Before I share my Love Centered Parenting book review, let me give you my behind the scenes look of its creation. I was a member of Crystal’s blogging mastermind and she shared a part of what life was like writing a book.
She told us how she set aside X amount of time 5 days a week to write. As our group leader she gave me a tool to grow in my life by her example of how she made time to follow through with her commitment.
Her daily discipline and commitment to her writing life encourages me still. I am pleased to be a part of her launch team for Love Centered Parenting.
NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate and other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.
Written by Crystal Paine, I felt almost as if it was a letter from a friend. I feel privileged to have been on the outskirts of her journey when she wrote this book.
I was given an advanced digital copy to read and soaked up nudges from the Holy Spirit as I read. Today I am excited to have a purchased physical copy in my hands as I finish this post.
A book in hand and a pen to make notes fills me with a warm and excited feeling. Even if I have already read the book.
My Review
I foundLove Centered Parentingto go beyond sharing parenting ideas. Crystal shares her spiritual journey as it relates to her journey raising children. The lessons she teaches apply to areas of life outside of parenting a child.
In this book Crystal presents the ways she has grown as a parent and where she still struggles. It could not help but get me thinking a little deeper about relationships close to me.
How can I improve as a listener?
How do I show up to show love to others I interact with?
Do I truly trust God for the outcome and not try to manipulate a result?
Am I ok with going into a mess of someone’s life because he called me?
Do I play it safe when it comes to relationships?
Some of the answers stung a little cause I see room for improvement in my life.
My walk with Christ has grown as a result of reading and applying parts of this book. Her honesty is refreshing.
She gets real about challenges her family has faced and presets vulnerable struggles her family has faced.
Love Centered Parenting is packed full of ways to grow closer in a relationship with Jesus. It appears to be written for people who have already come to the conclusion they are sinful and need a relationship with Him for eternal salvation.
Her ability to encourage others by sharing her own life lessons leaves me with a desire to continue learning from her experiences.
In Conclusion of Love Centered Parenting Book Review
Crystal doesn’t tell her only tell her story. Each chapter ends with 2 transforming truths. The last portion of the book leaves you with Practical Tools for Love Centered Parenting.
A live loved manifesto
Flare prayers
A feelings chart
Conversations starters (I love this one!)
Pledge to my maturing child
The one minute pause
I am a step closer in becoming better at relating to those around me I love. As a child of Christ, I am a bit more grounded for the way she continues to go back to the Bible as she shares her story.
Grab your copy today at your favorite book store or click the link below.
I never doubted the love of my grandparents. I knew how they enjoyed holding the annual Valentine’s Day celebration at their house. The event became tradition over a period of around 20 year or longer. I do not recall the exact year our first event was held or my age. But in my heart, I treasure what I now call an old-fashioned Valentine’s Day
Handcrafted gifts with hearts were passed out. But not right away. As I reminisce, the gifts must have taken them all year to make.
NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate and other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.
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Our Family Meal on Valentine’s Day
A red, white and pink themed table displayed the source of delicious smelling homemade meal prepared by Grandma and Aunt Rosetta consisted of Dad’s Casserole, green bean casserole, applesauce, and a fancy Jello salad among other delightful foods Here we gathered to pray and eat of the lip smacking delights
Dessert was festive heart shaped cake or little cakes shaped like hearts covered in pretty little candy hearts or red and white M&M’s. Ice cream of various flavors were offered to eat with cake.
Or others like myself enjoyed their cake in a bowl with milk poured over it. This was before I needed to refrain from eating sugar. Even when after I started taking insulin, I would enjoy a treat at our Valentine’s Party.
Once we all had our fill of delicious food, and dishes were washed, we waited for the parents to arrive. When all had arrived, out came the first clue of our treasure hunt.
Valentine’s Day Treasure Hunt
These were 6 to 10 clues hidden strategically throughout the house and even in the pockets of the parents sometimes. Eventually the last clue led us to the ‘treasure’.
A box of several of handcrafted gifts made by our grandfather. A few included hand made pieces by my grandma such as the miniature quilt rack (Grandpa made) complete with miniature quilts (Grandma made).
For 20 years we were treated to items homemade gifts for Valentines Day. Today, they can be found in various areas of my house.
Each gift had a heart shape incorporated into it. My Grandpa created the mug tree with a heart shaped base.
Another event of the day was taking pictures of the grandchildren and grandparents. The celebration ended with an evening meal for all generations.
Valentine’s Day Games
Throughout the year my grandparents saved coins to be placed in a heart shaped container. All the grandchildren took turns guessing (1 guess person) the sum total of change. We wrote out our guesses. The closest to the correct amount would be given the money.
After looking at old pictures, I realized the change was not always in heart shaped container.
After the traditional events took place several of us grouped around tables and played favorite games such as Dutch Blitz, marbles, Skip Bo and Dominos are a few I recall.
Breaking Tradition
One year my grandparents saved up money to purchase each of us a Bible. A breaking of the tradition, no hand made wood item this particular year. Every year they spoke of the love of Jesus as the gave us Valentine’s Day gifts, but the year they gave us Bible’s it was a bit different.
The wanted us to know the love of Christ. While they liked giving us physical gifts, they placed a high value in the written Word of God.
This toy sized bench is unique in my opinion and special because my Grandpa made them.
My grandparents wanted to share a clear and confident message to each of their grandchildren. The love of Christ Jesus surpassed the love of my grandparents. It was deeply important to them their grand children be given the word of God.
Curiosity Created
I think, at some point, I became interested in seeing how my grandfather created these gifts we had been given.
My grandfather had a spot in the basement for his wood working hobby. His bigger tools stayed outside in the garage, but the intricate work and sanding happened in the basement.
The youngest of the grandchildren were not born yet in this picture.
I recall a stretch of time I spent down with grandpa in the basement watching and learning a few of his processes. Instead of spending time with grandma, I wanted to understand the skills grandpa used to make items from wood.
I do not remember why I stopped, my curiosity had been satisfied, I suppose.
The annual event ended years ago. The memories live on inside my heart while the handcrafted gifts and Bible serve as a reminder of days gone by.
