Where The Tall Corn Grows

Spring Piano Recital

2011-06-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

A little nervous on the ride down....

Grant had confidence in her...

As did her teacher!

I tried to upload a video of Anna playing, I even left it loading all night and it still wasn't up! So here are pictures from Culvers for your viewing pleasure!

Caroline spent most of her time reading the newspaper on her grandpa's lap!

a little rearranging

2011-04-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

After acquiring this very nice, large ottoman, I was called upon to do a bit of rearranging.

Anna and I (with the help of those nice little gliding things you can slide underneath) moved the book shelf out of the piano room, exchanged one chair for another in the sitting room and had the couch and love seat trade places! We found a new home for the coffee table and swivel rocker from the sitting room. And voila!

Please ignore the table full of books and stuff behind the chair Anna is sitting in - gearing up for a home school book sale the first May! There always has to be some area still in progress :)

Maple Syrup!

2011-03-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

finishing off the boiling down of the sap we collected off of 3 trees - thought it would never reach the desired temp - 219° --only to find out my thermometer was inaccurate! grrr.

But, thankfully, the syrup turned out delicious! We ended up with a couple of gallons of pure yumminess!!

Mrs. Berry, Indeed!

2011-03-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

the Barry family - Diana, Aunt Josephine, Mrs. Barry and Minnie May

Adoring fans...

Caroline with her two youngest aunts!

~ seen here with Anne Shirley! ~

I don't have any 'performance' pictures - you'll have to take my word for it - they did an awesome job! Over 40 kids from kindergarten through 12th grade in the cast!

Luke and Anna Get a Puppy!

2011-03-12T19:01:00.000-08:00

Luke and Anna stopped by tonight to introduce us to their little Australian Cattle Dog, Lace!

Although Mia looks pretty comfortable here, she was actually intimidated by this little girl!

Lace gave a little growl when she met Mia, but after awhile it looked like they might be friends after all.

Sweet and cuddly - she's a real chunk!

Leather and Lace!

Day 1/2 No Wheat, Corn or Dairy

2011-01-17T10:40:00.000-08:00

Even Mia is curious about how this will turn out!

Feeling pretty pumped up after Day .5 of No Wheat Dairy or Corn!

Actually I felt great when I got up this morning and hadn't even started - I'm guess I'm a great candidate for Placebo Effect!
For several different reasons, Anna and I are eliminating wheat, dairy and corn from our diet for 2 weeks. The plan we're following also calls for no caffeine - we'll see about that.
In the picture is sloppy joes made with venison, celery, green pepper, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes and a few spices - we ate in on green pepper wedges. Pineapple and oranges for a side. I realize I'm taking a risk posting this, after only 1/2 a day into it, but oh well!

Oops! Forgot to Make These at Christmas Time!

2011-01-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

What's so funny, Anna?! :)

Grant's Special Request - Sour Cream Cherry Rolls - somehow just didn't happen during Christmas break - but he's enjoying them all to himself (mostly) today!

What a Weekend!!

2010-11-29T08:16:00.000-08:00

Sunday was a very special day for Anna - (and all of us!) - as she proclaimed her faith in Jesus as her Saviour to her friends, family and church congregation - and was baptized!

Fun in the afternoon!

Saturday was another special day - Daniel's sister was wed to her beloved - and Caroline was the Flower Girl!

And on Thursday we celebrated Thanksgiving with a houseful of Horaks!

Compose Yourself!

2010-11-18T11:04:00.000-08:00

A Cast of Characters!

Ok, so this is backwards - goofing off at Culver's after the play and then greeting the cast after the play! Anna was Mendelssohn, with some clever lines and a short piece on the piano! It was a really cute musical & she had a lot of fun participating! Oh! Anna's sideburns were made from clippings saved from her own hair!

More Caroline and the BUILDING!

2010-11-06T14:39:00.000-07:00

Caroline at 8 months!

Mia in exile.

Building in progress! Brought in some BIG help!

Caroline!

2010-10-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

Here's Caroline in her 7th month of life! Enjoying the outdoors with her Mommy and a picture of her with her Great Aunt Barb - Barb suffered a brain aneurysm 2 weeks ago and is expected to soon be coming home from the hospital - please join us in praying for her complete recovery!

