Heroes

As the house falls asleep for the night, I sit here to reflect on the weekend.  I was fearful of the full moon (Super Moon), simply after experiencing a doozy of a Friday, but the weekend turned around and ended on a great note!


This afternoon we received our first correspondence with our newest Herobox.org soldier.  Two weeks ago we decided to adopt our 2nd soldier through this great organization.  My extreme couponing is still going strong, and we needed to find additional deserving people to share our finds with.  (This family can only use so much deodorant and toothpaste.  Plus, the kids enjoy having someone to share their artwork with. ) So we mailed out boxes on March 7th.  And today, Tino wrote us the following email:

Hello Adams family. I just want to let you know I got your package today and I'm very thankful. It truly shows that they're people out there who really apprreciate what we are doing for this country. I'm currently in Afghanistan and  I've been on the frontline for a few weeks now and today my platoon and I came back to our main PB (Patrol base) to recharge and take the fight to the Talibans. As soon as we got back, I got your box and I shared it with my fellow marines in my platoon. They were all happy and the Peeps were gone in less than a minute lol. I also want to thank you for the card because it put a smile on my face when I saw it. :) Once again, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING.OORAH ADAMS FAMILY!!!

So, we are already discussing what types of treats to send in the next box!  It is much more fun and rewarding  to send these care packages when we receive these appreciative notes!  Sure, we are still making deliveries to our local assistance shelter, but when we can correspond with these brave soldiers, we, as a family, gain so much in our lives - lessons that I hope our kiddos will ALWAYS remember... I know I cherish moments like this by keeping them very near and dear to my heart!

Brooder progress

The basement is nearly ready... yes, the chicks will be residing in the basement until approximately the end of April.  They may move to the outdoor coop once they have all their flight feathers and their bodies are better able to regulate their temperature.  In fact, once outside, they may still depend on a heat lamp for a few weeks, depending upon Ohio weather.

Brooder box 

Mike brought home several nice pieces of corrugated scrap (the treasures of his trade) that he then trimmed and taped together with the kids' "help" last night.  We have essentially constructed a giant playpen for our chicks.  Was funny to be reminded of the simple joys of childhood - tape and cardboard! The kids giggled with anticipation as they assisted with Dad's construction of something so grand.  They were so obedient and eager to help with ANYTHING - it is always magical to witness such awe through their eyes.

The chicks will reside on top of a bedding made of pine shavings while housed indoors.  A heat lamp is in place to help keep them above 85 degrees -- adjusting it as needed.  We have learned what to watch for, in terms of clues, so the brooder is at the proper temperatures.   As they grow and mature, the heat demands will lesson.

Brooder with heat lamp on - testing temps before arrival

So, now we wait.... but in the mean time, the weather has warmed for a few days, so we worked in the yard some this afternoon and will do the same tomorrow as well.  I worked in the garden this early evening, tearing out the old pepper plants and tomato plants that I never got to last fall.  I trimmed the mums in the front yard that became snow covered before I could cut them back in November. Linc worked on locating all his toys that have been in storage all winter long - taking a mental log of what still needs to be found.   The girls discovered new plant growth and feverishly worked to transplant some young seedlings to new locations.  Apparently they felt Mother Nature allowed the new plants to take root in "not so good places."

(I didn't have the heart to tell them that the center of the yard, where Dad will eventually mow with the tractor may not be prime location either. Afterall, we are in Ohio - who is to say one more frost or snowfall isn't still on its way!)  

Remember, if you haven't voted for 10 of your favorite names, there is still time to sign in and vote! 

And the survey says....

Navigate to the right side of this page and pick your Top 10 Chicken names.... we are beginning to narrow down the choices and your input may impact our fine feather friends!

Hey, while you are at it - sign in and become a follower so that we can keep track of our loyal followers - the kids are hoping to see this number grow!

Mystery trip....

So, on occasion, we wake in the morning and declare MYSTERY TRIP!   This is when Mike and I know where we are heading (yet are always open to detours when we spot other fun spots on our way), but we will not tell the kids.  So today was one of those days.  We were headed to Meyer's Hatchery in Polk, OH, but the kids only knew it to be a mystery trip.  We needed to get some start up supplies so that come March 21st, those chicks of ours are ready to arrive home.  