I would like to share with you where my idea came from to batch the job of hatching baby chickens. I will continue to improve The ideas I share here will communicate the basics of my current process.
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What is Batching ?
Batching a writer’s work load is a concept I learned about as I became apart of the online community. Blogging and podcast coaches speak of batching content creation, scheduling social media, and answering emails. In a nut shell the concept revolves around the idea of doing the same or similar tasks in a setting or a grouping.
The idea is when working on a repeated task if you do it all at one time your mind stays focused and it will take less time to complete the process.
In content batching for example, one might set aside time to write out a list of content ideas and when they will be shared. Another time slot is set aside to create outlines for the above mentioned material. A third time period is set aside to actually write or record (podcast) the material. And a final time slot is set aside to edit the created material.
Does this actually save time? Or is this a mind shift which will work well for some people and not for others? Good questions I do not have the answer to, but keep reading to read about how I am using the idea of batch hatching baby chickens.
NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate and other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.
Tools for Hatching Baby Chickens
Not sure if it actually saves me time, but I decided to apply it to my hatching process. First, I want to share my current hatching tools and what I have been doing.
I currently use 4 table top incubators. These are not the most expensive on the market and not as automated as other incubator options, but these are what I currently use here.
At CG Heartbeats farm we raise 3 breeds of heritage chickens and most of the time I source my hatching eggs from my own flock.
Silver Gray Dorking
Swedish Flower Hens
Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner
Silver Gray Dorking, a five toed bird, has existed in some variation for over 2000. years. Writings during the reign of Julius Caesar depicts a five-toed bird. Named in more recent times (last 2 or 3 hundred years) after the town of Dorking, England. They traveled to the United States with the early settlers. I have found the roosters to be……Click to continue reading
The first Swedish Flower Hen birds were first imported into the United States in 2010. These beautiful birds known for their white tipped feathers are primarily an egg laying bird. Click to continue reading
This friendly breed has only been in the United States since 2014. Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner roosters weight may top out at over 10 lbs. They are truly a duel purpose bird as 6 hens have consistently laid anywhere from 1 to 6 eggs since the started laying at around 5-6 months old until going through their first molt. Click to continue reading
Why I Use Small Incubators for Hatching Baby Chicks
There are several Swedish Flower Hen breeding pens here at CG Heartbeats Farm. I have found it challenging when I incubate eggs from several different pens to identify which pen the chicks came from.
I have in the past watched a hatch extremely close, pulled out chicks to band them as soon as they hatch, and put them back in the incubator.
Want Wasn’t Working when Hatching Baby Chickens
This was not satisfactory to me for several reasons.
My time hovering over a hatch kept me from other duties
Because I was drawn away at times, I would miss a part of the hatch. (Thus the chicks were unknown parentage and recorded as such.)
Opening and closing an incubator repeatedly to band chicks does not create the best conditions for the remaining eggs to hatch
Often a part of the hatch happened at night and these days I cherish my sleep.
I opted to purchase smaller incubators to hatch less eggs at a time such as the Janoel 12. I have had good success using this incubator for the price of it.
Using my old system I hatched every week or so. One week I would set eggs from one pen. The next week another pen and so on. Every week I had something on my calendar around hatching chicks.
Experimenting with Workflow on CG Heartbeats Farm
Late in the year of 2020, I had an idea to try a new system. I decided to batch my hatches.
After saving eggs for a week or so from all the pens I wanted to incubate eggs from, I collected eggs from all the breeds. You see it is easy for me to tell the different breeds apart as chicks. I am able to hatch Silver Gray Dorking chicks with Swedish Flower Hen chicks or Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner.
I organized the eggs placing them in one of the 4 incubators based on
How many eggs I had from a specific breeding group
Space in the incubator for other breeds
In one day all 4 incubators were set. After 7 days of incubation I would candle all the eggs at one time. I would have one day for lockdown all 4 incubators, one hatching period of a couple days. One day to move the chicks to brooders and one day to clean all the incubators and start the process again.
I am currently on round 2 of using the process of batch hatching baby chickens. I do not know if it is actually shortening the amount of time it takes to complete the work around hatching baby chicks. It does reduce my temptation to become distracted and keeps me focused,.
Benefits
No need to hover over a hatch, banding chicks to preserve breeding lines. Now I have around 2 weeks free time with no need to take action around the incubating process. During this time, I can focus on other jobs and projects.
I have the option to narrow it down to 3 incubators if I end up with infertile eggs. If you are new around here you may not know, I test a breeding group’s eggs for fertility before selling them. And yes, there are times I a particular pen is not producing a fertile egg. It doesn’t mean they never will, but it does mean I do not sell eggs from that pen until I start seeing fertile eggs and chicks.
The 11 books I read in 2020 were a mix of historical fiction, leadership material and memoirs. For todays post I will group the books I read into 2 categories, fiction and non fiction.
I share my honest thoughts about each of the books I read. Hope you enjoy my short reviews.
NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate and other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.
Table of Contents
Non Fiction Books I Read in 2020
Don’t Give Up by Kyle Idleman
I listened to Don’t Give Up as an audio book on Christian Audio. The author, a pastor, goes to the scripture to examine what the Bible has to say about not giving up.
Click Don’t Give Up for more information
I found myself encouraged. For me, it is a book I believe will bring me needed encouragement each time I listen. So, it is going on my calendar to listen again in 2021.
Thinking Like a Boss by Kate Crocco
I choose Thinking Like a Boss to listen to as a download from Christian Audio because I desire to grow my leadership skills. This also, is a book I want to listen to again this year.
Kate walks her reader through lies holding them back from their potential as a leader. There is unpacked information waiting for me. I will glean a better understanding of my strengths and limitations as a leader. A process which needs to repeat itself on a yearly basis.
Acres of Diamonds by Jentezen Franklin
I was gifted a copy of Acres of Diamonds to read as a part of the launch team. My biggest take away reminded me to stay put. The best of life is not out there, but rather here.
I found Acres of Diamonds a fresh reminder and affirmation to stay where I am. The phrase “trust the progress” speaks of not becoming distracted, shiny object syndrome, and giving up. Acres of Diamonds encouraged me to continue the drudgery and continue doing the hard work.
