The family that farms together at H&K Farms right now is comprised of The Farmer and his family, his sister and her family and their mother. Let me elaborate.
The Farmer,DH, my husband who doesn't like be mentioned on any form of social media, including Facebook,blogs and the like, is actually the 'H' of H&K Farms..... his parents named him David. We got married 23 years ago. At that time, the farm partners were him, his parents and grandparents. The farm has evolved over the years with births and deaths, to now include our household of kids, the fab four, Cody, Sam, Jenna and Seth.
Now most of you know that my first initial is K, as it is part of my signature line at the end of each post. If you don't know anything else, you know that. But for some, I am about to whoop on you some big news, I am not, I repeat am NOT the 'K' of H&K Farms.................nope not at all. The 'K' or multiple K's as it would seem, would stand for Kable, the surname of The Farmer's baby sister. Hasekamp and Kable. They are the other half of the partnership.
Maybe it was so we wouldn't forget, or just habit, but for years, you rarely heard my brother in law referred by anyone as anything else but 'Kable' In fact I can remember my mother asking, what IS his first name? Well in time, he (Jason, in case you didn't know the answer to that trivia question) courted, and married The Farmer's sister, Beth AKA Aunt B. Then she was a Kable, so when a person mentioned Kable, who did they mean, it was so confusing........fast forward just a very few years when the Princess Jenna Claire began her reign over the land of Tulip, she began calling Jason/Kable/the brother in law/whats his name...............by his current 'nick name' Uncle Honey. No one is totally certain where it came from. Aunt B sometimes calls him Honey, but really not that often, she still gets to call him Kable, as she knows who she means. I secretly wonder if after getting in trouble for opening his Christmas gifts early the year that she recognized 'her name' (okay the letter J, but she was only 3 yrs old) on some packages and getting in trouble, she decided then and there that he needed a new name, so there wouldn't be any more confusion.
Many followers who read this blog know that our kids have some nicknames as well. The oldest, or Twig was actually named Cody. Next we have The Beast or Bubba; which would be Sam. Next up we have JH, The Princess, The Cattle Whisperer, Sis, Sassy or Sassafras..........that would be none other than Jenna. Now poor Seth has a nickname that has unknown origins, maybe subconsciously we wanted to name him something else, I have no idea................but he's usually Fred. Once in a while, he's Squealy Willie (kinda an off shoot of his middle name William, hard to say)
There are probably many people who think we are weird for using nicknames, or maybe even a bunch of rednecks, both assessments are likely correct. But you will be consoled to know that all names or nicknames are very much terms of endearment, as we love these people very much. In an occupation like farming, where many MANY hours are spent together, just the family and not many other people, we have to not only love each, but LIKE each other, A LOT. If not those long days, short nights would be unbearable.
Very proud that at H&K Farms its a much about FAMILY as it is about Farm,
From Tulip~
KH
:)
Friday, May 17, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
Tune in Tuesdays---Cody Graduation Video
This weeks post is featuring the video we had at Cody's graduation party. It was created by our friends at Gramke Graphics. They are local production company who specialize in photos and video.
This has been one those 'big memory' weeks last week at our house. Getting ready to jump into a new stage in our lives. As I watched to video I was reminded just how fast its all flew by. In a few months we will pack him up and spend him to college.
Trying come off the incredible ride of the last several days, is it back when 'just working' seems like rest?
From Tulip~
KH
:)
This has been one those 'big memory' weeks last week at our house. Getting ready to jump into a new stage in our lives. As I watched to video I was reminded just how fast its all flew by. In a few months we will pack him up and spend him to college.
Trying come off the incredible ride of the last several days, is it back when 'just working' seems like rest?
From Tulip~
KH
:)
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Silent Sunday (going to break the 'rules')
I usually do a Silent Saturday or Sunday post, mostly because its a great way to catch up if I haven't blogged all week with pictures and quick captions. But, this week its going to be hard to be silent, so indulge me a proud momma post, since's it's Mother's Day and all..........
Sam had his final Fine Arts night as a Band student. With all that they do in High School, he's not going to try and keep Band in the mix of activities, so this was his final performance, so to speak.
Sam had his 8th grade dance AKA 'Poo Poo Prom' His little date was Maddie Taylor, daughter of our good friends, Todd and Mandy, who are part of our 'cattle showin' family, for those keeping track.
Aren't they absolutely gorgeous?
Cody at Scholarship night, so after adding up what he's received and comparing to what the FAFSA 'says' we should be able to contribute, sitting pretty nicely FOR THIS YEAR.........the next three, yikes! ;)
Cody receiving Profiency Award at FFA Banquet.
Cody presents The Farmer and yours truly with Honorary Chapter Degrees at the Banquet.
Our oldest, in his cap and gown.
Our family=blessed!
Okay so a quick run down, 5 school events this week, plus a party at our house with over 120 people from three different states besides this one, now if I could only veg out tomorrow, but not too many opportunities to sub left, so its off to work I go. What a week!
