Winter Peace

I am a crazy Christmas lover. I start listening to music around Halloween and secretly watch movies long before the snow flies. I'm like the stores everyone complains about.........."Christmas already?!". Every year I try to refrain from my early antics, but seem to fail. And, once again, I failed this year. The difference is, that this year, with three kids in basketball and four with recitals, we didn't spend too many nights at home. I missed the family time that leads up to the holidays. We didn't do the nightly Christmas movie as a family, the hot chocolate, or the Christmas crafties that are our usual activities - there was no time for it.

The other difference this year is that I am not sick of Christmas the day after. Because I start so early, I'm usually pretty anxious to take it all down and pack it away. This year, I am still enjoying my decorations and the down time that comes with the holidays. We've spent the day just hanging out together and enjoying the special gifts brought by Santa, his helpers, and family. So unlike many others who are finding relief in the putting away of the holidays, I'm still holding on and squeezing every little bit of pleasure I can from our break - before the craziness of our hectic schedule returns.

So grateful for time spent together as family, with extended family and dear friends. Thanks to you all for making our holiday season one filled with joy, happiness, and love. I wish it wouldn't end......

A Love/Hate Relationship

I'm the first to say, that I LOVE receiving Christmas cards. I love to see the family pictures that usually come with them - how each kid has changed, any new additions to the families, and all the creative ways people come up with to express their own family's personality. I love reading the family newsletters and hearing about all the fun and adventure that accompanies parenthood. It's nice to know that other parents are lamenting the loss of a child to college, celebrating a team championship, or any other rites of passage all kids seem to go through. I don't feel so alone in this big world, trying to figure it all out. It's nice to feel connected.

With the love of getting these cards, comes the realization that I too must send out the traditional Christmas card. With this realization comes many questions - Who to send to? What kind of card? Can I compete creatively? It seems so daunting. It just overwhelms me, so I tend to put it off for as long as possible.

I can confidently say, I will drop my cards in the mail first thing in the morning. I know I am late, but I found some Christmas cards that I adore! You see, I found a couple of vintage cards that are tiny little works of art! So instead of buying new cards, I decided to copy, embellish, and make some for myself. (Hope I'm not breaking any laws here?) I really enjoyed the time being creative, but it just took more effort than I had anticipated. Sadly, that seems to be the story of my life...........a little late to the party, but having a good time!

What's Old is New - for me at least!!

A few months back, I got real tired of my kitchen/dining room decor. It was mostly country colors and I wanted something a bit more bright. I have quite a bit of vintage knickknacks, so I traded country for vintage.

When it was time to break out the Christmas decor, I realized that all of my decorations for that room were still in the country colors - barn red, straw yellow, country blue, etc. It just didn't work at all. I gave quite a bit of it to our local thrift store and started scouring magazines for a look that would work, enchant, and use items that I already had.

I found an idea to use old vintage hankies to make an mantel scarf. The hankies were cut in half (which was hard for me to do!), backed by white fabric edged with bright red rick rack. It was perfect. I tried to mimic what I had seen with items on hand, and since it was Sunday, I had to pull from my stash any red and white fabric I had. I wish I would have had something a little less mundane as the red/white stripe, but it works! I also figured out that instead of cutting and sewing the edges of the white background fabric, I could use cheap white cloth napkins cut in half. These worked so well and I didn't have to hem them. Yay!!

I haven't quite figured out the actual decorations on top of the mantel yet, but there's always next year. For now, it works!

*Just a closer view

Pipe cleaner Poinsettias

During the 1940's, it became fashionable to adorn packages with tiny trinkets. Often times, these festive bobbles were constructed out of tinsel and chenille pipe cleaners. These items were readily available and for pennies, a gift could be made glorious. Wreaths, candy canes, trees, and even Santa s were constructed out of the cheap, bendable and brightly colored stems.

Now, even though these stems have stood the test of time, the construction of package tie-ons have fallen out of fashion. It's too bad, since these little creations are fun, festive and easy to make. With a handful of pipe cleaners and a little imagination, many creations can be made. Plus - if you don't get it exactly right, you can simply unbend it and try again!