Clicking the book’s picture will take you to ordering information.
On page 49 the author speaks to being planted like a tree. The concept spoke loudly to me on the importance of staying. As a teen and into adulthood, I displayed a desire to run from the uncomfortable things of life. I had no idea how to stay put and deal.
If I did not know how to deal, I moved on. Literally, I moved 8 times in 5 years. I am learning here on the farm about facing my struggle. How am I learning? Practice. Staying put and learning how to turn to Jesus for answers to hard stuff.
Similar to the concept of bloom where I am planted. Treasure is here to find; I need to keep looking and refuse to give up.
I don’t want to give the story away behind the title, so I will say no more on the topic. There is hard work to be done, but running away to find a treasure, may in fact be leaving your treasure or mine for someone else to find and develop.
Good Husbandry by Kristin Kimball
Kristen tells stories from Essex Farm located in upstate New York. Reading it one might believe the events happened 100 and 50 years ago. But in all actuality, they took place in the last 10 years. I felt transported back in time, imagining the lake nearby, the small town and the slopes the farm was nestled against.
Living life with old school farming practices and values and providing for a family grabs my attention. Many famers across America need a full time 40-hour week job, and government subsidies to produce food.
The realities are brutal but survival often is. There are tender moments too, in the realities of a farm. Life is not about keeping up with Jones. Life is about keeping food on the table for their family and the folks who purchase from them.
Click picture for ordering information
I found myself encouraged reading their story, encouraged for the possibilities here on CG Heartbeats Farm. Several important segments spoke to my heart, reminding me of why I desire a homestead life. I am not as alone in my perspective and values as what it seems.
Praying Though by Jarrett Stevens
Click the above photo to learn more.
Praying Through encouraged me to look deeper into my prayer life and come to a better understanding of my belief about prayer.
We are given the privilege to take our cares to a loving God and Father, the Creator of the universe. We can speak to Him about everything after all even our thoughts are not hidden from Him.
Praying Women by Sheila Walsh
Sheila opens up about her beliefs about prayer from childhood. She talks through out the book of her journey to understand what powerful gift we have been given to communicate with our Creator.
The questions she struggles with prompted me to take a closer look at my deeper belief about prayer and areas I see a need for growth in my own prayer life.
Do you what a copy for yourself? Click on the picture above.
Historical Fiction Books I Read in 2020
The simpler way of life lived out by the characters in these stories take me back in time to a world focused on survival. I am transported to a time when many folks lived on homesteads. Their stories although fiction keep me remembering my goals.
Brides of Hope Mountain Series by Mary Connealy
A series about 3 independent sisters who lived on a mountain top away from civilization. Each book tells the story of one girl coming to know herself, her God and a man.
I found myself drawn to each of the 3 characters. Each girl possessed unique survival skills, an independence, and determination I could not help but admire.
Click on any picture to order a copy for yourself.
Beyond This Moment by Tamara Alexander
Historical fiction westerns are easy for me to consume in a physical or audio copy. Beyond this Moment brought historic facts of the way life used to be woven into a plot with a few twists and turns I did not see coming.
I recall listening one Saturday evening as I pulled weeds from the horse paddock. I enjoyed the story so much I wanted to keep pulling weeds and not go on to my next task.
So, friend, I did exactly that. The captivating story kept my attention as I worked at the insanely boring job of pulling weeds.
From the stage coach accident to the secrets the main character carried, Beyond This Moment conveys important life lessons on honesty and facing the facts from a Biblical perspective.
Beyond This Moment is the second book in a series titled, Timber Ridge Reflections. I intend to add books 1 and 3 to my reading list for 2021.
Stem of the Wildflower by Lois Slater
First in a series of 4 books, Stem of the Wildflower, tells the story of a family who faces harsh realities of life on a Wyoming ranch. One of my favorite reasons to share this book with you has a story of its own. While attending the Buffalo Wyoming Christmas Market I met the author, Lois Slater. Her face lit up as she shared her inspiration for the books and a brief introduction to a few of the characters.
The first 4 chapters I read as I could but then the plot took off. I finished the book in a day or two. I found myself surprised at the twists and turns. Others were forewarned, but I desired to believe the best of a character. I reminded myself of who I am as a person. I want happy endings and not every relationship will provide the warm, cozy feeling in real life or in books.
As a precaution, there is a bit of violence as one might find in a western novel. The characters have not yet encountered Christ (I am not sure they do) and the books do not appear to be based on biblical principles.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series, but I proceed with caution as I do carefully guard what I put into my mind these days. Meeting Lois, the author, as a part of attending the Buffalo Christmas Market is indeed a fond memory. I am happy I did.
In Conclusion
I enjoyed each of these books I read in 2020 and learned a new thing to apply or a better understanding of myself. Will you leave a comment below sharing your favorite books of 2020. I may want to add them to my 2021 list.
As I plan my year and look ahead at 2021 goals for CG Heartbeats Farm, I see unknowns, what ifs and a bit of, can I really do this or that. But I have learned in my life about breaking big goals down into doable bit sized tasks.
I am learning to pray over what feels impossible and wait on the Lord. I am a work in process in this area for sure. on the days my body is done, I celebrate the tiny steps I can take. Maybe aside from feeding and caring for animals, I make a few phone calls.
When I sit and dream, let my mind wonder and ponder the coming year the following ideas and goals came to mind. Many are on going and started with me in 2016 on my homesteading journey. Others are new or have shifted from an original goal.
Thank you for taking the time to be interested in what plans I am working towards this year. Be sure to leave a comment below telling me and others what your homestead goals are this year.
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Animals
I took a closer look at my goal of the last 4 to 5 years of wanting cattle. What I found? I wanted both a meat source and a milk source. Looking around the property at all the other projects I have going, knowing barn space needs to be improved before adding another large animal, and new information (I like the taste of Nigerian Dwarf milk), I have shifted my cow goal to adding Nigerian Dwarfs to CG Heartbeats Farm.
