All posts by Cindra@lifewithafarmer

O’, Sweet Savings

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This has got to be one of the toughest times of the year. The Farmer and I are just now recovering from the “end-of-the-year crunch”, which includes the holiday spending, taxes, taxes, and more taxes. And the weather has been a little drastic…cold, snowy, cold, and cloudy (did I mention it has been cold?)

But hey, this is Missouri, so we know the weather will change soon enough and we’ll be complaining about the heat. However, our budget will stay the same.

Since The Farmer has retired, I’ve tried really hard to stay on a grocery budget, and I must say I’ve done quite well. “No brag; just fact” (anyone remember what TV series that quote is from?) 🙂

I used to do coupons, but they seem to take a lot of brain power and organization, which I lack in both areas. However, stockpiling comes fairly easy to me. I make a list of the staples that I need during the month: flour, sugar, 5 pounds of chicken, 10 pounds of bacon, 3 gallons of orange juice, and an embarrassing number of 24 pack sodas (etc.), and then I use the rest for items I see on sale.

The trick to stockpiling is to buy more than you’ll need. I always buy 2 of the small ticket items like toothpaste, shaving cream, and pain reliever. If I find them on sale, I’ll buy 3 or 4. With shopping like that at Target, I’ve been able to collect quite a few $5 gift cards which ultimately purchased my shelving unit on which I store my stockpile.

One of my sweetest stockpile items was a November purchase of Oreo cookies—double stuff!

I bought Oreo cookies for an unbelievable price of only $.97 a pack! That’s cheaper than a candy bar!

I’m sure you’re asking “How in the world??” So let me tell you:

When I walked into Schnucks I noticed a sign that said all Halloween items were 50% off. Oh, okay. Great deal if you’re buying candy, but since I just swore off sweets (again), I wasn’t too excited about the deal.

So picking up a sale paper, I noticed that there was a $3 instant savings for buying 3 packages of Oreos, so basically $1 off each pack. Not too bad, and The Farmer and the girls needed some snacks. When I got to the Oreo aisle, the regular double stuff were on sale for $3.00/pk, so I picked up 3 bags expecting to pay $2.00/pack after the $3 off.

After I did my serious shopping, I strolled down the Halloween aisle because I had time to kill waiting for The Farmer to pick me up (that happens—never). The shelves were almost empty, no candy but a few vampire teeth, sparkly paint, and some items that are intended to gross you out (and it did!). But then I noticed a semi-closed box on the shelf. It was full of Halloween Oreos. Wow! I could get 50% off of Oreos. The regular cookies were on sale for $3.00, so I could pay $1.50 instead of $2.00…maybe I should get more than 3 packs?

Being the suspicious shopper that I am, I had a quick thought that these cookies’ price was 50% off the not-on-sale price. But then it hit me! I wondered if I could get the buy 3 save $3 and the 50% off. Unwilling to pack up my cart and go up to the checkout, I just grabbed up three packages of cookies and took them to the cashier.

“Can you check the price on these?” I asked innocently.

“Sure, but they’re 50% off, ” she informs.

(Yeah, I know. But staying quiet, I wait for her answer.)

“$1.97. That’s a great price!” she exclaims.

(Yes, but that means the regular price was 4 bucks!)

Attempting to maintain my innocence I ask, “Oh, I wonder if I buy 3 packages will the $3 instant savings work on these?” (noticing my voice raising an octave higher)

“Oh, I doubt it,” she quickly replies as I hand her the other 2 packages of Oreos to scan. “Oh. Wow. It’s only $2.91 for all three!”

Grabbing the packages and rushing back to the aisle, I called out, “I’ll be right back.”

Daughter #5 was with me, so I told her the good news, as we went to get a small shopping cart. We rushed back to the Halloween aisle (like someone was going to get there before we did), and began loading the cookies into the small cart, three packages at a time.

“What are we going to do with all these?” she asked.

“Eat them, cook with them, freeze them; I don’t know, but they’re only $.97 a pack!”

I grabbed 15, then 18, and then consulted with her, “Twenty-four is not too many is it?”

After “the look”, I put some of them back. “Okay, 20 packages, that’s only $20. Should I spend $20 on Oreos?”

She wasn’t answering by this time, I don’t think… so I carried the conversation on with myself.

“No, I can’t spend 20 bucks on cookies. 18 then; 18 is reasonable, that will be less than $20. Ok, ok, 15,” I gave into myself reluctantly.