Enjoying a bowl of 'leftover' graduation ice cream (yes Homemade) what considering JUST HOW BLESSED this Mother's Day has been,
From Tulip~
KH
:)
Okay so a quick run down, 5 school events this week, plus a party at our house with over 120 people from three different states besides this one, now if I could only veg out tomorrow, but not too many opportunities to sub left, so its off to work I go. What a week!
Enjoying a bowl of 'leftover' graduation ice cream (yes Homemade) what considering JUST HOW BLESSED this Mother's Day has been,
From Tulip~
KH
:)
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Thankfulness Thursday--The teachers of Centralia R-6 School district
I try to do Thankfulness posts as many Thursdays as possible. I thought about what was an appropriate post and thought about how busy this week is for our family and thought this might not be the week it happens. Well then lo and behold I was called in to substitute teach. In the middle school, at least today, it means, go over a worksheet, explain directions and pass out to the kids, then I probably have 30 minutes of quiet while they complete it. If I was a fulltime teacher, likely there would be papers to grade, grades to record or any number of other things to do. As the sub, I usually bring something to 'entertain' myself. Today it was Cody's computer with the thought of adding several blog entries that I could come back and 'publish' later. I had brought things to do a couple of 'Wednesday' blogs and had a couple of ideas for some others, but this one hit me, this will publish/post on Cody's last day of school at Centralia R-6.
I remember the lump in my throat taking him into to school for that first day. Not sure it even compares watching him leave that last day will be (at least by the time you read these words) I could have done a thankfulness post on him, but I am pretty sure anyone who has read much of this blog is fully aware just how great I think that kid is. The Farmer and I work hard to teach our kids the right thing and we think we are doing an okay job, but there are several people who are almost as responsible for the great kid he is and that is the wonderful group of men and women who comprise the teaching staff at our schools.
His kindergarten teacher was Laura Warbritton. She was just the teacher he needed, she saw his need to soak up more information and kept him busy and learning all day everyday. He thought she knew EVERYTHING. Of course back then, he also thought that his parents did too. LOL She was the first person who pointed out just how bright this kiddo was. She said he'll be an engineer one day, at one point this last year, I thought she was right, but as many HS Seniors do, he's done lots of changing of his mind. In the next two years, he would have two other great teachers, Emily Riddle (Erisman) and Jamie Herndon (Robertson) he enjoyed being in their rooms as well. I always felt sorry for Jamie, she had a group of boys that year who were all close buddies, about 6 of them, we told her the first day that she didn't have enough 'corners' in her room! They survived.
In third grade, Ann Beck helped Cody truly dig into his love of reading. She had a reading club and he enjoyed reading some classics. I remember she and I both 'dreading' when he got to THAT PART in Where the Red Fern Grows, I think both each secretly hoping that it happened at the other place. We both knew how tender hearted he was and were sure it would be bad at the end. In fourth grade, he was one of the lucky kids to have been a Nancy Buie kid. Seth was born during that year, at parent teacher conference time. She went above and beyond, she came out to us for our conference, arms laden with supper and little gifts for all four kids. What a bright shining star that sadly burned out much, much too soon!
When Cody was moving through the upper grade school grades, we still just had three buildings. So with 5th grade he headed to Chester Boren Middle School. This building is just full of great teachers. The ones who seem to stick out in my mind are the ones of the classes Cody loved the most. There are great math instructors, Lisa Mattheissen, Tim Motley and Julie Crum. He loves Science as well, and Brenda Barnes, Angie Ridgway, Sherry Jerome and Mr. Long encouraged that love as well. Other teachers he liked and were memorable to us as well were are the 'Kellys' Dickerson and Blackwell. He loved Alicia Hancock, even if he still doesn't like to write! As I write this, I keep wanting to name current teachers and I will get to that. Cody was always a big fan of Mr Ben and he even though he wasn't crazy about French class, he realized in the basics of learning French helped him pick up Spanish quickly in high school.
I remember a hilarious conversation I had with then middle school studies teacher, Chet Gooding. He said it always kind of scared him when Cody raised his hand, particularly when maybe he hadn't asked a question of the class. He shared that one day in class Cody's hand shot up and he was pretty insistent that he be called on.Cody wanted to argue the authenticity of a picture in their Social Studies book. As Cody proceeded with the following explanation, that the pictured Civil War battle was mislabeled, as there were no cavalry involved in whatever Battle was supposedly being depicted, it was battle of strictly foot soldiers. There were horses in this picture, it must be incorrect. Chet laughed and said that the 'Civil War nerd' in him was both interested in the conversation and a little scared that a then 12 year had remembered each every battle with such fine detail and could recall it accurately enough to argue about it.
