Where have I been?

I have been everywhere and nowhere!  We are finally in a "school routine".  Boy 3 and I take kids to school, come home change shoes, go to the barn, come in make beds, start laundry,go to the barn, change laundry, do breakfast dishes, get mail, go to the barn, put Boy 3 down for nap, start supper, go to the barn, fold laundry, water and hay heifers, change shoes, go get kids, go to the barn, through in dance and/or soccer practice.....
Do we see a pattern?  Kids go to school and Boy 3 and I are in the barn, would not change it for the world :). Now the last two days Boy 3 has been very interested in potty training, which every 20 minutes, I set the kitchen timer, we go potty, or at least try.

The USDA, in my view is digging itself a large hole!  More and more kids are taking cold lunch, how do I know this, have you seen the adds for WalMart?  More options for your kids cold lunch, lunchables, cold cut meats.  Instead of giving money to our failing schools we are giving our money to WalMart and others.  If this is the plan, then well played USDA, big business wins and schools lose.

Off to the barn!

Have A Great Day:)

Heifers tied, fed and blowed...beds still not made!

Boy 3 and I have been getting home about 8:15am from taking kids to school, Hubby has been tieing heifers and feed them before he leaves for work.  When boy 3 and I get home we go straight to the barn, pull feed pans, blow, brush pick up poop, broom and then feed them some hay.  This sounds like it is a fast process as I am typing, but it really has taken us a little over an hour.  We just came in and now I am starting on the house.  On school days I do not make the kids make their beds, really why put that on them too?  So now Boy 3 and I need to start laundry, make 5 beds and figure out what is for supper.  And then head back to the barn as soon as beds are made... it is a lot more fun in the barn!


Check out CrystalCattle blog, we all need to do this!

Have A Great Day:)

I am stirring the pot!

I told you I was going to see how the kids did with school lunch yesterday.  Boy 1 and Princess said it was okay.  Boy 2 said it was good, but he was still hungry after he finished everything.  He said he was so happy to eat his granola bar at 2pm.   Still hungry after eating everything on the tray.  This morning I asked who wants cold lunch the two olders said they would try the soft shell taco and banana.  Boy 2 said no way, I want "Peanut Butter and Jelly, chips and cookies"  I sent 1 peanut butter and jelly sandwich (327 calories) 1 small bag of sunchips(140 calories) and 3 two inch cookies (160 calories) along with $0.35 for milk.  Without the milk I sent a total of 627 calories that is 127 more than the recommended amount of calories.

So, boy 3 and I have been in the barn and I do my best thinking there.  Boy 2 is 7 and weighs 42lbs that is 13 lbs less than the national average.  The suggested number of calories burned in P.E. class for 30 minutes for a 7 year old is 112 calories, this does not include recess and he has two of those.  So do I think his 127 calories are better for him, heck ya! Do I think that our school will take this away from him, hope not!  Is this another reason there are more parents choosing to homeschool, oh I think so!  Will I serve popcorn as a snack after school today-YES!

Now, lets discuss this no meat two days a week.  I know that my family is very lucky to have farm grown beef, pork and chicken in the freezer.  I do understand that quite a few people can not afford this, so why in the world would we take this out of school lunch?  I understand there are a lot of kids that eat free or reduce lunch (30.5 million at the end of 2007) and this is their only time to eat MEAT!
Isn't the USDA suppose to be for the farmer, ALL farmers whether they grow veggies, fruits or animals?  Why is the USDA doing this, they are not just hurting the kids who need to eat, they are also hurting the farmer.

Sorry I am on my soap box about this, but it has really gotten to me!

Have A Great Day:)

PS: Tomorrow is all about heifers!

Back to School!

At 6:30am today the summer came to an end and the new school year started!

You all know that I have been dreading this day, but the kids came out of school happy and chattering about friends and teachers.  This made me happy to know they are happy even though I would love to be selfish and keep them all to myself.  I know we are going to have ups and downs this school year as we do with every school year, but we only have 9 months in this grade, so we are going to smile and go on!

Have A Great Day:)

PS: Tomorrow I will be on a rant about the school lunch program for the United States and maybe even a little challenge!

3AM!

We have not been waken at 3AM by Boy 1 in years, last night he came in all panicked .  He was getting up to go to the bathroom, put his glasses on and they broke.  Boy 1 cannot see with out his glasses!  So, I put my glasses on as he says he thinks he lost the screw, nope not it, screw still there.  The breakaway part of his glasses broke.  He loves these frames, they are durable and you are suppose to be able to fold them in a ball, suppose is key word!  Hubby wanted to know why we are worrying about this at 3AM, with Boy 1 something's you just do or he will worry and fret.  Plus, Hubby and Boy 1 have a field or feed day today near Ursa and Boy 1 REALLY wanted to go with his dad.  So, how did I fix it at 3AM? DuckTape!  I knew that someday all of Princess a d Boy 2's DuckTape would come in handy.  Boy1 was good with it and let's hope it holds until Monday!