Back up at the register, I paid for my real groceries, and then loaded the 15 packages of Oreos onto the conveyor belt. After the cashier (new cashier) rang them all up and saw the price was under $15.00, I could tell she was trying to do the math. I just smiled and kept on walking. (I don’t know about you, but when I get a steal like that, I Do feel like I’m stealing, so there is a little guilt involved with my excitement.)

Unfortunately, The Farmer was late in picking me up, so I had time to lament over the fact that I didn’t get more! To give to others, of course.

I hate shopping, and unfortunately it is a necessary evil. But when I save money, and my pantry is restocked, I’m a very happy farmer’s wife.

Halloween Oreos

 

Happy Holidays To You!

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Happy Holidays! Are you ready for the holidays? Yes, holidays. I know that some people have a problem with saying “Happy Holidays”, but in my opinion that’s an all inclusive blessing. During this time of year, we celebrate several holidays–Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.

As quickly as Thanksgiving comes and goes, Christmas and the New Year seem to rush right up behind it and there isn’t a lot of time to separate the greetings. It’s like celebrating three different birthdays that’s close together at the same party.

When we have the kids over to do a birthday party, we usually have two or three of them celebrating at the same time, and although they all get their own cake, we only sing “Happy Birthday” once. And “most of them don’t feel slighted because we didn’t say their individual names, they just appreciate the celebration.

Oh, I know some people make a big to-do about saying or not saying Merry Christmas, but what makes that greeting acceptable? After all, the true reason for Christmas isn’t so we can all be “merry”, even though there is a song that heralds, “God rest ye merry gentlemen…”. But Christmas certainly isn’t a restful time, is it. And the purpose isn’t to be merry.

Christmas, just like all other traditional holidays, was celebrated for one reason and has slowly evolved to something different today.

And what about Halloween which was All Saints Eve, or Celtic’s harvest (or visa versa), or like I used to tell my kids, “the devil’s birthday”. I was kidding, but to hear them tell it, it was a practiced belief! (sheesh)

The 4th of July was set aside to celebrate America’s independence and show patriotism, but now it’s all about backyards, BBQ, and bathing (well, swimming, but I was forming an alliteration) J

What about Martin Luther King Day, or President’s Day (which was Washington’s birthday until someone decided to squeeze Lincoln’s in there), or Valentine’s Day (that was sweethearts day — not everybody you love day)? And don’t even get me started on Mother’s day, Father’s day, or Grandparents day!

Thanksgiving day commemorates the Pilgrims and Indians celebrating a bountiful harvest in the 1600’s, after the civil war President Lincoln suggested it as a time to unite the country (although the Congress gave us the official day as the last Thursday in November), and now we are scheduled to celebrate God’s blessings, gathering of family and friends, the consumption of an ungodly amount of food, and the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.

And speaking of Christmas…what’s your reason for celebrating? (I’ll tell you mine in another post.)

The point is that we don’t have to take offense over this simple greeting, but be glad that someone has actually taken the time to wish us well, and understanding that most who say “Happy Holidays” are doing just that. So when you hear me say “Happy Holidays”, you know I mean:

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Wish you a blessed Christmas!

And may your New Year be blessed!

And an extra bonus is that those who think they are taking away the “Merry” out of Christmas by being Politically Correct, will unknowingly be blessing all three celebrations! (sneaky huh?)

 happy holidays

Affordable Phone Plans — Republic Wireless

Sensible Savings, ,

Republic Wireless is a fairly new company (launched first Beta product in 2011) with a new idea on how mobile phones should work.

The premise of the plans offered is to use WiFi as a default instead of cellular.

WiFi technology is an inexpensive option that you already have on your Smartphone. But your Smartphone, by default, connects to your carrier’s cellular technology. Like AT&T, Sprint, Virgin Mobile, T-Mobile…etc.

Republic Wireless sets their phone’s default to WiFi. Which, if you have internet in your home, would be free for you to use!

And this is where it becomes affordable–using Republic Wireless, by default your phone is connecting to WiFi instead of those expensive cell towers.

Republic Wireless offers 4 different phone plans, starting at only $5 per month.

For $5 per month you get unlimited Talk, Text, and Data. Sounds great, but this plan is restricted to WiFi only. Which means as long as you have an internet connection, you can talk, text, and search the internet as much as you want.

But if you were to lose that connection, your phone would be useless at that point. This plan would be a great starter plan for a young person, or a first phone, or maybe a home phone (if you have internet already).

