The days have been flying by. I wish they didn't. I am trying to make an effort to enjoy the present, not wait for the future, and not dwell on the past. Fall is a wonderful time to live in the present. It goes by so quickly, yet I don't want to miss a minute of the perfect weather, playing outside with the kids, walking barefoot outside, and the beautiful changing leaves. I've enjoyed it more this year than ever before; don't know why, I just have.
I don't want to bore you with the minute-by-minute details of our everyday life, but I don't have much to tell you if I don't tell you that. Since Monday when I last wrote, we've fenced, combined soybeans, chisel plowed, played outside, canned tomatoes (and re-canned some of them.....those stubborn ones that didn't seal....I don't know why!).
We're taking in all of fall; we chase cows on a very regular basis.....Matt has made it my job to check the cows close to home when I get up, around lunchtime, and before it gets dark. Don't worry.....it doesn't bother me that much anymore; I've come to realize it's part of life on the farm, those darn cows getting out.
Clarence has been very focused on all the work that needs to get done; he wants to be part of everything (farm-related, that is). He fences, feeds cows, combines, chisel plows, chases cows, etc. He's definitely a "farmer guy" as he calls himself these days. This morning I got a pair of jeans out of his drawer for him to wear and he said, "No, I want my farmer guy pants." I told him he couldn't wear them because he'd worn them yesterday and they were dirty. I told him I'd go look for some. I came downstairs with camoflauge overalls....he gave them kind of a wierd look, but was satisfied that they were "farmerish" enough.
I went up to chisel plow a field for the afternoon. Rather than haul the kids to a sitter for the afternoon, they just came with. After Clarence took a short nap, he rode in the combine with my dad; Adina stayed with me in the tractor. She was everywhere. Look outside, play with spoons, eat a snack, play with the dials around the steering wheel, drop her spoon on the filthy floor, pick it up, have another snack, look outside, crawl in the back window, sing awhile, etc.
Grandma Muriel brought pizza out for supper for all of us...I took a few pictures that I'll try and post tomorrow.
When we got home, we had to put cows in.....then, the kids and I had to get on the 4-wheeler and chase them to the far opposite end of the pasture; hope they stay there!
Tomorrow we're having pipe dug in for our fence system......the pipe is dug underground to tire tanks in the different paddocks. Should be another busy day!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Fun Fabulous Fall
It's been a fun fabulous fall so far. I hope it keeps up!
Here's what we've been up to:
Well, I hope you've been having a fun fabulous fall and that you're taking time to enjoy the beautiful weather and the beauty of the changing trees when you're out for a drive. :)
Here's what we've been up to:
- fencing; we've almost finished 1 quarter of land in about a week's time; everything's going great, except that yesterday while I was running along the fence down to where Matt was, I rolled my ankle, fell to the ground, crying, and now it hurts...kinda bad. It's a little swollen, but it's getting easier to walk on. So, in a nutshell, fencing is going great, but Matt's help has become temporarily handicapped. :)
- the kids are so fun and such good helpers; we've been taking them fencing with us to spend time with them and to save money instead of sending them to daycare. Clarence really enjoys fencing; Adina, sometimes...she's such a busybody that she gets sick of it after a couple hours (understandable, I know).
- I've been subbing; all up in Pembina. The kids are fun...I know them all well now, so it's not awkward or anything, and subbing gives me time to read a book now and then, which brings me to my next point:
- I read "The Help" and loved it. I highly recommend it! You won't be disappointed. Now I have to figure out a way to drag Matt out of the county away from his work to go see it in theaters.
- Clarence is in Sunday School....he absolutely loves it! There are so many kids in his class (usually around 11-ish), so he has fun getting to interact with them. As a mom, it's fun to watch him with so many other kids and how he behaves himself.
- I start piano lessons next week....it'll be nice to get into that routine again; I've really put off starting it this year...we've been so busy!
- I start beets on Saturday. I drive beet cart for my uncles. I really enjoy it; sometimes it gets long, I guess, but it's nice to make some extra income quickly. The kids get to come and ride with me once in a while, too. I think this will be a challenge for Matt, to see how well he can manage picking them up from daycare and putting them to bed, etc, along with trying to get some work done, too. :)
- I have to play piano in a wedding on Saturday...it'll be easy; just one song for the processional, prelude and postlude music and that's it. Then, off to work beets!
Well, I hope you've been having a fun fabulous fall and that you're taking time to enjoy the beautiful weather and the beauty of the changing trees when you're out for a drive. :)
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Clarence's Wish List
Clarence's birthday is still a little under 2 months away, but he's started his list.
1. A pig. He saw pigs at my dad's farm yesterday and said he wanted one. I told him to ask Grandpa Lowell for a pig for his birthday. Too bad for me his birthday's that far away. Since he can't tell time, he'll be asking for a pig for about 50 more days.
2. A milk cow. We went to an auction sale last week and saw some dairy cows. I was talking with Clarence about the cows and about how they're "milk" cows. I told him someday, when he's like six, we could get one because then he could help take care of it. Now he tells me he wants one for his birthday. Uh-oh. :)
3. A semi with trailer and animals. We were at the hardware store a couple days ago, and I told Clarence he could look at the toys but that he wasn't getting anything that day. He was a very good boy and just looked, which must have been very hard for him. He showed me a big semi with a trailer that hauls animals and it even came with a bunch of animals. I told him he could tell Auntie Nikki about it and ask her if she'd get it for him for his birthday. He told her that day and has been wondering when he's going to get it. It's cute. I'm glad he's a good and patient kid!
That's all for now, I guess...I wonder what else he'll come up with by then. :)
1. A pig. He saw pigs at my dad's farm yesterday and said he wanted one. I told him to ask Grandpa Lowell for a pig for his birthday. Too bad for me his birthday's that far away. Since he can't tell time, he'll be asking for a pig for about 50 more days.
