tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34429338992296939712024-03-13T20:24:40.169-07:00Our Little Place on the PrairieI focus on life out on the prairie where My Cowboy & I are raising three kids, cows and crops. Share all my joys and challenges of living 65 miles from Wal-mart in a town of 750 people.Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-48427144710044424632015-09-21T12:50:00.000-07:002015-09-21T12:50:39.111-07:00I'm Special Because... I'm DifferentGetting through the mountain of grade school 'mail' is sometimes a feat at my crazy house. I look at every paper, because it's important to the girls and should be just as important to the parent. This week Miss R brought home a little packet of papers that her teacher had them fill out. It's the regular beginning of school things about what they like and what they want to be when they grow up. I always love to see what the kids put. As I flipped through the pages I came across this one:<br />
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I stopped and smiled. Because countless times I've told Miss R it's ok to be different and often that's how I describe her to people.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting doing homework at her brothers football game, <br />
she created an 'inspiring spot' to focus on Math, she said.</td></tr>
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I'm excited that she is embracing it and knows that is good not bad. She just looks at the world through eyes that I only can pray she never looses. She finds joy and laughter in so many interesting things because of the angle she observes them.<br />
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Some people spend their whole life trying not to conform and I find that sad. I want my kids to embrace who they are and love that. I think that's the big secret to life. Be who you are and love yourself for it. I found that at an early age and know I'm very lucky to go through life happy.<br />
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I've reflected a lot this past month about finding the rewards of being a parent. Let's face it when you're in the trenches everyday it's hard to find the rewards. Between the reminding everyone to brush their teeth, being asked for the zillionth time where something is (that I didn't wear so how I would I know), breaking up stupid fights, and worrying if they are eating right, being good people, laughing enough, praying enough... you name it, I worry when it comes to my kids. <br />
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I said to my dad just the other night, when does the rewarding part of parenthood come? He looked at me and said right now, when they are adults. So, I look forward to that time, but for right now I better keep my nose the grindstone so that I can relish in those big rewards. This simple little note that Miss R wrote helped remind me that I'm on the right path. The path to help my kids just be happy with being different.Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-10541107992999464512015-09-09T08:50:00.001-07:002015-09-09T08:50:22.867-07:00Small School Big Opportunities<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
I’m sure some of you have heard me say that I thought I grew up in a small town until I met My Cowboy. He came from a town of 600 people I had more then that in my high school. Cowboy had 14 people he graduated with, I had nearly 180. </div>
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When we chose to return back to My Cowboy’s small town, I have to admit I had my concerns about the school experience for our children. My perception was that in small schools you don’t have as many opportunities for a well rounded education. I soon learned there are plenty of opportunities, they’re just different. Turns out, small schools are better then I could have ever imagined. </div>
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In a small town school the first day jitters are not the same. After all, by about 4th grade, everyone knows you and you know them- really well. At least that’s what Miss O told me. She didn’t need to worrying about who will be in your class those things are not a surprise. So, it’s not a big deal to have a new outfit the first day of school. </div>
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In a small school you certainly already know your teacher, there isn’t a concern about which teacher you will get. One teacher per grade or class. We’re extremely fortunate to have amazing teachers in our school who care and go the extra mile to help the kids. I know that not all teachers are created equal and that’s not as easy to pass over in a small school. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIlKrompjiQ/VfBS7AHdBvI/AAAAAAAAAqI/HsMR-O7-Xwk/s1600/IMG_7430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIlKrompjiQ/VfBS7AHdBvI/AAAAAAAAAqI/HsMR-O7-Xwk/s320/IMG_7430.JPG" width="320" /></a>In a small school we may not have a full time art teacher. But our community knows the importance of creativity and we have an amazing arts council. In the coming weeks our school has an artist in residence that will work with our youth to help paint a mural downtown. I will share that progress in a blog soon. </div>
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In a small town the Senior boys drive their semi and stock trucks to the first day of school. Yes, the lot has enough space for truck parking. I’m so proud of those boys and their clever showing of agriculture pride. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5czkzmMvwo/VfBT6rHEVKI/AAAAAAAAAqY/RISGKLD0dAw/s1600/IMG_5522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5czkzmMvwo/VfBT6rHEVKI/AAAAAAAAAqY/RISGKLD0dAw/s320/IMG_5522.JPG" width="320" /></a>In a small town school when your team makes it to the playoffs, the entire town attends the event not just the sport families! The team pride is felt throughout the community and everyone is included. </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I will be honest and say there are times I think my kids would enjoy some of the things a big school has to offer. But then I think of the benefits we've experienced and those are important to making them who they are. So, yes it’s different then what our friends who go to big schools experience but different isn’t bad it’s just different. </span></div>
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-16699198711086146472015-08-27T08:26:00.000-07:002015-08-27T08:26:06.989-07:00Going Beyond the Gravel Road<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
Last weekend the Hadrick’s traveled to the biggest town in SD. The 4 hour drive is well worth the experience but one we rarely do. Just going to the big town can be very overwhelming for our small town kids. We had lots planned, some family fun, birthday celebration meal, shopping for both boys and girls and a bit of swimming planned. </div>
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Every time Cowboy and I take the kids our of our small environment I’m reminded why it’s a good thing we get them out! Don’t get me wrong, I love our small town, I never have to worry about my kids, someone is always watching out for them, they all feel safe and secure. We never lock our doors- to our house or cars, even if they are parked on main street. T starts Jr. High this year and his locker won’t have a pad lock, it can if we want, but there’s no need. We’re very sheltered and I love it. </div>
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It’s reality that my kids lack exposure to diversity, of any kind. We don’t have different cultures, race(not really), or hear a language they don’t understand. It’s very exciting to see people who dress different then we do, there is amazement that we can choose from 100’s of different places to eat, that there are many stop lights on one street and that we have to wait for traffic. Keep in mind our county doesn’t have a stop light. </div>
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It took me a while to figure out why Miss R was underfoot the entire shopping day. It drove me crazy tripping over her. It finally occurred to me that she was scared of all the people. The big town has too much going on and although I feel secure in Sioux Falls, she doesn’t. It’s not like when we’re in Washington DC and I’m wanting the kids close. It was a great lesson for me to remember that we have to continue to help the kids appreciate experience of all the different people. </div>
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As a mom I am thankful to feel the security of our small town. It may lack in conveniences but it makes up in safety and in this day and age, I can take that. So, we’ll continue to go and visit. But nothing will ever beat turning off the paved road onto our gravel one. </div>