Nigerian Dwarf Goats
Nigerian Dwarf goats are smaller in size and require less space and food compared to a cow, even if talking mini cows. Now I have not given up on the idea of cow, but rather placed it on hold for the time being. Goats do still require fencing and protection from weather and predators.
I get pretty excited thinking about baby goats and drinking milk produced here.
With adding goats comes a need for fencing and housing. I am leaning towards a small pen, but purchasing a portable netting fence. A variation of this fence functions for both goats and poultry. As Aneta grows in maturity and training, she will be in charge of protection detail.
Aneta
If you are new to CG Heartbeats Farm, Aneta is a purebred Great Pyrenees and a livestock guard dog. She will continue her training. She is a playful puppy, and is learning what is ok and what is not. One example, was the first time this fall Brian fired up the chainsaw and began cutting up downed trees in the woods. She was barking up a storm and running around where she was tethered outside.
I took her for a walk to see what was happening. When he was close to finishing, I took her nearby again so she would realize it was a familiar person. I took her out on a walk the next time he was cutting wood, too. She no longer barks when he using the chain saw. She has learned this is normal. Aneta’s 2021 training goals will continue, often in practical ways as mentioned above.
Horses
As the weather improves in spring time, I truly desire to begin working with a horse again and eventually riding. I will choose either Bo or Cider to work with and ride. I feel excited at the idea of riding again. Perhaps it was the short ride I took on my niece’s new horse Holly in last December.
Chickens
Raising chickens was the first homesteading activity I started with in 2016. While I want to continue with these fantastic breeds, I also see a need for a shift, for progress and growth.
Purchase additional Silver Gray Dorking chicks to add diversity
We use no chemicals when dealing with unwanted growth on CG Heartbeats Farm. Brian is rather sensitive to poison ivy so it has become my job to remove ivy instead of spraying it with round up.
There is other unwanted growth too. Instead of a faster method, I use the slower one of cutting and digging out stuff needing eradicated.
Pretty flowering bushes in the pasture and along the chicken barn
Trees popped up near the house and barns
Continue improving container garden area
Other spots along the buildings
Building Project 2021 Goals
There are several projects I would like to see completed in 2021. Truthfully, they may not all be completed this year. Moving the old barn here is still in research stage so I may find out it is not a feasible project. Check out the list below.
Construct a Goat Shed/Barn
Construct a Chicken Coop
Move an old 16 ft. by 20 ft. barn to my property
Fix ‘horse’ barn and tear down hip roof barn. Use boards for additional construction.
Remodel Entry Room with closet and sink, and new roof
Plan/Research for property fence
Clean up existing fence lines
Roadside Stand
I would like to add a roadside stand for selling produce and crafts, but it may not happen this year. Realistically there are several other things I believe which need to happen first. I may start work on the preliminary items to get ready to add it next year. This is on the fringes of my mind rather than front and center.
As I said in the previous post, CG Heartbeats Farm 2020 in Review, I hope to attend local farmer’s markets again this year.
Basement storage/cold room
I would like a root cellar. However, as I stick to my goal of using what I have, I am reminded of a portion of the basement. It may do the job, with less effort and cost than constructing a new one. Below is a list of the items needed to bring it up to date.
Clean!
Wash jars
Take out old boxes
Add additional storage shelves
Fix basement leak
Decrease mouse access
Research drain fix
Update electricity and begin using freezer in basement
Fix leak
2021 Goals Online
In an effort to meet my goal to provide valuable information for visitors new and old here at www.dontclipmywings.com I complied the following project list for 2021
Update Front page of website.
Update breed pages
Launch digital products
Update digital products with new information and style
Hey, now these are lofty goals for me. Shifts will occur throughout the year and my value as a person is not reliant on the progress on CG Heartbeats Farm in 2021.
Rather these lists function as a vision to be brought into clarity as the year progresses. Some items may not be feasible or shift into a new goal. Other may have to wait due to available resources of time and money. After all, the fun is the details of the journey not the destination.
As I review 2020 and my homestead experience, I can see areas of growth and progress. Other projects I see uncompleted and think, ‘Really, I still did not get this done?’ Do you relate?
Progress seems slow compared to my desired results, yet success is not always measured in concrete numbers. Investing into the lives of people you meet, friends and family, growing spiritually in a relationship with Jesus, all has no price tag.
Looking back at 2020 on CG Heartbeats Farm I do see progress in all areas pertaining to the homestead. A favorite project included 30 plus other homesteaders as we contributed to the Homestead Documentary headed up by Carrie from The Little Pallet Farmhouse. This project falls under the online part of the farm so you will read more about it further down in the post.
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Gardens and Food Preservationin 2020
My garden planning started in the fall of 2019. I reached out to Baker Creek Seeds requesting to become an affiliate of their company. Turned out they do not actually have an affiliate program, but they were supportive of working with me in a different way. I picked out 10 seeds packets to plant the following year (2020).
I have started sharing my experience with these different garden plants on the blog such as the post, Tokyo Green Cucumbers. Additional posts about other plants I grew from Baker Creek Seeds will continue to release in the coming months.
Click on the picture above to read my growing process and the abundant harvest from this cucumber variety.
If you don’t want to miss them be sure to subscribe to the email newsletter to be notified of new blog posts, farm updates, and products, both digital and physical.
I have slowing added additional garden space via the chicken’s pens strategically placed to kill off the sod. When I started this project, I felt discouraged. I only had one 10 x 10 pen. I recall thinking how long it would be until I finally had the garden space I wanted. A slow down is indeed a good thing as long as I can see progress. Now, I have 6 garden plots to plant in with more being planned.
I planted 2 new varieties of garlic, Majestic and Metechi. These bring their own variance to the palate.
Saving Seeds
I saved all of the seeds I could for 2021 as last year the supply exceeded the demand rather easy. I recently read, this is happening again.
Flowers
I am excited for the flowers to come up in the spring of 2021. In April during the stay at home mandate, I started work in the center of the drive. I was having a bit of an emotional breakdown. It led to me spending 3 hours working in the interior of the circle of our driveway. You can read about how my day turned from bad to great and set my attitude for the rest of 2020 by clicking the picture below.