Cody was in band and started out with Mr Goade and then he was lucky enough to finish up with Bryan Koerner, who I am sorry to see go, his enthusiasm for music is very infectious. Cody didn't play in band throughout high school, but the background its given him, will be something that I know he will use throughout life. He was also part of our districts' gifted program, taught by Ann Seider. She does such a great job encouraging and challenging these students. I always said Nexus was the reason Cody got a cell phone, their Destination Imagination team won the state contest and advanced to the world finals, in Knoxville, TN. They were to be gone a little over a week, I wanted my 6th grader to be able to call home (and I could call him) so he got a phone.
High school, where to start? My math science kid loved much that high school has had to offer in those departments, I think that its likely a toss up which he liked better, particularly the upper level classes. I know that Tonya Schmidt and Seth Woods are names regularly mentioned in my household and ALWAYS held at highest regard! He also enjoyed Nathan Gordon in math as well as on the football field. High school was the second time he saw Mike Hann, who had been his middle school football coach. He loves history etc, even if he did get caught texting in class! ;)
Besides math and science and the basics, high school has been full of many MANY Ag classes. I think Cody has taken over half the ones offered and enjoyed them. Scott and Lori do a great job with the classes and FFA. It has been a BIG part of his high career.
I guess I kinda followed Cody's 'career' with the teachers he had, at least the ones for sure I remembered. But there are so many other great educators in these buildings. Jennifer Ludwig, who he cadets for has been his number one editor proofreading scholarship applications. Bobby Reeves who is now Principal at Chance Elementary, was his grade school PE teacher and golf coach the first couple of years.
Many teachers wear multiple hats in school districts, several are coaches as well. No essay about Centralia would be complete without the mention of Erle Bennett, Jim Newstead and Mike Adkisson. I don't know if Cody ever had Jim in class, but had the other two, but the place they have in his heart and ours is their outstanding coaching of our football team. I never had to worry too much about Cody getting into trouble, he was always more scared of them than us, and will admit to putting them up to a few 'talking to' conversations with him, as I know just highly he values their opinions. The entire football staff put in hours that would be deemed above and beyond the call to duty. In the summer their mornings started about 5am and I know for a fact several Friday nights they could not have arrived home much before midnight on some of those away games.
There are so many great teachers in the district. I couldn't even start to name them all and won't try, as I would surely miss someone and I would hate to do that. Since its Cody's last day there, I thought I would just highlight a few of the ones he had.
Happy Teachers Week,
From Tulip~
KH
:)
I remember the lump in my throat taking him into to school for that first day. Not sure it even compares watching him leave that last day will be (at least by the time you read these words) I could have done a thankfulness post on him, but I am pretty sure anyone who has read much of this blog is fully aware just how great I think that kid is. The Farmer and I work hard to teach our kids the right thing and we think we are doing an okay job, but there are several people who are almost as responsible for the great kid he is and that is the wonderful group of men and women who comprise the teaching staff at our schools.
His kindergarten teacher was Laura Warbritton. She was just the teacher he needed, she saw his need to soak up more information and kept him busy and learning all day everyday. He thought she knew EVERYTHING. Of course back then, he also thought that his parents did too. LOL She was the first person who pointed out just how bright this kiddo was. She said he'll be an engineer one day, at one point this last year, I thought she was right, but as many HS Seniors do, he's done lots of changing of his mind. In the next two years, he would have two other great teachers, Emily Riddle (Erisman) and Jamie Herndon (Robertson) he enjoyed being in their rooms as well. I always felt sorry for Jamie, she had a group of boys that year who were all close buddies, about 6 of them, we told her the first day that she didn't have enough 'corners' in her room! They survived.
In third grade, Ann Beck helped Cody truly dig into his love of reading. She had a reading club and he enjoyed reading some classics. I remember she and I both 'dreading' when he got to THAT PART in Where the Red Fern Grows, I think both each secretly hoping that it happened at the other place. We both knew how tender hearted he was and were sure it would be bad at the end. In fourth grade, he was one of the lucky kids to have been a Nancy Buie kid. Seth was born during that year, at parent teacher conference time. She went above and beyond, she came out to us for our conference, arms laden with supper and little gifts for all four kids. What a bright shining star that sadly burned out much, much too soon!
When Cody was moving through the upper grade school grades, we still just had three buildings. So with 5th grade he headed to Chester Boren Middle School. This building is just full of great teachers. The ones who seem to stick out in my mind are the ones of the classes Cody loved the most. There are great math instructors, Lisa Mattheissen, Tim Motley and Julie Crum. He loves Science as well, and Brenda Barnes, Angie Ridgway, Sherry Jerome and Mr. Long encouraged that love as well. Other teachers he liked and were memorable to us as well were are the 'Kellys' Dickerson and Blackwell. He loved Alicia Hancock, even if he still doesn't like to write! As I write this, I keep wanting to name current teachers and I will get to that. Cody was always a big fan of Mr Ben and he even though he wasn't crazy about French class, he realized in the basics of learning French helped him pick up Spanish quickly in high school.