We set out slightly after 9am.  We arrived on schedule and enjoyed some conversation with the employees there as we continue to gather input and knowledge on this grand adventure.  We purchased our start up supplies - minus our organic feeds as we will get that when we pick up the chicks.  While there, we also got to see an assortment of 5 day old chicks waiting for homes. We learned how to clip one wing when they are older, to keep them from taking flight.  The kids loved the sight of the chicks and I have to be honest - we did too!   I have never been a bird person, growing up with canaries and a parrot or two ... but something about chickens is exciting.  I haven't put my finger on it yet... but I am thinking it may have to do with the lack of ear piercing singing.  Or maybe it is that this is new to all of us and therefore, we have no choice but to learn as we go!


While in the area, we then ventured to our coop builder, to check progress and review the coop one more time as we begin to plan materials and dimensions needed to build the run for our Chicks.  (Here is a sample of our coop, not the exact one, but close enough to give you an idea.)

The Berlin area is so full of tourist places, and the kids needed to stretch their legs.  We visited Tis the Season Christmas shop.   The looks on the kids' faces as we walked into a room FULL of Christmas trees and numerous Santa Claus figures was priceless!   I do think Linc felt we had entered the North Pole for a slight moment!  So we walked and "ooohed and aaahed" and then of course I insisted we leave with a souvenir! What better token to remember this mystery trip than a Chicken Xmas ornament - one with a glittery red comb - Welcome home Glitter Sparkle!!  =) 


So, tomorrow we will begin set up for our feathered friends.  Yes, we have 8 days to prepare, but the weekdays fly past at the speed of light with school and work.  Therefore, this is best to not procrastinate on - besides, I am not sure the kids will allow us to not at least make it look like the chicks will be arriving any day now - 8 days is a long time to wait!

Hmm....

Today Lexi took it upon herself to log onto a kids farm website (with my supervision of course).  There she discovered she could submit questions to the site and hopefully get answers!  So, here are some questions Lexi generated today in regards to chickens:


1. How much noise will 10 chickens make?
2. What types of human food can I feed my hens?
3. How many times a day do I need to feed them?


She has been reading her library books, along side us throughout this adventure.  It is great to see our 1st grader so involved!   I went to the children's librarian last week and asked for child friendly chicken books.  If I provide it, the kids may access it - or so I preach as a teacher to the parents of my students.  What do you know - it worked!!


In fact, she even had a writing project due at school this morning titled - My Pet.  She was to write 3-5 sentences about her pet.  Hmmm.... 3 to 5 sentences on one sole remaining hermit crab?  That was tough.  So, she opted for chickens!  She cut her favorite pictures out of one of our hatchery catalogs an then posted them at the top of the page.  She began to write.  This child couldn't be any more motivated by the topic at hand since she was able to fill a page in no time!  
Eager to know how the assignment was received, I questioned her at dinner time tonight.  She told me she read it since it was her work and everyone liked it.  "I did a good job and they thought it was cute!" Mission accomplished!


So, as I wind down and enjoy the peaceful quiet house (minus the various snores from each bedroom that musically fill the air), I can't help but sit here and reflect.  This week Lexi learned some amazing things.  Yes, her mother is a teacher, but yet I didn't spend a second of time "teaching" her or using specific strategies.  Instead, I spent time exposing her to materials, and allowing her to think freely. I didn't force her to read 20 minutes each night, only to wait for the battle to ensue.  Instead Mike and I quietly led by example, as we sat and read our books and she naturally attempted to "do as we did".  


And wouldn't you know - it's contagious - as the troops climbed into Mom and Dad's bed tonight, as we always do for 5 minutes of cuddle time before crawling into separate beds - Lincoln crawled in with a book in his hand.  
  "Read this Mommy".  
Together we all cuddled and enjoy the picture book, Where do Chicks Come From?. 
Sure they could have opted for a few minutes of watching SpongeBob or some other cartoon, but instead, they preferred to hear a story read to them...


"I say to my child, I will explain to you as much of life as I can, but you must remember that there is a part of life for which you are the explanation." ~Robert Brault