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-66909442003711199032015-08-19T06:18:00.001-07:002015-08-19T06:18:48.643-07:00Miss R & Cloverbud Creations <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Fair this year for Miss R was a bit different. She has been sick on and off over the past month and we needed to take it easy. But that didn't mean we missed out on taking her exhibits to the fair. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Miss R is still a Cloverbud which means:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1. She gets to make whatever she wants, there are no project areas for her creations to fit in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2. She doesn't have to write out the dreaded cards that must accompany all the exhibits, that's a fun killer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3. She gets to interview all of her projects, not just a few as the 'Big 4-H' kids are limited to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> As you can imagine she had a lot of exciting stories to share with each of the precious projects she brought. I think all in all she brought eleven.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4. She gets to pick the ribbon color she wants. Her goal this year was to pick ribbons to match the project. I think towards the end, she just picked the color she liked the most. When it was all done, she had a mitt full of ribbons and a big smile to match! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here is a peak at a few projects she took this year. Hopefully it will inspire you with your young children. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDtz2wdUoJ4/VdR4_fJaFEI/AAAAAAAAApA/FL9lp43GzYY/s1600/IMG_7297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDtz2wdUoJ4/VdR4_fJaFEI/AAAAAAAAApA/FL9lp43GzYY/s1600/IMG_7297.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I ordered her a wooden name cut out from Zulily and she decided to make it school colors. Painted it black and we added gold glitter. Note that the project is still in the plastic bag, that glitter can get everywhere and we thought it was best to contain it at the fair, of course at home is a different story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The bowls are probably her favorite project. I picked up the bowls at the church give away last fall. Last time I was in the big town, we picked up a 16 pack of sharpies. Nothing gets creative & organized kids more excited then a rainbow of sharpies. Miss R was instantly looking for ways to use them. It's easy to pull out the stencils and encourage her to make something special. I think she may give these as gifts to all of her friends for Christmas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">She did her fair share of foam craft. I find this is something easy for her to do that I don't have to supervise. This year she made a different snowman for each family member, including our new puppy, Cali. Well now it's official, if you have a foam piece, you're stuck with us.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JjUUFEkcC_o/VdR4_UO5srI/AAAAAAAAApU/Onu7Iju_LrA/s1600/IMG_7295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JjUUFEkcC_o/VdR4_UO5srI/AAAAAAAAApU/Onu7Iju_LrA/s1600/IMG_7295.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> As I've said many times, the secret to getting 4-H projects done is working on them throughout the year. Miss R created this beautiful piece at her birthday party this year. It's her modern interpretation of golf. I think my golf game is the inspiration. Notice how the ball is not far off the tee, that's usually how far I hit it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A Cloverbud can't show livestock. So in her switch to being an official 4-H'er next year she will get to show. As we were watching her siblings show pigs the morning of the fair, I said this will be you next year. She said 'No, I"m not a pig showing girl'. I said really? She was quick to follow with 'No, I'm a beef girl. I want to show heifers'. So, the prayers have began for her to be gifted with a mellow heifer to start her beef showing career out with. </span></div>
Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-52425604228010167752015-08-14T20:04:00.001-07:002015-08-14T20:04:45.993-07:00Memories of a Lifetime... Fair RecapCounty Fair has come and gone in a flash. Left in the wake are wonderful memories, many laughs and another successful year of accomplishments. We squeezed a lot into our small town fair. It's not like many of you think a county fair is. We don't have a carnival, we don't have venders that offer fair food or trinkets to buy, we don't have bands that play music.<br />
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What we do have is volunteers that make pies to sell as a fundraiser, we have kids that run wild with their friends laughing and enjoying the last drops of summer, we have good clean fun like kids doing gunny sack races.<br />
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The kids had an amazing fair. We were all very disappointed when the beef cattle project didn't work out this year. T's heifer was hurt early on and the focus was getting the heifer healthy, not a 4-H project. Miss O's heifer had an attitude and a will that made it impossible for a young girl to safely show the animal. So, for the first time the beef people didn't bring beef cattle to the fair. Let me tell you it was weird! We did have the pigs and it went well this year. No, major fights in the show ring and Miss R won Reserve Champ Market Hog. Best of all, we will have pork in the freezer soon!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Rg6Hogwnkc/Vcv2106odEI/AAAAAAAAAlY/1rn-vG0qLrY/s1600/IMG_7300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Rg6Hogwnkc/Vcv2106odEI/AAAAAAAAAlY/1rn-vG0qLrY/s200/IMG_7300.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTgBeUB6MNM/Vcv21j_N4fI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/_v5iGYBmHks/s1600/IMG_7302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTgBeUB6MNM/Vcv21j_N4fI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/_v5iGYBmHks/s200/IMG_7302.JPG" width="200" /></a>I've had great feedback from my <a href="http://ourlittleplaceontheprairie.blogspot.com/2015/07/im-not-one-of-those-crazy-4-h-moms.html" target="_blank">I'm NOT a Crazy 4-H Mom</a> piece. Here is an update on our projects. I'm so proud of T and all he accomplished! Our wood pile scavenging came together with a new end table, clothes hanger, and display base for his deer heads. Thanks to our local carpentry shop the boards were plained and turned out amazing. He's a creative boy and I really love how he can take his vision and with a bit of help make it happen. He's taking orders for the end tables if you would like one too.<br />
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Miss O had an outstanding fair. She spent every waking moment that was allowed at the event. She helped friends show goats, had fun with a friend at the pet show, learned the value of a good interview and went home with 4 best of show's, 2 trophies and although she is totally exhausted, this may be the highlight of her summer.<br />
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Miss R had to pace herself this year since of her sickness setback. She wasn't able to do extended activities. She filled her fair time with many memories. All of which is going to be in my next post. Believe me it deserves it own post...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PMSESGoWpMA/Vc6pufS3OcI/AAAAAAAAAms/TyEect4Bdj0/s1600/IMG_7287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PMSESGoWpMA/Vc6pufS3OcI/AAAAAAAAAms/TyEect4Bdj0/s320/IMG_7287.JPG" width="240" /></a>My absolute favorite memory of this years fair, is this picture. Dad sharing some solid advice with his son before going into the show ring. That my friends is what it is all about. Those tiny moments of sharing wisdom that stick with you for a life time.<br />
<br />Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-73985691136813950232015-08-10T12:42:00.004-07:002015-08-10T12:42:56.697-07:00Wheat Harvest Widow<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
Well it’s that time of year again- harvest has began. In agriculture every year we experience the same things- it’s a cycle… Wheat harvest is the first of the harvests and seems to always catch me by surprise. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QlG5lgfMsP4/Vcj-WgHxvcI/AAAAAAAAAlA/eZjZ3Dv133E/s1600/IMG_7222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QlG5lgfMsP4/Vcj-WgHxvcI/AAAAAAAAAlA/eZjZ3Dv133E/s320/IMG_7222.JPG" width="320" /></a>I grew up in agriculture and I understand there are busy times of the year and not as busy times of the year. Harvest time is one of the very busy times on the farm. When it’s time to harvest, there is an extreme urgency to get the crop in. Everything else stops, doesn’t matter what’s going on, it stops. Long hours and shorter tempers usually surround the event. </div>
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As a Farmer, I revel in the beauty of the crop and the joy and sense of accomplishment of harvest. It’s the reward for hard work and perseverance and although we don’t do it enough, we do try to at least have a small celebration at the completion of each crop harvested. Which sometimes is just a home cooked meal and a bottle of wine. </div>
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As a Wife and a Mom, I hate harvest! The world doesn’t stop turning for the kids and I during harvest. It keeps going, but access to My Cowboy stops. We go to bed without seeing him, eat our meals without him, work 4-H livestock without his important help, and try to be on our best behavior when he’s home because we know he’s tired. There- I’ve complained enough! </div>
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So as a farm family, we try to make the most of it, riding in the truck with him, waiting as long as we can before we eat supper at night, praying for rain so he’s around to help. </div>
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This year I tried really hard to prepare myself for harvest. About the second week of July, I figured that we were 3 weeks out. I kept telling myself that. Yet, I signed Cowboy & I up for a golf tournament for end of July. The morning of he said to me, ‘Now, we’re starting wheat harvest today and I’m probably not going to be able to golf.’ I only golf with him, since I really suck at golf I don’t subject any one else to my horrible playing. Let’s say that Cheryl was a wonderful partner and the two hits I made to help us out was very appreciated. ugh.</div>
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We’re all counting down the days until Wheat Harvest is done. Knowing that our days until soybean harvest starts are numbered. But we're thankful to have crops harvest. </div>