2. A milk cow. We went to an auction sale last week and saw some dairy cows. I was talking with Clarence about the cows and about how they're "milk" cows. I told him someday, when he's like six, we could get one because then he could help take care of it. Now he tells me he wants one for his birthday. Uh-oh. :)
3. A semi with trailer and animals. We were at the hardware store a couple days ago, and I told Clarence he could look at the toys but that he wasn't getting anything that day. He was a very good boy and just looked, which must have been very hard for him. He showed me a big semi with a trailer that hauls animals and it even came with a bunch of animals. I told him he could tell Auntie Nikki about it and ask her if she'd get it for him for his birthday. He told her that day and has been wondering when he's going to get it. It's cute. I'm glad he's a good and patient kid!
That's all for now, I guess...I wonder what else he'll come up with by then. :)
Excited
Lately, I've been excited about a few new things:
1. It's fall. Fall is my favorite season, or at least by the time it gets here, I'm sick of heat and haying, so it's a welcome thing! It's one of my favorites, anyway. I love driving and looking at the trees changing colors; I like decorating with corn, straw bales and pumpkins; I love waking up in the morning, having a cold house and needing a cup of coffee; and I love how it's sweatshirt weather. I also love that I no longer need to mow my lawn, weed my garden, or water my flowers. It's wonderful! :)
2. We've been doing some fencing. I don't really mind fencing that much. I like putting clips on and fencing is a project where you start somewhere at the beginning of the day, and by the time you've finished for the day, you can feel like you've accomplished something. The part I don't like about fencing is digging the railroad ties into the ground. It takes a while and makes my arms start to hurt (not that they don't need it, but it's my least favorite part). Anyway, the railroad tie part is almost finished, so I guess I can move on to better things. :)
3. We're thinking of adding on to the back of the house. It's not definite yet, but we're thinking about it, and that's a start! We are going to add a big back entry (the main one for now), a bathroom/laundry room combo, and a small office spot. This will satisfy me to no end! I won't have to go upstairs to go to the bathroom, downstairs to wash clothes, out the front door (with all the jackets, boots, etc. right by the front door), and we'll have a spot (besides the kitchen table) for our bills and computer. I can't wait.
4. I'll soon be in charge of music at our church. It's a position they made up, a music coordinator for the church, so our pastor has more time to focus on a stewardship project. I'm really excited about it; at the beginning, it'll be pretty basic, but I'm hoping to enhance it and make it a fun thing for the church. Wish me luck!
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Well...those are my main four, I guess........
This morning I brought the kids to Hallock to have school pictures taken (my uncle's the photographer and he does pre-preschool kids, too). The kids were darling and smiled perfectly.
Nikki came with and we went to visit my grandma Muriel afterwards. She had surgery on a toe last week and has kept herself homebound, so we thought we'd go and break up her day for her. We were there for two hours, had coffee, visited, played the piano, the accordion, and dragged out nearly all the toys from her entry to the kitchen floor. :)
Hope you have a great Wednesday and have something you're excited about!
1. It's fall. Fall is my favorite season, or at least by the time it gets here, I'm sick of heat and haying, so it's a welcome thing! It's one of my favorites, anyway. I love driving and looking at the trees changing colors; I like decorating with corn, straw bales and pumpkins; I love waking up in the morning, having a cold house and needing a cup of coffee; and I love how it's sweatshirt weather. I also love that I no longer need to mow my lawn, weed my garden, or water my flowers. It's wonderful! :)
2. We've been doing some fencing. I don't really mind fencing that much. I like putting clips on and fencing is a project where you start somewhere at the beginning of the day, and by the time you've finished for the day, you can feel like you've accomplished something. The part I don't like about fencing is digging the railroad ties into the ground. It takes a while and makes my arms start to hurt (not that they don't need it, but it's my least favorite part). Anyway, the railroad tie part is almost finished, so I guess I can move on to better things. :)
3. We're thinking of adding on to the back of the house. It's not definite yet, but we're thinking about it, and that's a start! We are going to add a big back entry (the main one for now), a bathroom/laundry room combo, and a small office spot. This will satisfy me to no end! I won't have to go upstairs to go to the bathroom, downstairs to wash clothes, out the front door (with all the jackets, boots, etc. right by the front door), and we'll have a spot (besides the kitchen table) for our bills and computer. I can't wait.
4. I'll soon be in charge of music at our church. It's a position they made up, a music coordinator for the church, so our pastor has more time to focus on a stewardship project. I'm really excited about it; at the beginning, it'll be pretty basic, but I'm hoping to enhance it and make it a fun thing for the church. Wish me luck!
________________________-
Well...those are my main four, I guess........
This morning I brought the kids to Hallock to have school pictures taken (my uncle's the photographer and he does pre-preschool kids, too). The kids were darling and smiled perfectly.
Nikki came with and we went to visit my grandma Muriel afterwards. She had surgery on a toe last week and has kept herself homebound, so we thought we'd go and break up her day for her. We were there for two hours, had coffee, visited, played the piano, the accordion, and dragged out nearly all the toys from her entry to the kitchen floor. :)
Hope you have a great Wednesday and have something you're excited about!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Random Adventures
Here are a few pictures I wanted to share. We've been busy canning, moving cows, playing outside, etc.
Bread I baked the same day as the buns...it turned out really well!
And, caramel rolls......a batch of buns wouldn't be complete without them. :) And, if I make extras, I freeze a pan to eat later on......it's perfect!
The kids playing outside...Clarence loves putting all his outside toys in the wagon and hauling them all over the yard......and Adina just follows wherever he goes.
And both kids love it! Clarence would ask to make it almost every day!
Making salsa at Nikki's house...
The beautiful salsa that fell down my steps and broke. :) Luckily only 5 jars broke.
The salsa all boxed up and separated between Mom, Nikki and me. It was a very productive day!
Zinnias I grew in my garden. They cheered up my kitchen for a couple weeks.
Buns I baked a week or two ago...
Bread I baked the same day as the buns...it turned out really well!
My sweet princess playing outside (obviously a couple weeks ago, since it has now froze and everything's turning a little brown).
We ate a lot of corn on the cob out of our garden. It's my favorite meal!
And both kids love it! Clarence would ask to make it almost every day!
