Friday, June 24, 2011

Calf Photo Blog

*Picture heavy blog*
About 2 weeks ago, we moved our calves to the pasture.  We still have 4 in the barn that are about 2 weeks old.  Here are some recent pictures I took.





This one decided the grass and hay were better when eating INSIDE the bale feeder!
 The next pictures are my attempt to take a picture with Blue (my favorite and more friendly calf!)
First: had to let him suck my fingers to get him closer

Second: Missed my face but got him licking me!

Third: Kisses!

Fourth: He tried to eat me!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Happy (late) Father's Day!

Yes, this post is coming just a few days late.  It has been quite a busy week at work and the last thing I wanted to do when I got home was sit in front of the computer.  So here is my daddy's post...
Where to start...At one time, I was farmin' daddy's girl.  I may have been forced into it when mom was tired of me, but I loved spending time with dad in the tractors.  I have some good memories of those days.  Like, bologna and ketchup sandwiches from the cooler.  And Twinkies.  Milking and feeling like I was a BIG help.  Feeding the baby calves.  Putting on my "milk" boots just like dad.  Dad jumping out of the grain truck telling me to take it out of gear at the end of the field and stop! (Thanks dad, I think I'm still traumatized by that!)  Those were the easy days.  When nothing else mattered except what my favorite barbie was wearing. 


Now, don't get me wrong, dad and I didn't always have an easy going relationship.  There was a period of time that I lost because I was my self-fish self.  My teenage years were filled with me thinking dad was always wrong and just wanted to "boss" me around.  Come to find out, he was just trying to keep our relationship good and guiding me to be a better me! 


So here's to a very hard-working, caring, loving, gentle yet tough, dad.  I may not say it much, or even show it, but I love him more then he knows. 
Thank you dad for everything you have done for me.  My life wouldn't be the same without the struggles we had.  - I love you, Dad!  (and Mom!)

Thursday, June 16, 2011

When nothing else fits, wear a Smile!


"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure."


Steph is just that, a treasured memory.  3 years ago today, I lost a good high school friend.  I don't usually like to bring the past up about things like this, but I can't help but want the world to know about her!
About 14 years old.  Don't mind my slutty shirt, we were going to a dance!

When you were having a bad day, Steph was always there with a smile and a giggle to cheer you up.
She smiled through everything, even when she would get yelled at by a teacher!  She was one of those people who irritated you when you were having an angry day because she was still smiling!
I have so many memories of her from sleep overs, birthday parties, Farmer's Union Camp, Garth Brooks concert, ski trips, sports, yearbook staff, dances, Drama club, you name it, she was there. 
Farmers Union camp!

Many things that I remember about her include:
Her love for animals, especially dolphins.
Her giggle for no reason!
The way she flirted, and couldn't hide it!
Her passion for music. 
The amount of books she read!
She was so nice to everyone, no matter who they were.
Her intelligence.
Her open and adventurous personality.  She really wanted to skydive one day
Her numerous years of braces!
Her loyalty to her friends and family.
Her caring-ness  She loved old people!
Farmers Union Camp banquet night

I can honestly say my school years would not have been the same without her.
Now after high school, we texted and called once in awhile, but she was in a different town for college and made tons of new friends.  We kind of drifted and then ran into each other one night at the bar when we were both, oddly, meeting a mutual friend there and didn't know it.  We had a great time drinking, talking, and making new memories.  That was the last time I hung out with Steph. 

She was loved by so many and touched so many lives.  We are all so grateful to have known her, even if it was only 22 years. 
Taken too young, but in our hearts forever. 
So for today, I remember to wear a smile, even though my heart is still sad after 3 years. 
Sleepover at my house after a junior high dance
Happy 25th Birthday, Steph! Hope they are throwing you one shibby party today!! :)


Tuesday, June 14, 2011

The light...

Sometimes there is a light, but most times it's on the other side of something you need to get through. 

Keep pushing, breathing and believing!
FAITH


Photo credit: trekearth.com



Friday, June 10, 2011

The simple things in life

This is a quick check on before the weekend hits.  It is about 2 hours away as of typing this! 
Can't help but wish I was going to Minnesota with my in-laws to meet up with some family and hit up a Twins game and spend some time at the Mall of America.  But because of some time off issues and conflicts, hubby and I will be staying back home.