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-7585254683727825882015-07-30T09:13:00.000-07:002015-07-30T09:14:20.939-07:00I'm NOT one of those Crazy 4-H Moms"I'm not one of those crazy 4-H moms" I repeat that to myself many times a day as I look at this mess....<br />
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9 Days.. County Fair Crunch time has began at the Hadrick House! As you can tell by this picture there is still a lot to do.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj9rPaCLsdI/Vbo_wgR_BUI/AAAAAAAAAkI/Bx5IwMP4_jQ/s1600/IMG_7183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj9rPaCLsdI/Vbo_wgR_BUI/AAAAAAAAAkI/Bx5IwMP4_jQ/s320/IMG_7183.JPG" width="240" /></a>There are 2 'Rules" I have when making 4-H projects. My kids like to create, they come from a long line of creators and I'm always looking for ways they can create. So, I leave a lot up to them on what they want to make and that means picking their own colors, embellishments and encouraging them to make what they see in their mind. <br />
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My other 4-H project rule is that it has to be useful. I don't need junk around my house. Let's face it, I don't spend a lot of time dusting and I don't need more stuff to collect it.<br />
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So, we make useful & creative things, can you find them in the picture...<br />
Recycled cookie sheets- new chore charts painted with chalkboard paint. Kids picked their colors and from the many old cookie sheets I've collected make their chore charts.<br />
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Deer head is being mounted on a recycled board from the old wood pile to display the boys last season kills. T and I spent an hour a few weeks ago scavenging through the huge farm wood pile. He took the old planks into our cabinet maker and asked him to plane them. They turned out amazing and we're also hoping to get the end table done he has started...<br />
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The huge pickle jar I picked up from the church give away last fall- our new Fun Money jar. Miss O is going to stencil on it. She's picking the colors and letter stencils.<br />
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Oh see the candle holders- one cream and one teal... I got those from our on-line rummage site. I have to admit the teal one isn't what I had planned, but Miss O has a vision and I'm letting her run with it. After all I can just paint it again when she's done with it. Actually she can repaint it and use it in the recycled project area in if the future... Always thinking<br />
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See the copper dear head- Zulily find, the boy love hunting and this is a easy paintable item that adds to his room decor. I typically have him spray paint, because who doesn't like to spray paint?? But for this item he is using some really cool metallic paint that we sell at my store. I may have to find somewhere else to display it, because it is turning out really cool!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbKX4PWMQW0/Vbo_yhDQvMI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/coVfZnHIm54/s1600/IMG_7184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbKX4PWMQW0/Vbo_yhDQvMI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/coVfZnHIm54/s320/IMG_7184.JPG" width="320" /></a>Don't forget the galvanized bucket at the end of the table...that's our new entertaining bucket for drinks or it might be the new towel holder for the basement bathroom guest towels. Whatever the case, a stencil is being added in the color of Miss O's choice<br />
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Now we do have some projects complete... We don't save everything for the final week. The tubs and boxes hold the things we've worked on all year long. The painted frames we did at a fun paint class, pottery we did with the cousins in the big town, Tye Dye from bible school and the extension cords we did with the club.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m73HEITrE58/VbpKKVtVaUI/AAAAAAAAAkg/z36aHaOtuow/s1600/IMG_7186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m73HEITrE58/VbpKKVtVaUI/AAAAAAAAAkg/z36aHaOtuow/s320/IMG_7186.JPG" width="240" /></a>Plus we have these cool boards with knobs on them for each child done. Thanks in most part to my mother who came with her power tools. I had the supplies, again a trip to the farm wood pile and the big town where each child picked the knobs that spoke to them. These will be displayed in their room to hang important things on.<br />
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I'm sure there is more then that...<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">You know what I don't see in this box- the rockets, where Dear Lord did I put the rockets???</span><br />
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As a side note, Miss R is still a clover bud and with that comes freedom to create like no other! The State Fair 4-H rules do not apply to her and so her creations are a whole different blog post. I may not get to it until after fair, but I promise to take pictures and have her commentary. </div>
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Wish us Luck! I didn't even get to the livestock... 2 pigs raised like cows and 2 heifers that are being pampered like I can only dream of. </div>
Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-86937136226031026692015-04-20T10:41:00.000-07:002015-04-20T10:41:02.595-07:00Birthday Girl Talks BeefThe baby of the family had a birthday! I'm not exactly sure where the time has went, but as people say, it goes fast. The youngest of the Hadrick 5 has entered into the final few years of the single digits. This year we held a Art Studio Party for her friends. Miss R's favorite subject is art and unfortunately she doesn't get enough of it, so what better way to celebrate then to buy some canvas and let there be paint! <div>
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The party started out with tacos and dinner conversation that consisted of meat. Of course, what else would 7 & 8 year old girls want to talk about... Miss R was quick to point out that the meat we were eating came from the cows outside our window. That left a few of the girls with confused looks on their faces. </div>
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One friend said, "How can you eat something you care for?" Which is a common question for many people. Miss R never missed a beat and quickly respond, "We care for them, but they also make good beef that helps us grow strong." </div>
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Another friend suggested we quit talking about cattle at the dinner table. But, the girls had many questions and comments about eating meat and they just kept coming. </div>
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The class had recently been to the veterinary office on a field trip and started to relive moments from that adventure. The discussion about how to make a steer was probably my favorite and the point where My Cowboy and I started to laugh and had to turn our backs. Apparently Dr. B explained how to band the scrotum to the kids and then the bull becomes a steer. The girls all laughed and I thought this is certainly not the usual conversations these girls have at their dinner tables. All of them were Miss R's town friends. To my kids, these are normal conversations we have at the dinner table. </div>
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But for one last comment, from Miss Grace (I can put her name because her mother will know it was her anyway) "Well your dad raises some good beef and I need another taco!" BTW all the girls ate their tacos. We went on to paint some really cool pictures and of course did cheers and played games. </div>
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I always tell My Cowboy that we can never get away from talking cows at the dinner table. I guess even at our daughters birthday party, we talk cows. Maybe it's the table...<br />
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-34562661618013377382015-04-10T08:34:00.002-07:002015-04-10T08:34:52.646-07:00Not All Protein Created Equal<div class="MsoNormal">
We’re not a normal family for many reasons, but one that I
often have to remind myself is that we eat beef at almost every meal. I have a
freezer full of meat that we raise ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is the same beef that we raise for thousand’s of families to serve at
their tables. But, I have to always stop and think that not every family eats
beef like my family does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I strive like most moms to make sure my kids get a balanced
diet. I am always thinking, did they eat enough fruit and vegetables today; how
about milk, did they get enough calcium today; am I instilling these important
eating habits that they will carry with them throughout their life? But one
thing I don’t worry about is their protein intake because I know that feeding
them beef means I am getting a big bang for my buck. Beef is packed with the
good stuff that their bodies need. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HI_1j4_cri0/VSfrVPOY_EI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/iIvCk2qsh-U/s1600/IMG_6364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HI_1j4_cri0/VSfrVPOY_EI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/iIvCk2qsh-U/s1600/IMG_6364.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tumbleweed captured in fence on our farm</td></tr>
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Not all protein is created equal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, I’ve found myself packing peanut butter
sandwiches in lunches, thinking well that’s good enough for protein. But is it?