So, my first attempt was fashioning some poinsettias out of bump red chenille stems. It only took four stems, a few twists and bends to make one. The centers are made of some deconstructed vintage icicles. So easy. So fun. So cheap. So cute!

I made so many that I've just thrown them here and there in hopes that it will make my house and packages more festive!

Even the Mundane can be Festive!

As the holiday season approached, I was lucky enough to find this vintage sugar sack. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it. I adore the pastel blue lettering and the overall design. Most of all, I love the fact that even the most everyday, mundane item can take on a new festive look - plain and simple, all dressed up for the holidays!! Now the challenge is to figure out what exactly to do with it. Any ideas.......?

Recipes, Fads, and Fancies.......Oh My!!!

As Christmas approaches, I'm constantly looking for new books/magazines that will inspire me creatively. Anyone who knows me beyond a casual hello, knows that I love anything antique or vintage, so I thought I would share a few of my favorite finds to incorporate everyday vintage items into your Christmas splendor.

Last year, I found The Farm Chicks Christmas book. It is filled with recipes, creative inspiration, and festive party ideas for the season. The colors are bright and cheery - just like the holiday season should be!

This year, I found a few choices at my local Sam's Club - not where I was expecting to find any kind of inspiration besides the frozen, fatty kind! They carried a handful of Christmas books by Susan Waggoner. I picked the two that spoke to me most. One is entitled Christmas Memories. This charming book takes a look at the gifts, activities, and fads that were most popular from the 1920's - 1960's. This book is more informational than instructional. It's a fun look back at the trends of the day from toys to attire - a really fun read.

The other one that I found fun is called Have Yourself a Very Vintage Christmas. It covers the same time period, but takes each decade separately and talks about the crafts, decorating tips and recipes from each era. I LOVE this book. Some of the treasures that I've picked up, actually make an appearance in this fun book. For me, the best part is found in the back. There is found time period clipart that you can use in any crafty way you see fit - from cards to ornaments. The book is filled with inspirational instruction on many ways to use these tidbits, but with a little creativity, many fun holiday projects could be produced.

I've never considered myself very original, so I love books, like these, that help me find that tiny creative being living inside me!

I hope you find yours too! Enjoy!!

Making it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I've been wanting to post for a quite a few days now. I've been so busy getting ready for Christmas and having fun with family and friends that I haven't had time. Some years I seem to get so bogged down with the logistics of Christmas, that I just end up feeling tired. This year I've been trying to focus less on having/making everything perfect and more on the beauty that can come from spontaneity and celebration. It feels good to make time for friends, eat things and more of those things than I should, or even to admire my beautiful Christmas tree.

So for the next little while, I will try to take time every day to post about something that inspires me to truly feel the Christmas spirit. I will start with my tree. It's a compilation of old ornaments found at thrift and antique stores for next to nothing. My collection started when my Grandma and Grandpa Fonnesbeck passed away and I acquired a few of their old Christmas ornaments. They are fragile, yet beautiful - just like so many of us. They need to be treated with care and respect - just like many of us. And, separately they might not be too impressive, but when put together, they are glorious - just like when we come together, glorious things can happen. That is what is so wonderful about this time of year, when we focus less on what differences we have and more on the good we can see and bring out in ourselves and others! It is truly the most wonderful time of the year!

Isn't she a beauty?

While gazing at my tree, I can't help but think of all of the wonderful memories made with my Fonnesbeck grandparents. I really love and miss them. Here's some of the ornaments that I was lucky enough to inherit!

Being a Pioneer

I have given a lot of thought to my blog lately - I haven't done much, but I have had many thoughts on it. There are times when I feel very insecure about the things I post, assuming that I can only post when I feel like I have had some kind of deep or insightful thought. This assumption has kept me from posting as often as I would like.

I have made the decision that I am going to try to approach this blog in a totally different manner. I'm going to quit thinking about what others might find interesting and post those things that seem to make a difference in my life or inspire me that day - the things that make my life worth living - not big grandiose experiences, just the little things that bring me joy! I would like to try to view it as an online gratitude journal of sorts. And, if something in my daily existence gives you pause to stop and look at the little things and be grateful, that's success to me!

Today I actually reread a poem that I love. Just reading it, gives me courage to go outside my comfort zone, try something new, and find the strength to tackle those things I struggle with. It is by a wonderful woman, Carol Lynn Pearson.

