Do Your RIGHT Thing

DISCLAIMER: Frustration Release Day!I cannot keep it in any longer!

Ok, I let it out right off the bat... Why are we so judgmental? Why do we shun or cling to people based on their living circumstances, athletic ability, brand of clothing they wear, the size and shape, the jobs they have and who their parents or grandparents are or what the rumor mill has to say? Why do we not take time to get to know and experience people for themselves. Why do we not look at what their potential is, what they can do to help us become better people, and how they deserve to be valued. I am SO tired of the thoughts of if I do this, that person or group will not like it or if I say this or question that then people think I am attacking them. Yes, how things are said has a lot of play in how actions and words are received, but so does intent or reasons for the things we do and say.


Have we have become a society so worried about what others wear, do, have, say, think that we have lost touch with who we are, what we enjoy doing, and the ability to make our own decisions based on what is right for us? I personally, think so.

We have cut back or stopped doing what is right and have shifted to doing what we think others will feel is right.

I write this all out today because I find myself falling into the trap. I am not without fault myself. I also write because I struggle at times with finding the line between healthy levels of "keeping others perceptions and actions" in mind and unhealthy levels of "I can't do that or I will only do this or I should go there because a certain person or group will be there". The fine line between looking up to someone and trying to impress them and prove something is often hard to find. I write because the social world is VERY COMPLEX!

This is not a kid issue. It is not an teenager issue. It is not an adult or elderly issue. It s not a rural vs. urban issue or one of poverty vs. wealth. It is all of it.... It is a PEOPLE issue!

So why today is it the day to get this off my chest? Well, two very impactful things have happened in the past few days. Yesterday, was my son's 8th birthday party. Kids all played, had a good time, interacted well. As most birthday parties have, we opened gifts. Some presents were large and elaborate and others were small and simple.

To my son, it didn't matter. He Hi-5ed or hugged everyone, thanked them and couldn't wait to play with them all. None of the issues that I listed above came into play. He loved that each child was there, gift or not, large or small, rich or poor. He was simply pleased that they thought enough of him to want to come.


The second event happened today. Today is the last day of school for us. This means the annual award program. It means recognizing kids for a variety of accomplishments, most of which relate to academic performance and ability and most of which have very little to do with their character, actions towards others, desire to simply do what is right and do it because they want to, not being forced to do so. So I attended and clapped. I watched the clock, thought about the various things I wanted to get done before the afternoon end of year dance party celebration. Which is when I realized that I had forgotten about my favorite elementary award of all times, the Citizenship Award. In all honesty this award is my favorite, but it makes me nervous. I prayed that the awards went to people of good character and not those who simply are popular or parents have power or presence. Indeed, those making the decision did well! Three very deserving young people got this award. They act and make decisions, they carry on through diversity and strive to do it each day. These kids give me hope that more of us can do the right thing!

So as I try to end my rant, trying to come to terms that by making decisions that are right for me, that do not hurt others, that I will be able to offer more to more people. I try to tell myself that it doesn't matter what others not impacted by my decisions think if they are right for myself and my family. I try to feel at peace knowing that even when I justify and explain my position and decisions, which I don't have to do, that most of what I say will fall on deaf ears.

Today is the day to step forward and do what is our OWN Right Thing!
Where will you begin?

Text Messages of a Farm Wife in Spring

Like many others I have come to depend on my smartphone!
It dawned on me yesterday that the type of texts that I send and receive from maybe different from that of many others.

So, I share a few.....
Life is crazy busy with our farm and five kids. So, we divide and conquer during the busy farm seasons and send pics of kids' events and activities.

I also get pictures of what my kids are doing out in the tractor or when helping plant the crops with their dad....


Crop/ field reports and technology updates are also a hot item this time of the year!

Then there is always the attempt of enticing Mr. Farmer to "hurry up" and get home with pictures of his supper...



And some of my favorites are the simple reminders, despite all the stress, frustrations, long hours and time apart, that doing what we love and having each day come to a close with scenery like this, makes it all worthwhile!


Enjoy each day and the messages you receive! Treasure all you have been given and take nothing for granted!
( Yes, another text message.... you never know what will show up to inspire you in the palm of your hand!)

Winter was Good, But my Jeans Say Different

So what does one do when the Winter and sweatpants weren't so kind to the thighs and jeans?
Whether you are a size 2 or 20, it seems like being healthy and being comfortable with yourself and in your clothes is something that floats around in the minds of moms.

This past winter was probably the least physically active and busiest travel winter that I have ever had. For me that means I sat at my desk or in meetings, wore sweat pants to clean, fold laundry and attend kids' sporting events and eating some really great food! But my jeans, shorts and many of my dress pants are screaming.... HELP! (FYI- so is my checkbook because buying new clothes is just not an option!)

So, now that it is early May, what can I do....that took a lot of thought. No, really it did. I have spent several days tossing around in my mind the things I am realistically willing and able to do. Here is what I came up with...
* I don't drink enough water... no coffee probably doesn't count
* I LOVE carbs... ok, I could devour a whole loaf of fresh bread, pound of pasta, and baskets of starchy fruits and vegies
* I am not nearly as active as I should be.... thinking and moving my fingers doesn't do much for the butt or thighs.

So what does this acknowledgement and profession actually lead me to do. That's a great question!