Daddy and Adina feeding Dolly, our new bottle calf. The kids love to "help". On the days I sub, Clarence likes to make sure he wakes up in time to help feed her before we go.
Have a wonderful day!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
COOKIES!.....Cashew Caramel and Milk Chocolate
Here are two new cookie recipes I found subbing the other day. I have made the milk chocolate cookies...they're very good. The only thing I want to tell you about them is that they should not be overbaked...otherwise they burn. :)
Milk Chocolate Cookies
1 c. flour
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
8 oz. good-quality milk chocolate (4 oz. coarsely chopped, 4 oz. for melting)
1/2 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, soda and salt.
Melt 4 oz. chopped chocolate with the butter; let cool slightly.
Mix chocolate mixture, sugar, eggs adn vanilla on medium speed. Gradually add flour mixture. Fold in chocolate chunks. Bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
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Cashew Caramel Cookies
1 2/3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/2 c. cashews
2 TBSP. plus 1 tsp. oil
1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
24 caramels
1/4 c. cream
Mix flour and salt together. Coarsely chop 1 c. cashews; set aside. Process remaining 1 1/2 c. cashews until finely chopped; pour in oil. Process until creamy, about two minutes.
Mix cashew mixture, butter and sugars in a bowl until creamy. Add egg and vanilla. Add in flour mixture and reserved cashews. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 minutes. Gently flatten cookies and bake 6-7 minutes more.
Melt caramels with cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cool. Drizzle caramel over cookies; let set.
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Well, it has turned out to be a beautiful Sunday afternoon; the sun is shining, the weather is warm, and the day has been relaxing...just perfect!
Yesterday, I baked the chocolate cookies (above) and some caramel chocolate bars (they're absolutely wonderful!...I'll post the recipe soon!). I was in a baking mood.....
Clarence spent the night at Auntie Nikki's house last night, so I only had one child to get ready for church today. It's amazing what a difference it makes not having two to get ready; we were early and I was even prepared for Sunday School!
I'm teaching the preschoolers for the first two months of Sunday School. I was excited to do it because I thought it would be a good way for Clarence to learn to enjoy it....having his mom as the teacher. There are a couple other moms and high schoolers who help, too, so it makes the class go much more smoothly. So far, Clarence loves it...he loves going to "cool". I think it's a fun time for them to be with their friends.
Today, the lesson was on creation...Genesis 1:1..."In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." We went through the seven days and what God did each day; then, I'd brought some sticks, flowers, acorns, etc. (outside "nature" things) so the kids could each take home a bag of things that God has created. With young kids, it's hard to make sure they understand what's going on...hopefully the actual things they could take home helped. :)
This evening, we're going to take a drive. Matt's been hauling some hay this afternoon, and we just feel like going to see the countryside and God's creation...I'm excited. I love drives, and I love spending time with my family.
Have a wonderful Sunday, and I encourage you to take a minute out of your day to thank God for his wonderful creation!
Milk Chocolate Cookies
1 c. flour
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
8 oz. good-quality milk chocolate (4 oz. coarsely chopped, 4 oz. for melting)
1/2 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, soda and salt.
Melt 4 oz. chopped chocolate with the butter; let cool slightly.
Mix chocolate mixture, sugar, eggs adn vanilla on medium speed. Gradually add flour mixture. Fold in chocolate chunks. Bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
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Cashew Caramel Cookies
1 2/3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/2 c. cashews
2 TBSP. plus 1 tsp. oil
1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
24 caramels
1/4 c. cream
Mix flour and salt together. Coarsely chop 1 c. cashews; set aside. Process remaining 1 1/2 c. cashews until finely chopped; pour in oil. Process until creamy, about two minutes.
Mix cashew mixture, butter and sugars in a bowl until creamy. Add egg and vanilla. Add in flour mixture and reserved cashews. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 minutes. Gently flatten cookies and bake 6-7 minutes more.
Melt caramels with cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cool. Drizzle caramel over cookies; let set.
___________________________-
Well, it has turned out to be a beautiful Sunday afternoon; the sun is shining, the weather is warm, and the day has been relaxing...just perfect!
Yesterday, I baked the chocolate cookies (above) and some caramel chocolate bars (they're absolutely wonderful!...I'll post the recipe soon!). I was in a baking mood.....
Clarence spent the night at Auntie Nikki's house last night, so I only had one child to get ready for church today. It's amazing what a difference it makes not having two to get ready; we were early and I was even prepared for Sunday School!
I'm teaching the preschoolers for the first two months of Sunday School. I was excited to do it because I thought it would be a good way for Clarence to learn to enjoy it....having his mom as the teacher. There are a couple other moms and high schoolers who help, too, so it makes the class go much more smoothly. So far, Clarence loves it...he loves going to "cool". I think it's a fun time for them to be with their friends.
Today, the lesson was on creation...Genesis 1:1..."In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." We went through the seven days and what God did each day; then, I'd brought some sticks, flowers, acorns, etc. (outside "nature" things) so the kids could each take home a bag of things that God has created. With young kids, it's hard to make sure they understand what's going on...hopefully the actual things they could take home helped. :)
This evening, we're going to take a drive. Matt's been hauling some hay this afternoon, and we just feel like going to see the countryside and God's creation...I'm excited. I love drives, and I love spending time with my family.
Have a wonderful Sunday, and I encourage you to take a minute out of your day to thank God for his wonderful creation!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Easy Supper Ideas
I always have quite a bit of time to myself when I sub. I like to use that time to read books, magazines, recipes, and draw future house addition plans. :)
Here are a couple recipes I found last week when I subbed in home ec. I really gravitate towards easy, homemade meals. That way, I know the ingredients that go into them, but they also don't take all afternoon to prepare.
The first recipe I have made; it was very well-received. I doubled the recipe because I love leftovers. Clarence enjoyed helping me spoon the mixture onto the noodles and then roll them up.
