He Thinks We’re Just Siding

Imagine Trace Adkins song, “She Thinks We’re Just Fishing,” but use the words, “He thinks we’re just siding.” That’s what I’ve had in my head all day.

Yeah, I’ve been working on my parents’ house again. This time, we’re putting on a rock-type finish and new siding on the south and west sides…as well as six new windows.

West side of south porch...Saturday's project!

 
We finished the most of the porch on Saturday. My sister and her family were down to help. It went well and we had a lot of laughs!

Trim work...how many hands can you get in there???

 
But today…well, today was just me and Dad. And although there were times that we missed the extra hands, it was pretty cool.
 
But it wasn’t just siding. It was laughing, learning, and loving every minute of it.
 
It was joking about a broken hammer, laughing over a broken level, teasing over pinched fingers and blaming each other for the recurring rain storms. And it was fun. We didn’t get as much accomplished as we had hoped…but we accomplished more than I could dream. I have memories stored away, for those days that I need them.
 
I have pearls of wisdom, that only dad’s can give.
 
I have a feeling of accomplishment, every time he lets me know that I did something right.
 
I can look at that house, and always know that it was our sweat, our blood and our tears that made the latest improvements. And with every neighbor, friend and passer-by that stops and gives a compliment, it’s a sense of pride over a job well done.
 
But most of all, it’s time with my Dad.
 
And he thinks we’re just siding.
 

My Dad, Roger...he's even figured out a cell phone! 😉

Hunk of Meat Monday – Bow Tie Hotdish

This is my first official Hunk of Meat Monday post…but I’m hoping as summer winds down and school activities start up, I’ll have a little more time to post things like this. This summer has just been CRAZY!

But here it is…Bow Tie Hotdish! This was a new recipe for us, and it came out of the Fullerton, ND, 125th Cookbook. (And just a heads up, I’ll be giving away a copy of this book later this week…more details in a second.) Fullerton will celebrate next summer (June 29th, 30th and July 1st, to be exact), and this cookbook is a GREAT keepsake, as well as having some awesome recipes and other information.

Fullerton Cookbook, soon to a kitchen near you!

 

Let’s get to the recipe:

You need:

  • 1 1/2 lbs. hamburger, browned
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 box of bow-tie noodles, cooked
  • 1 jar or can of spaghetti sauce
  • shredded cheese of choice (I like the pizza blend)

    Everything needed (minus cheese)

My Hunk of Meat - hamburger!

 
 

Add soup, spaghetti sauce and browned, drained hamburger to cooked noodles in a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and bake at 350* until the cheese is melted.

Hotdish finished, and served with garlic toast!

 
Yep, that simple…and DELICIOUS! And here’s the cool part: I will give away one copy of this cookbook to a lucky blog reader! Just comment on this post to be entered in the drawing. I will draw a winner Friday evening! Can’t wait to win a copy and want to order one of your own right now? They are $15 per book, plus $5 shipping and handling. Contact Christy Peterson at (701) 375-7261 or email spetey@drtel.net, or Tenille Ulmer at culmer@drtel.net. (They make GREAT Christmas gifts too!!!)
 
Want an extra entry? Subscribe to my blog and leave another comment saying that you did so, or follow me on Twitter at wagfarms, or our tweeting cow at Cows_Life (just leave a comment for each, saying that you’ve followed). Take care and good luck!
 
And don’t forget to head over to the Real Farmwives of America and Friends and vote for which Gooseberry Patch coookbook that I should cook from, I’ll be giving away a cookbook from there as well!
 
 
Hunk of Meat Mondays

Time to Get Cooking

As some of you know, I am part of a group of women called The Real Farmwives of America. I’m not sure how I was blessed to be asked to join such an amazing group, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. And now it’s time for me to ask all of you to help with something…

The Real Farmwives of America are in the kitchen this summer with Gooseberry Patch, and it all adds up to a giveaway! So head on over to the RFOA site and vote for which cookbook I should cook from. I will share 10 recipes from that cookbook, and when I’m done with those 10 recipes, I’ll give away a cookbook!!! So cool, right?

So head on over, right now, and help pick which cookbook I should share with you. I promise, no matter which book you pick, there will be GREAT recipes in there!

Take a Moment – Giving Back

An organization that I follow on Facebook (and happen to be involved in) has put out this request for assistance…and I’ve decided to join in the fun and send out my own request for help:

Here it goes:

Now, we all have heard about the flooding in Bismarck and Minot. And although the mess and destruction is tragic, we hardly ever think of the little things…like the little ones that are also struggling to make sense of it all, and are wondering when their world is going to be “normal” again. Well, we can help, at least a “little.”

Family Voices of North Dakota, VSA North Dakota: The State Organization on Arts and Disabilities and NDCPD are partnering together on a project to let children who have been affected by this disaster know that others in communities around the country are thinking of them.

They are asking for these things:

  • Notes of kindness
  • Notes of hope
  • Picture drawing/coloring from children about the flooding and their thoughts

The purpose of this project is to collect the submissions and to put together a collage. One will be for Minot (and surrounding area), and one will be for Bismarck (and surrounding area). The collage will be used for an exhibit in the months ahead, as recovery is in full swing.

