me...sob..........I will never forget about you...

I promise

What can rival a tree decorated with homemade ornaments? The only thing that I can think of would be a tree decorated with memories.

This is the way I have been decorating my trees for years now.  This is my dining room tree.

 

It is simply adorned with black and white photos of my family.  Someday I will get around to mounting them on something to make them a little stiffer but for now they are straight out of my printer. 

I have tried garland, ornaments, little icicles with them but I keep coming back to just photos, no more.

 

There are numerous advantages to this kind of tree,  the baby can't break anything,and the black and white prints fade very little and what little they do just makes them look more 'vintage'.  You also can easily add to and rearrange from year to year. 

Best of all you can stand back and look at your tree and smile for all of the wonderful memories that come flooding back.

Besides is just looks classy in the corner against the red walls...and everyone here knows what a classy chick I am.

Hey...I heard that...no laughing at the classy chick!

.

Cookie Tuesday

Tuesday is the day of great cookie making

To our small group we will be taking

Snowmen and stars

Angels and Cars

All manner of shape and of size

For children to make and to prize...

****

There will be frosting all over the place

On every small finger and every sweet face

There will be smiles all around

Where sugar rushes abound!

****

Wish me luck...cause no peace will I find.

Yes I am out of my mind.

You see the home where we meet

Is on my very own street...

****

These many small children are coming to me!

To frost and laugh and giggle with glee...

Fun will be had by one and by all.

By every mom and every child small.

***

I will be back when I'm done cleaning...

Frosting off every wall and every ceiling!

Not Me Monday the Bread Bandit!

This is my oven twice a week.  Two days a week my kids mill about the kitchen waiting for the bread and cinnamon rolls to be done so they can have some...

This is a little tale from one of those days...

Set up:

The bread is done and is cooling on the counter.  Baby Boy wanders in wanting a piece.  I am washing dishes in the sink not singing Christmas Carols at the top of my lungs...

Me want bread pweeze.

OK baby I'll cut you a piece.

I cut him a big piece of raisin cinnamon swirl bread and leave it on the counter I did not turn my back and go back to the dishes...Angels we have heard on high...Gloooooooooriaaaaaa....

No, I always supervise my 2 year old when he eats!

I turned around a little...much...later to check on the baby and see his slice of bread still on the counter...but the rest of the loaf is gone...

As is he!

 

I did not find him hiding around the corner with this in his hands...

The whole loaf of bread! 

 

Hey you little stinker! 

 

Wook mama...me eat whole thing!

I see that.

I cut a piece for you, its on the counter over there.  Why did you take the whole loaf?

Me want to...me big boy...me no need wittle piece.

Me need BIG piece bread!  

 

You don't need a whole loaf.

Yes me do.

No sir.

Yes mama me do...me no sir, me big boy. 

I did not let him carry around that loaf for most of the morning sharing with his sister now and then.  I did not have to sweep crumbs up all day. I certainly wouldn't let him have it at at every meal for the next two days till it was gone...no that would be silly of me. 

The moral of the story?

When you are singing Christmas Carols and doing dishes always be alert for the Bread Bandit...

You never know when he might strike!

Oh yeah...and hide the loaf! 

 

Come see what else we are NOT doing today!

 

 

 

All I can say is "I'm Glad he's Neurtered"

Someone found my blog by searching

"Pet Camel Fences"

I am sure they read my many tales of woe concerning Gizmo and his habit of breaking fences.

Well on the same page of google was this story...

About a woman killed by her horny camel.

All I can say is...

Good thing you're neutered big guy!

Hey hold on one minute...who are you calling neutered???

I am the epitome of masculinity...

I just have discerning tastes that's all.

I haven't found the right girl yet.

Neutered...Hmffff!

 

Silent Saturday Let the Sun go Down

Welcome to another addition of Silent Saturday where it is a little less talk and a lot more action...in the case of today's post its action taken at sundown.

When God paints the sky with breathtaking splendor!

All these were taken from my back porch within the last couple of weeks and the only alterations done to the photos was cropping...the colors are just as God rendered them!

***

There are sunsets who whisper a good-by.

It is a short dusk and a way for the stars.

Prairie and sea rim they go level and even.

And the sleep is easy... 

***

There are sunsets who dance good-by

They fling scarves half to the arc.

To the arc then and over the arc.

Ribbons at the ears, sashes at the hips.

Dancing, dancing good-by... Carl Sandburg

 

 

And although Elton John Sings to not the let the sun go down on me...

I say if it looks like this then bring it on!

 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend...come back next week and we'll cover sunrise! 

 

Friday Funnies...Name this Photo!

I am running out the door...

We have an old house we are working on and unless I want to work on Christmas Eve I need to get the kitchen cabinets painted and the counter tops tiled...the sink in, the dishwasher in and the baseboards on...

So for today I have this...

Any good ideas for a caption?

I'll check back later today and add my favorite here on the post!

Have a good one...

And wish me luck!

 

Lock Him up Judge! Camel Prison...

No judge!  You've got the wrong camel...

I'm innocent!

It was the goat...

The DNA is wrong!

I did not eat those roses...

And it was the llamas that broke the fence! 

I swear it wasn't me!

I'll do anything...anything I tell you!

NOOOOO!

When I get out of this joint someone is gonna pay...

And pay dearly...

Mark my words.

 

Gizmo is off to earn his keep. Stay tuned to see how this all turns out and if he indeed does exact his revenge upon me.  And for those of you trying to figure out what is going on I bet if you poke around my blog a little you can figure out where the big guy is going! You might want to start with the camel button in the sidebar...