Pioneers

My people were Mormon pioneers.

Is the blood still good?

Truth flew by like a dove and dropped a feather in the West.

Where truth flies you follow, if you are a pioneer.

I have searched the skies, and now and then another feather has fallen.

I have packed the hand cart again.

Packed it with the precious thing and thrown away the rest.

I will sing by the fires, out there, on that uncharted ground,

Where I am my own captain of tens,

Where I blow the bugle,

Bring myself to morning prayer,

Map out the miles and never know where or when, or if at all,

I will finally say "this is the place".

I face the plains on a good day for walking.

The sun rises and the mist clears.

I will be alright.

My people were Mormon pioneers.

New York in the Fall

It has always been one of my biggest dreams to visit New England in the fall. Lucky for me, David had meetings in upstate New York this past week. We spent four days touring historical sites, meeting old friends and some new, and visiting dairy farms in this beautiful area.

I was overcome with the sense of history that this area emits - not something we have much of in the west. Centuries old houses, public buildings, and barns are all well maintained and a joy to see. I learned so much and came home hoping to return someday. I just thought I would share some pictures that I took. Not sure that I've seen anything more lovely than New England in the fall!

Well, maybe the sight of my kids running to greet us as we walked in the door. There's truly no place like home!

Heritage Day

Today is a special day at our house. It's not necessarily a day of partying and celebration, but a time of remembrance. David and I both lost a grandparent on the 25th day of September. David lost his grandpa, Norman Roberts, 16 years ago and I lost my grandma, Hedvig Reeder, just two years ago. Last year, we decided that since this was a significant day for both of us, that we would designate it a day in remembrance of all our grandparents - Heritage Day!

We share memories and make G.G.'s famous applesauce cookies - with only 5 chocolate chips. Any more would just be gluttonous!! She definitely knew how to stretch a dollar and make do! Something I have always admired and strive to emulate.

It's been a nice day. Even though bittersweet, we are both grateful for our heritage and hope that our lives will honor those that have gone before us!

Life is just not............Fair!!

I must admit, August and September are probably my least favorite months of the year - or at least, right behind or tied with February and March. The heat of the summer is suffocating, the flowers in the yard are starting to lack luster, and with the excitement of summer long gone, we all seem in dire need of the school-time schedule. I think the thing that makes these two months the most sinister is the way they tease you with the possibility of better things to come. There is a crispness to the air that promises of cooler nights with the allure of sweatshirt attire. The tomatoes tease with a tint of red to their hue. Even the relentless reminders that my favorite T.V. drama's season premiere is only weeks away is enough to drive this girl crazy!! Enough with the taunting!!

There is one thing that I really enjoy during these dreadful months............FAIR!

I'm not quite sure what it is I love most about a fair. It could be the diversity. There's diversity in those that attend, food choices available, and an array of entertainment - a man with his gaggle of dressed up geese, deep fried ice cream (seems impossible to me), and comedians to cloggers. There is definitely something there for everyone!

I honestly believe the reason that I truly love a fair is that it's reminiscent of a bygone era. An era that I long for. An era when the artistry and beauty of a jar of jam was appreciated, the adoration that a farmer felt towards his animals was of value, and a coming together of a community was not only commonplace, but vital to it's survival. People talked over fences, went for walks, and shared recipes. We invested in others more than ourselves, because we knew that on some level, that's all we had. We seem to have lost some of that in the hurried pace of our lives today. A phone call takes too much time - texting is more convenient. A homemade meal consists of a frozen entree with a side from a can. Even time to visit with a neighbor is a frivolity in times when getting ahead rules our lives. It seems that we build bigger houses and have smaller hearts. We have become too busy and wrapped up in what we'd like to have and become that we neglect to appreciate the beauty of our everyday existence.

As I sat up at our county fair with my hubby, kids, and cows, I realized that the spirit of community isn't dead. People strolled around visiting with one another and catching up, took time to marvel at the talents of others, and for a moment thought of animals as more than just a mere commodity. It is a renewal to my own spirit - a setting straight of my own course. I come away with a deep sense of gratitude for the small town that I am privileged to raise my kids in and the way of life and values it imparts. I gain a renewed appreciation for the heritage arts that were so commonplace in years past, but are now nearly extinct. I vow to watch T.V. less and make more of my time.