Lasagna Roll-Ups
1/2 lb. ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
3/4 tsp. garlic salt
1-2 tsp. pizza seasoning
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 jar pasta sauce, divided
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
8 lasagna noodles, cooked
Cook hamburger and onion. Sprinkle with garlic salt, crushed red pepper and pizza seasonings. Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 c. pasta sauce and 1 1/2 c. cheese. Spoon 1 c. pasta sauce into a 8X8 greased baking dish (I used 9X13, but I doubled the recipe, and I had to stack a couple). Spoon 1/4 c. meat mixture down center of each lasagna noodle; roll up and place seam side down in dish. Spoon remaining sauce over roll-ups. Cover with foil (I didn't...oops!); bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes or until heated through. Remove from oven; uncover and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
________________________________
I haven't made these yet, but I plan on it soon. They sound delicious! I also think it'd be easy to swap hamburger for the chicken, since I always have an over-abundance of it.
Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
1 lb. chicken breasts, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 jar (16 oz.) chunky style salsa
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can corn, drained
2 c. cheese, diveded
1 can mild enchilada sauce
8 flour tortillas
2 TBSP. black olives
2 TBSP. green onions
Prepare chicken - fry in a little olive oil. Add taco seasoning. Stir in salsa, beans, corn and 1 c. cheese. Spread 1/4 c. enchilada sauce on bottom of a 9X13 pan. Place 2/3 c. chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; roll up. Place in dish seam-side down.
Pour remaining sauce over tortillas; sprinkle with remaining cheese and olives. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and filling is hot.
I have a couple cookie recipes I'll post soon......have a super evening in the meantime!
Here are a couple recipes I found last week when I subbed in home ec. I really gravitate towards easy, homemade meals. That way, I know the ingredients that go into them, but they also don't take all afternoon to prepare.
The first recipe I have made; it was very well-received. I doubled the recipe because I love leftovers. Clarence enjoyed helping me spoon the mixture onto the noodles and then roll them up.
Lasagna Roll-Ups
1/2 lb. ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
3/4 tsp. garlic salt
1-2 tsp. pizza seasoning
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 jar pasta sauce, divided
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
8 lasagna noodles, cooked
Cook hamburger and onion. Sprinkle with garlic salt, crushed red pepper and pizza seasonings. Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 c. pasta sauce and 1 1/2 c. cheese. Spoon 1 c. pasta sauce into a 8X8 greased baking dish (I used 9X13, but I doubled the recipe, and I had to stack a couple). Spoon 1/4 c. meat mixture down center of each lasagna noodle; roll up and place seam side down in dish. Spoon remaining sauce over roll-ups. Cover with foil (I didn't...oops!); bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes or until heated through. Remove from oven; uncover and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
________________________________
I haven't made these yet, but I plan on it soon. They sound delicious! I also think it'd be easy to swap hamburger for the chicken, since I always have an over-abundance of it.
Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
1 lb. chicken breasts, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 jar (16 oz.) chunky style salsa
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can corn, drained
2 c. cheese, diveded
1 can mild enchilada sauce
8 flour tortillas
2 TBSP. black olives
2 TBSP. green onions
Prepare chicken - fry in a little olive oil. Add taco seasoning. Stir in salsa, beans, corn and 1 c. cheese. Spread 1/4 c. enchilada sauce on bottom of a 9X13 pan. Place 2/3 c. chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; roll up. Place in dish seam-side down.
Pour remaining sauce over tortillas; sprinkle with remaining cheese and olives. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and filling is hot.
I have a couple cookie recipes I'll post soon......have a super evening in the meantime!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Seven Things
1. We went to Big Iron yesterday. It was so fun, and cold, and windy. The kids, Matt, and I enjoyed it anyway. It's not that often we can just up and leave the farm for a day away...so we made the best of the cold weather. Clarence had lined pants, a long-sleeve shirt, a sweatshirt, a coat, and a hat on; Adina had the same situation...they didn't seem bothered by the cold at all. Fortunately, there are a lot of buildings to go in and out of, so we warmed up in them. Clarence was so excited to go to Big Iron and look at the tractors, combines, loaders, balers, etc. His main goal when we were there was to find a good loader for Matt to bring home. If only, Clarence..... He got a mini tractor with a loader and a feed wagon for fun before we left.
2. We went to a supper put on for us by Stockmen's Supply; it was a delicious supper and fun to hang out with my family; however, the children were oh, so tired. We didn't stay long; it probably looked like we stayed for the food and left; we had the only children there, and they were so tired they could hardly see, so we decided it'd be best to leave. Instead of just taking interstate home and getting a good nights' sleep, Matt thought we should go home through St. Hilaire to look at what was going to sell at the auction today; that way, we'd know ahead of time if it was worth coming down for. Then, once we got to Bronson, Matt thought we should go move cows quick (???Come on, husband, it's midnight! Who moves cows at midnight?). He wanted to get it done because they were out of grass and that way we wouldn't have to do it on the way to the auction sale. We left Fargo at 8:15 p.m. We arrived home at 1:15 a.m. Talk about taking the long road home!
3. Auction sale today....Matt was looking at a semi trailer, a combine corn header, fence posts, and numerous other things. It turned out to be a very beautiful day (I definitely overdressed today; that's ok, though, because I was ready for a day like yesterday, just in case!). We came home with nothing; that's ok, too...
4. It has froze here for the past 2 nights. Therefore, my garden is finished; except for the potatoes, carrots and beets, which I have yet to dig up. Soon, don't worry! I picked all my tomatoes 2 nights ago and put them in Clarence's wagon. The wagon is completely full to the top with green tomatoes. You know what that means....lots more canned tomatoes!!!
5. I ripped the carpet out of my living room the other day; and now I remember I wrote this a couple days ago. I like it much better, though.
6. I sub tomorrow. Matt's hauling hay tomorrow. Another busy day. I bought the book "The Help" today. I've heard a lot of positive comments about it and am tired of being left out. So, I'll let you know what I think. In the meantime, read "Pretense" by Lori Wick. It's amazing and wonderful! It's about two sisters who grow up with good morals but aren't Christians. Their parents become Christians, but the girls think they can run their own lives. The book is about their journeys to becoming Christians! It's such a fun, positive book and it makes me want to be a better person and a better Christian, someone who lives my life the way God wants it, not the way I want it.