Garden Meadow Before and After Winter Frost

My garden is surrounded on all sides by open fields, they are full of grasses and wildflowers.  In the summer the wind blows them in waves and I smile...

What amazes me is that even after over a week of bitter cold and temperatures that have not been above freezing that the fields and meadows can still be just as stunning and still bring a smile to my face!

These photos were all taken at sunrise one very cold morning...although my hands were numb by the time I was done it was so worth the trip outside.

The sun was just peeking over the tops of the fir trees on the east edge of the pasture.  The air was perfectly still not so much as a whisper of wind. The whole valley lay peacefully under its glistening blanket of frost. 

Who knew that these were the lovely remnants of these...

They seem to be still reaching upwards into the blue sky trying to capture the sun. 

Even when finished for the season, when dried and gone...nature is still a wonder! 

 

So here is my challenge for you today...

Go out and find something beautiful in nature that brings a smile to your face...

Its out there...

You've just got to look! 

 

 

Water Park in December a Poem on Not Me Monday!

Due to an unexpected trip that I did not take to an indoor water park the following poem did not seep out of my rattled brain...no not me I would never!

***

My hubby decided we needed a trip.

If I had my way this trip I would skip...

Skip it I would cause it involves both of these...

Two pasty white thighs...

 and Two ghostly white knees...

Yes my sweet hubby got it into his head

That this trip would involve the thing that I dread.

I dread wearing swimsuits even in summer...

Wearing one in December is a really BIG  bummer!

As you read this dear readers I'm in a really large pool.

With my minor children and those that home school.

Yes laugh if you must, I know I would too.

Except that its me and I wish it were you!

So while kiddies are splashin' and going down slides.

Think of the middle age women that hides...

Hides in the water up to her neck.

And think to yourself  "Oh what the heck!"

"Just get out of the water and show what you've got"

Which to I reply...I've got quite a lot!

*

A lot of white skin that doesn't see sun.

I live in the Northwest from the sun I do run!

Besides I gave birth to way more  than one child

And the damage sustained is not very mild!

Now my belly is closer to jelly and jam.

So stay in the water... yes surely I am!

 In the water I'll stay, you can't make me get out.

So there I will stay and there I will pout.

*

So Next time dear hubby decides to go for a swim...

I'll be staying at home and not going with him.

For a swim in December is crazy at best.

No, I will stay home and...

I will stay dressed!

*

 

Come on over to see what else we are NOT doing!

A Poem about Snot

So here I am again...

"Hi"

"Anyone out there?"

"Testing, testing..."

"Is this thing on?"

*

I love my dear children...really I do.

But one of my children said...

"I'll share this with you!"

He sneezed in my face and blew snot on my cheek...

I'm destined for sickness the rest of the week.

I also must tell it went in my mouth.

And from that moment on it all headed south....

So no witty banter or pictures of stuff.

My eyes are all watery, my throat is all rough.

My fingers are typing yet my mind is a haze...

Looks like it will be one of those days.

So goodbye dear readers I hope to get well.

To come back tomorrow with a story to tell.

Cause stories I've got of camels in trailers.

Of children in stores and grumpy retailers.

Of crafts we have done and recipes cooked

I've got lots of goodies...the whole week is booked!

So come back real soon to visit me please.

 I'll promise this oath...

On you I'll not sneeze!

Silent Saturday is coming up Winter Roses

Roses are magnificent in the spring and summer...

But there is something about a rose in winter that is hauntingly beautiful... 

 

These look like they have been dusted with powdered sugar. 

Such a delicate flower for such a heavy burden...

Hmmm kind of like me...all sweet and delicate burdened by a tomato eating camel and rose eating goats.  Yes it is a heavy burden I bear...but bear it I must.

Stop laughing...this is a serious post about beauty and such! Hmmfff...

Yes I will say it again, I am a delicate flower...

A delicate flower that just happens to be a little crusty around the edges, but delicate none the less...

Happy Weekend to you all, I hope you're staying warm...or in the case of the Pacific Northwest

Hope you're staying dry!

 

The Friday Funnies Monster Boy

Hey baby...how's my sweet boy?

 

Me not baby.

Me... 

Big Boy.

Me...

Me Big Monster Boy...

Me eat you...

Grrrrrrrrrrr! 

 

So ok then...whoever says little boys and little girls are not born different are...

Well as my husband would put it...

"A bunch of pansy-assed intellectuals that have never raised real kids only hypothetical kids"

Yes that about sums it up!

I can also be found today over at Not Dabbling in Normal where I'm posting about kitchen organization and efficiency in our ongoing 'homestead 101' series...come join us!

 

Prefab Gingerbread House Yes I cheated!

 

Organic?...no

Homemade?...no

Vegan?...no

Whole Wheat?...no

Fun?...

Oh Yeah!

I stink at making gingerbread for gingerbread houses.  When my mother in law gave this to the kids I jumped at the chance for a break for the frustrating task of making it from scratch!

I must say that having a prefab gingerbread house did nothing to detract from the experience in the eyes of my kiddos!

Will I try it again from scratch...I'm sure I will.

But for this year...from a box is just fine by me!

So here is my question for you my crafty and creative readers...

What shortcuts are you taking this year?

Egg Nog from a carton, or perhaps a prelit tree, maybe even store bought fudge re-wrapped to look homemade?

Do tell...

Share your secrets...

Spill your guts...

Fess up...

I promise I won't tell! 

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