The plus side is that there are free Wifi hotspots almost everywhere you go, and this is a really affordable plan at only $5/month.

The second plan (which I have) costs $10 per month. With this plan you get unlimited Talk, and Text over Wifi and cellular. But unlimited Data only when connected to Wifi (home internet or free hotspots).

Which means, as long as I’m connected to the internet, I can search the web on my phone. But if I’m not connected, I can still receive unlimited calls and text messages. If you’re on a limited budget, this plan is perfect. With taxes and fees (which are astronomical at AT&T) I pay a little under $12.00/mo. FOR A SMARTPHONE!!

The third plan costs $25 per month. If you want an affordable cell phone plan, but arent’ willing to give up any perks, then this is the plan for you. For $25/mo. you get unlimited Talk, Text, and Data whether you’re using WiFi or cellular (3G). I’m not sure, but it seems that they are requesting that each phone stay below that 5 GB of data. Which is understandable, because Republic Wireless is trying to give us a quality plan for an affordable price. (everything in moderation) 🙂

The last plan is $40 per month. It, too, has unlimited everything, just like the $25/mo. plan, but it runs on the 4G network. That’s not even an issue for me, but if you live where 4G is available, you may be more interested in this plan. At $40/month I bet you will still be saving 50% on your current phone bill.

Okay, so if I still have your attention, there is one more difference in this company than the other Big Boys (AT&T, Virgin Mobile, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, etc.)… Republic Wireless only offers Motorola Phones. In fact, starting tomorrow, they will issue their newest phone the Motorola E.

The Moto E will debut at Republic Wireless for only $99.00! (of course there’s going to be taxes and shipping–this is America for pity sakes!)

But $99 for a SmartPhone!! Click Here if you want to see the specs on the Moto E.

The other two phones offered are the Moto G at $199 and the Moto X (I have this one-excellent phone) at $299. Click Here if you want to see the specs on the Moto G or the Moto X.

And guess what– the white phone is the same cost as the black phone! And not to confuse, but the Moto G and E both come with optional colored phone shells.

Okay… ’nuff said… if you are interested in this plan click on the link below (disclaimer: this is an affiliate link…so, Thank you!)

I think all of your questions will be answered on Republic Wireless website, but if not, leave a comment below and I will answer any questions I can.

republic wireless moto e logo

Introduced October 15th for just $99 – with no contract required. 
Disclosure: I do earn a commission if you signup to Republic Wireless using my link–at no additional cost to you. Please know that I only recommend products and services that I find helpful and useful. If you do choose to purchase through my affiliate link, thank you for your support!
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. And if you don’t mind, please share this on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or wherever you socialize.

For The Service You Gave

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Veterans day 2014

 

thank you vet

Jesus said, “This is My commandment,

That you love one another, as I have loved you.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:12-13

 

Just a Note: If you have a Veteran that you would like to add, please send their picture and their name to my email: cindra e @ ymail . com (no spaces) I will continue to add to this wall, so please share this post with others.

 

Apple Pie in an Iron Skillet, aka Apple Tarte Tatin

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Last year about this time, Daughter #2 saw a recipe on Food Wishes, that she wanted to make for her French class (I think there was some extra credit involved). So she needed an iron skillet and I just happened to have one.

It is so very easy, and super delicious! There are only 4 ingredients:[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:6]

She spread the butter onto the bottom and sides of the iron skillet. Then she sprinkled the sugar over the butter. After peeling and quartering the apples, she placed them on top of the sugar.

She cooked this on the stove top (med. hi) for about 10 minutes. The sugar began dissolving into the melting butter, making an ooey, gooey delicious syrup.

After the apples began to soften, she placed a single pie shell on top. Then cooked it in the oven at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Allowing it to cool for about 5 minutes, she turned the skillet upside down onto a plate. The Farmer and I got to be the guinea pigs (yay!)

I can’t express to you how delicious this apple pie is! It is gooey, and sweet, and the sugar and butter creates a chewy caramel texture and flavor. Then to make it more complete, she served it with a scoop of ice cream! So good!