7. Have a wonderful day tomorrow!
2. We went to a supper put on for us by Stockmen's Supply; it was a delicious supper and fun to hang out with my family; however, the children were oh, so tired. We didn't stay long; it probably looked like we stayed for the food and left; we had the only children there, and they were so tired they could hardly see, so we decided it'd be best to leave. Instead of just taking interstate home and getting a good nights' sleep, Matt thought we should go home through St. Hilaire to look at what was going to sell at the auction today; that way, we'd know ahead of time if it was worth coming down for. Then, once we got to Bronson, Matt thought we should go move cows quick (???Come on, husband, it's midnight! Who moves cows at midnight?). He wanted to get it done because they were out of grass and that way we wouldn't have to do it on the way to the auction sale. We left Fargo at 8:15 p.m. We arrived home at 1:15 a.m. Talk about taking the long road home!
3. Auction sale today....Matt was looking at a semi trailer, a combine corn header, fence posts, and numerous other things. It turned out to be a very beautiful day (I definitely overdressed today; that's ok, though, because I was ready for a day like yesterday, just in case!). We came home with nothing; that's ok, too...
4. It has froze here for the past 2 nights. Therefore, my garden is finished; except for the potatoes, carrots and beets, which I have yet to dig up. Soon, don't worry! I picked all my tomatoes 2 nights ago and put them in Clarence's wagon. The wagon is completely full to the top with green tomatoes. You know what that means....lots more canned tomatoes!!!
5. I ripped the carpet out of my living room the other day; and now I remember I wrote this a couple days ago. I like it much better, though.
6. I sub tomorrow. Matt's hauling hay tomorrow. Another busy day. I bought the book "The Help" today. I've heard a lot of positive comments about it and am tired of being left out. So, I'll let you know what I think. In the meantime, read "Pretense" by Lori Wick. It's amazing and wonderful! It's about two sisters who grow up with good morals but aren't Christians. Their parents become Christians, but the girls think they can run their own lives. The book is about their journeys to becoming Christians! It's such a fun, positive book and it makes me want to be a better person and a better Christian, someone who lives my life the way God wants it, not the way I want it.
7. Have a wonderful day tomorrow!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Checking Cows
These pictures are from last week, but oh well...
The kids and I went with to move cows and treat some calves....here are some pictures from that evening. It was beautiful!
The kids and I went with to move cows and treat some calves....here are some pictures from that evening. It was beautiful!
The evening sunset...it was so beautiful! We're in the field here checking gopher traps on the way to move cows.
Matt and his right-hand helper...Clarence loves life on the farm: checking traps, riding in the tractor, feeding cows, moving cows...
One of our bunches of cows.
The cow with the white face smiling at the camera is my 4-H cow, Ethel. I brought her to the fair when I was out of 9th grade...and now she's happy having babies on our farm! I love 4-H cows!
A mom/baby pair.
Matt treated this calf for hoof rot. Here he's checking the foot. (The calf is laying so still because we tranquilized it.....it puts the calf in a sleepy state so Matt can run up and give it a shot quickly.)
He's cute.
So is she. Clarence got to get out and run around while we treated calves; she was confined to her carseat so she didn't get too dirty.
One more picture of the cows...it was so fun to do it all together.
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Yesterday, I went to my mom's house to make more salsa and some tomato soup. Adina came with and helped me while Clarence went with Matt...they baled straw, checked cows, and hauled hay.
The salsa and soup turned out wonderful, and it has made it into my house safely. :)
Today, Matt took Clarence for the morning; or rather, Clarence decided he was going with Matt for the morning. Adina stayed home to help me clean; and then I decided to rip out the last little bit of carpet remaining on my main floor; Adina was a huge help. :)
My plan for the rest of the afternoon is to pick all the rest of my tomatoes and peppers, finish vacuuming downstairs, maybe upstairs, and make ham and scalloped potatoes for supper.
Matt is going to work on my suburban; we're going to Bigiron in Fargo tomorrow, and my vehicle desperately needs new brakes and a bunch of other stuff done (although I'm not car-literate, so I couldn't really tell you what else). He's going to put it back into tip-top shape.
Have a wonderful day!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Church Service Today
It's 9/11 today. No surprise, I know. Our service at church today was in remembrance for those who lost their lives and those who sacrificed their lives ten years ago. It was a very nice service with music, remembrances and prayers.
The thing that stuck out the most for me during church was when a lady (our pastor was gone today) read the gospel lesson from Matthew chapter 18:21-35. She read: Peter came and said to Jesus, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times."
She went on to explain how if we aren't able to forgive for what has been done to our country and all the people who lost their lives, we harden our hearts against God and aren't open to receive his love. It was so nice to hear her talk about it; granted, I didn't have someone close to me lose their life in this horrible thing, but God is able to help us through everything, no matter how big or small.
While we may still be angry over what happened, we need to forgive. God forgives us for all of our sins, so likewise, we need to do the same for others who've hurt us.
_______________________-
It was Clarence's first day of Sunday School today. He was so excited when I told him. He really loved it!
First, we gathered as a large group and sang some songs. Clarence doesn't know any songs yet, but he took a songbook and sang his own words while everyone else sang. He did sing the loudest, too; or, maybe I just thought so since he's my kid and that's what I was paying attention to. :)
Next, we moved down to the classroom. Nikki and I are teaching preschool kids (ages 2-K) this year, so we had a lot of kids (10 or 11 today). We started by making snap bracelets and then coloring some paddle-ball thingies...just a little craft to get them back into Sunday School...
After they finished coloring, we headed outside to play Duck, Duck, Goose and Ring Around the Rosie. Clarence had never played Duck, Duck, Goose (to my knowledge) and just loved it, once he grasped what was going on. We closed with a quick prayer before the kids went to find their parents.
When it was time to go, he said, "No, I go Sunday Cool." It was very cute...I can't wait until next week! I hope he loves it every time and that he learns about Jesus' love for him!
