Queso Blanco - With Family visiting

Us ladies decided to try our hand at a new cheese. (for us) Queso Blanco. It was really tasty. We made it let it hang a while (couple hrs) then sliced, salted and fried it. It was really easy! And oh so tasty! We had to run some out to the men to try.
I really want to learn how to make more cheeses. I only wish they were all this easy! Try it. I think you'll be pleased!
We ate about 3 LBS that day! There were 16 of us. And I think all liked it. I didn't hear complaining at least.
~Momma

Garage Part 2...

Here is another day of work on it. They got the gravel laid, the boards around the top. All the Trusses cut out. And 4 trusses put together. A busy full day. Was so nice watching the men work outside and us ladies be inside cooking and cleaning. And even sewing. It was a great day. (us ladies- with no children- got away too Joann's for the big after Thanksgiving sale. Got lots of goodies but the lines were horrid for sure. Glad I did it but most likely wont be so excited about it again )
~Momma

Garage Beginnings...

This was our start to our soon Garage. Daddy and The Boy worked on it way back in April. Setting poles for the framing. Then it was not til November we were able to get more work done on it. It is coming along. It will be nice to have it done.
Daddy is a knife maker and has been doing it mainly outside. Which is not happening much now that it is cold. A shop will be super to have for him to work in.
More recent pics coming tomorrow.
~Momma

Astrid

Our cow, Jocelyn, came with her pet dog, Astrid. I LOVE her! She is a super dog. She came totally trained and ready to go. She is a super guard dog. She has been completely successful at keeping the neighbors dogs off our property. Which I totally love! When we go out to milk she sits with us. She is totally content eating thing scraps and butchering leftovers. And really likes a good bone. I also have found she loves my bone broth too. I can barely stomach the smell of commercial dog food and was so glad she was used to eating 'real' food. She is so strong and healthy too.
My favorite dog yet! In a couple yrs we will get her a puppy to raise up for us. I think she will be a great instructor for us. It is so fun to look out the window and seeing Jocelyn and Astrid laying down in the pasture together. They really are best friends.
~Momma

Jocelyn

This is Jocelyn.Our wonderful Jersey cow. I loved her when I met her a a dear friends home. She was born on their farm.
I had wanted a dairy cow for yrs. I even sold my sweet goats nearly 1 1/2 ago to buy a dairy cow and never did it. It was a purchase that scared me. One who in their right mind would sell a good Jersey? What kinda problems would I face? Would I waste my $ on a junk cow?
When our friends said we may have to move and get rid of everything. Before I had a chance to think I blurted out "I want the cow!" I still feel like a heel for doing that even though she wasn't offended by it but relieved Jocelyn may be taken care of.
So I told Patrick and the men talked and we now have our cow. A cow that was loved and cared for. And a cow they didnt want to lose. A cow they may one day buy a calf from. A cow that I can call them about whenever and get info on. Or advice. And a cow that reminds me daily of them.
Not to mention all the wonderful milk she gives us. Best milk ever. And I am even trying my hand at cheeses. That is fun! But scary as most of my attempts were fails before.
~Momma

Blogging again....

I have really missed blogging. I just wanted to wait til we could do it the way I wanted to. However that is. ;)
Our lives have changed a lot in the last couple yrs. We now are just a few weeks away from baby number 6 here on earth. (We have 3 with Jesus) I am really excited. But don't very well enjoy the unknown. (where, when, how kinda things.)
We now have a running farm. Cow,sheep, chickens, cats, and a super sweet doggie. I love them all. Two of the sheep will soon be lunch though. For which I am very glad. I love our little farm and hope to show it to you through my eyes.
God is good and His mercy truly does endure forever.
~Momma