Thank goodness for fairs - a retreat from the mundane of summer, a coming together of communities, and best of all, an adult form of show and tell. It's an opportunity to be entertained by others and their talents. It's an awakening to the diversity that surrounds us, that is so easily overlooked. Fair's give us a chance to see the best in others and an opportunity that can bring out the best in ourselves. It's really too bad that life isn't well.................FAIR!!

* Life on the Farm - It's Good to Play Fair!

Sisters.........We Are!!

I just returned from the most amazing weekend. I spent four days with one of the most independent, diverse, and beautiful group of women I think I have ever met. What an opportunity! What an adventure! What an experience!! Let me explain....

For a couple of years now, I have been a fan of Mary Jane's Farm in northern Idaho. She's a free, hard working spirit that embraces all that is feminine and all that life has to offer, while helping woman be more self-sufficient. I am part of her Farmgirl Sisterhood and have taken her magazine for the last few years. I also love the Farm Chicks. They are two women who started with a small antique show in Spokane, Washington and are now contributors for County Living magazine, have published two books (which I own and love), and orchestrate one of the biggest antique fairs in the nation. Lastly, I inherited a vintage trailer from my dear Grandma Reeder. I love my little red trailer and have put it to good use while at the fair showing cows, but I have always wanted to restore it and join up with Sisters On the Fly - a group of independent spirited women who meet up during the summer caravaning with their vintage trailers to spend weekends together learning and laughing.

A few years ago, David and I had the opportunity to be guest speakers at Mary Jane's Farm Fair in northern Idaho. Through this experience, I was blessed to meet Rene' Groom. She was instrumental in getting us there and making our time there incredible. She was also willing to come and teach a rag rug making class for our Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance conference that David and I had to chair. She did a tremendous job and it was so great just to spend time with such a fun-loving, cheerful, loving person. Since that time, we've kept in touch over facebook.

This spring I had decided that I truly wanted to make the trek to Spokane to attend the Farm Chicks antique fair. After I had asked some pals to make the trip with me and it just didn't work out, I was wavering in my resolve. Rene' then posted that she was attending, so I asked if it was worth the trip - thinking I would be making it alone. Much to my delight, she not only said yes, but also invited me to ride along with her as she was meeting up with a group of Sisters On the Fly that were also Farmgirl members. I just about died with joy! Three of my favorite things all rolled into one with time spent with Rene' - what could be better?!!! About nothing!

So I made the trip to Prosser alone to meet up with Rene'. The time was actually enjoyable. I got to stop when I wanted, eat what I wanted, and listen to the music I prefer. Once there, we met up with some other Farmgirls for dinner. It was so fun to hear them share memories of their previous experiences at the Farm Chicks show. The anticipation was building. The next morning, the same group loaded up, hooked up, and headed up to Spokane to camp together along the river. It was actually an awing experience to see these ladies' show of independence as they caravaned up the highway. Plus, it was a cute sight - all those vintage trailers being pulled all in a row!

When we arrived at our camp site, it was so awesome to see the ladies work as a team to back in and park their trailers. Once that was done, the fun began. They all started "staging". This is when they set up their stuff outside their trailer to enhance and welcome guests to come and "check it out". I made the rounds, gathering ideas for my own trailer restoration. These trailers are not just cleaned up and road worthy, they are truly works of art that portray the individual personalities of their owners. I was in heaven!!

The next day we (my new friend, Debra, and I) headed out to the antique show. We had the best time. We made our way through the event without too much trouble - well, the only trouble was that I wanted more than I could haul home and use. I did buy some things for my trailer since I had decided on a color and theme for my project. Debra was so helpful - maybe too helpful. Now comes the work to "get'er done". After, we went back to camp for a quick rest and then we hit the local yard sales. We were very successful, finding deals too good to believe. We had to leave behind a few "treasures" too big for Debra's trip home. I wonder if she is still lamenting her lose.

That evening, we all met up for a lovely dinner and the donning of our tutus. It's tradition to dress up in hip cowgirl garb and laugh and live it up - and that is exactly what we did!! After that, we simply sat around the campfire, exchanging stories and making memories.