If you would like to see this recipe in action, Chef John has a video of him preparing Apple Tarte Tatin

 

I’m sure you’ll enjoy this dish. Leave a comment and
let me know how yours turns out.
picnic bon appetite

Life With A Knight

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Once upon a time

 

2bdf0-dreamstime_xs_castle

There was a certain peacefulness in the air, the rustle of the autumn leaves, the damp smell of a recent shower, and the gentle breeze wafting through her graying hair. Although it had not always been this way, at

this very moment, she was content. Life’s vanishing moments played in the recesses of her memories. She found herself smiling at the remembrances of her beautiful children, and a small tear escaped down her cheek. Quiet laughter exhaled through her lips thinking of all the impractical moments they also had shared. There had been wearisome times, of course, but they didn’t matter anymore, and were always quickly forgotten.

But as she reclined in the Meadow of Time Past, there were other memories that would never be forgotten, these memories were of the Knight. Not a large champion, as some would think of a knight, but a common man of high character and moral tenacity. And although her Knight no longer possessed the strength of a horse or the agility of a lion, his other striking traits remained. The way his blue eyes pierced deep into her soul, knowing what must be said or done to heal her troubled heart; or the way he continually stood before her, protecting her from impending danger. The Knight was a man of truth, morality, and grit. There were no others like him in the land, aside from his posterity.

She always felt safe when he was near. As they battled the giants, the dragons, and fought through the dangers that surrounded them, he led the way. The Knight always had his sword drawn. Even at times of peace when she would ask him to put it into his sheath, he would never give in to her insistent pleas, knowing that danger always lurked nearby.

Day after day, the Knight’s calloused hand would close around the dainty hand of the Lady, as they battled up the hill. Together they faced giants, dragons, and evil authorities. There were times of celebration, tragedy, and even abandonment, but they always faced these times together and their hearts became as one. He, leading the way, wielded his sword at all danger, and she was safely protected in his shadow.  And now, nearing the end of the battle, she knew the Knight had done his job well. She was confident that one day when he stood before his Lord, he would hear him say, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”

 

shield

Although I am not foolish enough to think that my life is perfect and that my husband is my knight in shining armor, I am wise enough to know that I have a great family and a great husband. He’s not perfect, but neither am I, but we have become perfect for each other.

But since today is our 38th anniversary, I wanted to let The Farmer know that I do appreciate his leadership in our family. And no, we haven’t fought any literal giants, dragons, or evil authorities (well maybe evil authorities), but we have fought against the Giants of Debt, Doubt, and Despair. And continually slay the dragons named Sickness, Indecision, and Busyness.

But together, and with God’s guidance, and the sword of Wisdom, we have survived. We have throttled the statistical dragon of divorce and infidelity, we have killed the giant of non-communication, and we have nourished the meadows of Love, Contentment, and Family.

 

Happy Anniversary, Farmer!

 

 

Outsourcing On The Farm

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The Farmer has been busy for the last several months designing and building his little home away from home–his office/workshop. When he made the decision to retire, we both knew that neither one of us wanted each other to be underfoot too much. So it was decided that he had to have a place to escape to (or be sent to). J

During the late spring, summer, and early fall months, hasn’t been a problem. If the sun is shining, he’s outside. But as the long, dreary days of winter quickly approach, he’s going to be needing a place to burrow into to make his phone calls, text his buddies, and plan his endless “to do” lists. (insert workaholic here).
 
The shed (aka garage) had been built years ago, but never insulated. So we are in the process of transforming it into a dry, warm haven just for him. Earlier we put some tin on the walls and insulated them (you can read about that little adventure >>>Here), but we never finished the ceiling and lights and insulation.
 
We’ve talked about it lots, but each time The Farmer would bring it up, I felt dread and despair sink into my very being at the thought of walking on ladders or scaffolding or anything else that would put me 9 feet up off the concrete floors (a little too dramatic? Hey, you ain’t heard nothing yet!).

At any rate, I whined, complained, begged, pleaded, plotted and prayed until he promised to hire someone to help. So my job was outsourced to a couple of capable carpenters who has done a fantastic job!
wiping shed walls
Of course, The Farmer had to rent a machine so he could wipe down the shed (more toys)

Daughter #5 got to take it for a test drive.

After they are finished, we will still have a little work to do, but keeping with the outsourcing, I think we can get a neighbor to help with the insulation, and a heating/cooling expert to put in the furnace. Looks like The Farmer will be moving into his office by the end of October!

Being Content

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At sea…

 
My eyes were barely open, when the first light of day shone through the port hole. Looking out, I assured myself that the sun had not yet made her appearance. Dressing as quickly and as quietly as possible, I slipped out of the room to catch the elevator. Few people were out at this time of the morning, so grabbing a cup of coffee was not a problem.
I rushed through the dining room and out across the deck. The temperature was perfect; a little bite of cool air, yet the warmth of the day was not far behind.
 