In August I paid a visit to my aunt, who at 92, was moving out of state to live with her daughter. How I miss her, but I am happy she is now living once again on a farm. She allowed me to dig up several of her flowers and shrubs. I added many of them to the interior of the circle I had cleaned up in April. The available space prepped in the spring allowed me to quickly transplant the flowers.
I added a few of the flowers to other spots on the homestead too. In September, I planted Black Hollyhock seeds from Baker Creek and transplanted around 10 tulip bulbs who had multiplied in their current location.
I found mums on sale at Lowes. After enjoying them in pots around the farm, I planted them in three different locations. I have better info this year as for how to winter them, so I am hoping some of them will return in the spring.
Check out my accidental bonus
I did not get 2 of the mums transplanted from the pots into the ground. Instead they were a victim of Aneta’s playful puppy behavior. As I walked through the yard, I bent down to pick up the pot intending to dump the soil and save the pot for future use. What?! I seen a tiny bit of green, new growth.
I decided to take it in the house, water it and see what happened. The second pot showed no such growth, but I took it in the house also. I randomly watered both. The pictures tell the story taken on Jan 7th.
These potted mums had gone through several nights of temps below 32 degrees. Oh! I have hope the ones I transplanted will come back in the spring!
CG Heartbeats Farm Animals in 2020
I had a goal for 2020 to purchase a cow and a livestock guard dog. Aneta, a Great Pyrenees puppy, joined us in May of 2020. Her joyful attitude puts a smile on my heart and her ability to think for herself has me learning all I can about training her.
She has grown so fast since coming home last year as a little puppy.
As for a cow, I shifted my goal to having my own milk. That was one half of my reason for wanting a cow. I think in a conversation with one of my sisters, I learned Nigeran Dwarf goal milk is not like other goat milk. I had to find out so I paid a visit to a farm and tasted it for myself. A.maz.ing! I began goat shopping as the year 2020 came to a close. No goats here yet, but….
Chickens
The Swedish Flower Hens continue to flourish here, but progress is again slow with the other breeds. I hatched a cross of Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner and Swedish Flower Hens several times this year. More on the process with pictures in a forthcoming blog post. I added Pen # 11.
What to learn more about Pawnee and his flock? Click below. A few days ago, I set their eggs in the incubator. I am excited to see their first chicks.
Two Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner hens died leaving me with only 1 hen and 2 roosters (Cisco and Clinch). I am hoping the one lone hen will produce fertile eggs in the spring.
I also lost 2 Dorking hens. In 2019 and in 2020, I raised one pullet from each year. The 2019 has started laying eggs again almost every day in the last week. I love this as it is the beginning of January with shortened daylight. Currently I have 2 pairs of Dorking birds to continue with and one more pullet about 2 -3 months old.
All of the these I lost were 4 plus years old and while some chickens live longer, not all of them do.
2020Farmer’s Markets
In March I when picking up chicken feed, I noticed a thumping noise coming from the rear left wheel. Long story short the combination of rust and hitting 2 potholes resulted in the rear axle partially tearing away from the frame. It was deemed unrepairable. For the remainder of 2020 we were down to one car making it inconvenient to attend any farmer’s markets
Another reason was where I am at in planning and producing an income from products produced here at CG Heartbeats Farm. I have been able to use my website to sell garlic and so I had less of a need to attend the local market.
I miss the people and miss attending. Hopefully, I will be a part of local farmer’s markets in 2021.
OnlineWork in 2020
For the first time this year, I added the option to purchase garlic from this website. I reached my goals in the number of bulbs I wanted to sell. You can also purchase the Christmas CD: Justified ~ Once in a Manger Lowly.
I added backend features to the website, but you may not be aware of them by simply visiting. If you have been here before you may have noticed the website has a new look. Expect more changes in the coming weeks.
I worked behind the scenes on 2 projects forth coming early in 2021. One of which I have mentioned before, Chick Hatching Practices. The other one, I will be announcing in the coming months.
The Homestead Documentary
I was honored to be a contributor for the Homestead Documentary. Carrie from The Little Pallet Farmhouse headed the project. 30 plus homesteader contributed audio and video to share and encourage others interested in homesteading. Carrie edited and released the videos from her You tube Channel the Little Pallet Farmhouse. Click below to watch Episode 3 (CG Heartbeats is featured here), but be sure to watch them all!
Check out CG Heartbeats Farm contribution to The Homestead Documentary in Episode 3
The Flourish Writers Academy
I joined the Flourish Writers Academy in May. My desire was to connect with other Bible believing women who also wrote. I am especially drawn to the Christ centered, prayerful planning instructions for my writing life as modeled by the founders of the program.
In the monthly trainings I learned new writing skills and I continue to them put into practice. As a member of the 2021 academy, I have access to the past years trainings. I am grateful for the opportunity to refresh and grow.
In Summery
I worked behind the scenes on projects to be finished in 2021, I volunteered as a facilitator for short term blogging mastermind as a part of the Flourish Writers Academy, one mastermind I attended came to an end, but I had joined another. My year was full of continuing my education to further the growth of this journey I am on.
Fall 2020 comes to an end as I finish up this post. I want to share quarterly progress on CG Heartbeats Farm and future goals with those who like to keep up with the happenings here.
Table of Contents
Progress as of Fall 2020
New Garlic Varieties
I picked out 2 new garlic varieties to add to CG Heartbeats Farm this fall from Keene Garlic out of Wisconsin. This coming year, I may have Metechi and Majestic garlic, the new varities, available, based on the amount I save back for seed from the 2021 crop.
Chicken Barn
My parents came a few times this fall for farm work days. We cleaned chicken pens as one of our projects. I find satisfaction in keeping the floor swept indicating a shift in my perspective of my homestead lifestyle.
I notice a confident feeling which has not come easy based on the adjustments I have made over the last few years. All the new projects bring inevitable error as I learn. These have often left me questioning my abilities and, at times, lacking a sense of pride in my daily tasks.
Moved Pullets and Roosters
I moved pullets I raised to replace or add to current pens. You will find new pullets in Pen 8 and Pen 5. I also replaced Rapheal in Pen 6, Shoshone in Pen 5 and Larry in Pen 1.