When I look at this list, sure it is. All of these foods have 25 grams of
protein. But, it’s not realistic for me to get my kids to eat 1 ¾ cups of black
beans. I also have to admit that I’ve never even served Quinoa in my house. After
all it’s related to the tumbleweed and where we come from that’s not food.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VaS3OtmbeEQ/VSfs7z1eB-I/AAAAAAAAAic/Zc_N99HSveM/s1600/proteincomparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VaS3OtmbeEQ/VSfs7z1eB-I/AAAAAAAAAic/Zc_N99HSveM/s1600/proteincomparison.jpg" height="400" width="257" /></a>In a world that is concerned with kids and obesity this chart also explains the calories involved with getting 25 grams of protein. That is where not all proteins are created equal. The dietary guidelines have proposed to cut lean red meat out of
our diets. Looking at this comparison of foods and calories, it takes twice the calories
to get the same 25 grams of protein from beans and grains compared to lean beef. </div>
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So what can you do? Take the time to <a href="http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2015/comments/" target="_blank">comment </a>on the
proposed guidelines. This link takes you to the comment section, you can read what others have commented and the full proposal. Remember that you can make difference. Comment period closes May 8th. </div>
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-11735961921140895782013-11-24T18:45:00.000-08:002013-11-24T18:45:56.790-08:00Pirate Day<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I left last Saturday for a 7 day trip. I try to avoid these long trips but sometimes I just can’t. I’m an organizer so I try to have everything planned before I leave so the kids can continue to function without me. I put together crock pot meals for my Cowboy to start and I have all the favorite clothes washed up and a post on the fridge of what days need what- like Thursday is library day.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Then on Monday I get the email that Friday is pirate day at school. Ugh- Pirate Day- really of all the days to have while I’m traveling! Cowboy could pull off princess day or school spirit day or even a specific color day (last week was strips- he could have done that) but not a complicated costume experience like pirates...</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I talked to the crew on Tuesday and we discussed our options. Miss O said she was fine with not dressing up like a pirate. Miss R said she didn’t even like pirates. So, I felt better with the whole experience and didn’t even bring it up to Cowboy. I checked again with the girls on Wednesday night and same story. Yesterday I made the decision to grab an earlier flight and get home Thursday night instead of Friday night. Well the good Lord had other plans and we ended up missing my connecting into home last night.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To divert here- I was traveling with my cousin Kelli and a woman on our plane started to experience seizures and Kelli being a nurse was able to be with the woman while we had to make an emergency landing in Madison, Wisconsin. I had been shocked how easy we were able to switch our flights to a whole day earlier and now I why- we needed to be on the flight for Kelli to provide her gift to this woman. Thank God for his interference, Kelli was amazing and I believe made a difference for this woman and certainly the passengers of the plane. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, that all means no pirate costumes at school on Friday. Now I’m sure my girls are not the only ones who were not dressed like pirates and they weren’t sad. But certainly this traveling mom feels bummed that I failed and no eye patches left my house. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have no pictures of my beautiful kids from Friday morning (forgot to ask Cowboy to take them). But they probably fit in just fine - hair not combed, dirty wrinkled clothes and bad attitudes- Cowboy has been in charge for a week. Maybe he is good at pirate costumes...</span></span><br />
Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-57442013348906181692013-11-10T14:43:00.002-08:002013-11-10T14:43:41.314-08:00What My Mommy DoesA while back I was sitting at my spot at the kitchen table with my laptop and phone. Which is pretty much my normal work routine. I had never stopped to think about how my kids perceive my work until this particular day.<br />
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My youngest was dashing through the kitchen with a friend she had over to play. She stops. Turns to her friend and points at me and says "That's my mom working- all she does everyday is type on her computer and talk on the phone." I look up from my computer to see her friend look me up and down with a puzzled face, shrug her shoulders and run off.<br />
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It got me to thinking- what is my job title? When people ask me what I do it is hard to explain. I often give people a long stare and an even longer explanation of the current project I'm working on to somehow justify that I'm a skilled production person. So, how can I expect my kids to know my job if I don't even know how to explain my job.<br />
I'm a:<br />
Mom<br />
Wife<br />
Housekeeper (that we should fire)<br />
Social media freelancer<br />
Entrepreneur<br />
Volunteer<br />
Board Member<br />
Quilt Shop Partner -( check out www.quilterscornersd.com)<br />
Economic Development Coordinator<br />
Skilled Farm Assistant (that is highly undervalued)<br />
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So, how do I wrap that all into one cool job title? I've thought and thought and just can't come up with anything. Freelancer just doesn't have the cool ring to it that encompasses my career.<br />
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My kids understand what their dad does- he's a farmer. He has the cool title that explains it all. He puts on his suit everyday- which is his winter coveralls this time of year and leaves the house at 8:00 am every morning. He comes home from his job every night about the same time and he can tell them what he did that day and they understand it. When people ask them they can say my dad is a farmer with pride!<br />
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So, it certainly has become evident to me that I probably won't be asked to come and speak at school career day. But hopefully someday my children will look back and see that I made the career choices I did to spend time with them and make the moments matter to them count. Maybe that's all the job title I need.<br />
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<br />Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-44095837812625518282013-05-20T17:46:00.001-07:002013-05-22T06:47:06.671-07:00When I Grow Up...Last week Miss R graduated from Kindergarden.<br />
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It's a big event in a young person's life and marking it with a party is very appropriate.<br />
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In our small community there is only one class of Kindergarden but Miss R's is a healthy size of 22 busy little people. Miss Hammond & Miss Ogle have done an amazing job of keeping everyone moving in the same direction and everyone is moving onto 1st grade!<br />
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Let me just start off by saying Miss R wore an amazing outfit- I personally think it made it in the TOP 5 on her Kindergarden fashionista list. It had sparkles, flounce and matching flip flops. Plus it was a good hair day.<br />
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What really caught my attention at the event was this simple display of each child in Miss R's class holding a sign to complete this sentence:</div>
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7 out of the 10 boys in her class want to be farmers. Wow, I'd say that is a pretty good percentage of future farmers in our community! I was a little surprised at that many kids who see their future in farming but on the other hand -- Proud that so many of our kids see themselves walking in their mom and dad's footsteps to carry on the tradition of raising food. It would have been fun to dream about being a baseball player, race car driver, police man, hunter-- all popular boy jobs. But no, instead they want to be FARMERS! </div>
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I can't wait to see how these kids grow and become their dream. </div>
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Now for Miss R- the sign she is holding- Ballerina. </div>
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I was surprised by this, since for over a year now she has talked about being a Doctor. She goes into complete detail every time she talks about it; explaining that she wants to help people and make them better. When I questioned her about her profession change she said that she'll "make her final decision when she's 18"</div>
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...stay tuned, it could get interesting.</div>
Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-31737824265612563592013-04-19T06:43:00.001-07:002013-04-19T06:43:08.492-07:00Happy Birthday Miss R<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today my baby turns 6. It's with great pride that I say Happy Birthday to my beautiful spunky little girl. <br />
Here's what I hope for you in the next 6 years to come and more beyond that:<br />
1. Laugh- you see funny in everything and I never want that to stop<br />
2. Keep your style. If you notice in this picture she has on her pink sparkle boots- there's always room for sparkle according to Miss R.<br />
3. Sing- Although it drives us all crazy at times we love your songs and I always want to hear that voice.<br />