FIRST- I have to drink 4 glasses of water before I can have my first cup of coffee( built in motivator!!!!)

SECOND- I have to have at least 6 more glasses of water before 7 pm..... So a total of 10 glasses before 7 pm.
THIRD- Carbs.... 1) be aware of foods besides breads, pastas and fruits that have carbs and 2) reduce intake of carbs to 40% of daily calorie intake and increase protein!

FOURTH (and final for now)- MOVE! MOVE! MOVE! I have decided to take on a commitment of 20 continual minutes of movement each day. I know this is doable! I can "find" time to do this... especially because so many things I do each day can be enhanced to be a bit more active! (Here is a good Youtube video (there are TONS) that shows simple ways to make each regular house task more active!





QUICK TRICKS:

MOVE, MOVE, MOVE!
Exercise doesn't have to include a machine to have an impact.
Think about this: stair climbing, sweeping and vacuuming with a little extra "gusto", dancing with your kids, raking, lawn mowing with a push mower, walking, playing a game of tag, swimming, yard work, gardening, bike riding, washing the car, and for us farm moms.... cleaning out livestock pens and shoveling grain bins!

CARB CALCULATOR: Number of grams of carbs x 4= total calories. Figure amount of total carb intake by taking total daily calories recommended per day x % of from your plan. Then divide that number by 4 to get the amount of carbohydrate grams to eat.(example: 1750 calories per day x 40% =700 calories from carbs. 700cal / 4cal per gram of carb = 174 carbs per day.)



Disclaimer: I am not a health professional. I am just a mom with some ideas, sharing them for anyone that wants to read. As many health articles suggest and I share their thought too, if you have concerns for or about your health, healthcare professionals recommend visiting with them before starting a new dietary or exercise routine.

Farming with Faith Through Cancer

One never knows what tomorrow will bring.
Celebrate each day!
I have tried to sit down and write this for several weeks... perhaps blocking my ability to post anything else that has been happening in the world of faith, family, farming and food. perhaps I struggled because it confirms a reality, perhaps because I am humbled by all who have stepped up to help, perhaps because it is still hard to talk about. BUT today, I am committed to sharing and moving forward!

Spring 2015 is a farming season we were not too sure about last fall. And oddly enough, not because the farm was struggling. We had good crops coming off the field, we had good equity, land, moisture, a plan for planting and labor. We had a good foundation in faith. We even had financing all in line for the 2015 farm season. What we didn't have was our health.

On September 5th, 2014, confirmed on Sept 8th, we found out that my husband had Leukemia. At that time he was VERY ill and although they doctors hoped that he would be able to recover from the side effects (dangerously enlarged spleen, lack of appetite, and pain among a few other things) from this cancer, nothing was a for sure. As treatment was started to improve his excruciating high levels of while blood cells and some of his side effects, we learned quite a bit.

We learned that Leukemia is not curable, only treatable/ manageable at best. We found out that he would most likely be on one form or another of Chemotherapy ( in a pill form) daily for the rest of his life. We had no idea how he would respond to the treatment. We didn't know what the future was going to look like, but we did discover that our employees, family, friends and the businesses that we did business with had our back and were willing to make harvest and the farm continue and ensure we were taken care of! That's what small town rural America is all about- right!

Now, that famous saying.... God doesn't give us more than we can handle... for several weeks I wanted to let God know exactly what I thought of him at that moment.... and yes, I would have not been polite and if God was a human standing in front of me, he may have called 911 and pressed charges. But he isn't human and he is a great listener who provides strength when we need it the most!

So, 7, almost 8 months have passed. It has been a true roller coaster. Steven was in the hospital for 2 weeks. He has had weekly blood draws in Bismarck, 55 miles ways, since discharge. After about 5 months they switched to every week and now Steven has his blood checked every 4 weeks. We meet with the oncologist in Bismarck every other month and have been to Mayo Clinic in Rochester 3 times. Yes, he really does take a form of Chemo everyday- twice a day in fact. As tired as this medicine makes him, it is for the best! All of his blood work continually gets better. The doctors have repeated several highly skilled tests analyzing cells in Steven's Bone marrow- now that is a story-- a need stuck into your hip bone with almost not numbing medicine and no sedation, no thanks! All results are looking VERY good!

When it is said that God answers prayers on his own time and that there are many things to be gained from struggle, as painful and tough as it may be, I'd have to agree. As of 2 weeks ago, the doctors could not detect any cells that cause the Leukemia that Steven has!!! Saying that we are ELATED, would be an understatement.

Although this is what we feel to be "our miracle", it doesn't mean the doctors were wrong when they said Steven's Leukemia wasn't curable. It means that for the time bring, we are doing everything right. We will still have to check blood monthly, check cells for mutations - which cause the cancer, and make sure that none of the side effects from the chemo is taking hold.... so far being tired is the only one he has and that is something we can live with!

But when all is said and done, we realize that everyone has a burden or two to carry. This just so happens to be one of ours and by having it enter our life we haven't let it take over, but show us all that we have to be thankful for...we have so much.. Faith, Family, Friends and the ability to do what we love, Farm!

Here's to farming season 2015 and our whole new outlook on life!

Lent... Fish Again?