I remember a hilarious conversation I had with then middle school studies teacher, Chet Gooding. He said it always kind of scared him when Cody raised his hand, particularly when maybe he hadn't asked a question of the class. He shared that one day in class Cody's hand shot up and he was pretty insistent that he be called on.Cody wanted to argue the authenticity of a picture in their Social Studies book. As Cody proceeded with the following explanation, that the pictured Civil War battle was mislabeled, as there were no cavalry involved in whatever Battle was supposedly being depicted, it was battle of strictly foot soldiers. There were horses in this picture, it must be incorrect. Chet laughed and said that the 'Civil War nerd' in him was both interested in the conversation and a little scared that a then 12 year had remembered each every battle with such fine detail and could recall it accurately enough to argue about it.
Cody was in band and started out with Mr Goade and then he was lucky enough to finish up with Bryan Koerner, who I am sorry to see go, his enthusiasm for music is very infectious. Cody didn't play in band throughout high school, but the background its given him, will be something that I know he will use throughout life. He was also part of our districts' gifted program, taught by Ann Seider. She does such a great job encouraging and challenging these students. I always said Nexus was the reason Cody got a cell phone, their Destination Imagination team won the state contest and advanced to the world finals, in Knoxville, TN. They were to be gone a little over a week, I wanted my 6th grader to be able to call home (and I could call him) so he got a phone.
High school, where to start? My math science kid loved much that high school has had to offer in those departments, I think that its likely a toss up which he liked better, particularly the upper level classes. I know that Tonya Schmidt and Seth Woods are names regularly mentioned in my household and ALWAYS held at highest regard! He also enjoyed Nathan Gordon in math as well as on the football field. High school was the second time he saw Mike Hann, who had been his middle school football coach. He loves history etc, even if he did get caught texting in class! ;)
Besides math and science and the basics, high school has been full of many MANY Ag classes. I think Cody has taken over half the ones offered and enjoyed them. Scott and Lori do a great job with the classes and FFA. It has been a BIG part of his high career.
I guess I kinda followed Cody's 'career' with the teachers he had, at least the ones for sure I remembered. But there are so many other great educators in these buildings. Jennifer Ludwig, who he cadets for has been his number one editor proofreading scholarship applications. Bobby Reeves who is now Principal at Chance Elementary, was his grade school PE teacher and golf coach the first couple of years.
Many teachers wear multiple hats in school districts, several are coaches as well. No essay about Centralia would be complete without the mention of Erle Bennett, Jim Newstead and Mike Adkisson. I don't know if Cody ever had Jim in class, but had the other two, but the place they have in his heart and ours is their outstanding coaching of our football team. I never had to worry too much about Cody getting into trouble, he was always more scared of them than us, and will admit to putting them up to a few 'talking to' conversations with him, as I know just highly he values their opinions. The entire football staff put in hours that would be deemed above and beyond the call to duty. In the summer their mornings started about 5am and I know for a fact several Friday nights they could not have arrived home much before midnight on some of those away games.
There are so many great teachers in the district. I couldn't even start to name them all and won't try, as I would surely miss someone and I would hate to do that. Since its Cody's last day there, I thought I would just highlight a few of the ones he had.
Happy Teachers Week,
From Tulip~
KH
:)
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
What's for Dinner Wednesday--Chicken Salad
May is Beef month, and here I am a cattle woman posting a chicken recipe. I am sorry, I will turn in my 'membership card' later. My only excuse is that its a BUSY week and these are pictures that I had taken a while back and haven't had the opportunity to prepare anything else. Since I didn't post a recipe last week, nothing was going to stop me from adding this one week, and the fact that I am subbing at school, and supervising kids while they complete some worksheets, I decided in the craziness that is this week, this was my only opportunity to add the post.....................so here goes!
Chicken Salad, the ingredients:
I buy the canned chunk chicken at Sam's club, that's the best buy I have found on it anywhere. Obviously you could cook your own and I have before, but I keep this chicken in the can on hand, that way I can make up something quickly if need be.
For salads, I prefer Hellman's, but if you are a Miracle Whip person, have at it. Then grapes, green onions and sliced almonds.
First step, shred the chicken.
Chop up the entire bundle of green onions, I think that there were 6 in this particular one. Also chop of grapes, I usually 'quarter' them.
Combine all ingredients. Notice I haven't mentioned amounts. If I had to actually measure, I would say one large can of chicken, this is probably equal to about 3 of the ones in most grocery stores, a bundle of green onions, again 6-ish........... maybe 1 generous cup of grapes. 1 cup of mayo and about 2/3 cup of almonds.
Store in the fridge in a sealed container. I kind of prefer to make this the day before I am going to serve, I think the flavors mix together better that way, who else does that?