Have a wonderful day; remember the importance of forgiveness!
The thing that stuck out the most for me during church was when a lady (our pastor was gone today) read the gospel lesson from Matthew chapter 18:21-35. She read: Peter came and said to Jesus, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times."
She went on to explain how if we aren't able to forgive for what has been done to our country and all the people who lost their lives, we harden our hearts against God and aren't open to receive his love. It was so nice to hear her talk about it; granted, I didn't have someone close to me lose their life in this horrible thing, but God is able to help us through everything, no matter how big or small.
While we may still be angry over what happened, we need to forgive. God forgives us for all of our sins, so likewise, we need to do the same for others who've hurt us.
_______________________-
It was Clarence's first day of Sunday School today. He was so excited when I told him. He really loved it!
First, we gathered as a large group and sang some songs. Clarence doesn't know any songs yet, but he took a songbook and sang his own words while everyone else sang. He did sing the loudest, too; or, maybe I just thought so since he's my kid and that's what I was paying attention to. :)
Next, we moved down to the classroom. Nikki and I are teaching preschool kids (ages 2-K) this year, so we had a lot of kids (10 or 11 today). We started by making snap bracelets and then coloring some paddle-ball thingies...just a little craft to get them back into Sunday School...
After they finished coloring, we headed outside to play Duck, Duck, Goose and Ring Around the Rosie. Clarence had never played Duck, Duck, Goose (to my knowledge) and just loved it, once he grasped what was going on. We closed with a quick prayer before the kids went to find their parents.
When it was time to go, he said, "No, I go Sunday Cool." It was very cute...I can't wait until next week! I hope he loves it every time and that he learns about Jesus' love for him!
Have a wonderful day; remember the importance of forgiveness!
Fall Supper
I wrote this post last evening before I went to bed, but I was tired of waiting for the pictures to upload, so I went to bed. Sorry if some of it seems present-tense...it was supposed to be posted last night!
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Last night, my mom, the kids and I ventured to Roseau to take in the Fall Supper at Matt's parents' church. It's a wonderful affair...turkey and all the trimmings and pie for dessert. The kids behaved so well. We were hoping to get to Roseau in time to go to Annie's Trading Post, but we didn't. Instead, we went to Maurices (but soon left because all Clarence and Adina wanted to do was play with and rearrange the nail polish...), then to Aunt B's. Aunt B's is a store right next to Maurices; it's a cute little antique gift store. I'd never been in there, but I plan on going again soon, maybe without the kids, though.
After we finished there, we headed back out of town to the Rose Church. It's a country church, with a small congregation, yet it puts on a wonderful Fall Supper every year. The people band together and make it work, everyone of them with a smile on their faces. We saw Great-Grandma Jeanette, Grandma Carmen, Grandpa Bob, Cousin Rebekah, Cousin Isaac, Uncle Doug, Aunt Rachal, Cousin Bethany, and many friends of Matt's family. I'm so glad Mom and I made the effort to go over there. Mom had never been there, and after telling her about it for the last couple of years, we made a point to go together this year. It worked well, too, since Matt was combining oats today and couldn't go with anyway.
We arrived, they gave us a number, and we had to wait in the sanctuary until our numbers came up (we had to wait for a hundred numbers, so it was about a half hour wait). Meanwhile, I took the kids outside to play. Rose Church has a cemetery out their back door, so I took the kids to see where their Great-Grandpa Clarence was buried. It was fun for me to be able to show them; I want Matt to be able to come with next time, and to tell them about Grandpa Clarence and what a special person he was. I'm hoping we'll make the Fall Supper a tradition so that we can get over and see a lot of the family.
Once we got back in, they were past our numbers, so we got in line. We sat down with plates of mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey, meatballs, corn, stuffing, coleslaw and pie. The kids dug right in. I couldn't believe how hungry they were! They just sat so still and quiet for about 15 minutes and shoveled their food in. Then, Adina was just quiet and tired; Clarence was ready to run. He was in and out of his seat; then, he went outside to see Grandma Carmen; soon after, he came back in, ran all the way through the church, and by the time I got up and followed where I thought he'd gone, I couldn't find him anywhere. About 10 minutes later, I found him on a bench outside sitting by an old lady named Inez. She was just talking to him so nicely, and he loved it. He sat with her for about a half hour.
Anyway, we finished up, got to-go boxes for our men (my dad, Matt, and my brother), and headed home, very stuffed from our wonderful supper.
So, next year, if you are looking for a filling, delicious meal, head to Roseau to the Rose Church for their annual Fall Supper. You won't be sorry!
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I just wanted to share a picture with you of something I bought today at a rummage sale. It's nothing special at all, just a shelf...but it makes a world of difference as far as I'm concerned.
Picture an area of the floor, 4 feet by 4 feet, covered with toys. This was my living room when I left my house this morning; this picture shows you what this shelf has done to help my sanity. I can now walk into my house and know there will be hope of organizing the toys to some extent.
Here's a couple pictures of my wonderful family...I love them so much!
Matt and Clarence checking gopher traps the other night.
Miss Adina loves to help in the kitchen!Friday, September 9, 2011
Daily Life
I haven't been that good about writing this week...it maybe doesn't matter to you, but it's my personal goal to write almost every day. So, now that I told you, please hold me accountable. :)
Yesterday was just a fun day at home with the kids. I subbed on Wednesday, and I sub today, so I took advantage of being home with the kids yesterday.
In the morning, I folded clothes. Then, the kids and I went upstairs to put them away...I made the kids a fort to play in while I put the clothes away so they'd stay happy. Clarence brought all his animals and farm toys up, along with every "wanket" and stuffed animal he had on his bed.
Then, we went out to pick tomatoes. Please do not worry...I have gobs and gobs of tomatoes. That means I am making more salsa...probably Sunday because I've got busy days today and tomorrow. Don't worry, I'll be extra careful.