I will be updating these pages with pictures of the new additions to the above mentioned pens. Be sure to subscribe to CG Heartbeats Farm email list using the form below to learn more about the chickens at CG Heartbeats Farm.
Gardens
I am cheering to have finally removed all of the dead plants from the summer gardens. I used much of the cleared garden space to plant 720 garlic cloves, carrots, and onions. Now onto planning for 2021 gardens.
Set up Bird Feeder
I was gifted a bird feeder and have set it up for winter use. I also added 2 stakes with hooks to display items yet to be decided.
The Container Garden
I added additional dirt to the container garden as I harvested the Sweet Potatoes. I want to create a small hoop and cover this area with plastic. To start plants earlier in the spring.
Tokyo Green Cucumbers
One of my biggest garden surprises this year was the amount of cucumbers produced from only 2 Tokyo Green Cucumber plants. I did not actually count the number of cucumbers harvested, but I canned over 30 pints of both Dill Pickles and Bread and Butter Pickles.
My other big surprise was my fun I had the day I harvested the Sorghum. The smooth feeling of the seed attached to the tassel left me happy. Check out the pretty bouquets I quickly put together. I look forward to adding colorful Sorghum to future creations, as well.
Flax
The pretty flax plants and flowers were enjoyable to view, and I discovered the chickens enjoy eating flax. Flax also adds beauty to a bouquet.
Glass Gem Popcorn
Glass Gem popcorn is always fun to grow for the variety of colors on each cob. Of course, it is fun to eat too. This year the neighboring farmers planted soybeans so I could save seeds for future planting seasons.
Kentucky Red Peanuts
Another plant I enjoyed growing was the Kentucky Red Peanuts. They are currently await processing to actually eat. I need to conduct a bit of research to learn how I want to process them (decisions) and if I will be using processed or un processed for planting next years crop. My guess is to plant unprocessed, but I welcome any thoughts or experience you can share in the comments below.
Goals
Grapes
I was excited my Dad put in a post for me on one of our work days. I will need to add one or two additional posts and wire of some kind for the grapes to vine on. The grapes are another one of my ongoing projects.
I will be pruning vines and starting new grape plants to add to my current (small) arbor.
Move Chicken Pens
In the fall and spring, I move the outdoor chicken pens to new ground. This bare ground from where the chickens lived provides additional garden space. I happily added 2 new outdoor pens this past year bringing the total to 6 pens. The space in which I set the pens is approximately 36 feet by 10 feet.
I will need to decide where I want my next garden area(s) to be established. Currently many of the chickens are living in the main barn in their pens waiting for me to move their pens next week.
I look forward to seeing them on fresh ground and enjoying the remainder of last summer’s grass.
Plant Winter Onions
I have one variety of onions I want to try over winter. They will make early, delicious green onions.
Rooster Harvest
I took 5 roosters in for processing. One is 50 % Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner and 50 % Swedish Flower Hen. The other 4 are Swedish Flower Hen roosters. They will provide a means to create healthy bone broth and food to eat.
Create with Sorghum
I want to add sorghum to grapevine wreaths along with other natural wild vegetation found here at CG Heartbeats Farm.
The task of removing the Sorghum seeds from the tassel I have found to be time consuming. Do you have any ideas on how to remove them? Or how you would use Sorghum in a craft project?
I have made a couple beautiful bouquets.
I took part in a Wreath Tour on Instagram. Here I found inspiration and encouragement for my grapevine wreaths. I would like to craft a few more before the snow flies.
Further my Education and Experience of Training LDG
One fine fall day the fact Aneta has hit her adolescent behavior stared me right in the face. She wears her emotions, her aggravation, fear, and a silly look of crazy adventure plainly for me to observe. Oh, I know just the look. I might have felt the way she looks once or twice in my life.
On this pleasant day, I had already called her back from clearing the woods of a deer she seen. I observed an expression of delight combined with a desire I was unsure of, but soon learned.
She took off into the woods again. I could not see what she was after this time. I followed as best I could calling her name. Through the brush I briefly made out her standing on the edge of the road. “Aneta,” I called again. Nope she was out of sight.
By the time I made it to the road she was no where to be seen. To read more about this adventure with Aneta click below.
In short, I realized a need to become better educated so I may improve my ability to teach and communicate with her. I take responsibility for her success. She is an intelligent pup who has a desire to please.
I found a 4 Facebook groups on training LDG and joined. I started reading to further educate myself. Until I have long term plan, my short term plan is she stays on a leash and we go for walks. I will teach her the command to heel. Further working with her on sit and stay. As she improves on a short leash, I will graduate her to a 20 foot lunge line to test her ability to follow my commands.
In the mean time I am going to educate myself, learning all I can. After all, isn’t that what a leader does.
Move Tree Seedlings
We have several oak tree and crab apple tree seedlings I would like to replant on our property.
Set up Incubation Station
I have an idea for an incubation station to store egg incubators, tools and a place to hatch in the cooler months. It is a vision still developing in my mind and subject to change.
Purchase a Tiller
I am looking for a tiller to add to CG Heartbeats Farm. I intend to continue companion gardening, but would like to till the ground once when I first start using a garden. Once the ground has been worked one time planting stays quite easy.
Fencing
The pasture fences seem to be an ongoing project that takes a back seat to other projects of late. New fence construction, weed and brush removal along old fence lines, and replacing posts all await attention.
Online
Update Breed Pages
I am in the process of updating breed and pen pages. In 2020, I lost a couple of my favorite roosters. It is a part of animals, but I am always sad and dissappointed to loose any animal under my care.
In short, I have replaced Raphel with one of his sons. I found him dead one day. I am unsure the cause. He had appeared healthy prior. The plan was to replace him eventually as a way to breed away from the sprig he presented.
I was most disappointed to find Shoshone had died one day. He had sustained a wound earlier in the summer but seemed to be recovering. Unfortunately, I did not have one of his sons to replace him so for now the new rooster, who hatched from Pen 10, pictured below will attempt to fill his role. I may change roosters for Pen 5 down the road.