Yes, it is that time again. The time of year that we are supposed to step back, reflect on our faith, take action to become less selfish, and evaluate our action as it relates to pour faith... it is Lent! Well, in all reality, it is almost over, but it still is for a few more days!

At our house lent is fairly simple. We reflect on our faith, identify ways we can exemplify our faith and then decide what we are going to give up or in some cases take on. Of course, it also means no meat on Fridays.Now, I kind of enjoy this part-- I LOVE fish, seafood, noodle, and grilled cheese! But my family on the other hand is not nearly as excited!

So a few weeks ago I tempted to try something new... Something that the family might get a bit more excited..... So I made Veggie, Lentil Penne Alfredo.... It was simple...

I chopped up some Kale and Spinach, a small onion, 2 Roma tomatoes, a few stalks of celery, and a few shakes of Italian seasoning. I then mixed in a jar of alfredo sauce, a cup of sour cream and about 2 cups of milk. Next, I boiled ,get this, red LENT-il penne pasta noodles. Drained and let them cool. Then I mixed the noodles into the veggie and sauce mixture, poured it all into a 9x13 pan coated in cooking spray and cooked uncovered for about 40 minutes at 350 degrees.

It came out of the oven delicious!












I paired it with parmesan crusted Tilapia (for me), fresh mixed greens salad and petite cold carrots!

Despite thinking I was pretty corny using LENT-il pasta during Lent, the meal was a hit!

One just never knows what a family with 5 kids will eat... I am learning to never expect a certain result, but to be grateful for the opportunity to provide! Opening ourselves to new experiences is what living is all about!


"Lent stimulates us to let the Word of God penetrate our life and in this way to know the fundamental truth: who we are, where we come from, where we must go, what path we must take in life..." -- Pope Benedict XVI

A Simple Amazon Search- Oh My!

Today I was ordering a few items to share with friends. I almost always use Amazon to do so. So I typed in the phrase "Plan B" looking for Suzy Toronto's "Life is All About Plan B" items. I often search for things using various search engines and websites and know that the responses are often not what you initially are looking for; but, today I was caught off guard.

I entered "Plan B" into the search box. A minute later I got the following results....

Plan B emergency contraception,










A book, What to Do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would: Plan B,

and then the Suzy Toronto items I was looking for

.... What a wide variety! In all honesty I was shocked, perhaps even appalled!

Amazon sells a TON of stuff. I buy a TON of stuff from them. It is convenient, a fair price most of the time, I don't have to drive an hour to get stuff, and it's delivered to my door in 2 days! But emergency contraception throws me for a loop! Should it be that easy to access what used to be called "the morning after pill" and used to require a prescription? I know the FDA has approved it for over the counter sales and I know that other stores sell it too. But it is in a section in a store in which I would expect it. A person has to be looking for it in order to find it. It doesn't just "pop" up! What seems to get me bothered as much as I am is the way I stumbled upon it. I wasn't looking for it at all.

I have to ask....How many others will do the same? Will it promote reckless behavior? How many reckless teens and adults will purchase and use this? How many will use it as a result of a tragic experience? I do not have answers just more questions. There may be some positive sides for some, but I being a conservative believe that this is not a solution. It is a product looking for more trouble.

So, what does this search today teach me? Search terms are important! Be prepared for what you may come across. It is a free market world that we will live and products will be sold and named as companies are approved to do so and choose to do. I need to be more specific with my search terms! I need to prepare, teach, and guide my children to make choices that align with our family values and faith.

Be Bold... Wonder Women

March is National Women's History Month. It is a series of dates in which women past and present are highlight, celebrated, acknowledged for their contribution and accomplishments. As I look back at the past 37 years there are many people I would put on a list to celebrate. They all have one thing in common.... They ALL took risks and stepped out of their comfort zone.

Over the past two years, I have been fortunate to participate in a national leadership program, Partners in Agricultural Leadership. Despite agriculture's need for leaders, feet on the ground spoke people, and communicators, being part of this program has developed me to use leadership, communication, problem solving, research, listening, issue development and empathy in real life. In real life I value these skills in relation to our farm/ agriculture and within in my involvement in my state and community. It is with these skills that I have stepped back and realized that if I am going to complain and desire something different, then I better be ready to offer solutions.

Today, many women have found opportunities to be involved. They have discovered that they do not need to be part of a group or club designed only for them. They know that they are valued for more than their ability to bake, make decorations, and care for children. Today, women, although more difficult in some regions of our country than others, are leaders, communicators, and connectors out in the open, not just behind closed doors. Today, women are electing to participate in women's and ladies' groups because they see value and comfort in them and by choice, not because that is their only opportunity!

So, for all you women, moms, aunts, business owners, homemakers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, young ladies, athletes, musicians, students, service workers, etc..... BE BOLD, celebrate yourself, your talents, and passions. Step up and be involved, let your desires, concerns, ideals, and solutions be heard. YOU have a lot to offer!

E- verify May Leave YOU Hungry

There is a lot of Hubba-Balloon happening about DHS funding, amnesty for illegal immigrants, and the E-Verify system. 

I state right away that I am all for safe, streamlined and systemic approach to allowing others to enter the USA!  But E- verify is not going to work! WHAT? You may say! 