After the kids' naps, we went back outside, and I mowed while they played in the wagon, sandbox and pool. Clarence helped me make supper...it was a new recipe....lasagna rollups. I'll post the recipe some day soon. It's easy and very tasty! We quickly bathed while supper was cooking, ate supper, then headed out with Matt to move cows to the next paddock. It was a fun way to end the evening.
Well, I'm off to sub in Pembina today. Before I bring the kids to the sitter, Clarence is going to help Matt feed our new bottle calf, Dolly. It's his job three times a day (or as many times a day as he's around). So far, he loves it.
I have lots of pictures to put up, but haven't had time, so stay posted!
Yesterday was just a fun day at home with the kids. I subbed on Wednesday, and I sub today, so I took advantage of being home with the kids yesterday.
In the morning, I folded clothes. Then, the kids and I went upstairs to put them away...I made the kids a fort to play in while I put the clothes away so they'd stay happy. Clarence brought all his animals and farm toys up, along with every "wanket" and stuffed animal he had on his bed.
Then, we went out to pick tomatoes. Please do not worry...I have gobs and gobs of tomatoes. That means I am making more salsa...probably Sunday because I've got busy days today and tomorrow. Don't worry, I'll be extra careful.
After the kids' naps, we went back outside, and I mowed while they played in the wagon, sandbox and pool. Clarence helped me make supper...it was a new recipe....lasagna rollups. I'll post the recipe some day soon. It's easy and very tasty! We quickly bathed while supper was cooking, ate supper, then headed out with Matt to move cows to the next paddock. It was a fun way to end the evening.
Well, I'm off to sub in Pembina today. Before I bring the kids to the sitter, Clarence is going to help Matt feed our new bottle calf, Dolly. It's his job three times a day (or as many times a day as he's around). So far, he loves it.
I have lots of pictures to put up, but haven't had time, so stay posted!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Making Memories
We visited Matt's family Sunday night and all day yesterday. It was so nice and relaxing. Sunday night, we arrived, went for a walk, ate supper with the family, and visited. Monday morning, we woke up and Matt, Bob and I got ready to go fishing. As we were getting ready, Matt's mom, Carmen, mentioned that we should take her uncle Elmer with because he loves fishing. Matt called him up and asked what he had planned for the day....he had nothing planned and he'd love to go fishing. Matt's great-uncle Elmer lives in an assisted living apartment by himself; his wife lives in a nursing home; he's over 85, although I don't know his exact age. He used to go fishing all the time; in fact, it used to be that he'd call Matt and Bob up to go fishing with him, not the other way around.
Well, we picked Elmer up and were on our way. We could tell he was excited. When we picked him up, he was waiting in the lobby of his building dressed nice and warm.
Off we were, going fishing. I don't really love fishing that much. I don't mind going once in a while...it's relaxing and Matt really enjoys it, so it's fun to go along to see him relaxed...trust me, it doesn't happen that much. Once we leave the county (which is seldom), he can relax a little...otherwise, he's always thinking about all the work he needs to get done. So, I went with, book in hand, and decided to have fun fishing. How could it not be fun? The kids stayed back with Carmen, Mary, and Great-grandma Jeanette...I could relax, too! So, I did. I fished for a while, but soon got tired of not catching anything. So, I opened up my book and read for the rest of the time we were on the lake.
We didn't catch that many fish; Matt caught three or four, Elmer caught three, Bob caught one, and I caught one. We headed home around 5:30...not a bad day, I guess...Elmer was getting tired, though. His back was hurting from the rough lake.
Elmer came back to Bob and Carmen's with us for supper; that way, he wouldn't have to worry about anything for himself. My favorite part of supper was when Elmer sat down at the table. Clarence had been sitting at the island expecting to eat there; when he saw Elmer sit at the table, he said he wanted to sit by Elmer. It was darling and made my day. :)
While we had been fishing all day, the kids had been bonding with Gramma Nett. She's living in town now and can't drive because she can't see that well, so Mary went and picked her up. They made a whole bunch of pies, canned apples, and made supper. I know the kids had fun...when we got back, they wanted Grandma Carmen and Gramma Nett, not me. Clarence is such a sweet boy around the older people. He gives them hugs, wants to sit by them, and wants to help them. I love that. I hope he keeps it up.
I love that we can make an effort to see Matt's older family members one-on-one once in a while. It's important to spend the time with them. I want my kids to grow up knowing who they are and have memories of getting to do things with them.
________________________________________
Today, Matt and Clarence are getting a swather going...to swathe the oats later. It's so nice for me that Matt's willing to take Clarence every once in a while; it's good bonding time for them, and I am able to get much more done only watching one child instead of two.
So, I'm taking advantage of this time with only one child. I'm baking.
Bread, buns, caramel rolls, cookies, and banana muffins. At least that's what I'm starting with. I want my freezer to be stocked full so I don't have to worry about it again for a couple weeks. Matt wants to start fencing hardcore soon, so that means I'll be his right-hand woman. Lucky me! No, actually, once I get out and start doing it, it's not so bad. Plus, I get to spend time with Matt. That by itself is worth it. :)
Tomorrow I sub for the first time this school year. I sub again on Friday. I'm kind of excited. It seems too soon for school to be going, but oh well. A day here and there until it snows won't be bad. It'll still leave time for working here at home.
Hope you all have a wonderful day!
Well, we picked Elmer up and were on our way. We could tell he was excited. When we picked him up, he was waiting in the lobby of his building dressed nice and warm.
Off we were, going fishing. I don't really love fishing that much. I don't mind going once in a while...it's relaxing and Matt really enjoys it, so it's fun to go along to see him relaxed...trust me, it doesn't happen that much. Once we leave the county (which is seldom), he can relax a little...otherwise, he's always thinking about all the work he needs to get done. So, I went with, book in hand, and decided to have fun fishing. How could it not be fun? The kids stayed back with Carmen, Mary, and Great-grandma Jeanette...I could relax, too! So, I did. I fished for a while, but soon got tired of not catching anything. So, I opened up my book and read for the rest of the time we were on the lake.