I also added two new pullets to Pen 5 who hatched this year from Pen 2.
Pen 11
I created Swedish Flower Hen Pen 11 using pullets from Cherokee’s pen with a rooster from Pawnee’s (Pen 10) I call him Shawnee. They recently started laying eggs I am excited to set eggs from a complete blue based pen for the first time. You may read more about these parings using the link below.
As Fall 2020 comes to an end, my remining days of this year will be spent preparing and planning for 2021, enjoying the holiday season, overseeing the 3 incubators filled with 35 eggs, and counting my blessings from 2020. Look for a post sharing my goals for winter and 2021 in the coming weeks.
Do you need gift ideas for the chicken owners in your life? My Gift Guide for Chicken Owners shares 15 ideas I picked. I had fun putting this list together. As a backyard chicken owner, I would enjoy any of these items.
No worries if the person you shop for lives in town or country, these chicken related gifts work for all. Items range from under $10 to $35.
NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.
Table of Contents
15 Gift Ideas for the Chicken Owner
This mug from Lang sells for $25.99. The cute box adds functional decor to any part of your house (2 gifts for the price of one).
1
Coffee Mugs
A coffee drinker loves to sport their favorite mug while enjoying a hot beverage, chicken lovers included.
Click on picture above to shop
Does the chicken owner in your life wear earrings? I know I could see myself wearing these to a farmers market. The 2 pictured examples showcase different art style.
Click on a picture to order or view other options
2
Ear Rings
Under $10
Click on the picture to order
Clicking will provide additional varieties. If you gifted a hen and rooster set with matching art and color, a person might choose to wear a hen in one ear and a rooster in the other. Now for the price of 2 sets of earrings they would, in fact, have 3 to choose from. How fun is that?
3
Metal Signs
Price $8.99. Click on picture to order.
Click on picture to order.
I like seeing metal signs decorating a chicken coop or barn. They also look cute on a front porch or in an entry way.
4
How about these cute socks (pictured below)? I think these are my favorite.
Socks
Click on any picture in this grouping to purchase
These socks look cute and imagine the fun and laughter to be had with them.
Any of these socks would tickle my fancy to unwrap for a present.
Click on any image to purchase or search for additional sock options.
This wallet has credit card slots and potential cell phone holder.
Wallet or Small Purse
Click on a picture to order
5
I like the outside pocket on this wallet.
I like the fact this key chain is hand made.
6
Key Chains
7
Kitchen Sets
Maison d’ Hermine Campagne
You may purchase individual items to make up a complete kitchen set: table cloth or table runner, placemats, along with the items pictured here.
Set of 2, 100% Cotton Kitchen Towels
Set of 4, 100% Cotton Napkins
Hot Pad and Mitt
Table Runner
This apron is my favorite.
Give the chicken lover in your life a new kitchen look.
Set of 4, 100% Cotton Placemats
Click on any picture to order and see other items in this set.
8
Kitchen Accessories
All of these add to any kitchen sporting a farm or chicken theme.
.
Click on the above picture to purchase these cute rooster hot plates
Who doesn’t like a cute hanging wire basket hanging in their kitchen., or bathroom or entry way? This basket might fit in any room of a house.
A chicken door stop provides an attractive way to hold the door open in the house or barn for the chicken enthusiast.
Click on a picture to order.
9
Door Stops
10
Fun Garden Decorations
These would be cute in a garden or near a chicken coop.
Solar powered, lighted chicken
Click on a picture for further details.
The chicken owner appreciates a good pair of chore boots. I feel lighthearted thinking about going out to the barn in style.
These boots come in these two design patterns and styles.
Rubber Boots
11
Click on either picture to order and see other options
Click on the picture to go shopping.
12
Salt and Pepper Shakers
Give the chicken lover in your life a cute way to show off her hobby with a rooster and hen. There are several cute options to choose from these are 2 of my favorite.
13
Sweatshirt and T- Shirts for a Chicken Owner
The saying and colors are one of my favorite I have seen so far. When you click on the picture you will find other options.
Who doesn’t like a cozy sweatshirt or chicken themed T shirt? Click on a picture to order.
A cute way egg ‘basket’ how be-it less practical. It would look adorable sitting on a kitchen counter or shelf.
14
Egg Baskets
A cute practical egg basket for 12 eggs or more.
Click on either of these pictures and you will find other baskets to choose from.
Chimes
15
Wind Chimes
Does the chicken owner on your list enjoy wind chimes. These are a perfect addition for a porch or coop.
Perfect for the t-shirt wearin’ chicken lady in your life.
Do you know of an item that should be in a Gift Guide for Chicken Owners? Leave me a comment telling me what you would add to this list.. Thank you for looking. Happy shopping.
Tokiwa Tokyo Green Cucumbers were one of the 10 seed packets I picked as a gift from Baker Creek Seeds in the Fall of 2019. I really wanted a different cucumber variety, but this one was the only available. I felt disappointed at the time.
Based on the information on the package Tokyo Green Cucumbers grow in partial shade and…. I decided to plant in what I called the Niederrheiner Garden (because it is near the Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner outdoor pen). As a side note, the Niederrheiner pen sat exactly where the garden currently is.
I use my flock to kill off the sod as preparation for garden space. You can read how I use Chickens on the Homestead by clicking below.
Table of Contents
Planting Tokiwa Tokyo Green Seeds
I planted every seed I had of the Tokiwa Tokyo Green Cucumbers in a 10 foot row about 4 inches apart. If it was a lack of water or other reason, only 4 or 5 ever sprouted.
I left for a week and came home to find weeds had choked out all but 2 of my seedlings, one growing on each end of my 10 foot row.
Trust
My desire to be positive produced my honest thought, maybe God know something I did not. To be clear, I do not always think this way. But in this instance, this was on my mind with peace in my heart. ‘Trust me’, seemed to be the answer to my disappointment with the lack of sprouting and development.
As a bigger picture the Quinoa did not sprout at all. In this instance I needed to learn my mistake of not planting it early enough. I had no such indication I needed to trust God’s sovereignty about the Quinoa.
