How fun for me that I get to host it! As always, our kind homesteading friends have much to share! So, how about I pour the coffee, and you can have a piece of this delicious Sour Cream Coffee Cake (from Rachel's Reasoning) and we'll start our visit around the homeplace...

When you collapse in sweet slumber from a long day on your homestead, have you ever wondered just how those amazing women before us did it all? Jacque over at Seeking Rest on the Homestead has wondered that very thing and addresses it in her entry, "How Did The Pioneer Women Do All of This?" She writes:

"I really wanted to know how the pioneer women did it all to keep their homes running and feed their families, growing and making their own food, clothing... keeping all of their children well and helping them. What was their faith like? With our goats and now chickens, a garden overflowing with weeds, I want to find an answer, or do a Unit Study."

Be sure to visit her wonderful blog!

Next, perhaps you are struggling with doing it all and having trouble keeping things organized. If you need some motivation and encouragement, then take Carrie's Challenge! She has some wonderful ideas and even invited me in for a lovely visit this past week. Oh, you're invited, too! 

Now, put on your recycled aprons  courtesy of Ann'Re @ Home and let's go into the homestead kitchen for this week's recipes.

Before you send those kiddos out to do chores, why not start their day with a Down on the Farm Breakfast from Camelot Homestead Farm. I've been experimenting with different breads lately, and you can try my favorite Focaccia recipe or stop by Candy Foote's blog and try her Simple Sourdough! And as a special treat, visit Kitty's Korner for a plate of "The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies." (Yes, I said plate.)

Now out to the barnyard...

The homesteaders around here have been busy! Visit Pure Water Hollow and see their family project-- Building a New Pig Sty. Great job, guys! ( Be sure to congratulate them on their new little blessing on the way!) Also, Kitty writes about an unexpected visitor in the chicken coop and there's been an Invasion of the Guineas  over at While Awaiting His Return!

How about a walk through the garden...

Check out this great entry about Composting at Panther Creek Cottage. I love her granddaughter's pink boots! Speaking of footwear (sorry, but I have an addiction to shoes) I thought this entry at Between the Lines was so cute. Red is my favorite color, so I love her Red Garden Shoes! I might just have to get a pair for myself.

Many of us have gotten into organic gardening and products. Amanda over at My Learning Experience  has written all about organic products in I *LOVE* Organics! She mentions some great products for skin care and cleaning around the home. I am so impressed that such a young lady would be so knowledgeable. She will be a fine wife and mother someday!

And last but not least...

Jocelyn at Amusing Reflections of a Country Girl shares a surprise that she got from an online friend in her entry entitled, Beloved Friend.  Wait until you see how darling she looks in it! I just love getting and sending sweet surprises in the mail, don't you? Why not send a little something to someone this week to brighten their day. Emails are wonderful, but there is just something about a handwritten note or a gift that was chosen just for you. What a blessing to be connected to such amazing people through this thing called the Internet!

 I enjoyed hosting this week's carnival. Thanks for participating and for visiting!