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One more thing to record for prosperity... Yesterday Miss R had a few friends out to the house for her birthday party. Cowboy is required to help with these functions to help me pull off my crazy birthday party's (since the epic Miss O party of '11). Cowboy didn't grow up with sisters so he really has no idea what he is getting into having two girls, but more and more layers unfold all the time. At the point yesterday when all 6 of the girls at my house started into a Pep Cheer they had learned at cheer camp, I looked over at Cowboy to watch his face. The girls all in unison where standing in the living room doing their cheer. His look was of amazement and concern and it just made me laugh! --Cowboy this is just a glimpse of what the high school years will be! Everyone Wish Him Luck.<br />
Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-75069878783540212542013-03-07T07:09:00.002-08:002013-03-07T07:18:40.435-08:00Midnight Ride to the E.R.I knew that Cowboy wasn't waking me up at 4:30 am to visit about my day. This time of year I don't get to see Cowboy much, he's night calving so when he's in the house during the day- he sleeps.<br />
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Nope at 4:30 am the conversation will start like this: "Can You Come Help Me?" Which can mean one of two things:<br />
1) I need help outside with a cow calving<br />
2) I'm bleeding<br />
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Unfortunately for me it was #2 last night.<br />
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Cowboy had went out to night check around 3:30 am and was helping a new mom 'with the finer points of motherhood' as he put it. Somehow in the process of holding the calf up close to her for it to nurse she showed him. He got kicked in the head and tore his lip open.<br />
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Now a conversation I've had many times in my tenure with Cowboy is the "Should I go to the Emergency Room?" Which usually means if we are having that conversation the answer is YES! But second and third opinions are always welcomed.<br />
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Cowboy had woke me up for that opinion. Now something you need to know about me is that I don't like blood. Up until I met Cowboy I had only been to the emergency room once in my life- and it was to take some people who wreaked a pickup down the road from the ranch. In the first two years I was dating Cowboy I went to the emergency room 3 times! Once right before we got married (that's another post). <br />
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Although I don't like blood I can usually hold myself together until we make it to the Emergency Room. Each time I have taken him in the staff and Doctor always ask me if I'm ok before tending to him! I must be a sight because he is the one usually bleeding.<br />
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It only took one glance with sleep still in my eyes at the cut for me to know an Emergency Room visit was his next stop. We're so fortunate in our little community on the prairie to have an amazing hospital with staff that stitched him right up! He was in and out in a little over an hour.<br />
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He was home and dressed to go back outside to try again with the new mother before 6 am. No rest for the tired or hurt when baby calves need to eat.<br />
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Let's hope that's our only visit to the E.R. this calving season. But, I fear we are just getting started...Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-51095045848331805412013-02-26T06:31:00.003-08:002013-02-26T06:31:47.263-08:00NASCAR Made My Marriage StrongerNASCAR has made my marriage stronger...<br />
There's a statement that millions of rednecks wish their wives would say... but in our case it is true.<br />
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My Cowboy Loves Sports. He knows all the players names, stats, and can spot an athlete in an airport 5 gates away.<br />
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I Enjoy Sports- I know most of the rules to football, baseball, basketball and like to watch them.<br />
But never could get into it like Cowboy. I <u>never</u> see myself having a fantasy football team.<br />
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NASCAR changed the sport demographic in our house. A few years ago we stated working with a NASCAR team. Up until then we were what I call casual fans. We would sometimes watch the race on Sunday's. And I knew who Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Let's face it- growing up in South Dakota the closest race track is Kansas City-573 miles away. There's just not a lot of talk about the Sprint Cup up north here. <br />
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Working with <a href="http://furniturerowracing.furniturerow.com/frr/index.jsp;jsessionid=E94B211DA55D5F78D705FCA379A9E25A.fr-app-11-p-app1?_requestid=1114373" target="_blank">Furniture Row Racing</a> opened our eyes to world of motor sports- mostly mine. Finally I could talk intelligently about a driver, car, sponsor, etc with Cowboy. The piece of our relationship that had been missing, sports conversation! Who knew, that was one thing all these years that could add a little spice to our relationship.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & My Cowboy at the 2012 Daytona 500</td></tr>
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So, we sat yesterday watching the Daytona 500 all a buzz about drivers, who's working with who and wondering when Danica would take out the front runners.<br />
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When Cowboy comes in for lunch today I'm sure we will have some recap of the big events and what we've heard.<br />
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Yep I'm proud to say I'm a NASCAR fan!<br />
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<br />Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-7732538938436791232013-01-15T12:25:00.001-08:002013-01-15T12:25:24.013-08:00Soul TourI'm a girl that loves the praire. I think one of the most beautiful things is looking out over a pasture of and seeing black cattle grazing in belly deep green grass. This time of year on the priarie can be brown and cold and I long to see some green and water in its liquid form.<br />
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Cowboy surprised me about a month ago staying that on our trip home from Memphis we could swing through California. No, our map isn't broke, in fact we've found that when you add more stops to your trip the tickets get cheeper. So to save the group money we were working with we decided to stay a few nights in California visiting friends.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L46Lg9xAzp0/UPGxnRsifTI/AAAAAAAAAT0/z2aS7OfLCWI/s1600/ocean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L46Lg9xAzp0/UPGxnRsifTI/AAAAAAAAAT0/z2aS7OfLCWI/s1600/ocean.jpg" /></a>For this Great Plains Girl, seeing the ocean is always a treat. Growing up I didn't see the ocean until I was 19 and at the time I didn't think it was actually the ocean, just a body of water that maybe touched the ocean. The west coast is one of my favorite places to visit because the rocks and views of the water are just amazing.<br />
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I call this trip the soul tour because it does my soul good to spend time with our friends and the ocean.<br />
Cowboy took this picture of me watching the waves coming in. We also took a lot of video, that I watch on my Apple TV so it feels like I'm still there! That should get me through the rest of the winter...<br />
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We also did some fun stuff. There is nothing like crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Honest- I've crossed many a bridges. I cross the Missouri River every time I go to see my parents and that bridge doesn't hold a candle to the Golden Gate!<br />
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I also got to wake up and spend my morning coffee time in a vineyard. We're very fortunate to have great fiends in California that we love to visit and they take such good care of us. There was plenty of laughter and WINE! Which is as you know another thing that makes me really happy.<br />
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I tossed this last picture in as a rare glimpse of Cowboy without his black hat. We look like locals here...<br />
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Thanks to our wonderful friends who made this trip so much fun for us. We really appreciate it and can't wait for you to visit us!!<br />
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<br />Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-86336142658382748752013-01-01T19:37:00.000-08:002013-01-01T19:37:39.711-08:00Hadrick Christmas LetterThis has been another busy year for the Hadricks! We started off our year like everyone should, taking a family trip to Disney World. We had an amazing family trip and it really is a great place to spend a family vacation.<br />
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Cowboy & I are in the process of taking over the farm with our cousins. We have been dry, but harvest went well and actually turned out better then we thought it would. This winter has been fairly mild, so the cattle are looking well. We have a little snow on the ground so it helps hide the ugly brown of winter.<br />
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I continue to work for SDSU. I'm currently administering a grant, that I helped write. It was an idea that I had to take beginning beef producers through an intensive experience of looking at the industry. I love the work I'm doing and it's been fun to see a dream come true.<br />
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We continued to travel the world with our speaking. This year we have been to 14 states (some more then once), 3 Canadian providences and Australia. It's been great to meet new friends and connect with old ones as we travel.<br />
