August Was For Australia

August 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.

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.

David with my dad

David Maconochie is a great friend we met on our last trip down under.  David and his family run Hopkins River Beef 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, Aussie Beef Boy details his trip to America and his views of the beef industry.

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.

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.

Angus, Me, Elly, and David

August finished out with our last visit from Ray & Leah Vella. Ray is a Nuffield scholar and is spent 6 weeks in North America learning more about land and farm management. Ray has a great blog about his travels and life in Australia.

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.

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.

Me, Leah, Ray, My Cowboy

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!

Hello Routine, My Old Friend...

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. 

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!

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!  

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. 

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.

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! 

School Lunch Changes- Are Kids Getting All They Need?

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! 

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 guidelines. I would also encourage you to check out the before and after menu suggestions from these guidelines. 

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.  

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. 

This week Trent Loos did a radio interview 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, Secretary Vilsack dodged the issue. Please take the time to listen to the interview.

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 receive. Yes, providing them balanced meals and helping them to get and stay active is important. I'm fortunate that my children love a variety fruits and vegetables, not all kids are like that and I'm concerned that just because 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 unfortunately that is not always the case. 

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. 

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 component- MEAT!

Happy Anniversary

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?’

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.

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. 

So 14 years, three kids and tons laughter and tears later. Here we are...

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. 

Happy Anniversary My Cowboy. I love you more now then ever. 

Makings of a Small Town July 4th Parade

There 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.

Candy & lots of it.  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...

Tractors, tractors and then some more tractors.  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.






















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.

Creative Floats- 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...

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)

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!

There were horses...little and big and a covered wagon.  Very western.

                         The Minnesota Vikings car- it got broke out for the parade.  What a treat.

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.

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.

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...

Consuming Alcohol 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.

Family, 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).

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.

All About Attitude

I made the decision long ago that I could choose my attitude and every morning I wake up making the choice to have a good attitude. I surround myself with people who have a good attitude and I thrive on others who are positive.

Sure, you'll hear my rant about things from time to time. But for the most part I always look for the bright side. Take this week. I have sat through two days of meetings that were a waste of my time but I turned it into a positive- I got to spend time with great friends, reconnect with some great challenging minds, eat amazing lobster, had time to catch up on emails and had a stimulating phone conversation with a co-worker. See it's how you look at.

This morning I had to be up at 4:00 eastern time to catch a flight home but it's a beautiful morning and my cab driver was the best. He was upbeat, friendly and was just the thing I needed to stay on track. And don't get me started on the crew at Starbucks this morning! Those ladies were ready to help the amateur orderer with patience and smiles. So now I'm sitting enjoying my coffee watching the out the window, what a luxury for me.  By the way I love airports with rocking chairs.

I certainly don't have this profound statement in this post. I'm sure for some of you, you're a little disappointed that you took the time to read this and think- wow I've waisted my time-- You missed my point... I wish you luck.

I'm not sure where to begin, it's been way too long since I've been on my blog! So let's quick catch you up on what I've been up to.

First, I was here:

My Cowboy and I spent 2 weeks in Australia at the beginning of May. We had another amazing trip and got to spend time with our old friends and made a ton of new ones. I can't wait to share more of our trip - but that is for another time...









Then I did this:

My Cowboy needed to build some new fence and I was fortunate enough to only have to help a small amount. It looks good and will last a very long time.

And then I did this:

At our farm spring time means cow working time. My Cowboy is taking care of our cows. He is getting them ready to go to pasture with green grass. My job when we work cattle is what ever My Cowboy tells me to do. I love helping work with the cows and it's great couple bonding time...

And then school got out... so any kind of routine we had went out the window. Thank goodness for Miss Em. She is our summer girl and I don't know what I would do without her! Also I have to give a shout out to Pinterest. I know I'm a better mom, I've been able to lay out a summer schedule for the kids and lots of fun activities.

And then I went here...


















It's not very often that my and My Cowboy have our boots in the sand. We got invited to help promote beef at the Stew Leonard grocery stores. It was a really great experience.  We talked and grilled and shared what we do as cattle producers with a ton of people in Connecticut.

And now I'm into the full swing of summer...Believe me I've got a lot to talk about. We're traveling some, I've got a painting project planned, 4-H projects to work on and then of course we've got the breeding project to finish up. I'm sure you will be waiting to hear all about it.