Yeah, I want safety, but unless reform of the agricultural worker program (H2A) is undertaken then E-verify will put our food supply, jobs and heritage at risk. The simple fact is that most Americans do not want to do the tasks required in agriculture. They view it as below them and they are too good for manual labor whether skilled tasks or not. 

If E-verify goes into effect, upto 60% of the labor used on farms around the country will be delayed in arriving or not be available at all. 

I know this seems extreme, but it is true!  And comes because only 6-7% of the foreign agricultural labor enters the U.S. on an official H2A- seasonal Ag worker visa. The small percentage is a result of difficulty of the system. The expense and layers of governmental agency red tape. The system is very cumbersome. Add to that the lack of understanding of the need by the Dept. Of Labor and it is almost impossible to utilize the system and have it work in a timely manner.  

Some simple facts include:

**50-60% of all farm labor will no longer be available

** increase in food imports 

** food prices will rise approximately 6%

** food production will fall by $30-60 billion 

** increase in already unstable work force

** farms will decrease in profitability

** risk of drastic increase of food waste of planted lands and vast amounts of land will go unplanted 

So I ask, do we want to import workers or import food? Do you want to see a system that respects those that work to provide for others and better themselves  or one that ignores the needs of a business and livelihood sector in which we ALL depend on-- Agriculture ? 

Please let you House and Senate 

representatives know that Ag labor reform is essential and cannot be jeopardized by passing an enforcement only E-verify legislation.  Tell them to fight for a NO vote on The Legal Workforce Act.    

Prairie Mamas to the Rescue

Living in a rural area can be lonely at times. (Especially if you are like me and kinda like to stay home in sweats.) Moving to a small town from a large city can be even lonelier. Being a farmer and living a life and schedule many don't understand or are not familiar with adds an extra layer of difficulty too. It's hard to break through and find those that you connect with well! You know, those you can turn to when you are in the middle of your toughest times, have questions you don't need shared with the rest of the town, and people that you can enlighten with stories of the wild things you saw, did or watched your kids do.  Small towns can be tough. ( I will say that the are some pretty awesome people in my small town.) Sometimes those that we become closest to live the furthest away. 

I have to say, I have some of the best "Prairie Mama" friends from around ND that I could ever expect to find!  They are my rock, my encouragement, and source of humor, but ultimately they are always there reminding me of how amazing faith and God are!  

Faith is something I struggle with. How can the faithful be challenged so often? Why is it that the more I commit to a life with The Lord that I find more questions than answers? How many things can be thrown at me at once and am I really expected to rise above them and come out on top? I get that faith is a journey and that by attending church, listening and working at it it will get easier to hear and follow. But, in all selfishness, I would love for one request via prayer to be answered on my terms. Ok, I know that is part of the learning curve... But throw me a bone, please!  

So, when it comes to struggles and what feels like prayers are falling on deaf ears, I reach out to the "Prairie Mamas". They help fill the gap while waiting for direction from The Lord. It is this that I am utmost grateful. It is this that reinforces the true meaning of friendship. It is this that adds value to all other relationships I have. It's the "Prairie Mamas" that keep me going! 

Thanks Prairie Mamas! I owe you big! 

Headlines Hit Home

I will be the first to admit that the main newspaper I pick up is my local paper. There are often great stories about upcoming events and things that have taken place in our community. Of course, one of the most entertaining sections of the paper is the Sheriff's Report. I also catch "news" headlines in a variety of place: Facebook, Twitter, Fox News, CNN, newsletters and such. I am always surprised how there can be so many different stories about the same situation, event or trend. What makes one person see something in a completely different way than another. I have decided that it come down to a few basic principles:
* marketing
* personal experiences
* personal beliefs
* motives
* effort into unfolding the truth

While doing some reading over the past week the light bulb came on.... I, and I will dangerously venture to assume, and many others don't distinguish between correlation and causation. Ok, I know deep stuff, but it is true! If we look at illness or even food/ eating trends there are 1000's of headlines that scream at us to believe things like "Sugar is Killing us!" "Gluten is Making us Fat" and "Hormones in Food Advance Puberty". All of these headlines trick our brains into jumping on a bandwagon without taking time to ask.... is sugar really causing death (causation) or do some people who consume heightened amounts of sugar and some people die from health issues (correlation) or does gluten in wheat products truly cause obesity (causation) or do many people eat excess amounts of highly processed foods, which are often products containing wheat, and are some people carrying excess/ unhealthy weight (correlation). And to be quite honest, there are and have always been hormones in everything we consume- yes, even the lettuce we grow in our own gardens! I am pretty much an open book. So, I will admit that a few years ago I was shocked to find that all food and plants carried hormones and that I consumed them every day for over 30 years! I was a critic of hormone use simply because I didn't know any better.

Headlines drive me crazy... but there are some fabulous writers and marketers out there! They do their job well. As a mom, farmer, wife of a farmer and a life long learner I am always seeking out new information. I want to make sure that I am making the right choices for my family and for ensuring quality process and product on our farm. All decisions are generally well thought out, some just come a little easier than others. Somethings are complicated and others are not.

I too fall victim to the big bold letters and catchy three to six line phrases that often send our brains spinning and into defense mode. My only resolution to the talented media and marketing experts is to simply ASK QUESTIONS. Have questions about food or things we do in farming and ranching? Ask those who work in those areas each day. If we don't have the knowledge in the area you ask about we will help you connect with people who do!