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Teigen reached a decade this year. He loves to hunt, fish and help his dad on the farm. A highlight of the year including showing his 4-H heifer at the Western Jr. Livestock Show. Teigen is the 5th generation to show at WJLS and we love attending the show. He plays sports, this year he started football, is in his second year of basketball and of course plays baseball.<br />
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Miss O is a first grader and loves school. She is a reader and a crafter. She is an active 4-H Cloverbud and asks almost once a month when she can be a full blow 4-Her. She keeps us all in line and is always reminding me of thing I forget.<br />
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Miss R started her first year of school and our bouncy curly haired girl has grown into a great young lady. She is very creative and her favorite thing to do is make us all laugh.<br />
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We have been very blessed and I am very grateful for all that we have. My hope that for all my friends and family who read this post know that Cowboy and I wish you all the best.<br />
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<br />Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-11092432459048479102012-10-21T14:55:00.000-07:002012-10-21T14:56:47.324-07:00Celebrating National School Lunch WeekTo celebrate National School Lunch week, I had school lunch with the girls.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting in Line</td></tr>
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I've talked about school lunch before and my concerns about the lack of protein and calories that our children are getting. Since my last <a href="http://ourlittleplaceontheprairie.blogspot.com/2012/08/school-lunch-changes-are-kids-getting.html" target="_blank">post </a>(School Lunch Changes...) I've talked to many people in our school system, other parents and the kids who eat the lunch. For this post I am going to break down my lunch observations for this day. I plan to share the information I've gathered from my discussions in a different post soon.<br />
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The girls were thrilled I was joining them again for lunch. I picked a random day that worked for my schedule last week- Wednesday. The younger kids start lunch at 11:15. The menu: popcorn chicken, broccoli, fruit, milk & juice. Bread was also served with the meal. Each child was asked if they would like broccoli and bread with their meal. They were not given a choice if they wanted fruit but what fruit they wanted: apricots or pineapple both from a can. Observing the 8 kids in front of me none of them knew what apricots were- all took pineapple. They also could have juice and milk, that must be to get the full servings of fruit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Trey</td></tr>
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I counted that 4 out of 25 in Miss O's class took broccoli and 5 out of 21 in Miss R's class tried the vegetable. My girls didn't take the vegetable, at home they always eat broccoli. (In fact last year Miss R identified broccoli as her favorite food on her pre-school questionnaire- I achieved a Mom of the Year star). As you can see from my trey- I took the broccoli. I love broccoli and there was cheese on it- bonus! Except there was no taste to the vegetable. The girls informed me that they had tried the broccoli in the past and that is why they wouldn't make the mistake of taking it again. As I forced myself to eat it, I kept thinking this would taste better if I had salt. I had remembered one student I talked to being upset about not having salt to put on things anymore. She was going to start bringing her own to school to use. Salt is the new bootleg item at school?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Trey....Miss O's Trey</td></tr>
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This picture gives you the comparison of my trey and Miss O's. She did take the bread, which according to the teacher is very popular item with the kids. <br />
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As I look at these treys, I don't see how this is promoting kids to eat more fruit and vegetables. Miss O's trey was very representative of the others on her table. So, the kids are not getting filled on protein and are simply not taking all the fruits and vegetables offered so bottom line is they are going hungry.<br />
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Miss O ate all her food. I could not choke down all of my broccoli but did eat the rest. By the time the kids got out of school that day I was starving. I now understand how come my kids come through the door ready to have a snack before we have our evening meal.<br />
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Go have school lunch and see what our kids are eating. We've got to stand up for them and let the ones who are making these rules in Washington DC know that their meals are leaving our kids short and being full is the cornerstone to learning.<br />
<br />Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-82044816976686302082012-10-15T08:05:00.000-07:002012-10-15T08:05:14.078-07:00Where I Come From We Rode In Trucks<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It’s no secret that I have a crush on Luke Bryan but I also relate with this song. Pickup’s have been an important role in my life. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I learned to drive on an old Blue Chevy ranch pickup. My dad felt it was absolute must that all ranch girls learn to drive ‘stick’ before leaning automatic. I had to put my foot under the clutch peddle to lift it off the floor and shift with two hands all at the same time. Oh, and the shifter knob had long been replaced with a cue ball so I really had concentrate to remember what gear I was in. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Certainly I think my dad did have an alternative motive for teaching me to drive the ranch pickup. There were plenty of times he would make me drive the 1 ton dully with glass packs and sometimes a trailer to high school to run errands for him after school. There was nothing more embarrassing to a girl hiding from her cowgirl legacy then driving that thing to school. Letting off the gas and hearing that BROOOM, BROOOM, BROOOM noise always made me just cringe. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When I got to college, my sorority sister drove a little pregnant roller skate manual car, I was the only other sister who knew how to drive it and at times when she had too much at the bar and I didn’t, I would drive us home. I was amazed at how much fun it could be to drive a manual...this was not the ranch pickup! I impressed by many a boy at college with my driving abilities. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I have to tell you that when I met my Cowboy it was probably his cool pickup that may have sealed the deal with us. I had never dated a boy who drove a pickup and although he didn’t let me drive it, I was still impressed. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The pickup tradition continues with my children. This spring during breading season the kids spent many an hours entertaining themselves in the back of the truck. This particular day the girls with their cousins were pretending they were in a pirate ship sailing the 7 seas...</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Young Mr. Hadrick has the farmer drive already down. He is allowed to move the pickup around the yard from time to time. Look at the casual arm out the window and one hand on the wheel. Must be a dominate gene in the male farmer, this can’t be taught, its natural ability. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sometimes we clean our pickups up and take them to town. It’s a common occurrence to see a ranch pickup pulling a float in the 4th of July parade.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We also use the pickup for our office on any given day and sometimes I feel we live in it. Here I’m using it as a prep station for breeding cattle this spring. We are out on the prairire, It may be crude but it gets the work done. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">To this day some of my favorite memories as a child is in that old blue Chevy pickup and there is always a smile on my face when I’m driving my Cowboys 1 ton Dodge pickup and I hear that turbo windup...</span></div>
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-81419998320390019802012-09-19T10:04:00.000-07:002012-09-19T10:06:56.308-07:00Fall on the FarmI took a moment to regroup this weekend and it occurred to me this weekend that fall has arrived. Although the 90+ degree temps are odd for fall, the trees in the creek below my house have changed and that is certainly a big indicator.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The creek below our house</td></tr>
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Other indicators that fall has arrived at the Hadrick House:</div>
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Corn Harvest has started. For this cowgirl, it's still a challenge to embrace the cropping side of the operation. To let you in on a little secret; seeing brown cornstalks in the field does not evoke happiness or excitement for me. I know, can I really call myself a farmer? This cowgirl, did offer to drive grain cart if needed- I'm not sure they will get that desperate. My Cowboy took a picture the other night. I had to text him to send this to me. We don't see each other much this time of year...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with the weaned calves in the background</td></tr>
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Weaning is done! I love to work cattle and to see calves adjusted well is a good feeling. This morning I heard the tractor running outside of my office window. My Cowboy was busy doing chores. Although I have to say I hate how having chores everyday ties us down I do love seeing the calves grow.<br />