We didn't catch that many fish; Matt caught three or four, Elmer caught three, Bob caught one, and I caught one. We headed home around 5:30...not a bad day, I guess...Elmer was getting tired, though. His back was hurting from the rough lake.
Elmer came back to Bob and Carmen's with us for supper; that way, he wouldn't have to worry about anything for himself. My favorite part of supper was when Elmer sat down at the table. Clarence had been sitting at the island expecting to eat there; when he saw Elmer sit at the table, he said he wanted to sit by Elmer. It was darling and made my day. :)
While we had been fishing all day, the kids had been bonding with Gramma Nett. She's living in town now and can't drive because she can't see that well, so Mary went and picked her up. They made a whole bunch of pies, canned apples, and made supper. I know the kids had fun...when we got back, they wanted Grandma Carmen and Gramma Nett, not me. Clarence is such a sweet boy around the older people. He gives them hugs, wants to sit by them, and wants to help them. I love that. I hope he keeps it up.
I love that we can make an effort to see Matt's older family members one-on-one once in a while. It's important to spend the time with them. I want my kids to grow up knowing who they are and have memories of getting to do things with them.
________________________________________
Today, Matt and Clarence are getting a swather going...to swathe the oats later. It's so nice for me that Matt's willing to take Clarence every once in a while; it's good bonding time for them, and I am able to get much more done only watching one child instead of two.
So, I'm taking advantage of this time with only one child. I'm baking.
Bread, buns, caramel rolls, cookies, and banana muffins. At least that's what I'm starting with. I want my freezer to be stocked full so I don't have to worry about it again for a couple weeks. Matt wants to start fencing hardcore soon, so that means I'll be his right-hand woman. Lucky me! No, actually, once I get out and start doing it, it's not so bad. Plus, I get to spend time with Matt. That by itself is worth it. :)
Tomorrow I sub for the first time this school year. I sub again on Friday. I'm kind of excited. It seems too soon for school to be going, but oh well. A day here and there until it snows won't be bad. It'll still leave time for working here at home.
Hope you all have a wonderful day!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Mishaps Happen, I Guess
On Thursday, Nikki, Mom, Adina and I made salsa. Gorgeous, colorful, chunky salsa...as perfect as it can get. We had three 18 qt. roasters full of salsa, one batch each of mild, medium, and super-hot.
It took all day (I didn't get home until midnight). But, it was a wonderful thing to get done...it's one of those things you kind of dread until you just have to do it; then, you just want to get it over with, so you make a day and get it done. We picked onions, peppers, tomatoes and corn from our gardens. It took forever (or so it seemed) to peel and dice the tomatoes, slice and chop the peppers and onions, and cut the corn off the cob. However, by 5 p.m., all three batches were completed and cooking.
Everything went smoothly...we work well together...I'd fill the jars, hand them to Mom and Nikki to put lids and rings on, and into the oven they went. Yes, I said oven. It does work to use your oven to can, in case you didn't know. It's a trick I learned from Matt's Grandma Jeanette. It makes canning go way faster and doesn't heat up your house so bad. We stuck the jars in the oven (on a pan) for 35-ish minutes on 275. And, guess what? They all sealed.
Fast forward to today. We're going to Roseau in a little bit to hang out with Matt's family. I was trying to get the house picked up so when we come home, it will be fun instead of overwhelming. I was bringing my first box of 8 jars of salsa to the basement to put away with the rest of my canned goods, when the box ripped open and all 8 jars fell out and rolled down the basement steps.
I was shocked.
I wanted to cry.
They broke.
Salsa was everywhere.
It was so awful.
I feel so dumb.
Why didn't I hold the bottom of the box?
I cleaned up the mess...that colorful, gorgeous, chunky salsa mixed with shards of broken jars...yuck!
Three jars remained unharmed, even after they fell down 6 basement stairs. How did that happen? I guess they didn't bump into other parts of other jars...I'm sure the others broke from hitting each other.
Anyway, what's done is done.
I'm mad about it.
It means I have to make a lot more salsa.....soon.
And repeat that really long day I had last Thursday.
But, I can assure you, I'll never walk a box of salsa (or anything else, for that matter) down the stairs again without holding the bottom of the box. I promise.
The end.
Hope your day is better than mine!
It took all day (I didn't get home until midnight). But, it was a wonderful thing to get done...it's one of those things you kind of dread until you just have to do it; then, you just want to get it over with, so you make a day and get it done. We picked onions, peppers, tomatoes and corn from our gardens. It took forever (or so it seemed) to peel and dice the tomatoes, slice and chop the peppers and onions, and cut the corn off the cob. However, by 5 p.m., all three batches were completed and cooking.
Everything went smoothly...we work well together...I'd fill the jars, hand them to Mom and Nikki to put lids and rings on, and into the oven they went. Yes, I said oven. It does work to use your oven to can, in case you didn't know. It's a trick I learned from Matt's Grandma Jeanette. It makes canning go way faster and doesn't heat up your house so bad. We stuck the jars in the oven (on a pan) for 35-ish minutes on 275. And, guess what? They all sealed.
Fast forward to today. We're going to Roseau in a little bit to hang out with Matt's family. I was trying to get the house picked up so when we come home, it will be fun instead of overwhelming. I was bringing my first box of 8 jars of salsa to the basement to put away with the rest of my canned goods, when the box ripped open and all 8 jars fell out and rolled down the basement steps.
I was shocked.
I wanted to cry.
They broke.
Salsa was everywhere.
It was so awful.
I feel so dumb.
Why didn't I hold the bottom of the box?
I cleaned up the mess...that colorful, gorgeous, chunky salsa mixed with shards of broken jars...yuck!
Three jars remained unharmed, even after they fell down 6 basement stairs. How did that happen? I guess they didn't bump into other parts of other jars...I'm sure the others broke from hitting each other.
Anyway, what's done is done.
I'm mad about it.
It means I have to make a lot more salsa.....soon.
And repeat that really long day I had last Thursday.
But, I can assure you, I'll never walk a box of salsa (or anything else, for that matter) down the stairs again without holding the bottom of the box. I promise.
The end.
Hope your day is better than mine!
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