A New Addition

A new addition is greatly welcomed into our Jersey family. Scott's sister, Tara, gave birth to Abigail Lynnette on December 13th. Our entire Jersey clan went to visit baby Abby last week and we instantly fell in love. She's a pint, 6-15, but a love and we are excited to welcome her into our crazy, loving family!

Jersey Kids Baptism

A day of celebration, as all three of our Jersey children (Tyler, Cassie & Jacob) were baptized into the Catholic Church. We love that our children are learning about Jesus Christ and a living a christian life! God Bless them!

Halloween 2011

Halloween is so much fun for this Jersey family, who put a lot of thought into what they wanted to dress up as. Thankfully, Cassie & Jacob found $1.99 outfits at the local goodwill. Tyler's cost a bit more, but his mama was happy that it didn't cover his beautiful face...and everyone loved their original costumes that seemed to fit their personalities pretty darn well! Loved that we all were able to go out together, including dad, who stepped away from the plow for the night! No tricks, all treats, that the kids have been sorting and trading and diagramming!!! Love it! And them!

Grandpa Bob's visit to the Midwest

Our Jersey household is still beaming from our West Coast visitors earlier this month. My 71-year-old father, Bob, visited the Midwest to see not only his Jersey grandchildren, but also to visit Bohnert Farm, along with a few other “must-see places.”

To say our Jersey family has been patiently awaiting Grandpa Bob’s arrival for quite some time would be an understatement. This was a huge milestone for my father, as it was his first trip to the Midwest ever, as well as his first commercial plane ride in more than four decades. My older sister, Cathy, came in town to help make this a memorable trip.

I smile hearing that my dad never slept during his seven-hour journey to get to the Quad Cities. He asked for a window seat, looking out the blue skies to see much of the country-side for the first time. Once they landed, we were on the go—from visiting Bohnert Farm, John Deere, World Dairy Expo and Hoard's Dairyman Farm.

While I’ve made my way to World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis. for more than a decade now, this was the first visit for my retired dairy farmer father. For him, it was like going to Walt Disney World for the first time. His eyes would widen, along with his smile as he was taking it all in; 800 plus exhibitors, 2,500 dairy cattle from across the country, and more than 60,000 people were in attendance.

My father’s favorite part of World Dairy Expo was watching the Holstein show—after all, it was his cow of choice to milk for nearly 40 years—and these exhibitors from across the country brought their prized bovines to be judged at the world’s best dairy show.

Back at home, riding on our beaten-up Gator, he got to see first-hand how Bohnert Farm operates. Bigger in scale than his 70-cow Oregon dairy farm, he smiled at the many similarities our dairy farms shared in genuine cow care and milk quality. Before he said his goodbyes and stepped back on the plane to head west, he said the best part of his trip was seeing Bohnert Farm. “I loved it. It’s a first-class dairy, and I love the pride that all the Bohnert family exhibits.”

From the mouth of my father, this compliment is treasured deeply, just as his visit to the Midwest is

The Need for Chocolate Milk in Kids Lunch Program

Yesterday, the Minneapolis Public Schools made public its decision to discontinue serving chocolate milk as part of its school lunch program. As a mom and dairy producer this is very upsetting news to me. Dairy producers and the dairy industry have, are and always will be committed to child health and nutrition. I believe there is a much better way to trim calories and sugars from school menus that removing nutrient-rich foods like chocolate milk.

When I went to join my first grader for lunch in his school’s cafeteria earlier this year, I witnessed majority of the kids (and by majority, I would say 90%+) drinking chocolate milk. These children in the Minneapolis Public Schools will now be deprived of having the choice of chocolate milk and in result; will drink less milk—and get fewer nutrients because that choice is being taken away.

As a parent in your child’s school—you have a voice!!! Please go to www.midwestdairy.com and www.dairymakessense.com for rock solid information that give the real facts about nutritious dairy products, like chocolate milk—and the vital importance that these wholesome dairy products play on your child’s growing body!

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Jersey beuties

My attempt to do an Easter photoshoot turned out okay. The good snaps are posted on FaceBook, but this picture explains, the novelity of this soon faded. BTW, a certain hot-shot, 7-year-old thought the idea of matching sweater vests were "lame," as later, I couldnt find the vest, as it was stuffed underneath his dresser.

Warm Temps

Funny how 50's and sunshine can feel like a million bucks in the dead of winter, esp. during a winter that seemed to have no end in sight. Jersey cows and Jersey kids loved it. So did their mama!

House bound, Jersey smiles

What a long week it has been for this Jersey family! In service days for school, snow days due to the foot and half of snow that fell...causing this family to be cooped up way more than we care for.
A few snaps I caught this week that made me smile.
For the most part...the Jersey kids have been VERY WELL BEHAVED! I am blessed.