I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity! Thank you so much Rene'! Also a big thank you to my other new sisters - Paulette, Bonnie, Jennel, and Debra! My life has been enriched for the time we spent together. I dearly hope that there is more to come. Usually we have sisters by chance - I came out lucky on that one. Now I have sisters by choice too. We are tied together not by blood, but by experience, memories, and our love of each other and an independent spirit. What a lucky girl I am!

*Farm to Table - Pesto Mac n' Cheese

Memories of.......

Growing up in close proximity to both sets of grandparents, Memorial Day meant many things. When I was younger, it meant hauling the Fonnesbeck set around to the cemeteries to decorate the headstones and to catch up with the other old people that seemed to hang out there. I would bide my time until we were lucky enough to go out to lunch as a family. It seemed like just payment for the time I'd spent waiting for them to converse and discuss the goings on of the last fifty or so years. It felt like years while my siblings and I waited. We did find time to run around and read the strange names that people used to be given - I say "given" because I'm not sure that they would've actually chose those names for themselves. We got a kick out of this and turned it into a game of sorts.

As I got older and more mature, I actually liked and learned to appreciate the "old ones'" conversations. Their stories became more interesting and I learned a lot about my grandparents that they might not have ever shared with me. I met and remembered my mother's aunts and uncles. They were nice people. It ended up being a nice family day with lunch as a bonus.

Now, I am lucky enough to live in close proximity to where my grandparents are buried. I still spend Memorial Day with them - visiting their grave sites, thinking of them, and sharing the stories with my own family. I have a rich heritage and I am so grateful for the chance I had to live by them, get to know them, and make memories of them. When I was little, I used to envy my cousins that got to go on vacation to visit them. They got a week full of fun. We got to help them mow their lawns, clean their houses and help do their hair. We also got to go fishing, eat fresh cinnamon rolls, and share a pepsi after the work was done. I now think they are the ones that are probably envious.

My kids are the lucky ones now. We live on the same farm as one set of their grandparents and only a short drive from the others. Life seems to move at a faster pace than it did when I was a kid. My kids seem to always be doing something - all good things, but they just seem busy. It makes it hard to spend time together as an extended family when my own is going in so many directions. Yesterday, we did have the opportunity to spend time with the Fonnesbeck families. It seemed fitting. It was a nice day. We shared the news of the day and fondly remembered some of the past. My kids got to visit with my aunts and uncles and hear some stories that maybe they wouldn't have otherwise. Glad they had that opportunity. It might not seem like much now, but they will feel very blessed one day, as I do.

Life seems to be a game of musical chairs. Time marches on and us with it. When the music stops for a brief second and you look around, you find you've moved into your parent's chair and they've taken the spot of grandparent. Things do change and they do stay the same. I'm glad. I've never been a big fan of too much change, but it's the changes that make you take note and appreciate where you've been.

Get Your Hankies Ready......

No need to fear......this isn't a sad story, just me, admitting that I have a few issues when it comes to hankies. It's not that I don't like them - I love them!!! They are so bright and colorful, and........girly!!! I just can't get enough them.

David is slightly dismayed and repulsed by my obsession. The thought that something once used to blow someone's nose can somehow become a treasure, is incomprehensible. Okay, so they might have once been used for something less than sanitary, but I simply don't care. I choose to focus on the idea that they were once used to dry the tears of a mother as she said good-bye to her son headed off to war, or the tears of joy as that same son returned. They carry stories of heartache and hear felt joy - they have a history. Plus, once washed and ironed, they become so versatile, useful, and fashionable. Possibilities with these cute little squares of floral bliss are endless. And the best part - they are not hard to find and are quite cheap! I find most of mine for a dollar or two at antique or thrift stores.

I seem to find more and more uses for them the longer I have them and the more I acquire. I've used them for home decor and self decor. I've used them in craft projects. Sometimes, I just get them out and look at them for enjoyment. I'm sure a lot of women do this with shoes - I just like hankies.

I truly believe I'm drawn to hankies because I was accidentally born a few decades too late. I long to live in the era when women wore gloves and glorious hats, dressed up to go to town, and carried hankies. The world just seemed more glamorous back then. So, I'll continue to collect my hankies and find new uses for them. Useful or not, they make me smile!

