TINKERBELLE

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” --  Anatole France

Working Together ~ Prairie Primer Studies

I posted a few photos of our rug braiding. Here is some of what it took to prep for our class. First I gathered up old clothes that either had holes, stains or both. They weren't even worth passing on to Good Will. But they were perfect for rag rugs! =0)

The girls helped me cut them into strips.
Of course Princess wanted to be in the middle of the everything. Lol.

Elvis read aloud to us from Little House in the Big Woods as we worked.

A cozy scene.
Sweet Pea cuts up Daddy's old shirt.

Bugsy was content to listen & cuddle with Molly.

The poor cats were dressed up by the girls. This ribbon came from an old nightgown. Doesn't Tinkerbelle look thrilled?

As you probably guessed the pioneers never wasted anything that still had an ounce of use left in it. Clothes that were no longer worn became curtains, rags or rugs. Some were unraveled if knit and then knitted into something new. What great examples of being good stewards of what they were given by God!

New Additions

Yes, we have kittens again! Some of you may remember that this time last year our cat Tinkerbelle gave birth to 4 kittens. Well, wouldn't you know that EXACTLY a year to the day she had another litter! What are the odds of that! And she gave birth in the evening both times too. Wild! This time she gave birth to 3 kittens. They are adorable. We need to find them homes. Though we are quite smitten there is simply no more room in the inn. If you know someone who wants to give them a loving home please let me know.

Born on September 27th, 2009.

3 Little Kittens

ADORABLE!

I want my mommy!

Mommy gives baby a bath.

Sweet Little Kittens

On Monday before Dave left we tried to transfer the kittens to a cozy basket. We thought they'd be safer there especially with the movers coming soon. TInkerbelle was not happy with this arrangement and quickly moved 2 of her kittens back with her under the bed. I had to bring the last 2 to her b/c she wouldn't come out for them. She was calling for them but she was too far away for them to find her. I was afraid they would get lost under my bed with all the junk under there so with Sweet Pea's help I lifted the mattress & box spring and set her 2 babies down with her. We will leave them there until Tuesday when the movers come & then we'll put them in a crate with Tinkerbelle. I'm so afraid they will get stepped on or smashed if we don't.

I did get some cute photos while they were out. Oh they are precious!

All snuggled together while Mama takes a food & water break.

I couldn't help but cuddle them for a second or two when Dave handed them to me to be put in the basket.

Look at those precious faces!


One big pile of siblings.

We allowed the kids to come in to get a closer look. Tinkerbelle watched us but didn't seem to mind. No one was allowed to touch them. We'll wait until they are older b/f the kids can hold them or pet them.

Mini-Tinkerbelle

Two Sweet Furry Faces

Now That's Contentment

Tinkerbelle peeks in & takes them back "home".

Mama & Babies

Tinkerbelle & Her Babies

Kitten #2 joins the cozy nest

I don't know about you but I can't get enough of these sweet little kittens. =) Here are some pictures of Kitten #1 looking fluffy & then Kitten #1 & Kitten #2 together. Tinkerbelle has chosen to nurse & hide out under my bed with the kitten so it's often hard to get enough light for a good picture. We are hoping to transfer them soon to a cozy basket. We want to give the new mama some time to settle in first.

Mama going under the bed & Baby scooting out.

The kitten can't see yet & really cannot move much either. It is amazing how only after a couple hours after birth this little kitten can scoot around by propelling himself/herself with one front leg.



I'm sure their sense of smell must be very good as even though their eyes aren't open this little baby can usually find mama quite well.



Hard to see but if you look closely you can see one kitten's tail on the right & one to the far left.

Look at that little, bitty foot! Awwwww.........

The two snuggle together for warmth. Its hard to tell where one begins & the other ends. Lol!

Kitten #2 has a very different face than Kitten #2. Both are completely precious!

Another cozy position. Love the tail wrapped around siblings face. =)

This one looks just like mama, stripes & all.

More pictures to come later!

Happy Birthday, Kitten #1!

This has been an amazing afternoon & evening. Watching new life enter the world is.......well......beyond words. I was honored to see Tinkerbelle deliver her first kitten. Poor thing was so confused & in a lot of pain. She meowed & meowed and looked almost like she was chasing her tail. She did a tremendous job & she knew just what to do. Dave & I both watched amazed. We didn't want the kids to frighten her as she was nervous enough with this new experience. She was fine with Dave & I there. At first I was afraid the little kitten wasn't breathing but Tinkerbelle kept licking it and soon it meowed & moved. It looked like a little mouse and it's head looked huge for it's little, skinny body. Now it has fluffed up and looks like a little kitty. In fact, he/she looks just like Mama. Adorable!

Giving Birth

Delivering her very first baby.

What a good mama!

New little kitten

How tiny & precious!

Mama chews the umbilical cord.

Giving baby his/her first bath.

Look at how tiny baby's little feet are!

More TLC from Mama

See it's little legs & paws?

I am truly in awe of this amazing experience.

Impending Motherhood

My kitty Tinkerbelle is going to have babies! She has been growing larger by the day. Last night she was sprawled on my bed & poor thing could hardly get comfortable. She is such a lovey pregnant kitty. She loves to cuddle and to have her chin scratched. I don't think it will be long now before we have some babies in our midst. =)

Cozy Kitty

Now that Elvis is older he is much gentler with the cats. Tinkerbelle is responding to him and now often chooses him as a cuddling spot. Elvis is tickled that Tinkerbelle loves him and coos & talks to her like she is his little baby. So funny & cute! Here are a few pics I snapped the other night at bedtime. I'm not sure who is happier with this Tinkerbelle or Elvis. =)

Snuggly Kitty

Tinkerbelle is the most snuggly cat I've ever had. She can't seem to get close enough. When Dave was home this past weekend she took to snuggling with him while he was on the phone. Too cute!

Can't Get Close Enough

A Very Satisfied Cat

Nap Time

Peek-a-Boo