Minnesota Family Vacation '11

Future farmers
The Lambchops & Jersey kids at Grand Harbor.




Our long, over-due family vacation finally came...and went too quickly for our liking. It kinda felt a bit funny to head north in the dead of winter to even colder temperatures and even more snow. Regardless, much fun was had by all thanks in large part to indoor water parks, legoland, shopping galore @ Mall of America and good friends that we met up with.
Of course there were cliches! Wouldn't seem right if there weren't any. I was down one day due to a stomach bug, but still managed to make it to the mall with baby Jake in tow, while Scott was super dad going on "all day ride bands" at Nickelodeon. The kids think he is the cooler dad for sure!
I have to say our kids traveled amazingly well on the six hour drive. A bigger vehicle that allows for separation of the two bigger kids was key, along with snacks and a dvd player. My mother reminds me how easy off we are compared to the 'old' days!
GPS mapped us the whole way there
Baby Jake was AWESOME! Although the poor lil' man sat in the car seat for too many hours for too many days in a row. The last 20 minutes on the car ride home he cried the whole way home. Needless to say it was great to be in our own beds...just in time to rest up to start back to our daily routines.

Christmas 2010: Lovin' it!

Christmas was full of blessings. Exhausting, of course! Funny how so much time and energy (and money) goes into the holiday and then its over in a blink of an eye. The Jersey kids enjoyed every minute up to it, which of course makes me feel young and alive. Cute tidbits of the day follow.
1. Tyler's heartbeat was a racin' on Christmas Eve. He was fast asleep, but so excited that his heartbeat was thumping away. Needless to say the excitement level was on nock 10 when he realized Santa came with presents for all.
2. Later that day, he began piling up some old toys that we could give to "those kids that didn't get anything." As, you can imagine, I bursted into tears.
3. Whoever invented zhu-zhu pets is a generous! The kids loved 'em. Santa loved the price tag and these lil' hamsters are scurrying all over our house! Not sure who is more entertained. The big kids, Jacob or the cat!
4. Santa was smart to bring the youngest member pampers or anything wrapped as the wrapping paper was Jacob's favorite thing to play with. And...two days later, Tyler & Cassie were making boats and cutting the boxes up for forts. The novelty of the "brand new toys' have started wearing off! HA!
5. While the kids have had their arguments over toys, they have played (surprisingly) good together.

We leave soon for our family vacation to Minnesota...and I'm not sure who is more excited. Needless to say a lil' getaway time is just what this family needs!

Jersey Lessons

Three Jersey kids by the tree.
How did I ever get so lucky?
My 6-year-old, Tyler James is asking for Pokemon, Bakugun and zhu zhu pets. Again, how did I ever get so lucky that his requests are so simple and thankfully, easy on the pocketbook.
The girl in the house is asking for Barbies and zhu zhu pets and would be content with pretty much whatever Santa puts under the tree. We will treasure this for sure; someday this will change. Probably too soon for my liking.
Baby Jake can't talk yet, however his older siblings requested he get a pack of pampers, wipes, bath toys and sippie-cups! Santa smiles at this requests!!
Perhaps the best Christmas gift to me was a note Tyler wrote in his first grade classroom.
If I were a gift, I'd be money, so I could give it to a child who does not have any.
This made me cry. There are days that I feel that I'm not doing my job as a mother. Its when the child talks back, rolls his/her eyes, argues with their siblings and the list could go on and on. We've had a few too many days like this, and then this simple letter that Tyler wrote made me open my eyes and realize, I'm raising good kids, who are learning the true meaning of Christmas...and of life! Generosity and kindness go far in life kiddos! Atta boy Tyler for picking up on some of life's greatest lessons.

Jersey blessings

Yes, I have a lot to be thankful this year. God is great!
My heart swells up, more times than not, because of the beautiful blessings I have in my life. My Jersey family easily tops the list.
This year, my kids made Thankful crowns that they sported to tell why they are thankful. I wanted them to think about their blessings and share with others. They were thankful for many, but Tyler wrote down:
"I'm thankful for the whole wide world."
And, Cassie wrote:
"I'm thankful for my family."
Baby Jake smile and the big kids said, he was thankful for milk!

Halloweeen

A VERY fun Halloween for this Jersey family! Wizard of Oz was our theme, well, until the 6 year old said no thank you and independently picked out his skeleton costume.

They had a wonderful time, more candy than one village should have. The big kids got new electric toothbrushes that they paid 20 pieces of candy each for. My attempt to keep their teeth healthy and visits to the dentist to a minimum.

Needless to say, a fun-filled Halloween for this Jersey family.