*Re-use, Re-purpose, Re-cylce - creative uses for hankies

*From Farm to Table - Mother's Day Luncheon Crab Sandwiches

Kite Strings and Apron Strings

Today, a good portion of my morning was spent untangling kite string and if you're wondering how this inspires a blog post, well.......let me start at the first....

This year, I decided that it would be a great idea for the kids to receive Earth Day presents. You know, things that would encourage them to get outside, enjoy nature and get a little exercise. So I found these amazing kites at the store and figured flying kites as a family would be exactly the right thing. We went out in an open field and tried flying our kites. The wind didn't seem to want to cooperate, so there was a lot of running involved - yeah for extra exercise!! It was a fun hour or so even without the wind. We laughed at each other and the many experimental ways we employed to try to make our kites fly. It was a good day.

Yesterday afternoon, while I was gone, a good wind was blowing and the kids decided that the moment was right to give kite flying another try. They were wildly successful!! I feel bad I wasn't home to hear the giggles and be a part of the fun. Herman was anxious to fill me in on their adventure. He was so proud that he had flown his kite to the end of the string. He had taken it to the height of glory, his frog dancing, being tossed to and fro by the power of the wind. Then, he sadly told me that in that moment of sheer excitement, he panicked, afraid that the wind would overtake his kite and blow it far away. This is when he made the split-second decision to start reeling it in. The reel that the kite came equipped with wasn't fast enough, so he started pulling it in by the string, hand over fist, making a massive ball of tangled thread on the ground. This is how he brought home his kite.

Now, to this morning and the time I spent untangling the mass he'd created. I was frustrated and cussing under my breath about all the other things I could be doing - or should be doing while in the background, Pandora started playing Somewhere Over the Rainbow/It's a Wonderful World. And, just like some sappy, inspirational commercial, I starting gaining a new perspective on the whole situation.

I got thinking about how excited he must have been, his choices in that moment, what I would've done and the counsel I would've given him if I'd been there. Then I asked myself, would I have let him fly it that high? Would I have been supportive of him during such a strong wind or...... let him fly his kite in those conditions at all? Would I have just told him to wait for better day? Would I let him have the freedom to make those decisions himself or just take control to avoid a catastrophe like the one I was now trying to sort out?

Now, in even a sappier moment, I started to parallel all of these thoughts to parenting. Raising kids is so much like flying a kite. I hold the string, but so much of the control is beyond me. I hold on with faith, that as they grow, flying farther and farther away from me, that they will be safe - hoping that the conditions will be just right for a successful flight. And if/when that moment comes and I am holding the end of the string, will I take the opportunity to marvel with excitement as my creation dances beautifully at the end of the string for all to see or will I panic in fear that the wind may overpower them and take them away from me? Will I pull them back hand over fist, making a big mess as I try to protect them - a mess I will have to sort out later? So many questions. So many unknown answers. I hope I have the strength, that when the time comes and my control is dwindling, that I can sit back, look up in amazement, and marvel in excitement. I know that there will be fear, but I hope my faith and trust in them will overcome my fear to hold them back. I want to allow that moment. I want to enjoy that moment. I want to live in that moment because it's only a moment and then it's gone.

Earth Day.........Shouldn't It Be Everyday?

It doesn't seem like that long ago that the bulk of my days were filled with Disney movies, Teddy Grahams, and sippy cups. One of Em's favorite movies was the Lion King. I got so tired of watching that movie. There are still parts I'm sure I could quote verbatim. But today, I find myself thinking of the dialogue between Mufasa and Simba about the circle of life. Some pretty fine points were made during their discussion.

With tomorrow being Earth Day, I find myself slightly confused at some of the attitudes that accompany a day set aside for us to marvel at the great gift that we've been given. I'm sure that my own attitude is fostered by the profession that we are engaged in. When you live and breathe the nurture and well being of not only the animals in your care, but soils and plants, it's hard to not be in awe regularly of the power and graciousness of the earth.