Off to make MORE coffee!

Have A Great Day!

Ethan's Rodeo-Cowboys are my favorites!

County Fair lyricsSongwriters: Chris Lee Le Doux

Been workin' like a dawg, slavin' on the fence line
Stretchin' those wires tight
Diggin' and tappin' and sweatin' in the sunshine
But I get off tonight

I got a date with a girl, a perdy ranchers daughter
Green eyes and golden hair
Gonna pick her up at 8 after some soap and water
And we're headin' to the county fair

Well, there's a full moon in the western sky
And there's magic in the air
Ain't nothin' I know of, can make you fall in love
Like a night at the county fair

Well, we walked through the midway, the lights and the laughter
She puts her little hand in mine
Well, she don't act like she knows what I'm after
But tonight I'm gonna make her mine

You know the tunnel of love, well it ain't my style
So I'm take her on the ferris wheel
Way up in the sky, with the stars in her eyes
I'm gonna tell her just how I feel

Well, there's a full moon in the western sky
And there's magic in the air
Ain't nothin' I know of, can make you fall in love
Like a night at the county fair

Well, I know Monday mornin', I'll be back on the fence line
But it'll be alright
'Cause that perdy little girl says, she's gonna be all mine
I'm gonna see her next Friday night

Well, there's a full moon in the western sky
And there's magic in the air
Ain't nothin' I know of, can make you fall in love
Like a night at the county fair
Ain't nothin' I know of, can make you fall in love
Like a night at the county fair

Yes, this is one of my favorite songs, yes Hubby and I fell in love 16 years ago at the county fair, but tonight I want to share with you about a little guy who lost his battle to Neuroblastoma.  He was a true cowboy and this is one of his favorite songs.   His  parents are two of the most amazing people that I know.  They, along with all their family and friends have put on a rodeo called Ethan's Rodeo and this is the third year in a row for it.  It is a family event and all money raised is for Neuroblastoma research. 

So, if you are anywhere near, lets say 100 miles, come and support this amazing family and amazing cause!

Friday August 17th
Gates Open at 5:30 pm
Rodeo Starts at 7:30 pm
Live Music after the rodeo by
Highway99

Saturday August 18th
Gates Open at 3:00 pm
Rodeo Starts at 7:30 pm
Live Music after the rodeo by
Highway99

All proceeds benefit research of
neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer
responsible for approximately 15% of
all childhood cancer deaths.

Contact Ethan’s Rodeo

Momma's let your babies grow up to be cowboys! They are the best I have ever known!

Have A Great Evening:)

PS: Kiss your babies and your preteens and your highschoolers with drivers license and your college kids who know more than you, because you still can.

Moo! Moo! Moo!

As I left last evening to register the kids for school Hubby and kids weaned 5 calves.  This means they moved 5 calves from their momma's to another pen  next to them, the calves and cows can still see and hear each other, they just can't be together.  It is like when a mom decides it is time to stop nursing her baby.  Well ALL night long we have been serenade by the MOO's of 5 momma cows and 5 calves.  One little rascal decided to get out and get in with Daqurhi, Boy 1's big heifer, so Boy1, 2 and 3 are all out moving her back with the weaned calves.  I guess she really wants in the show heifer pen, little does she know that her time is coming next week!

I love the thinking of Boy 1, I can see him and Boy 2 and 3 choring and he is feeding the big cows, they usually do not get feed in the morning as they are out on pasture and have two bales of hay out there too.  I think he is thinking if he feeds them they will be quite for awhile.

So with a MooMoo here and a MooMoo there, here a Moo, there a Moo EVERYWHERE a MooMoo!

Have A Great Day:)

PS- After a rough start to yesterday Boy 2 is much better today, he is counting down when he can go pick out new barrows! 

5 Months with Barrows!

Where has 5 months gone?  We knew 5 months ago when we as a farm family made the decision to get barrows this day would come.  Wow- 5 months went really fast.  Today is the day that the barrows leave our farm.  Barrows, remember are castrated male pigs.  They  have one major purpose to be put in the US food supply.  Barrows, Wethers and Steers are not met to be yard ornaments and are not meant to be pets.  We have had wethers for 3 years now, the wethers leave later in the week,  we had steers last year, this is our first round of barrows.  We have done our part with them.  We picked them up the middle of April and we have learned a lot about barrows, we learned that to get them to walk with their heads hold a marshmallow on a stick in front of them-thank you Trent Loos.  We have learned to get them to like you and follow you give them a cookie.  We have learned to wash them, brush them and even how to clip their hair.  We now will load them for the last time today.  Boy 2 knew this is what happens, but we still had big tears last night, then I was asked if we could do it again next year.  That was the easiest "Yes" I have ever said. 