This is a great cold entree or appetizer. I like to make the 'dollar' rolls and use them as my buns and make mini sandwiches. It's also good on toast. This recipe makes about 36 mini sandwiches with the dollar rolls. (which works out well if you don't have time to make them totally from scratch, Rhodes sells a bag of the thaw and rise rolls in a quantity of 3 dozen.)
This is a dish that when I take it to places, I rarely bring any home. The Farmer doesn't mind 'leftovers' if there are any, but he, Seth and I are the only ones at our house who really like it, so, its usually one of those recipes I take other places more than make at home. This was this case last week. We had a church member pass away and the bereavement dinner was supposed to be just sandwiches and salads. Now my country church is full of farm women who are prepared to cook most anything in times like this and 'only' sandwiches and salads, still filled three long church tables. In amongst the 30 other choices, I think that there was still only 3 sandwiches leftover when we cleaned up. This recipe is a people pleaser.
Is it bad when I am considering 'work' as time off? Thats the case this week. Hope all is well with our friends and blog followers. Silent Sunday will likely be very full of graduation party and actual graduation pics, look for momma to have a few tears in her eyes............ one last picture, not recipe related, but had to share the guy I am very proud of, he gave the Benediction at the end of Baccalaureate the other day, off the cuff, no notes. He has the gift of gab, not sure where he gets that, LOL
Wiping proud momma tears is my hobby this week,
From school (not at Tulip today)~
KH
:)
Chicken Salad, the ingredients:
For salads, I prefer Hellman's, but if you are a Miracle Whip person, have at it. Then grapes, green onions and sliced almonds.
First step, shred the chicken.
Chop up the entire bundle of green onions, I think that there were 6 in this particular one. Also chop of grapes, I usually 'quarter' them.
Combine all ingredients. Notice I haven't mentioned amounts. If I had to actually measure, I would say one large can of chicken, this is probably equal to about 3 of the ones in most grocery stores, a bundle of green onions, again 6-ish........... maybe 1 generous cup of grapes. 1 cup of mayo and about 2/3 cup of almonds.
Store in the fridge in a sealed container. I kind of prefer to make this the day before I am going to serve, I think the flavors mix together better that way, who else does that?
This is a great cold entree or appetizer. I like to make the 'dollar' rolls and use them as my buns and make mini sandwiches. It's also good on toast. This recipe makes about 36 mini sandwiches with the dollar rolls. (which works out well if you don't have time to make them totally from scratch, Rhodes sells a bag of the thaw and rise rolls in a quantity of 3 dozen.)
This is a dish that when I take it to places, I rarely bring any home. The Farmer doesn't mind 'leftovers' if there are any, but he, Seth and I are the only ones at our house who really like it, so, its usually one of those recipes I take other places more than make at home. This was this case last week. We had a church member pass away and the bereavement dinner was supposed to be just sandwiches and salads. Now my country church is full of farm women who are prepared to cook most anything in times like this and 'only' sandwiches and salads, still filled three long church tables. In amongst the 30 other choices, I think that there was still only 3 sandwiches leftover when we cleaned up. This recipe is a people pleaser.
Is it bad when I am considering 'work' as time off? Thats the case this week. Hope all is well with our friends and blog followers. Silent Sunday will likely be very full of graduation party and actual graduation pics, look for momma to have a few tears in her eyes............ one last picture, not recipe related, but had to share the guy I am very proud of, he gave the Benediction at the end of Baccalaureate the other day, off the cuff, no notes. He has the gift of gab, not sure where he gets that, LOL
Wiping proud momma tears is my hobby this week,
From school (not at Tulip today)~
KH
:)
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Silent Sunday
 |
| Jenna @ Fine Arts Night |
 |
| Seth and Macy |
 |
| The fam |
 |
| Tulip CC Graduate Recognition |
 |
| 4 Graduates, Luke Everhart, Cody, Sam and Melissa McBride |
Home from Baccalaureate and thinking of all the things I want to get done and hoping that I give myself the chance to enjoy all the moments that this week will be full of as well,
From Tulip~
KH
:)
Friday, May 3, 2013
Fridays on the Farm--Coming Attractions
This month is/has/will be a busy one around the farm. If Mother Nature ever gets over her infatuation with winter, maybe we will plant some crops. My Farmer is hoping this is soon. All the usual things are going on that do this time of year. The show calves are spending time daily in the barn with the kids. This year all four of our kids can show. It will likely be interesting. We have a friend with four daughters and I used to tease her about it, say that they were a stand alone class at the cattle show.............guess who will be in those shoes now? ;)
Seth has a little heifer that was one that he bottle fed last summer, she was too young to show at fairs, born end of June, so she is going to be his heifer exhibit. That is really the only one that anyone has laid claim to at this point. We have several steer and heifer prospects and right now 'everyone' is fairly even, I would say as the kids start getting more time in the barn, the 'winners' will rise to the top.