Are you familiar with the passage in Matthew 13? Sowing seeds reminds me how Jesus shares the parable of the sower and the various reasons seeds may not produce a harvest. Beyond the garden these truths hold a lesson for how we invest into the lives of others.
~ Maria Graber
Setting up the Trellis
I drove T posts on each end of my row. Repurposing twine from opened hay bales I strung a single string from one post to the other. Tokiwa Tokyo Green Cucumbers vine well.
I planted them close to the Lincoln Peas intending to vine both. The plants will grow and the unwanted vegetation will be choked out by the vegetables. But when the plants are young, those weeds need to be removed.
Weeds
Before leaving I left one string for the cucumbers to vine on. Check out the changes I found when I returned. I quickly added a second twine for the plants to continue vining upward.
These cucumbers really do great in the vining category. Several times a week I would remove them from the Lincoln pea trellis and put them back in their own space. Toward the end of the summer I let them go where they pleased.
Plant Development
The young plants grew rapidly and I found myself adding addition levels of twine 2 or 3 times in the next 5 to 6 weeks.
Flowers
Flowers appeared and my anticipation grew. I did not know what to expect in terms of shape, size and flavor.
Tokiwa Tokyo Green Cucumbers
Finally, I spotted tiny cucumbers growing on the vines. I noted some flowers did not produce cucumbers. . Both male and female flowers grow on one vine. One plant will pollinate itself.
I watched as the cucumbers grew, undecided when I should pick them. I learned they can be eaten at various sizes. The larger the cucumber the larger the seeds inside. (Sometimes) The weather impacted the seed development inside too.
There is a correlation between the bumpy or smoothness of the outer skin and the ripeness of the cucumber.
The bumpy exterior indicates a crisper cucumber with less developed seeds. The smoother skin and often larger cucumber indicates a softer, riper cucumber with larger, (and more developed) seeds.
There are a few different ways to go about saving seeds. I saved seeds 3 different ways from the Tokyo Green Cucumbers this year.
Saving Seeds in Mid-Summer
As I was processing cucumbers into pickles I took a few minuets to save seeds from one of the riper cucumbers. I did not want to miss an opportunity to save seeds in case circumstances prevented any further saving.
I kept back seeds from a riper cucumber and allowed them to dry on a paper plate. Here is what I had this fall.
The Last Cucumber of the Season
I left the last developed Tokiwa Tokyo Green cucumber on the vine well after the fall freeze killed the plant. I removed the seeds before the cucumber had completely dried.
Cutting into the cucumber with a knife, I picked the seeds out.
Saving Seeds from an Over Ripe Cucumber
I choose one of the larger cucumbers in August and allowed it to develop especially large. It was one I missed as I picked about 3 times a week. I wanted this cucumber to select seeds from for next years crop.
I allowed to it to sit and age for 3 months outside on a metal rack exposed to the elements. The ‘rack’ was the top of a wire dog kennel. The cucumber dried up as pictured below.
The cucumber had completely dried. I spent around 30 minutes extracting the seeds for future use. I became apparent despite the fact I had allowed the cucumber to grow large, some of the seeds had not developed enough to be used for planting.
Difference Between a Developed Seed and an Undeveloped Seed
A seed with the potential to sprout and grow a new plant is full, rounded on both sides.
An undeveloped seed will be flat, even pitted in the center and feels empty.
I found the largest number of developed seeds in the rear or larger half of the cucumber.
The front or skinnier portion of the cucumber contained many undeveloped seeds as pictured below.
Storing Tokiwa Tokyo Green Heirloom Seeds
I will store any seeds I have saved in a paper envelope labeled with the name of the seeds and year I saved them. Heirloom seeds often germinate and produce plants beyond the year after they were saved.
Seeds need some air and darkness. I have been advised to not store them in an air tight container such as glass or plastic. However, I am learning on this topic. Do you have any advice for me? Please leave a comment below if you do.
I intend to use these seeds and the produce of these seeds for years to come.
The Abundant Part
I was impressed by how the 2 plants continued to grow and produce up until a killing frost.
I canned 12 cups of relish, and around 32 pints of Dill pickles, and 34 pints of Bread and Butter Pickles from 2 plants. Not to mention all I fed the chickens and shared with friends and family. All. From. Two. Plants.
I slowly digested Ten Acres Enough by Edmond Morris in the summer of 2018. Reading a few pages while I ate lunch or found I needed to sit down for a break. As I read, I often felt renewed energy and motivation to continue, keep on with the tasks at hand staying focued with the big goals.
The end of 2020 is approaching. I find myself looking back at what I accomplished and what goals I want to set for 2021.
NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.
Current horse pasture, but may serve a new function as the year unravels.
I gained a new perspective for the property I live on reading thorough Ten Acres Enough. My view shifted. Instead of seeing it through the eyes of where a horse barn, shelters, and pasture could go, I began to see where blueberries, grapes, and garlic might produce the best.
Click on the picture above to purchase your copy of Ten Acres Enough
The mistaken ambition for owning twice as much land as one can thoroughly manure or profitably cultivate, is the great agricultural sin of this country.
At times, this homesteading journey can feel a bit lonely, but reading Ten Acres Enough I found a kinship with a man and his family now passed. After living and owning a business in the city for 20 years, he fulfills a longtime dream of owning farm ground in the country.
His farm, he purchased in the 1850’s. This is no typo. Nor is the price he paid, $1,000.00 for 11 acres, with a house and barn on it. The land I have is 11.7 acres and believe me the price was well above $1000.00.
I found myself inspired as I read Edmund’s account of creating food and an income to support his family by farming 10 acres of land.
The words he used to share his story have added to my vocabulary. Some I have never heard in this day and age and likely will not.
This book provided me with a new view of our land and produced many new ideas to ponder on. I intend to reread Ten Acres Enough, as I plan for 2021. In the coming months and years I will reference certain practices mentioned though out this book
It takes a man a great while to learn the way of Providence, and to understand that things are better contrived for him than he can can contrive for himself.
I recommend this book to any and all who desire a homestead lifestyle. If you read or have read this book, I would be trilled to hear what stood out to you.