 "Ditty" and Princess

Boy 2 and "Biggs"


Now I need to go finish the laundry as Boy 1 brought more home-ugh!

Have A Great Day:)

State Fair Recap!

Another Illinois State Fair is behind us.  When we left here last Tuesday morning early we had on 4 heifers, by Tuesday afternoon we had 5 heifers and by Wednesday noon we had 5 heifers and both wethers. 

Wednesday- Princess and Boy 1 showed in showmanship.  If you have ever been to showmanship at the Illinois State Fair Junior Dept. you know it is a goat rope.  If not let me explain, there are 16-18 kids shoved in a ring and it is a free for all, cattle get loose, kids get upset and really with the little ones, I have no idea how they pick the top 5.  In the first round I was very proud of our Illinois kids they all hung tough!  In the next heat, were the little older ones, Boy 1 was in along with a few more of our Illinois Hereford kids and I am very proud to say that Boy 1 was in the top 5.  Way to go Clay, he was Reserve Champion in this heat!

Thursday- 4am wakeup as Shorthorn Plus was first to show and Princess Leia 0111 was in the third class to show.  Got 2nd with her- woohoo! Then bust butt to go weigh wethers.  Franky weighed 121lbs and Fred weighed 131.  When we weighed them the first of May they both weighed 86 lbs.

Friday- 4am wakeup Horned Herefords were first to show in the Junior Show and Princess showed TA Miss Ponca Whiskey 0611.  Boy 1 did not see her show as he was washing lambs to show.  Put 0611 (aka June away) went to sheep barn.  At the wether show they use a classifier when you check in your wethers, this means if any of your wethers have the same resemblance to a certain breed then they will be able to show in that breed. Franky showed as a Shropshire and Fred showed as a Crossbred.  Boy 1 did great showing the wethers Franky was the middle of the pack and Fred (which we know he is done) was last.  Put lamb blankets back on and back to cattle barn we go to show in the last breed Polled Herefords RA Daqurhi 0311(Daqurhi) and TA Optima Time 0411 ET (Optima).  Both kids hung tough in the middle of the pack:)  Hurry back with Daqurhi to wash all show hairspray out, blow dryer her feed her and let her rest for a little over an hour as our Adams County ADM Showmanship winner needed to borrow her to show.  Good thing Daqurhi loves the show ring!

Saturday- 4am wakeup ( are you starting to notice that we are getting cranky and crabby because of 4am?)  Polled Show was at 8am Princess showed the number 5 heifer for a dear friend of ours, then went on and showed Optima and Boy 1 had a BIG decision to make to show Franky one last time or to show Daqurhi, he chose Daqurhi, but as soon as he came out of the show ring he handed her to his dad, gave me his showstick, scotch comb and show harness and ran to the sheep barn.  Where cousin M was in the show ring with Franky and did GREAT! He was so proud:)  He did get to show Fred for the last time. Boy 1 loaded up with gpa and headed to Iowa State Fair to work for, eat at K7 Herefords.

Sunday- 7am wakeup (now this was MUCH better!) Actually got to enjoy the breakfast at the hotel.  Easy morning, the Princess showed in the IBA Junior Show. June was 2nd and Optima was 1st. 

Monday- 7am wakeup. ( no hotel breakfast, Mini Doughnuts at fair!) Hubby showed Leia in the Open Shorthorn Plus show-2nd place! Also watched the cousins show in the Horned and Polled Shorthorn Show and the did great as well.

Loading the truck with tack and loading the trailer was easy as the heifer we babysat for went home on another trailer.  Optima went with another breeder to be bred naturally by a bull as she has 1 smaller ovary than the other and the vet and Hubby think she will breed naturally. June got dropped off to winter at gpa's pasture as we are running out and the wethers are still with Cousin C.  When our truck/trailer pulled in last night there were two heifers on it and they were happy to be home!

Now this morning I had the first load of laundry in at 7:20am. Wonder how long it will take me?  The windows are wide open and we are going to start going to bed at 8:30pm as school is starting next Monday:(  What a summer we have had.

I promise I will post pictures later this week.

Have A Great Day:)

Olympic Fever!

Olympic fever has hit our house!   Water Polo is on the top list of sports the kids now like.  Who knew?  Boy 1 likes it because it is like soccer in the water, using hands.  Princess  has been cheering on Michael Phelps.  Boy 2 does not care what is on, just as long as it is on!