In amongst all else that normally keeps us busy, we have two of our four kids 'graduating' Cody graduates from High School, next Sunday............wow typing those words take my breath away. It honest to goodness really feels like just yesterday, I took him into his Kindergarten classroom. I can remember conversations The Farmer and I had before he started school about what a evolution would take place in the 13 years spent in public school. We couldn't have been more wrong about somethings and hit others dead on, both good and bad things, but that is life.
Our other graduate is Sam, who graduates from grade school about 10 days after his brothers' graduation. Sam is so different from Cody in so many ways. Cody has always been very curious and wanted to soak it all up, as far as academics. Sam, on the other hand, while I believe just as smart, is there because well he has to be. At first he was willing to go to school, because we convinced him in order to be a farmer he had to go, this satisfied him for quite a while. Then he discovered sports, now that is enough incentive, he gladly goes, because that is means to the end. The end for him is on the football field or the wrestling mat. Whatever inspires them, right?
So look forward to planting pictures, if we ever get a break in the weather, graduation pics and stories and of course 'kids and black cows' as coming attractions on our blog. Wanted to share with you as well that I am working a series of 'history' posts. Besides more information on our farm, family farming history; I am working on a history of Tulip. I have read several other blogs lately that had posts on their heritage, so thought that might be something to share here as well. In brief, the land our farm sits on was once a small town. Only two buildings remain, the church and the 'block building' that once housed a blacksmith's shop. That's all the 'trailer' I have for tonight. Just mostly wanted to check in with our followers, haven't gotten to blog as much as I have wanted, but have thought about you all and future posts, so look forward to what's in store.
Posting while listening to it continue to rain, but glad that H&K Farms was NOT one of the places in Missouri that got snow on the 3rd of May,
From Tulip~
KH
:)
Seth has a little heifer that was one that he bottle fed last summer, she was too young to show at fairs, born end of June, so she is going to be his heifer exhibit. That is really the only one that anyone has laid claim to at this point. We have several steer and heifer prospects and right now 'everyone' is fairly even, I would say as the kids start getting more time in the barn, the 'winners' will rise to the top.
In amongst all else that normally keeps us busy, we have two of our four kids 'graduating' Cody graduates from High School, next Sunday............wow typing those words take my breath away. It honest to goodness really feels like just yesterday, I took him into his Kindergarten classroom. I can remember conversations The Farmer and I had before he started school about what a evolution would take place in the 13 years spent in public school. We couldn't have been more wrong about somethings and hit others dead on, both good and bad things, but that is life.
Our other graduate is Sam, who graduates from grade school about 10 days after his brothers' graduation. Sam is so different from Cody in so many ways. Cody has always been very curious and wanted to soak it all up, as far as academics. Sam, on the other hand, while I believe just as smart, is there because well he has to be. At first he was willing to go to school, because we convinced him in order to be a farmer he had to go, this satisfied him for quite a while. Then he discovered sports, now that is enough incentive, he gladly goes, because that is means to the end. The end for him is on the football field or the wrestling mat. Whatever inspires them, right?
So look forward to planting pictures, if we ever get a break in the weather, graduation pics and stories and of course 'kids and black cows' as coming attractions on our blog. Wanted to share with you as well that I am working a series of 'history' posts. Besides more information on our farm, family farming history; I am working on a history of Tulip. I have read several other blogs lately that had posts on their heritage, so thought that might be something to share here as well. In brief, the land our farm sits on was once a small town. Only two buildings remain, the church and the 'block building' that once housed a blacksmith's shop. That's all the 'trailer' I have for tonight. Just mostly wanted to check in with our followers, haven't gotten to blog as much as I have wanted, but have thought about you all and future posts, so look forward to what's in store.
Posting while listening to it continue to rain, but glad that H&K Farms was NOT one of the places in Missouri that got snow on the 3rd of May,
From Tulip~
KH
:)
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Thankfulness Thursday---The Here and Now
As I sat supervising kids while they worked on assignments today while subbing at school, one of the things I do is brainstorm for blog ideas. I thought of so many things that I could write about, as we seem to perpetually be busy with a million things going on, so inspiration for postings, aren't too hard to come up with. I thought about today's writing prompt, thankfulness. I think about how quickly life passes us by, and then its just over and we think where did the time go? So I will attempt to ramble on and bring it all together. Here goes:
I hope my slightly random list offered a little insight to the feeling of blessedness that our family and farm bring to my soul everyday. With so many people in this world hurting, I feel blessed that today I wasn't one of them and I pray that their future hurts be few and hope that they can see the blessings and are thankful for the here and now.