As for me, I am an open book. I hope to share why I do what I do on my farm and with my family. So the invitation is open.... GATHER YOUR QUESTIONS AND ASK AWAY!

If You Give a Mom a Garbage Bag

About a week ago I finally realized why I felt like I started a lot of things, but never got any of them finished. I seriously felt like I had been suffering from adult onset ADD, but it wasn't. It was simpler than that..... Simply, I AM A MOM! I have a million things running through my mind all at once and I just hope that my brain can keep up and put all those thoughts into the right folder in my brain so most things when they do get done are done fairly accurately!

And so on this day, when I had this revelation, my story began,,,,

If You Give A Mom A Garbage Bag

If you give a mom a garbage bag expecting her to place it in the can,
she will find a piece of dirty clothes laying on the floor in the way.

The dirty clothes will lead her down the hall towards the clothes hamper when
she will hear a child yell her name.

Spinning to decipher which child and where they are calling from and yelling, " Yes, what?!"
she steps on a pile of legos and stops to pick them up.

As she is picking them up she notices that there are dust bunnies and left over lunch on the floor
and puts down the garbage bag, laundry, and lego and heads to get the broom.

On the way to the broom closet a child calls her name again
and she dashes to the stairs to once again say , Yes, what?"!

Which is met with, " Did you remember that I have a birthday party to go to today?",
she sighs puts her hands on her head and contemplates what Christmas gift could be re-gifted.

But as she mentally runs down the gift list, the telephone rings.
She stops to answer the phone and agrees to bring rolls to church.

Because she agreed to bring rolls,
she stops to make sure she has flour in the pantry.

As she reaches for the door knob on the cupboard
she notices that it is all caked in "stuff".

As a result of it being covered in weeks worth of gunk,
she grabs a paper towel, wets it and walks back to wash the handle.

When she is done washing the handle she opens the garbage can to toss in the towel,
suddenly she realizes that she never put the garbage bag in the can.

Which leads mom back to the pile of the garbage bag, dirty clothes and legos,
when she decides that it is time for a cup of coffee and a status update on Facebook!

For all you moms out there, remember that for the millions of things that go half done that your effort may be worth more than the success of completion!

Family Food Shinanigans

As a mom to five kids, I try to make a variety of meals. I balance convenience, cost, time, and nutrition. I try to make many of my own meals, but I too enjoy tossing in a pizza or heating up a hot dog and a box of macaroni and cheese. My biggest challenge isn't making meals, it is making meals that my kids will eat. I have three noodle lovers, 1 who will eat them once in a while, one that is nauseated if he sits by a noodle eater. I have 3 potato lovers, one that will taste them if forced, and another that would rather starve. So, when it comes to rice... all my kids will eat it, but my husband thinks that it is a waste of energy lifting the spoon to his mouth. Veggies only take starches to a whole other level..... In short we eat a lot of corn, broccoli and salad.

Well, I am here to tell you also that I may have one of the pickiest eaters around. My oldest has sensory processing issues amongst a few other challenges. Some of his struggles come in the form of food. We have struggled to find things that he will tolerate and times and situations where we can bend his boundaries over the last 10 years. Sometimes he struggles taste, other times it is a textures and after that we deal with food touching issues. Over the years we have made quite a bit of progress. I can wipe sauces off of meat and he will eat it. I can combine a few different food together and he will eat most of my concoctions. About six months ago he even asked me to make peas....and he ate the whole micro-steam bag!!

So you can just about imagine that I was stopped in my tracks when my little 13 year old chef ( We call him Boy'R Dee.) was re-heating via the grill 2 kinds of meat ( his favorite food to eat) and a wide variety of veggies. He had carrots, broccoli, cauliflower heating up. Then once he was done eating, he asked if he could make more! Yes, my jaw dropped to the floor! When he asked if I could buy more mixed fresh veggies for him, I almost cried!

I share this today because in most families I meet, there is usually someone who is labeled as "the picky eater". I am here to tell you that there is hope. I always ask my kids to try what I make for dinner. They can lick, bite, chew, suck on the item, but they need to try what I provide for them before I will allow them to pass on eating it.

Don't ever give up. Food should never be a fight, but an opportunity!

2015 Gets an "F"

Yes, 2015 already gets an "F" from me. At a time in the year in which so many people are taking time to make resolutions to do things or not do things, I sat back and reflected on what is valuable in my life. The last part of 2014 was challenging and I had to put quite a few things on the back burner and identify what mattered most. Now that 2015 has hit, I had to decide if any of those "back-burner" things could be moved forward or if I had enough on my plate.

As I sat and thought and tried to categorize the things that I valued each day, my list became rather short. 2015 will be full of " F's",but certainly not failure. In fact, it will be filled with things that will allow my family and I to persevere and succeed. In 2015 I resolve to focus on:
*Faith
*Family
*Farm
*Friends
*Finances
and of course FRIDAYS!

None of these things come easy. All take dedication and effort. I am certain that balancing them will be challenging and force me to be less selfish. But, in the end everything will be better, stronger and more settled. It is my plan to share stories from all my "F's" throughout the year on Friday's! Why Friday? well, because it is a day of celebration. For many it is payday, end of the regular work week, the beginning of more family time, time to see friends and family, leads to planned day of worship, and for us allows our family to work together on the farm. And perhaps for no other reason than, it is my favorite day of the week!