Fun on the Cool Water 2010

I know. I vowed to do a better job of bloggin', but have seemed to fail. Again! I guess I've been busy chasing three kids and all that goes with it, and something had to go. Unfortunately it was this.
A bit of recap. The kids and I ventured out west for 10 days of pure fun and giggles. My sister lake house cabin was nothing short of beautiful, as the Jersey kids were adventurous on the water with their cousins. It was "awesome" as the Jersey kids now recap their time out there to friends and family. I agree, in spades!

The good life

My good life.
How can one person be so blessed? Many years ago I set out to find my soul mate and find a life that was filled with love, passion and purpose. I have all of that, plus some!
Days like today, I try to sit back and take it all in. Nothing 'extra' special. The beautiful fall weather that includes amazing fall colors. Kids giggling from sun-up to sun-down. Hubby smiling big, working the fields where corn once stood. Looking out to his herd of remarkable Jerseys who continue to fill the pipeline and make a profitable business, home to our family and many others. We are blessed!
Now, there are days that this reminder isn't at the forefront of my thoughts.
Yesterday would of been one of those! I was parenting solo, which is more common than I like during this time of year. After a full day of writing, kids come home, snacks, homework, soaking it all up! Then off to the Y, to exercise and tumbling lessons for Cassie. Cassie fell off the mat during tumbling lessons and had a big, ol' goose egg on her head. She was tired and not feeling 100%. Lets just say the 7 o'clock hour wasn't the best hour around here. Especially, after a long, fun-filled, purpose driven day. Kids whining, baths, dinner, reading, nursing a baby. Well, everything didn't go as well as planned. I had to help kids with showers. "We can't get the water temperature just right." So, while I was up helping them, I forgot about dinner and it burnt. The smoke alarm went off, making baby Jake cry, which he rarely does!
No worries, it all worked out...we ended the night with big hugs, and everyone slept well, including me.
A day like today, especially after a night like last night, is so rewarding. I am easily reminded about my true blessings...and reminded that my headaches, are well, just that. If all I have to complain about is burnt bread, crying baby because of it and whining kids because they had a full day and handling this solo, while my husband works up the fertile soil that brings a wonderful life to us all....well, then my life is pretty, darn good.
Thanks for the reminder! Today, my smile, heart and soul widen!

Since of humor

I'm tyring to jot down cute lil' saying the kids say. Makes me smile & laugh.
Tyler has been coming home off the bus, with cute sayings or songs, such as:
"Mom, who do you hate?" I reply nobody, I don't like that word. Tyler says, "Mom you have to answer with something!" I said, "Okay, rats." Then, he says, "You're going to date a rat!" And...chuckles the whole walk home!

Next day he sings, "Mom & Dad sitting in a swing, k-i-s-s-ing. First comes love, then, came Tyler, then came Cassie, and four years later came baby Jacob. The end."

Cassie holds my hand down to the bus stop, jumping over all the cracks. She says the whole way down (and back), if you step on a crack, you gonna break your mama's back!

Can I keep them little, please?!

Chopping Rye

A lil' catch-up since our last post. We've been busy...the days just fold into the next. Makes for tired Jersey kids and a happy Jersey mama! In early May, we chopped rye for our cattle. The kids, both big & small, absolutely live for this time of year. Where the wagons are greased and the chopper doesn't stop.

Spring Plowin'

Spring 2010 has treated us extremely well in the Midwest. Temperatures unseasonable and allowing us to be ahead of schedule with field work. Music to my hubby's ears. The Jersey kids could NOT wait until the school bell rang and they could ride along with their father in the tractor.
They enjoyed blue skies, chirping birds, fertile soil...and oh yea, a baby bunny that nearly ran over. Thankfully, Scott stopped before he ran over the lil' bunny. So, now we are nursing an orphan bunny back to health and of course, this bunnies name is Peter.

Some Bunny

An Easter gift arrived in a box with a baby bunny inside. The Jersey kids couldn't be more excited. Scott found an old bunny cage that he had when he was a kid and fixed it up for the kids. Now, when they get home from school...and before breakfast in the morning...one of the chores is to feed, water and clean the cage. They do pretty good, esp. Tyler! They love to play with the bunny, which they named Dorothy. She is sweet and patient and a nice addition to our Jersey family.

Debut of spring weather

Jersey kids are super excited with the debut of spring in the Midwest and being able to spend extra time outside and at the farm. This week Cassie is studying "All about Farm" at pre-school, and by no surprise, she is leading the pack. They talked about cows, and it had a Jersey in it, and she informed the group these were the same cows her dad milks and they use their milk for dairy goodies such as cheese and ice-cream!

...and the count down is onto spring field work and who gets to ride with who! Its fun listening to the kids talk and get excited about the whole farming process! After all, they are true Jersey farm kids!