Donations will also be accepted, serving as a fundraiser for these communities.

Notes, pictures, drawings, colorings and monetary donations can be sent to:

Family Voices of North Dakota, PO Box 163, Edgeley, ND 58433

Questions??? Call (888) 522-9654

If you are sending in a picture or drawing, please send it in a large enough envelope as not to fold it (they would hate to have such hard work be destroyed by creases!!!).

Alrighty, folks, those are the details…now get to being creative, inspiring and colorful! And don’t forget to involve your children, you daycares, your schools, your churches…anyone who would love to share some love and joy (and a little sunshine!)!

 

 

 

 

Back to Business

Well, we’ve spent the last few days cleaning up, tearing down and getting ready for life to resume some normalcy.

In the excitement of it all, I forgot to give a wrap up on our fair happenings! This was our first year as a 4-H family and the boys enjoyed sharing their projects and watching others, as well.

Scooter is now a kitchen safety expert!

 

Since Scooter is only 7, he’s a Cloverbud, which means that he can show projects, but he only gets participation ribbons. There’s no competition for him. It was GREAT for him to receive nothing but praise and suggestions for future years. I only wish I would have had the foresight to do the same thing for Big Bro…but he still did a SUPERB job!

Gak, Gluk, slimy stuff...whatever you want to call it, Scooter made it.

 

Big Bro took nine projects to the fair…including: two fishing lures, one pop-can lamp, three photo projects, two dog projects and one bug display. He received six blue ribbons and three reds! I was so proud of him!!!

Big Bro was researching all the different jobs that "working" dogs do...he thought it was so cool!

 

On top of that, Big Bro tried the consumer choices competition and received a third-place ribbon.

Then, on Sunday, Big Bro and Scooter had both volunteered to participate in the Style Show. Scooter showed off his tee-ball uniform in the Have ‘n Show (just a show with clothes you already have…no judging) and Big Bro showed a school outfit he picked out in the Buy ‘n Show.

Big Bro and his Buy 'n Show school outfit...lookin' sharp!

 

Big Bro was interviewed by two judges on the price of the outfit, uses, how to care for it, whether it was a smart purchase, etc. He was nervous about participating because he was the only boy, but once he warmed up, he did great. When it came time for the judging and the ribbons, we were both surprised when he was named the Reserve Champion! Talk about a happy boy!!!

So, in all, the fair was so much fun and such a great experience! The boys are already talking about next year…and I couldn’t be happier.

I did see one amazing booth at the fair that I really wish more people would have been able to experience:

This display on North Dakota ROCKED!!!

 

This “North Dakota Feeds the World” display was absolutely amazing. It had actual crops growing, commodities available to view, information, great pictures, etc., etc. The only problem was that it was only set up for Thursday afternoon/evening. And that means that not a lot of non-ag people were able to view it. I’m hoping that we can get it back in the area soon…and I’m looking into it. If you see it in your area, be sure to check it out. You won’t regret it!!!

First fair as 4-H family!

How’s that for a tongue twister?!?

Yep, our first-time ever being official 4-H’ers is in the books. And I’m so proud of my boys!

Scooter is a Cloverbud, so whatever project he took to the fair, he received a participation ribbon. I love that he gets the chance to go through the process with no pressure on performing to a high-standard, etc. It was GREAT!

Ask him about kitchen safety…and he’ll talk your ear off; ask him about taking nature walks…and he’ll tell you all about seeing a toad; ask him about using his senses outdoors…and he’ll tell you how much our puppy stinks right now. Isn’t that great? (Well, except for the stinky puppy bit.)

Big Bro took nine static exhibits to the fair…and he brought home six blue ribbons and three reds! He was so proud of himself…and I was even more proud, because I know that he did all of the work by himself. I can’t wait to see how they grow in the next year.

One of his exhibits was a photo enlargement. Here it is:

Big Bro's photo exhibit...but not enlarged.

 

 

He also did a photo exhibit that told a story about his brother playing outside:

I LOVE this picture that Big Bro took of EJ.

 

 

And then, just some cool landscape photos:

An old bus, that was turned into a camper, that was crashed, that was purchased by my husband, that was salvaged for its engine, that's now sitting on our farm, that's now used as a giant fort by my boys.

 

 

 

 

And he also taught our puppy (Miss Maggie May) how to sit, which was one of his projects:

Miss Maggie May is super smart...but Big Bro did a GREAT job teaching her to sit!

 

 

The Dickey County Fair continues through Sunday…so stay tuned for more updates!

Mary, Mary…

Well, after wondering if my garden would pull through the flooding, it’s obvious that it handled it rather well! Yay!

In fact, I spotted my first pea pod already filling…can’t wait for more!

I thought I would take a few pics of my favorite blooms to share with you…enjoy!

The hard, fast rain has compacted the ground a bit, but nothing a little hard work won't help out!

 

 

These spaghetti squash will serve as George's noodles in the upcoming months. Can't wait!!!

 

 

We have a pea pod! Yay!!! Can't wait for the others to set on!