Climbing the stairway to the first level wasn’t high enough, so I ran up the second set of steps, and then the third. As my head popped above the staircase rail, the wind threatened to blow me back down, but I held my ground.
 
I quickly rushed to the starboard side on the forward deck. The wind was wild and tumultuous, but I didn’t care. I loved bathing in its warmth. Peering over the side at the ocean, I was once again awestruck with the magnificent sight before me. The deep blue waves seemed as rich as velvet swirling around the ship. And as the sun rose above the horizon, there appeared to be an innumerable amount of sparkling diamonds cast upon the surface of the water. 
Oh! What a glorious sight!

sun rise on the ocean


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Back on the Farm…

 

I tossed and turned instead of sleeping, and although I could tell that it was morning, I couldn’t begin to guess the time. Grabbing my phone, I checked the time–5:45. There was no use in lying there any longer, so I decided to get up and try to catch some quiet time before the rest of the house came to life. 

After I stumbled to the kitchen to start the coffee pot, I unlocked and opened the front door and then went back into the kitchen to open the back door, too. As the coffee continued to gurgle, I glanced out the door and saw that the eastern sky was beginning to lighten up. It wouldn’t be long now.
 
A few short minutes later, I had my coffee in hand and I slipped out the back door. Although there was a cool breeze blowing, the warmth of the day was already in the air. 
 
The few clouds that were drifting in the sky were beginning to brighten, and turn pink. Soon the orange orb began to slowly rise upon the horizon, and I watched it grow larger as it continued on its path. The sun’s light began to shine upon the dew, and the cows appeared to be nibbling on a field of sparkling diamonds that had been strewn across the pasture. 
Oh! What a glorious day!
 
sun rise on the farm
 
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In case you can’t tell, I’m feeling a little poetic today. What thought inspired this provocative prolific prose? I’m glad you asked!
The other evening as The Farmer and I were sitting out on the front porch (him sitting, me swinging), enjoying the beautiful autumn evening, a thought came to me.
 
          “…be content with such things as you have…” (Heb. 13:5)
 
The joy and relaxation I felt at that moment here on the farm was just as glorious as the moments I had enjoyed on my recent cruise.
 
Speaking my thoughts out loud, I said to The Farmer, “Why would I ever go anyplace else when the farm has everything I need? It’s so peaceful and the weather is so beautiful; and it’s absolutely free!”
 
“I know, we’re really blessed here,” The Farmer quickly agrees. “So, what are you fixing for supper?”
 
…Oh, yeah, now I remember …🙂

Undeniable Victory

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I wasn’t  sure where they came from, or how they got here, but I knew what their plans were: to take over, to consume our belongings, to overtake us. And I knew I had to stop them…
In the beginning, I hadn’t thought much about them. I had seen a couple of them milling around and hadn’t really even cared. I had my own cares and concerns, and really didn’t see them as a threat. But as time passed, I noticed that their numbers began increasing; soon there was a small army hanging around. Alarms began going off in my brain, like tingling senses, warning me that an invasion may be inevitable
And as if I had prophesied my own fate, they began coming into our home, invading our privacy, going through all that we owned, as if it were their own, and I couldn’t stop it. Nothing was sacred, nothing was out of their reach, and I felt all hope was gone. I had no idea of how to get rid of these invaders. I wasn’t a woman of violence, and I knew I would not be able to get a hold of the authorities in time.
But then it came to me…a delicious, delectable plan that would win the hearts of my nemeses and happily send them back to their own land. I would prepare a feast for them. Food is a binding element.  What better way to bring peace and harmony to any situation?
So I busied myself making my “guests” comfortable, quietly preparing what I knew they would love. They seemed to not notice as I busied myself gathering up all the ingredients I would need to prepare them a mouth watering meal of irresistible flavors. When I finished, I knew I couldn’t get them all into one room, so I served them wherever they were. Some were in the kitchen, others were in the dining room, but most had gathered in the sitting room.
I placed the food in front of them, being careful not to startle or offend, and to my joy they began consuming all that I gave them. I could see the excitement, none of them held back. I gave them seconds, and they were grateful. How pleased they were that this great feast was given in their honor. They had come expecting to have to work at getting everything they wanted, and found hospitality instead.
As I stood back to watch, I felt a little smile form upon my lips. I had conquered these intruders all by myself. Not with strength, nor power, but with poison! Everything they were eating had been poisoned. Soon they would feel the effects…but not too soon, the poison was slow acting and they would be far away before they knew what I had done. They would take the left-overs back to their families and comrades, who would eventually be overcome as well.
The thrill of victory swelled in my veins as I contemplated the fate of each warrior, wreathing in agony as the poison slowly effected their vital organs. And as their loved ones came to their rescue, or their comfort, they too would be effected and eventually die.
Oh! How sweet the thrill of undeniable victory!
[ctt template=”3″ link=”Lfa37″ via=”no” ]“As long as we have faith in our own cause and an unconquerable will to win, victory will not be denied us.” ― Winston Churchill[/ctt]