So, until next week when I share about FOOD, think about what letter grade you plan to give 2015!

"Rooted in love and grounded by faith." Eph 3:17

Our Calf Crew

The other day I sat out in our cattle corral and reflected upon many things. As I was doing so, I was surrounded by 3 calves. They were nudging me, licking me and mooing!It was then that I realized how much enjoyment raising a few calves can bring. This is our second year taking on a few bottle calves and we LOVE it!

They are just the right size for all my kids to interact with, learn about their characteristics, and to care for. They are also just right for me! I love having them run to the gate when they hear the back door open and close. Seeing them jump around play is a wonderful sight. They play tag with the kids and our goats and give lots of kisses. I especially love that the kids take on the responsibility of feeding, watering and changing their bedding. Taking in and raising a few calves is not a necessity, but a nicety. It teaches us all about compassion, responsibility, priorities and planning. It helps us understand the needs of other living things and get a feel for what ranchers and livestock owners go through each and everyday. Our calves our loved, cared for and played with. My kids give them names according to their personalities. This year we have Rosey- an average size gal, good natured and strong, Daisy- petite, calm, and personable, and Rocky- a large bull calf, playful, and gentle. The kids give the calves a lot of attention, love and treats, but they know that they are different than the pets we have. They are ultimately being raised for food. My kids are ok with that. They know that that is the lifecycle of cattle and other animals that we have. How do I know? Well, because they say it. They tell others. They look forward to selling their animals each fall and taking in new ones in the spring. Raising a few animals is an experience that I cherish because it naturally teaches many things that are essential at all stages of life!

Here's to Moo-ving forward and raising healthy calves, well-rounded happy kids and experiences of a lifetime!

3 Cheers for H2O and a Greener Planet, right?

Today, April 22nd, marks a day that millions of people focus on making choices that are good for the environment. It is Earth Day!

Sometimes we pledge to recycle more, waste less, reuse things when possible. Other times we take the time to plant a tree, pick up garbage, turn off the lights or even walk and carpool places. But it is necessary for us to focus a whole day or only 1 day on practices such as these? I go back and forth on an answer to that. Part of me says we shouldn't need to "celebrate" the Earth for an entire day as we should be making wise decisions everyday. I struggle because I know that many do not think about the decisions we make each day and what impact that will have on future generations. So, perhaps, we do need a whole day to help us remember to be more eco-friendly!

I am a teacher by trade and have always asked my students, 4-Hers, and religious class students to participate in an activity that would be good for our environment. The down side was that I never took the time to research or find out how Earth Day came to be and why we celebrate it. This year I took a few minutes and started to read. The first Earth Day was in 1970. It fell in the midst of the protests against the Vietnam War, a milestone in music with the death of Jimi Hendrix and the last Beatles album release, and a large oil spill in California. Gaylord Nelson, a US Senator from Wisconsin, wanted to get people excited about the air and water with the intention of inspiring people to stand up and request that they be protected. He was successful! The era of happiness and save all living things was an ideal time for him to rally support from college and university students, as well, as other groups that were trying to stop deforestation and oil. As a result of the 1st Earth Day the in United States, US representatives came together and supported the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Soon after the creation of the EPA, the "Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Act" followed.

This all sounds great right? Well, parts of it is. From where I sit, I see it two ways..... 1) it raised awareness that wasn't there before and engaged millions of people in a dialog that wasn't present previously and 2) it has given the EPA and other environmental interest groups a voice, money, and a desire to control and regulate aspects of our landscapes, lives and livelihood that they have no right or need to control.

As a farmer in central North Dakota I am concerned about the air I breathe, the soil I depend on to provide an income for my family, and the water that falls from the sky, sits in my sloughs and flows in the lakes, rivers and streams around me. I want to make sure that I leave the environments that I come in contact with each day no worse, if not better than what it was when I encountered them. I know, cliche' right? Well, it may sound that way, but I truly mean it! Over the years our farm has invested time, energy, and money into making the best decisions for the land we use. We know that soil can not be regenerated at the rate that it was blowing and washing away, we know that the minerals and elements found in the soil are a precious commodity, we know that every drop of water that we are blessed with is vital for life, and we know that the air we breathe is essential and strive to keep all these things as pure as possible. Because my family has invested so much time into doing what is right, not just on Earth Day, but every day, I feel that I need to extend a hand and let people know that the EPA and other environmental groups along with the Corps of Engineers are fighting to control one of the most valuable resources... WATER! These groups want to be able to regulate the water that flows from slough to slough, from pond to pond, and from spring stream to stream. In short they want to have a say in what happens to every drop of precipitation that comes from the sky.