Remembering my Aunt who taught me a lot about life and knowing she's celebrating her first birthday in Heaven today,
From Tulip~
KH
:)
 |
| Thankful for this kid (and my other 3) on the eve of some many endings, there are new beginnings for him and us, as parents we are about there with this one, soon we will move from management to consultant, looking forward to see what this one finds out in the world and how quickly he conquers it! BTW, that's his prom tux, we were seeing if it fit last night, they are ordering smaller pants, my Twig is a skinny one! |
 |
| One look and you have to wonder has she lost her da@# mind? Where's the thankfulness here? Well, this is about the view I have out my back window, this shed is less than 500 feet from my house and my house is untouched, we were blessed last week, it could have been so much worse. Also thought I would show that in between everything else they do, The Farmer and Uncle Honey are slowly but surely, getting it cleaned up. :) |
 |
| Bless to be a momma to farm kids. Where else in the world is a piece bale wrap and a puppy an afternoon's entertainment? Well here on the farm it can be. I worry sometimes that we maybe haven't given all we could have to our kids, but a free puppy, acres and acres to play on aren't the worst things that they could grow up with. |
 |
| Always thankful for COWS! Who would have thunk it, granted Sturgeon isn't 'big city' but I was a town kid, almost a quarter century ago, I probably didn't have cows on my thankfulness list. All these years later, I do, everyday. They are very much a part of our life. They provide income, diversity in our farming operation and many life lessons for our children, both happy and sad ones. Yeap the cows make my list! |
 |
| Hunter has figured out how to escape Macy! Thankful that he reminds me how we always adapt and evolve, regardless of the situation. When I think of the changes over the years, wow! Wouldn't do anything differently and have no interest in wishing away a single minute, so glad to be right where I am today and everyday. |
Remembering my Aunt who taught me a lot about life and knowing she's celebrating her first birthday in Heaven today,
From Tulip~
KH
:)
Monday, April 22, 2013
Mondays in Missouri--Tornado Clean-up
 |
| As they held up sections to pull things out, and worked their way from one end to the other, the roof tipped farther and farther over. |
 |
| Our good friend, Tim Lewis, brought this machine (of course I don't know what its called) to help. Thanx Buddy! |
 |
| With the two machines lifting the trusses, slowly the equipment could be pulled out. |
 |
| This was an important thing to get out. Hooked onto the tractor is our feed grinder and we generally grind about a weeks' worth at a time, so that was going to be a needed item SOON! |
 |
| Brother in law 'scooped' the glass out of the seat before sitting down and driving the tractor out. |
 |
| Two guys in 'tractors' and another important set of eyes watching. The man pictured is The Farmer's 'second' dad. A close neighbor and friend, who was the Farmer's dads best friend. Advice from those with more experience, is a blessing when trying to figure out how get this job accomplished. We love Bill Harris! |
 |
| Aaron Kroeger literally rode on the back of the grinder, holding things out of the way as my brother in law slowly drove it from under the building. |
 |
| The Big Steiger has a exhaust pipe that will need to be replaced, to start with, the guys will go over all the equipment and figure out what repairs are needed. Not the job that they wanted to do, days before planting begins, but some of the equipment is needed for field work, so there's no other choice. |
 |
| The beginnings of a 'wood pile'. Can't imagine how large that will get before this project is complete. |
Blessed to have great neighbors and friends who have shown up to help with this big project,
From Tulip~
KH
:)
Friday, April 19, 2013
On the Farm Friday--Is this Farmlife or a Roller Coaster?!?!?!
What a wild and crazy last several days around here we have had! Change is constant, which I find kind of an oxymoron, but so true at least at H&K Farms! Let me offer a little recap...............
A week ago last night, The Farmer and I were named 'Agricultural People of the Year' by our town's Chamber of Commerce. It was very neat to be honored, humbling and a feeling of being blessed. As a good friend introduced us, I was reminded of all the things I love about being in rural America. The blessings of community. Also lifelong friendships. In my mind the award was more about DH than myself, so as we listened to other recipients accept their awards, I looked at him and said, 'You're talking' Not that I couldn't have came up with plenty to say and likely would have gotten long winded, I felt like this was the perfect place to focus the emphasis on the man who is my Ag person of the year, EVERY YEAR!
Things 'quieted down' somewhat for a day or two............then along came the severe weather of this last Wednesday night. Let me set the stage. Good ol' Missouri and her unofficial motto, 'If you don't like the weather, wait a while, it'll change' It had been a blustery day and the Farmer came in the house about 5pm, which he generally doesn't do till dark and this time of year, it wasn't dark. They had put 'seeders' in heifers. (that is part of the process to get ready to breed them, in case you were wondering) I kind of gave him the what are you doing in here look and he said, its cold, and nasty and we decided to call it a day. Okay, fine with me, I was doing some computer work when...........