I think what disturbs me most, is the fact that many want to politicize this holiday. That if you celebrate it, you must be an extremist. So some, in an effort to make clear that they are not in favor of the extreme, find it necessary to use this holiday to flaunt their objections by making sure that they use, in excess, the resources that are given to us. The reality is, I believe, that there are many that live in between these two extremes - ones that realize that this earth is such a precious gift - a gift from God - and feel a deep responsibility to do what they can to preserve and respect our planet. That kind conviction is not something that you can legislate, it's just too personal and for some, innate.

As parents, we all want to instill in our children those things that will help them be successful - successful in their relationships with others, in their careers, and in their lives. One of the things I hope I can give to each of my children is a deep appreciation, love and respect for all that the earth gives us. It is a precious gift. A gift to be treasured. A gift that sustains us. A gift to be used in a respectful way. And, with that gift, comes responsibility. I hope that they each will embrace that responsibility and take their place as caretakers.

So, I am excited to celebrate Earth Day - a day to pause in awe, appreciation, and humility. A day to go outside and fly a kite, plant some seeds, look at the stars - whatever makes you smile. Hopefully you can find something in this great earth of ours that inspires you to celebrate it! Happy Earth Day!!!

*At our house, we not only celebrate Earth Day, but a true example of a caretaker on all levels, Happy Birthday Grandpa Ellis!!

FFA............Family, Friends, & Agriculture

During high school, I believed that FFA was a club solely for boys. I'm not exactly sure what I thought they did out there in the Ag shop, but I did know a few things - they wore overalls, they drank a lot of Pepsi, and, I'm pretty sure, they didn't watch their language. I have been privy to the telling and retelling of many a story of all that they "accomplished" during those afternoon hours. I won't be conveying any of those stories here!

Since marrying into a dairy-farm-family consisting of one sister and five brothers, I have had a first hand education on the finer points of farming, and I've been re-introduced to FFA. David and his brothers were all active in FFA on some level and over the years I learned more. I was glad to learn that overalls were not "official dress", that girls are more than welcome, and that there is so much that can be accomplished by an individual if motivated to do so. It wasn't until our own children went into high school that I truly gained an appreciation for all that it had to offer.

Our first four children are girls, and since acquiring a somewhat-feminist attitude, I was bound and determined that if they wanted to join FFA, I would be more than supportive. Our oldest, Emilee, wasn't thrilled with the idea, but signed up for an Ag class simply because she was disinterested in the other electives that were being offered. And, as many freshman do, she paid her FFA dues simply to get a school excused pass to go to the state fair. Initially, I'm sure the social aspects were very enticing. They seemed to have more activities than most clubs and they knew a lot of kids from the other high schools. Over time, she started to notice that the kids that were really involved in FFA and it's competitions, had some personal qualities and characteristics that she admired. They weren't afraid to speak in front of a crowd, they had a level of confidence not seen in many h.s. students, and they were a fun, loyal group. So once Em decided that she was "all in" we began our journey into finding out what FFA was truly about.

Since that time, we now have two daughters that have been very active in FFA. They've participated in multiple contests - ranging from parliamentary procedure to dairy judging. They've been able to attend the national convention and see parts of the country that they otherwise wouldn't have. They've competed on state and national levels. Most of all, they've found a place to develop those personal qualities that will someday help them in real life situations. They've gained interview skills, speaking skills, and been given the opportunity to be responsible through leadership positions. They have found a voice.

We spent last weekend at the state FFA convention watching Emilee compete. It was a joy. Her Ag Sales team took first and will now represent Idaho at the national convention. She's worked hard and we are very proud. FFA isn't really a spectator sport and not many show up to cheer these kids on. It's kind of sad really. I looked around at all the kids there, honing their mental skills through career development events, giving speeches on current issues, and working as teams and individuals without any expectation that people outside of their FFA circle will fully understand or appreciate what they've done. As a parent, I am so grateful for their teachers that are willing to put in the extra time to nurture students through these types of opportunities. Most of all, I'm grateful for the growth I've seen in my girls, their willingness to work hard, and make the most of every chance they've been given.

FFA stands for Future Farmers of America, but for me it means so much more. Yes, they do take Ag classes and learn about the future of farming. They also learn to strengthen themselves and their communities through leadership in agriculture while learning to place value on those things that are pertinent and real. I am grateful for the FFA program.

