February 2nd

Hi All!

I am sorry I am so late getting this out!  I've been a little busy this week. Nine babies on the ground so far this week and 7 more moms scheduled to give birth before Feb. 12th (although 2 of them do not look pregnant, so maybe only 5 more...).  In other words, I may or may not make sense for the next two weeks. And if things continue the way they are now, we are looking at having THIRTY goat kids running around.  I love my goats, we all know, but THIRTY???  IN TWO WEEKS???  I might go a little insane. 

But in the meantime, here are the pictures of the kids born this week:

Triplet Bucklings from Mama Star...they all basically look like this:

Two Doelings and a Buckling from Mama Giselle:

Two Bucklings and a Doeling from Mama Butterscotch: 

Before we get on to this week's activities...

I am tired of canceling Co-op because of rain-- especially when it's not raining on Friday, but just muddy.  So, I am implementing a new policy:

Co-op will ONLY be cancelled if it is ACTUALLY raining (or if I'm sick).  So don't show up on days where wet stuff is falling from the sky.

However, if it is too muddy to host the activities that we had planned, and I typically would have canceled, but it's not actually raining, I am instituting a Plan B.  For those who need to get out in the fresh air, but are okay with not running around too much, I will set up board games and craft tables on the basketball court. We can't have kids running around on the basketball court because it would be too slippery, but sitting at tables should be no problem!  So those of you who have kiddos that still want to get together and are okay with not running around like normal, you can still come and play calmer games in the fresh air. 

That being said, THIS WEEk we should have no problems hosting activities!  Unless a goat goes into labor. Then I institute Plan C -- Farm activities are canceled, but you all can still come hang out. (See the Goat Kidding Season 2024 for more details) 

Also, there are a couple more scheduled Fridays coming up where we will not be hosting a co-op.  Please put these on your calendars (those of you who are responsible and check the blog each week, please make sure you let your friends know):

No Co-op Days:

February 23rd-- My eldest daughter will be getting married that weekend (we'll be a bit busy!)

March 15th-- We will be at the Pinal County Fair in Casa Grande for the Dairy Goat Show. But they will be having Field Trip Friday again- 9:00am-1:00pm--Public, Private, and Homeschoolers can register for FREE admission to the fair. So, I highly recommend you all attend! Click here for more details: https://pinalfairgrounds.com/school-field-trip-day   You can buy 5 carnival rides for $5 before 1 pm, so if it were me, I'd watch some of the goat show ;-), ride some rides, watch some more of the goat show, get some lunch, then watch all the fair shows before heading home.  Great day! :-D

And now on to this week's schedule! 

(Please Note: If your child will be doing a lot of running around and is easily over-heated, please make sure to bring lots of water. The tap water in the shop kitchen is drinkable, but we will not be providing bottled water or cups)

 From 10-Noon(ish) we will break into group activities:

Group A-- Ages 5-8

You will be doing Project this week. You all know what is on my mind right now...those babies!!!  So this week we will be doing a goat craft and taking groups in to see the newborn baby goats. Or if I don't get the craft ready in time, we might just play in the pasture with all the animals. 

Parents, if your little ones tend to wander, please stay close by. You are responsible for taking your child to the restroom or providing them with water if they get thirsty. Try to remind them that this is a group activity, and they should try to stick with their group as much as possible. That will really help keep things flowing smoothly for everyone. <3

Materials Needed: 

Sunscreen and Water Bottles...if you so desire. 

And clothes/shoes that you don't mind getting dirty.

Group B--Ages 9-12  

You will be doing P.E. this week. Kickball???? 

Materials Needed: 

Sunscreen and Water Bottles...if you so desire. 

Clothes/shoes that you don't mind getting dirty and/or wet.

A great attitude!

Group C--Ages 13-18

You will be doing Gardening this week. Ms. Paula has been so excited to do bonsai trees with you all. I hope it works this week!

Materials Needed: 

Sunscreen and Water Bottles...if you so desire. 

And clothes/shoes that you don't mind getting dirty.

Garden gloves if you think you need them.

Those teenagers that do not feel like participating in Gardening are welcome to volunteer with Group A. Please note, you WILL be put to work if you volunteer in that capacity! 

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Picnic Lunch

Everyone is welcome to stay and have a picnic lunch in the backyard area. You are responsible for bringing your own lunch. Please do not feed any animals with that lunch and please make sure all garbage is disposed of in the dumpster or garbage can.

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Pinal County Projects

After lunch, those who live in Pinal County and are interested in participating in Dairy Goat, Chicken (or other poultry), or Welding are welcome to stick around. If you do not live in Pinal County, but you want to attend either the Dairy Goat or Chicken classes to at least learn about the animals, you are welcome to do that as well, but priority will go to those who can participate in the fair (so must live in Pinal County).

Dairy Goat: Meets right after the activities are over--around noonish. 

Chicken: Meets at 1 pm. 

Welding: Meets at 2 pm in the shop with Elai. This class will last for 1.5 hours. Make sure to wear a cotton long-sleeved shirt and pants (NO POLYESTER),and closed-toed shoes. Those who do not dress appropriately, will n