 

 

Cukes, cukes and more cukes. Hubby loves them, and so do the kids!

 

 

The peppers have been the hardest hit, but they're coming around.

 

 

Some of my tomatoes look great, and some look pretty sparse, but this little guy is trying to blossom...giving me hope! My salsa is demanded around this house!

 

 

Hopefully in the next few weeks this patch will be pumping out the produce and my boys will be enjoying my hard work. I won’t lie to you, it’s been a really tough year to do this. But in the end, it’ll all be worth it…

Right?

Bucket list…

Not so long ago, I received a bucket in the mail from Red Hill General Store – in collaboration with the Real Farmwives of America and Friends. Let me say that securing the bucket for MY use, and not the uses of little hands, was my most difficult task!

But, I found it extremely helpful for various projects that I had going on around the farm…including:

A bucket-ful of healthiness!

1) Picking asparagus – This was the PERFECT sized container for picking a supper-sized bunch of asparagus! Add a little water to the bottom, throw in the asparagus, and toss it in the fridge until ready to cook! EJ decided that eating the asparagus raw was way better than waiting for it to cook, but who can blame him?

Pickin' some strawberries!

2) Picking strawberries – Once the rain stopped around here, the strawberries have come on hot and heavy. We’re in charge of the overrun when Grandma and Grandpa are busy, so the bucket has come in handy on those days!

3) Future use – Picking peas, peppers, etc. This will definitely be my go-to tool for picking fresh produce out of my garden…as long as the weather doesn’t get to it first!

4) Watering can – I don’t have a watering can for my flowers around my house. Mostly because I’ve never planted flowers before, so this is my first year. But I’m addicted! So be on the watch, I’m looking for tips, ideas, etc. to get my flowers off on a better foot next year. Not dealing with a new puppy will help out a lot!

5) Rock collector – EJ and Big Bro decided that this bucket was the perfect size for collecting rocks. And although they are right, it definitely is perfect for that, I had to dump their rocks back on the road so I could continue to use my bucket. I have a feeling that I know who will end up with it in the long run!

Sit, Maggie...sit!

6) Treat dish – Big Bro decided to teach Maggie how to sit (and he did a pretty good job!), and he used the bucket to hold her treats while teaching her! The handle was PERFECT! And I do believe we have a little gal who now knows how to sit on command. (Don’t tell Big Bro, but he learned a little about animal care and patience along the way…let’s keep that between you and me, though, OK? In fact, it’s a 4-H project for him!)

7) To be continued…you see, on the farm, everything has many, many uses. A Halloween bucket may become a flower-pot (you’ll see that one in the future), a tire rim may become a ring dike, tin cans become tomato protectors, five gallon buckets become step stools, etc., etc. The possibilities are endless.

I’m sure in the future this bucket will become a valuable tool in many projects. But while I’m using mine, why don’t you head on over to the Red Hill General Store and pick out your own? Or better yet, head over to the Real Housewives of America and Friends page and sign up to win your very own galvanized and embossed bucket!

I’ve shared my ideas…now what will you do with your bucket?

While Red Hill General Store did provide me with a bucket to blog about for this post the pictures, ideas and opinions shared here are my own.

Wordless Wednesday – Parade paradise!

As I mentioned yesterday, Monango celebrated 125 years this weekend. And what better way to celebrate than with a parade! Check out my parade pictures for Wordless Wednesday:

Grandpa drove one of his tractors in the parade.

Auntie B and cutie Cousin N drove another tractor. Showing vet-school pride!

Uncle J also drove a tractor...this time with the NDSU flag!

Uncle B and Aunt L (along with Cousin H and Cousin G) drove Grandpa's Toronado. Hmmmm...we may have too many letter abreviations going on here!

One of our neighbors had a family float, congratulating Monango on 125 years!

Area businesses also came out to support our town. Including cool throw-backs to the old days, like this truck!

Big Bro was in the pageant, which gave a very quick synopsis of the history of Monango...from the beginning of time to present day. Very cute and funny! And Big Bro's acting debut!

I could post a bunch more pics, but I think you get the point. It was a great afternoon and lots of fun for the kids…but the best part was seeing the community coming together. It’s funny how we’re separated by mere miles, but it takes a celebration to bring us together. Here’s to hoping that it doesn’t take another 25 years to see each other again!

We may be rural…but we are not alone.

Celebrating 125 years

Congratulations to our hometown…Monango! We celebrated 125 years this weekend, the good old fashioned way…with a great big party!

Here are some parade photos and more…enjoy!

Boss Man cleaned up one of his pickups for the "Class of 1989" float in the parade. Not a bad turn out of classmates...since there were only 13 in his class!

 

In his first parade as "royalty," Scooter and Miss Lydia and Little Miss and Mr. Ellendale!

 

Big Bro and EJ rode in the parade as part of the area children's train!

 

Their bucket of candy to throw to parade-watchers didn't last until they got to where we were...wonder how much was consumed instead of thrown???

 
Well, instead of putting all of the other great pictures of the celebration into today’s post, I’ll save some for tomorrow! Stay tuned for another installment of “Monango – 125 years and still going strong!”