But this weekend will be a laid back, relaxing one...or so I hope!  Seems like every time I plan a relaxing weekend, it turns into a weekend of unexpected work.

It's the simple things in life that I enjoy.  The rush of the weekend, trying to get everything done so that we don't have to spend our weekday evenings working out butts off.  The unexpected family "gathering."  The good times spent talking, laughing, and enjoying a few drinks.  The quiet walk around the farm taking pictures of the natural beauty.  Reading a book on the deck in my new outdoor rocking chair.  The nights that hubby says, let's feed and then spend the night at home doing nothing. 

Just a quick note on this picture: I was taking pictures of the old "barn" wood fence at the farm trying to convince hubby that those pieces of wood would make the CUTEST, most rustic fence around our utilities in our yard.  We have been trying to find a good fence to cover some ugly utility poles in our yard and this seems like a unique, cheaper alternative.  I think it's a GREAT idea...hubby, not so much.  Hmmm...maybe if I put it up myself he will like the idea more.


As of this last week, I've been "watching" my garden "grow."  Seems like it's taking forever, but I only planted it on Sunday!  I'm ready to pull weeds and water (which I might not have to do since we moved to Washington State, or so it seems).

I know you can't tell, but there are rows, and no they are NOT straight.  And yes, I know where everything is and what it is!
Potatoes, cucumbers, beans, radishes, kohlrabies, and sunflowers take up the middle, odd rows.  Peas and green peppers are on the side lines.  And the spot behind the garden shed that I will not be using will possibly be filled with pumpkins by the neighbor boy. 

Enjoy the peaceful, cool weekend! :)

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

"Just dance. It'll be OK"

My baby sis (in-law) graduated from high school last week Sunday.  We held an open house in her honor on Saturday and spent Friday afternoon and Saturday morning make appetizers for that. 
We decorated my sister (in-law)'s garage in black and orange, and hung cute, embarrassing baby pictures up for the friends and family to see! 

Along with the pictures were tons of awards and medals that Brianna was given over the last 4 years.  She is quite an accomplished lady and we are SO proud of her!


Not only did we celebrate her graduation, but also celebrated her being honored to give the graduation speech.  Her and a friend gave the speech together.  They did an amazing job and made us laugh.  They included things like, Zach and Cody and Andy from Toy Story graduated this year too, and a few inside jokes, and some words of wisdom from famous people, like Lady Gaga -"Just dance.  It'll be OK." 

This is all on video and will be watched by her mother for the next 25 years! 
But, we are all so proud of her!
I can't believe she is graduated, working, and soon, off to Ohio State University!  She will continue to make us proud, but we will miss her intelligence and beautiful voice here.  Brianna was walking around the house singing and Julie asked me who's going to do that when Brianna's gone.  Guess I will have to start taking voice lessons!


Sniff! Sniff! :*(


Camera failure!

Ahh! He was so proud of her (even though he doesn't admit it!)
They will miss their Aunt Brianna next year (so will I)!

Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars

Last week, a great neighbor brought over a bag of rhubarb.  Thanks, Tan!  I've been wanting to make a few things with rhubarb but haven't decided what yet.  I always make Rhubarb cheesecake bars once a year, so I was excited for those. 
In the meantime, I chopped all the rhubarb and put it in the freezer.  Easy way to have the yummy veggie all year.



Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars

Crust:
2 cups butter, softened
2 cups oatmeal
1 cup brown sugar
2 1/2 cups flour

Filling:
2 - 8oz cream cheese
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups diced rhubarb

Mix all crust ingredients together until crumbly.  Press 1/2 - 3/4 of the mix into the bottom of a 9x13 greased pan.  Reserve the rest for the top.
I like to mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer to make sure it's smooth.  Then stir in the rhubarb.  Spread over the crust and top with remaining crust mix.
Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes.
This recipe halves well.  I made half in a 9x9 pan and it turned out just as good!

Enjoy! :)




Wednesday, June 1, 2011

News Flash...

My mother is now the owner of an I-phone!  I am preparing myself for the pictures, videos, and other goofy stuff she is about start sending...that is when she figures out how to use it!  I've never even looked at an I-phone and she thinks I'm going to help her figure it out. 
Oh boy, this could be a bumpy ride. 
                 Stay tuned...
Attention: This woman thinks she hip, even without her I-phone!

Still love ya, Mom!