On my farm and the land in which we live, many areas are used for hay production. These ditches, grass waterways, and edges of larger or year round water will be regulated and taken out of use. The new proposal also has serious implications for our farm and what we do each day. In the spring we have several potholes, places where snow melts and early season rains collect. These areas eventually dry and can be planted. Sometimes they need to be cultivated to hasten the drying process, but nonetheless they are not a flowing body of water, definitely not navigable, and not permanent. As a result of the revised and updated "Clean Water Act", we would not be able to farm these lands. For me, living in what is called the "Prairie Pot Hole Region", the EPA and Corps Clean Water regulations could literally make farming a large portion of our land impossible. Most years we have more than 75% of our field that is covered with Spring water and of that about 20% lasts a few weeks into planting season and is planted with later season crops. As the Clean Water Act is written, my family wouldn't be able to plant these acres and we would be pushed out of farming! The EPA and Corps regulations also impact my ability to minimize the effect of insects. This means that I potentially couldn't spray for certain kinds of bugs that do harm to crops. I also could not spray for insects such as mosquitoes. Moist areas also breed insects and mold, two things that can cause crop damage, but also health issues if not dealt with. In addition, these regulations would not allow my farm to implement the conservation techniques that we have invested in. My concern is that these federal agencies are making rules that make no sense.

Water is a natural resource! It is natural and is mighty. It chooses where it wants to flow. It has carved out landscapes that make us stop in our tracks and admire it. Water is important, it is vital, and it is a gift from our creator. Let us respect it!

On Earth Day, I still encourage you to think about ways that you can extend a hand and do something positive for the environment that you aren't already doing. I ask that you celebrate the day and raise awareness of the value of the Earth and all it has to offer. I also ask that you take a moment to explore the practices in place that are working to ensure a future for our environment and question the need to be over regulated. Just because something started as a way to raise awareness, doesn't mean that it needs to continue to expand its authority.

Extraordinary Places Policy is Extraordinarily Dangerous

Hold on tight... this is a bit of a long one!


As a property owner, a farmer, a citizen of North Dakota, and a mom, I have become increasingly interested in the future of the state. I want to make sure that my family, my children and all that come after have the opportunity to make their own decisions and live in a state which will allow them to be responsible, honorable, that respects their heritage, allows them to be innovative, creative and a productive individual.

One action that will limit my, my families, and your rights is the “Extraordinary Places” or “Areas of Interest” policy that was recently adopted by the ND Industrial Commission.The ND Industrial Commission, comprised of Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, Commissioner of Agriculture Doug Goehring, and Governor Jack Dalrymple, has officially put this policy into place and it is dangerous!

The Drilling Permit Review Policy was adopted March 3, 2014, after it had been amended. The Commission did not allow for public comment on the amended version. The previous version of the policy had over 400 phones call to the Governor Dalrymple’s office alone and numerous additional electronic comments. Commissioner Goehring has been quoted as stating that this, the policy, is a “workable solution. We can avoid any unintended consequences”. He boldly shares this despite the fact that he knew fully that private property owners were included in the list and in the setback areas identified in the policy and that these areas located in the western part of the state and along waterways are lined by land privately owned and would be impacted by the outlined provisions. My question is, “What’s the problem we need a solution for?” We already have a system in place.

For me, the actions of the Commission are purely selfish, an attempt to appease environmental agencies, offices, and groups. They passed this policy knowing that the legislative body voted down a similar regulation when it was presented during the last legislative cycle. The Industrial Commission took it upon them self to put into action a policy (a practice imposed within an agency for enforcement) that gives environmentalist groups, generally those that are not politically aligned with the conservative principles of the Republican party, of which all three members belong to, a voice at the table while infringing on private property rights and individual freedoms.

(picture from Bradyreports.com)
So, why I am so hung up on private property rights? Well, because we have become a nation where we feel that it is our responsibility to govern every aspect of what everyone else is doing. We are a people that strive to please those that make the most noise. We are a people who live in fear and what –ifs and not in common sense. We are a population that has become lazy and it is time that WE THE PEOPLE stand up and take our responsibilities back and tell government and agencies of over regulation that they need to back off.
Private property rights do not conflict with human rights. They are human rights. Private property rights are the rights of humans to use specified goods and to exchange them. Any restraint on private property rights shifts the balance of power from impersonal attributes toward personal attributes and toward behavior that political authorities approve. Private property rights protect individual liberty. This is exactly why, the Drilling Permit Review Policy, passed by the Industrial Commission, is inappropriate and completely uncalled for!

At this time the Commission boasts that private property will not be at the mercy of public, state and/ or federal comment when it comes to regulating drilling permits. This is only partially true as there is a paradox within the policy. How do you separate out the private property when it is still listed on the map and in the policy. According to Governor Dalrymple, the reason that private property is still listed is that “this is a pilot policy. If it works on the public land we will expand it to the private land in that areas of interest". As stated by the governor, the policy that has been adopted, identifies several private lands among the eighteen Areas of Interest. There are also private lands associated in what the policy calls “setback” areas. Additionally, all state trust land (ie. state school land) is included in this policy, impacting use of the land as it currently is used now (hay, farming, and grazing) and into the future.

As public lands continue to be shut down to oil, gas and water, increased private lands will be needed causing increased tension between mineral and surface owners. Land owner notification is also a concern. When the Commission identified the eighteen areas around our state, the private land owners were not included in the conversation. In fact, in at least one case they were not contacted or notified that their land was being added to the list.
As a result of the Industrial Commissions actions, we now have to ask, “What can we do to protect out rights, our liberties, our future?” The answer is not simple. The legislature will have to deal with it in the next session, but until then we need to dialog. We have to talk! We have to share what we know, listen, speak up, ask questions, and empower each other. We have to stand up for what we believe in and let our elected officials know that we are not happy with the Commissions actions. We need to take responsibility and work to have representation that represents the people of the state that have been here, are here, and that want to have future generations reside here.
Don’t let your rights vanish. Engage. Share this with others.