I don't know if the weather service will call it a tornado, but here at Tulip, we are going to call it one. About 5:30 this evening, we got a pounding rain and a little hail. I was doing office work and got this pressure in my ears, like when a plane takes off. About that time The Farmer went to our back door. He could barely open it, it faces to the east. We watched a large piece of tin come off the barn right behind our house. It's laying in the backyard. Moments maybe seconds after that The Farmer said, Oh God, it got the shed! We have a pole barn that houses some of our equipment. Right next to it is a nicer Morton bldg (it was untouched!). The Pole Barn is open to the East and South. It looks like the roof was picked up and possibly spun and then most of it landed back atop the shed. Of course its full of equipment so its resting on top of all of it. The most fragile item is our sprayer and it looks like it has some damage. Not sure about other things. A portion of the roof is quite a ways away from the shed and crumbled up like a piece of paper up in the fence line. We checked our livestock and besides being upset and stirred up, looks like everyone is fine. There was, however, another spot out in our pasture where a bunch of trees are shredded. Thinking it touched down there as well. Quite an evening, but blessed and thankful that all are okay. Thanks for all the words of support. ♥
That was our facebook status that evening................most widely viewed status we've ever shared.
Interesting how natural disaster makes everything else seem trivial. While I realize that there are bigger tragedies every day happening all over the world, this one was in my back yard, LITERALLY and now we have to pick up the pieces, also LITERALLY.
But like all rides, this one comes back around again..............this afternoon we go to watch our first born receive, not one, but two awards. It's our Missouri State FFA Convention this week. This afternoon, along with about 40 other kids who are in a roundabout way part of our extended State Fair family, he receives the 'Youth In Agriculture' Scholarship. This is awarded to kids who are exhibitors of the Missouri State Fair, which he has been since he was 8 yrs old and who plan to continue their educate at a Missouri University, majoring in Agriculture, which he's going to do! The other award is the next rung in the ladder in FFA. He is getting his State Farmer Degree. Its the culmination of the last few years of FFA work and activity involvement.
So I am charging up the camera batteries, and packing some klennex while The Farmer is feeding the cows and seeing that all things are as they should be so that we can go watch the next generation prepare to take their turn on this exciting ride called Agriculture.
Blessed to be on the Farm,
From Tulip~
KH
:)
A week ago last night, The Farmer and I were named 'Agricultural People of the Year' by our town's Chamber of Commerce. It was very neat to be honored, humbling and a feeling of being blessed. As a good friend introduced us, I was reminded of all the things I love about being in rural America. The blessings of community. Also lifelong friendships. In my mind the award was more about DH than myself, so as we listened to other recipients accept their awards, I looked at him and said, 'You're talking' Not that I couldn't have came up with plenty to say and likely would have gotten long winded, I felt like this was the perfect place to focus the emphasis on the man who is my Ag person of the year, EVERY YEAR!
 |
| David accepting the award very eloquently! |
 |
| The group of winners, teachers, business people, etc. |
I don't know if the weather service will call it a tornado, but here at Tulip, we are going to call it one. About 5:30 this evening, we got a pounding rain and a little hail. I was doing office work and got this pressure in my ears, like when a plane takes off. About that time The Farmer went to our back door. He could barely open it, it faces to the east. We watched a large piece of tin come off the barn right behind our house. It's laying in the backyard. Moments maybe seconds after that The Farmer said, Oh God, it got the shed! We have a pole barn that houses some of our equipment. Right next to it is a nicer Morton bldg (it was untouched!). The Pole Barn is open to the East and South. It looks like the roof was picked up and possibly spun and then most of it landed back atop the shed. Of course its full of equipment so its resting on top of all of it. The most fragile item is our sprayer and it looks like it has some damage. Not sure about other things. A portion of the roof is quite a ways away from the shed and crumbled up like a piece of paper up in the fence line. We checked our livestock and besides being upset and stirred up, looks like everyone is fine. There was, however, another spot out in our pasture where a bunch of trees are shredded. Thinking it touched down there as well. Quite an evening, but blessed and thankful that all are okay. Thanks for all the words of support. ♥
That was our facebook status that evening................most widely viewed status we've ever shared.
Interesting how natural disaster makes everything else seem trivial. While I realize that there are bigger tragedies every day happening all over the world, this one was in my back yard, LITERALLY and now we have to pick up the pieces, also LITERALLY.
But like all rides, this one comes back around again..............this afternoon we go to watch our first born receive, not one, but two awards. It's our Missouri State FFA Convention this week. This afternoon, along with about 40 other kids who are in a roundabout way part of our extended State Fair family, he receives the 'Youth In Agriculture' Scholarship. This is awarded to kids who are exhibitors of the Missouri State Fair, which he has been since he was 8 yrs old and who plan to continue their educate at a Missouri University, majoring in Agriculture, which he's going to do! The other award is the next rung in the ladder in FFA. He is getting his State Farmer Degree. Its the culmination of the last few years of FFA work and activity involvement.
So I am charging up the camera batteries, and packing some klennex while The Farmer is feeding the cows and seeing that all things are as they should be so that we can go watch the next generation prepare to take their turn on this exciting ride called Agriculture.
Blessed to be on the Farm,
From Tulip~
KH
:)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)