ants eating poison

Each year we are overrun with ants for a short time. As soon as I see one, I know there are more present, I just have to find their trail. That being done, I place Terro in their path, and after they gather around and consume the sweet liquid, they take it back to their nest to infect the rest of their colony.
I can’t help but feel sweet satisfaction (pun intended) 🙂
If they would stay outside where they belong, I wouldn’t have to be so vicious!

Home Schooling Moment

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I can’t believe the summer has ended–well, officially on 9/21–but as far as the season goes and homeschooling, the summer has come to an abrupt end. Daughter #4 is preparing to take college classes, so I only have Daughter #5 to homeschool this year. What a difference! The school closet is cleaned out and I had enough books handed down from previous “students” that I didn’t have to purchase any books this year. She’s not excited about that, but The Farmer is!

It’s kind of a bittersweet moment thinking about all the time and effort we’ve put into this homeschooling thing. The preparation, the cost, the frustration, the head-butting, (and banging). But all-in-all, it produces a pretty good return on our investment.
 
What satisfaction to think that I was the one responsible for teaching them their letters and sounds, and hearing them form their first word and listening to them begin to read everything they see; a sign, a note, the back of a cereal box… And watching them as they figure out the curves in cursive writing; writing their name over and over on papers, napkins, and even the plastic table cloths at a church banquet (fortunately, they’re disposable). Or the repetition of math facts, spelling words, Scripture memorization, and the constant call (from me) to “get busy”. 

Of course the greatest evidence of a successful student is seeing each one becoming an adult, and successfully going on to begin their own life as a wife or a husband, or take on a new job or career. And whichever road they decide to go down, I’m excited for them. Such is the circle of life. 

But as I said, I still have one more learner here, and for at least three more years I’ll be a homeschooling mom. So, today being the first day of our new school year, the sweet, familiar sounds of homeschool begin once again:

“Aww, come on Mom, do I really need to know this!”

Megan laying head on table
1st day of Algebra 1…Looks like it’s going to be a long year!!

Fortunately, a science project always makes the day a little more enjoyable. 🙂

If you have ever thought about home schooling, here are a few resources you may find helpful:

And if you are in the throes of your own homeschooling experience, here are a few encouraging resources:

 

Harvesting Cattle

Enloe Farms, ,

Well, this year is quickly passing by, harvesting cattle is an annual event that happens right smack dab in the middle of the year, and we just had it. Last week our customers visited the farm to pick up their beef. Each year as the time approaches, I envision meeting our new customers and embracing our old friends (not “old” but, well-acquainted friends). Unfortunately, it never works out like I imagine.

In my mind… I see The Farmer and I greeting our customers and leading them over to their nicely packaged frozen beef. Telling them the history of their calf, showing them the grazing fields, and letting them enjoy the serenity of the farm.

But in reality, The Farmer and I get up early to make a mad dash to the processor’s. Finding all of our orders, the workers bring the frozen meat outside (in 75 degree weather), and The Farmer and I frantically throw the beef (over 2,000 pounds this year) into all different sizes of boxes. As The Farmer quickly loads the boxes, I’m busy checking off all of the orders and making sure everyone has everything expected.

We jump into the truck, and rush back to the farm, taking all the shortcuts we can, over crooked, curvy back roads. Approaching the farm, we see everyone eagerly awaiting our (their beef’s) arrival.

I get out to greet everyone (and collect money), The Farmer begins to unload boxes, and in a whirlwind of activity, smiling faces, and joyous farewells, I find myself standing on the porch waving goodbye to a late-coming customer, and watching The Farmer take off to do another chore.

Not quite the “Rockwell” moment I had envisioned.

But maybe we’ll have more time next year.

Thanks to everyone who purchased our beef. We do appreciate your business!

calf number 8 lwaf logo