Property rights are human rights and we shouldn’t let them be taken away!

For more information of the “Areas of Interest”, also called “Extraordinary Places” policy go to:
ND Farm Bureau: https://www.ndfb.org/policy/issues/environment/areas-of-interest/
Map of Extraordinary Places: http://www.nd.gov/ndic/ic-press/ND-Ex-Map.pdf
ND Industrial Commission: http://www.nd.gov/ndic/

Corn for My Jaw

One never knows when the things growing in their backyard will come In handy. As a farmer who grows corn, I never imagined that it would turn to be a medical treatment. Yah, I know kinda crazy. Yah I know, the corn used is probably not directly from my field, but it is the same crop.... Corn!   

Over the last few years I have developed a fairly a severe click in my jaw. I have tried oral orthotics, stopped eating certain things, chiropractic care, and even electrode therapy. Nothing has worked to heal my jaw joints. So, I thought I was doomed to either have to wear a mouth piece the rest of my life or deal with the clicking and grinding. I thought that until my orthodontist recommended prolotherapy , Simple injections of a solution made of water and corn sugar! 

So what does it do? Well it is simple. Sugar in general is an inflammatory. It causes inflammation. So, when this solution is injected into the join, the issue slightly swells and it causes the tendons to constrict. Thus causing my loosened tendons to constrict and my jaw to move properly. So, how long does each treatment last about 2-3 weeks. It seems like it should last a bit longer, but one has to remember that the more the join is used the more quickly the reaction to the solution dissipates. So, I go back every 3 weeks to receive more, each time I go the dose is adjusted based in the results. Eventually, I will be able to spread out the treatments as my tendons will has "relearned" what they need to do and where they need to be, as well as, retain some of the tightness that has been lost over the years, but reintroduced through this therapy.

I am constantly reminded that the family farm I operate with my husband and our employees is much bigger than just food and fuel. We are providing products that are used in products on the shelves at stores, in medical supplies, and in construction and manufacturing materials. I am thankful for the hands at work who grow these crops, the minds that are structured to invent new uses, the technology to transform, and the industries and people who put these crop based products into our lives and use them on a daily basis! 

Farmers + Politics = An Essential Combination

Farmers become involved in politics for no other reason than they have to. For it is those at the table that make and influence decisions.We live in a time when most of our state and national representation are from urban and suburban areas.

(ND Legislative districts- concentration of districts around the towns of Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, & Minot)

It is also a time that the majority of our representatives are so disconnected with agriculture, farming, ranching and agribusiness that we need to become involved, share our stories and ask questions regarding proposed legislation and current law. Farmers are involved in politics to limit the constant threat of an over burdensome government. We live in a time where environmental, animal welfare, food safety, and nutritional special interest groups are driving policy and practices based on the amount of money they can sink into a campaign and the amount of fear they can drive into people's hearts.

Farmers become involved in politics as a way to connect with those representing them.

They become involved to put a face and a story to actions being contemplated. Farmers provide a specific examples of how certain rules or practice guidelines will be beneficial or detrimental to their business. Farmers become involved so that they can be knowledgeable, help their family farm and businesses prepare for the future, defend their heritage and rights as a property owner, small business owner/ operator and invest in the future of the land, agriculture, and their families.


Farmers become involved in politics because if it is not us, the farmers, then it is everyone else. If we don't get involved now, then when?

We know that we need to be present, active, and knowledgeable so that we are not forced to compromise our beliefs, heritage and future and risk the demise of the oldest industry and the backbone of our national economy at the hands of those who "think" they know what is best for us, but have never asked.

So, step up and get involved. Agriculture today and tomorrow needs you!

Vacations, Viruses, Vomit, & the Virtual World

After being gone at the national Farm Bureau Annual meeting in San Antonio, I arrived home to a tidy house, some closets cleaned out, and sickness! 

My four year had come down with Influena! Which means, coughs, fevers, weeping eyes and lots of snuggle time! It also means that we all get to be on Tamaflu! Yippee!! 

In addition to a virus (or several I presume- given the runny noses of other kids), I was greeted with a phone call from the school letting me know that my 10 year old had vomited in the hallway! Yippee #2!! So of course we go and pick her up and she is instantly better! Supposedly her stomach was irritated by the Tamaflu! So she got to hang out at home and get her bed and bathroom clean and homework completed! 

As a result of Vacation, Viruses, & Vomit, most the work I had planned on doing got put on hold again. Except for the privilege of the virtual world for meetings and work!  This was a lifesaver! When the "sickies" were resting and cleaning I was able to attend a meeting to develop a 501c3- nonprofit corporation, download forms that needed to be submitted and respond to several business & personal emails and work on a presentation! I must say that when times throw plans into a tizzy, the virtual world saves me every time!!

So, I ask... Would all this have happened if I had been home or is it payback? Hmmm... Most likely not too much would have changed... Viruses and vomit strike no matter what and the virtual world is something I depend on regularly. So, the next time I attend a meeting away, I simply pray that everyone is healthy upon my return so we can enjoy each other in healthy times.... 

"Vacations" don't make viruses and vomit!!