 The other night after the womens allaround was on and the scores were being calculated the announcer said it comes down to "Hard Work and Determination" the kids said hey that is kind of like what the bobsled dude said at JNHE.  I said doesn't it all come back to Respect, Leadership and Responsibility?  If you want to win or achieve anything you need these three.  Of course I got the eye rolls and the sighs, but at least I know they were listening during opening ceremonies at JNHE and that they kind of understood it too.

Our kids at JNHE opening ceremonies.

More Olympics!

Have A Great DAY:)

Slump?

Do you ever get in a food slump? You know where you have spaghetti every other day or tacos every third day.  We are in a MAJOR food slump here.  We are in between fairs, throw in a birthday party and a sprinkle of hot and humid.  No one has food suggestions, NO ONE!   So last night Princess and I went to the grocery store for state fair food and for Birthday party food, school supplies,  we also picked up Boy 1 as he showed wethers yesterday at Brown County, he also showed Angus cattle for some friends-sorry off track!  When we finally got home, a lot less money in the bank,  Hubby made supper for Boy 2, Boy 3 and himself, they had egg sandwiches and sweet corn.  Now if that does not scream "FOOD SLUMP" I don't know what does.  So this morning I have decided we will have Italian Pork Chops, Baked Potatoes and Sweet Corn for supper.  Good thing Boy1 will be headed to Iowa State Fair as soon as he is done at Illinois State Fair, he will be with K7 and bring home new recipes!

Off to back bookbags-ugh- this must be done before we leave for Illinois State Fair as when we come home it is off and running with school. 

Have A Great Day:)

Time?

Where does time go? Why do somethings feel like they drag on forever while other time flies by?  This summer has flown by.  This week has flown by.  The last three years have speeded by.  To day is our sweet boy 3's birthday.  He is three today and I heard him count to 10 byhimself, of course he was counting cows, we have been working on this with him and today he did it by himself!  3years at the speed of lightining!  Boy 3 was not a plan for Hubby and I, but we have been blessed by his smile, love and his energy.  We could not imagine our lives with out him.

Our Cowboy through & through!

Think about how your spending your time, don't waste one minute!

Have A Great Day:)

4H Group!

As I said earlier that yesterday was the 4H Beef show.  After the 4H Beef show for the kids and after showmanship was a new thing, "Adult Showmanship-Anything Goes".  The kids 4H leader dressed up as a lady and showed his steer like he/she tells them not to show!  Stretched out, head down, show stick up side down and in the air. 

Notice the behind of a goat butt, yep someone showed a goat in the showmanship!

What a great leader our kids have he and his daughter do a wonderful job with the kids.

Have A Great Day:)

County Fair-7days-OVER!!!

We have been meeting ourselves coming and going!  AS you know we had barrows, wethers and 6 heifers for our county fair.  I won't bore you with all the day by day details, but no more than 3 species will we take to our county fair!  I will share with you a little of the schedule:
Friday-4H Sheep
Saturday- Open Sheep, 4H Hogs, Open Jr. Beef Show ( yes, folks it was mass chaos!)
Sunday-Begin Open beef show (showed Angus heifer only)
Monday- Remaining Open Beef, Open Hogs
Tuesday-4H Beef

As I was cleaning the mudroom where in the past 7 days, the kids gathered many Champions and Reserve Champions with all! WOW! Lots of Purple in the mudroom:)

The kids all did great and Boy 2 was all about washing anything and everything and showing in ALL PeeWee Showmanships, because they gave free milkshakes away!

Somethings happen at 4H show and as most of you are parents of kids with animals, you  know which one is to win and which one you take as a partner or a showmanship calf.  And at a 4H show it is hard to get judges.  And at a 4H show, you just never know what will happen.  Princess won the Hereford 4H show, BUT with her little June showmanship heifer.  No this was not right, No this is not the heifer that has stood above second all year, BUT this is what this judge wanted.  Was it great that Princess won, yes, was it right that Princess was shocked and Boy 1 was shocked and that others in the stands laughed? Was it right that during showmanship the judge asked Princess what has been the best part about this fair and her answer was winning Reserve Champion Overall in the Junior Show on Saturday.  Well, you can be the judge on that.  Did this teach the kids anything, well if you would have asked them yesterday, the answers were not pretty! Today, I am using it as a teachable moment, everyone has their own opinions, and they might not be what you like, but it is their opinions.  And opinions make the world go round! 

I will post pictures later as it is already 9am and I have two loads of laundry done and about 8 more to go!  Also, need to be thinking about Boy 3's birthday party and state fair.  Where has this summer gone?

Have A Great Day:)