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We've also ultrasound the first group of cows. My Cowboy does all the ultrasounding for the farm. Using this technology helps us to determine what cows are pregnant and which ones are open (not pregnant). In years like these where grass is short because of the drought. We are able to sell those animals and stretch our feed resources a little further.<br />
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I'm excited to report that Morgan (T's heifer from last year) is pregnant! So, we will have another calf expected from her in the spring.</div>
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Young Mr. Hadrick has started football. He loves it! We went to his first game last night and he played some and he did really well for only a bit of football knowledge. He has practice twice a week and it's an indicator of what I have to look forward to as my children's schedule takes over mine. Keep in mind that in our very rural community, there are not a lot of choices for youth activities. So I've been able to put off running the mom taxi like many of my friends in populated areas do all the time.<br />
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Fall is my favorite time of year and I'm excited it is here. I'm not excited about the snow flying yet- but I'm mentally preparing.<br />
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-85351218664091638042012-09-12T14:28:00.000-07:002012-09-12T14:28:25.510-07:00August Was For AustraliaAugust was the month that My Cowboy and I were visited by our Australian friends. As we've traveled in Australia the past year we have always said to people if you get to the states we would love to host you. Who knew they would actually take us up on it! Let's face it South Dakota is not on the beaten path. Just by pure coincidence, the ones wanting to come see us, all wanted to come in August.<br />
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We should have known some crazy Aussies would make the journey. The one thing we learned while traveling in Australia is that many of the Aussie's have seen more of the states then most Americans.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David with my dad</td></tr>
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David Maconochie is a great friend we met on our last trip down under. David and his family run <a href="http://hopkinsriverbeef.com/" target="_blank">Hopkins River Beef </a>in Victoria. David had won the Young Feedlot producer award and was given a trip to America to tour feedlots. It just so happened he picked the exact time I was planning a feedlot tour for my job so he was able to influence lots of South Dakotan's with his Aussie views. David's blog, <a href="http://aussiebeefboy.com/2012/08/" target="_blank">Aussie Beef Boy</a> details his trip to America and his views of the beef industry.<br />
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David and I spent a memorable trip driving across Kansas and he even made it up to South Dakota to do a little R&R in the before moving on. There are so many memorable things about David's trip that we continue to laugh and can't wait to see him again.<br />
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While out on the road David and I were able to meet up with two very special friends. Angus Street & Elly Daley. Angus and Elly served as our tour guides while in Australia and we love them. They were both mixing business with pleasure on their US trip and were unable to get up to South Dakota to spend time at the Hadrick place but were able to meet up for supper in Denver one night. You may notice that My Cowboy was not in the picture. He was home working while I was out having fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angus, Me, Elly, and David</td></tr>
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August finished out with our last visit from Ray & Leah Vella. Ray is a <a href="http://nuffield.com.au/" target="_blank">Nuffield</a> scholar and is spent 6 weeks in North America learning more about land and farm management. Ray has a great <a href="http://marlboroughmantravels.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> about his travels and life in Australia.<br />
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We had visited Ray & Leah at their place in Queensland on our last trip. We were able to spend a short day with them and their wonderful family at their house. These crabs are from the ocean that their land touches. They were amazing! Leah and I hit it off right away. I really admire her for the rural life she leads and homeschooling her oldest child while balancing the two younger children. Leah has to homeschool her son because of how far they live from town.<br />
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Vella's had been on the road for almost a month when they arrived in South Dakota. We were so excited that they were able to spend a few days with us. I paraded Leah through the schools for show and tell and Ray helped install a new fence at the feedlot. It was great to catch up with them and look forward to the time when we can get back to their place and spend some time.<br />
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Me, Leah, Ray, My Cowboy</div>
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So, to all our Aussie friends that have not been here- the spare room is ready! Fall is coming on- so you might want to wait until spring it's a much better experience when it's not cold. Can't wait to see you!<br />
<br />Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-87544733744394195632012-08-27T13:00:00.001-07:002012-08-27T13:01:29.056-07:00Hello Routine, My Old Friend...<div>
This marks my first day of having routine back in my life for fall 2012. I said goodbye to routine in late April and sure have missed her. Summer always forces routine out of the house- there is just no room for her with the kids home. I look back on the craziness of summer and I sure enjoyed it but because routine was absent, I felt like I was missing something. </div>
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So, here I sit today on a Monday hanging out with routine again. So far we've got through almost my whole to do list and a little more. In fact I've done so well with routine this morning that I had time to do this blog post!</div>
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So the trade off of welcoming routine back into my life means that all three Hadrick children are in school this year. Yep my baby is in Kindergarden! </div>
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There she sits at her little kindergarden table, the last Hadrick kid to join the school ranks. Now, I have to share that this mom didn't get emotional this year as I got her settled at her spot. I'm not sure why there was no tears on my part, but more of a feeling of relief and excitement for her. My cute little Kindergartner didn't really show emotion either. Not excited or sad, just accepting of her fate as full time school participant. </div>
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Now, after her first 3 days, the verdict is still out about her new adventure. Her teacher indicated that she was the only child that didn't raise her hand when she asked at the end of the first day when she asked the students if they had fun. When I asked Miss R why she didn't raise her hand. She said we had to raise our hand all day long I was just too tired to raise it again.</div>
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I believe Kindergarden will grow on her...because one things for sure, I really like routine hanging out with me and I'm not giving her up! </div>
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-25389883142659187502012-08-22T10:30:00.000-07:002012-08-22T10:40:09.824-07:00School Lunch Changes- Are Kids Getting All They Need?<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The start of the school year brings excitement and anxiety to the Hadrick house. After all we have all three of the Hadrick's starting school this year. There is a lot to be thinking about; everything from first outfits to leaving my baby at her first day to getting ready for 4th grade homework! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The one thing that is on my mind that shouldn't be a concern is if my children are going to receive a school lunch that fulfills their nutritional needs. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) which administers the federal school lunch program has come out with new guidelines on what children participating in school lunches this year can eat. Please take the time to look at the new <a href="http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Governance/Legislation/dietaryspecs.pdf"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">guidelines</span></a>. I would also encourage you to check out the <a href="http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Governance/Legislation/cnr_chart.pdf"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">before and after menu suggestions </span></a>from these guidelines. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The thing that stuck out to me the most is that Meat has been decreased in the school lunch program. I support eating a variety of foods in moderation. In my house we eat fruit and vegetables at each meal along with a healthy source of protein and calcium. But I know not every house is like mine. I've been in many schools across this country to know that for some children the school lunch program is the only opportunity they have to get the food they need for proper development of their brain and body. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odkTucI-qI8/UDUTpSsdgAI/AAAAAAAAAOc/oAyOvxVSN-Y/s1600/teigen+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odkTucI-qI8/UDUTpSsdgAI/AAAAAAAAAOc/oAyOvxVSN-Y/s1600/teigen+school.jpg" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Meat has been cut out of the breakfast program all together and the lunch program has 8-10 oz per week for a children in grades K-5. My son is 9. He is one of the tallest kids in his class and is within his ideal weight. For this active child, I know 2 ozs of meat in his school lunch is not going to fill his calorie needs. I also know that hungry kids don't perform as well in school. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">This week Trent Loos did a <a href="http://www.facesofag.com/" target="_blank">radio interview</a> with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. He is the head of USDA when Trent asked him about the new school lunch program guidelines he was unaware of the changes to the school lunch guidelines. When Trent specifically indicated no protein is in the breakfast program, S</span>ecretary<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> Vilsack dodged the issue. Please take the time to listen to the interview.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1/3 of the kids in school are obese or at risk for being obese. I don't think the answer to helping obese children is to decrease the amount of protein they </span>receive<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">. Yes, providing them balanced meals and helping them to get and stay active is important. I'm </span>fortunate<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> that my children love a variety fruits and vegetables, not all kids are like that and I'm concerned that just </span>because<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> they have more fruits and vegetables on their plates they will not eat it. Yes, the answer is to have engaged parents reinforcing this at home and </span>unfortunately<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> that is not always the case. </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I've relied on the school lunch program to provide my children lunch and I will still continue. The change I'm making for my children is to be sending them with healthy fulfilling snacks that they will be able to use to supplement the lack of food they are getting at lunch. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Oh, and I will be letting my legislative representatives in Washington DC know that when it comes to my children's nutritional health, USDA school lunch guidelines are missing an important </span>component- MEAT!Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-84965801565470872292012-07-11T16:16:00.002-07:002012-07-11T16:16:24.628-07:00Happy Anniversary<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last Sunday in church I was glancing at the bulletin at the upcoming birthdays for the week and I noticed in the anniversary section My Cowboy and I’s name was listed. Wow, that time already? Marking another year together happily married. Sure sneaks up on a person. Glad I went to church on Sunday or we might have got to the end of July and said ‘didn’t we have something else to celebrate this month besides the huge 4th of July extravaganza?’</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I asked My Cowboy this week why he feel in love with me. I was quickly reminded that I didn't marry a romantic, but on his third attempt he did manage to come up with something pretty good, at least it made me smile and not cringe. The “there was just something about you” made my knees go weak and that was good enough for me. He added that he liked my laugh and so I will hold on to that for a while.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I knew My Cowboy was for me when he didn’t take my crap. I remember one time just ranting about something (I’m sure it was very important at the time) As I started to really yell he just looked at me and said ‘when your done throwing a fit, come talk to me.’ and walked out of the room. No guy had ever done that to me before. Instead of getting more mad, I stopped and thought wow. I was hooked. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">So 14 years, three kids and tons laughter and tears later. Here we are...</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">We’re out on the road this week and so we went out to eat at one of my favorite places PF Chang’s. I love using chopsticks to eat with! Unlike last year we had beer and pizza at the local bar...but at least I got to go out. Have you ever seen those old couples in a restaurant eating and not saying a word. One of my biggest fears is that could be us. So I always save stuff to talk about while we are eating. Well last night at our special anniversary supper my fear was met! My Cowboy watched the All Star Game and I texted my boss. Happy times! As we were getting up to leave My Cowboy reminded me that we have been traveling together for two days now so it’s ok we didn’t talk much...I’m going to hold on to that, but I will be watching closely next time we go out to eat. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Anniversary My Cowboy. I love you more now then ever. </span></span></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442933899229693971.post-69609069835258290912012-07-05T14:41:00.001-07:002012-07-05T14:42:29.717-07:00Makings of a Small Town July 4th ParadeThere is something to be said about a small town 4th of July Parade. Yesterday our little town pulled out all the stops and had one great parade.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PgAm8rJvbbw/T_XyIlVPlxI/AAAAAAAAALw/eQBwV1OOMxM/s1600/IMG_1622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PgAm8rJvbbw/T_XyIlVPlxI/AAAAAAAAALw/eQBwV1OOMxM/s320/IMG_1622.JPG" width="320" /></a><b>Candy & lots of it.</b> Every float has candy or gifts they hand out. Trisha the pharmacist who runs the drug store said they sold a ton of tootsie rolls. This is reflected by the amount of candy we have in our candy stash is 85% tootsie Rolls. I'm going to request next year she only provides mini candy bars for parade fare. I like mini candy bars: Frozen mini candy bars...<br />
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<b>Tractors, tractors and then some more tractors.</b> We had a nice representation of all colors. I respect the work people do to restore tractors. I told My Cowboy we should think about doing that for a retirement hobby. He didn't respond...I'm sure he is still thinking about all the possibilities.<br />
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One of my favorites, two newer large implements that spray, one of each major color was featured. The 'Green' one even did a demonstration over the crowd extending the wings a little bit. Funny how a group of people involved in agriculture get excited over that! Just wish it was misting water over us... Another idea for next year.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFrKY8l3hb0/T_XzB-f76xI/AAAAAAAAAMc/lVvt6z7laCk/s1600/IMG_1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFrKY8l3hb0/T_XzB-f76xI/AAAAAAAAAMc/lVvt6z7laCk/s320/IMG_1649.JPG" width="320" /></a><b>Creative Floats-</b> I love this float. Every year this family does an amazing job of creating a fun float. Last year they did my favorite- Star Wars. Epic totally epic...<br />
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If our parade gave prizes I would have voted for this one for BEST FLOAT! This float had a turning birthday cake. Pulled by all things a tractor... (fits two categories)</div>
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Last night at the family picnic no one could remember what words the float had on it or who drove it. But all thought it was cool! Wow, that is hard to pull off in a small town. Congratulations!</div>
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There were horses...little and big and a covered wagon. Very western.</div>
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The Minnesota Vikings car- it got broke out for the parade. What a treat.</div>
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The Schwan's truck and ambulance. Both are really important vehicles in a small community. We couldn't live without either of them. Both drivers are highly trained to take care of people. Yes, as far as I'm concerned delivering ice cream is in the life saving category.<br />
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Some just come back to relive the glory days. This couple was Homecoming King & Queen in 1974 and wanted to ride together in the back of a car in a parade once again. I asked My Cowboy if he planned on doing this with Kelly, the homecoming Queen from his class on their 38 year reunion. He said only if the car they rode in was still around...Keep that in mind Jim Wagner.</div>
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The Pool lifeguards also have a float, or the back of a pickup, in small towns. For the most part they appropriately sprinkle water on the crowd. People think it is fun, my kids always hide (they are sacred of water, you know since they are so sweet they might melt). Notice Zach here starring at me- ya shortly after this picture was taken, I got a direct hit. I didn't melt...</div>
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<b>Consuming Alcohol </b>is also popular during the parade. The traditional Hadrick parade location is across from the bar in town. This has been the location since we've been dating. I think it was originally picked for the potential shade area, so it has two perks. We have been known to participate in a morning bloody mary from the establishment before the parade event.<br />
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<b>Family,</b> is probably the best part of the celebration. We gathered up the cousins that were there and took endless pictures to try to get them smiling and all looking in the same direction at one time. Close enough. (note shade tree in the back).<br />
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Hope you've enjoyed the 4th of July parade in my small town. My Cowboy and I would welcome you to help us celebrate, we have plenty of room to watch the parade and give full play by play of all the action for you.<br />
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<br />Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15520731976083936036noreply@blogger.com0