Preston's 2011 All Girl Parliamentary Team:

Abbie Shaffer, Kylee Fellows, Lauren Gleed, Emilee Roberts, Heather Winn, and Sara Smith

*Life on the Farm - Business or Pleasure?

*From Farm to Table - Monte Cristo meets BLT

Leaving on a jet plane - I wish!!

I'm feeling a little down today. Not because life isn't good - my life is great! It's just that I could be on a plane later today, headed to La Farge, Wisconsin.........but, sadly, I'm not. There is a very good reason for our absence in La Farge. Our daughter, Emilee, is receiving her State FFA Degree this week, so we will be in Twin Falls supporting her. We are so proud of her accomplishment and wouldn't miss being there to make sure that we get the credit we deserve - for producing such talent. All kidding aside, we are looking forward to watching her in Ag Sales and Parliamentary Procedure competitons and especially, to see her get her State Degree. She's worked hard and it's now paying off. This definitely is a great time for us all!!

So why am I so down? Well, five years ago, we signed to produce milk for Organic Valley- a farmer owned co-op out of La Farge. David was instrumental in getting a pool of milk here, in Cache Valley, and has been the Idaho/Utah Dairy Executive Committee representative since that time. Friday and Saturday is their annual meeting. Business is discussed and decisions are made. As a committee representative, David and I are flown out for those meetings. We have attended the last five meetings and have made some dear friends.

We truly enjoy our connection with the co-op and the people who are a part of it. In so many ways, this decision we made to "go organic" has been one of the biggest blessings in our lives on so many levels. It truly is something we celebrate on a daily basis - through the way we farm, new attitudes towards the stewardship of our land and animals, and the way we view the world and those around us. We live in a small town where most everyone has similar backgrounds, religious views, and standards. I am not complaining, but it leaves room for judgment and fear of differences. This has been eliminated for us. We have had the opportunity, through Organic Valley, to be exposed to and befriend people from very diverse backgrounds. We have friends from one end of country to the other, from one end of the political spectrum to the other, and with a wide variety of religious beliefs. It has made us realize that we have so much more in common than we do in difference. The commonality that we share is our love for family, our earth, our farms and animals, and the way we produce our milk. It might sound silly, but it is our life that we celebrate when we are surrounded by people that hold dear the same things we do. We always leave with a renewed focus on what is truly important to us and an excitement to continue on. That's what I will be missing this weekend.

* Life on the Farm - Meet Bomba

*Re-use, Re-purpose, Re-cycle - more uses for old crates

April Fool's Day 2011 found me wondering which one of the six kids had something "special" planned for me. Much to my surprise, no one had even given thought to the holiday. I was shocked!! Especially since it's the one time all year that "legally" they can pull pranks on David and I without getting reprimanded. To my benefit, Friday, April 1st also happened to be the first day of spring break and the day that we would travel, as a family, to Salt Lake for a big family get-together. I think they were all more focused on the other reasons to celebrate, forgetting the once-a-year opportunity that was right in front of them. So, once lunch was over, I considered myself lucky and breathed a sigh of relief - inwardly, of course, not to give anything away!

Around 3:00, we headed south for the big city. We had planned on meeting at my brother-in-law's house at 5:00, and figured we would make it just in time. The one thing we forgot to plan on was rush hour traffic!! URGHH!! The children were not the only absent minded people that day..... A usually two hour trip was now turning into more of a three hour excursion. No joke - or maybe this was the universe making sure that I didn't get off scott-free on this, the day of practical jokes. Being from a small, two stop-light town, we are not used to this kind of torture and we were all feeling a little picked on. There are, at times, thoughts of a desk job and weekends off, that the "grass is greener on the other side". This was different. This was a time that we found ourselves truly grateful for our own green pastures, peaceful, quiet moments, and the slower pace at which life on the farm moves.

Once we arrived, we were greeted by all but one of David's siblings, their kids, and his parents. This hasn't taken place in quite a few years and being all together is really so much fun. Some of the cousins have grown and changed sooo much - some not so much, but the one thing that doesn't change is the love of family. We took pictures, played a family game of basketball, talked a lot, laughed a lot, ate a lot, and loved a lot. Family is definitely what it's all about!! No joke!!!

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