ANNA TURNS 13!

2010-06-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

Our Baby Girl 'the Horak's youngest' turned 13!

The whole gang turned out to usher her into her teen years!!

...and to enjoy some lawn games and basketball...

and of course..EAT CAKE AND HOMEMADE ICE CREAM!!

Memorial Day 2010

2010-06-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

My pictures wouldn't quite load in the order I wanted and I don't want to take the time to try to rearrrange and end up deleting them :) and I didn't remember how to make a slide show, but I think the idea comes across that we had an awesome day enjoying God's creation, fellowship with family and friends and a little sinking action to boot!

Caroline is Growing!

2010-04-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

Andria and Caroline stopped by yesterday.
I went down to the barn and brought up the baby scale to find out just How Much She Has Grown!

Great Grandma!

2010-03-11T17:16:00.000-08:00

My parents took a little drive to check on their newest Great Granddaughter and deliver some of Pa's Chicken Soup Speciality and Grandma's Scrumptious Caramel Rolls, and while there took the opprotunity to snap a few shots!

More Caroline!

2010-03-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

Changing Everyday!

Shower Pictures - by Popular Demand!

2010-03-03T05:25:00.000-08:00

Guest of honor!

Andria's mother in law and sisters in law

Beautiful Diaper Cake (created by Uncle Craig and Aunt Danielle!)

Serena showing she is not too little to get in on the action!

Ok, so a little backwards...........Here are pictures from Andria's Baby Shower hosted by her Aunts and honorary Aunty Lynn! Lots of fun, great presents and an encouraging reading and commenting of Psalm 139 by her Aunt Beth! Oh-and did I mention scrumptious food and refreshing punch?!

Caroline Ruth! 8 #'s 2 oz.

2010-02-25T16:46:00.001-08:00

Born February 25 at 3:00pm! REJOICING!!

2010-02-21T19:56:00.000-08:00

It's been so long since I've posted, I doubt anyone is even checking for an update....but...my mom sent over a box of pictures and look what I found! I thought with our anniversary coming up ;) it would be fun to post these!

Yummy....Leftover Success!

2009-11-30T12:11:00.000-08:00

1 onion, chopped and sautéed in 1/3 cup butter;

slice and add undercooked carrots from Sunday's crock pot roast;

combine 1/2 cup flour-1/2 tsp salt-1/4 tsp pepper-1/4 tsp paprika; stir into carrots and onion until blended. Stir in 2 and 1/2 cups chicken broth and 1/2 cup milk. Cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly. Stir in chopped up leftover turkey and undercooked potatoes from Sunday's crock pot roast. Keep warm. Stir up Sage Biscuits: 2 cups flour, 2 t. baking powder, 1 t. salt, 1 1/2 t. sage; work in 1/3 cup oil, and stir in up to 2/3 cups milk till all is moistened. Knead gently 8- 10 times, press into 8" round, cut into 6-8 wedges and place on top of turkey mixture. Bake, uncovered for 30 min. or until biscuits are browned!

Not only did this turn out pleasing to the eye and palate-- but
on his way in, Ron invited the neighbor for lunch! Love it when it works out like that! :)

The Unassuming Deer Slayer

2009-09-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is Anna holding a muzzleloader. And yes, that is her kneeling by the doe she just shot.

And yes, she is smiling.

And so is Luke.

Serena Kay Has Arrived!

2009-08-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

With exceedingly glad hearts and thankfulness,

we announce the arrival of Serena Kay!
July 31st. 7# 3 oz and thriving!

Cousin Reunion!

2009-07-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

My brother had a high school class reunion in town Saturday night, I think something like his 10th ;) He and his wife dropped their tribe off at our house, donned their evening attire and headed for the Country Club!

Little did they know the Real Party was happening at our house!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE!

2009-07-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Anna !

2009-06-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Andria & Daniel!

2009-05-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

A Time For Rejoicing!

2009-04-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

Daniel and Andria have announced their Engagement and forthcoming Wedding, giving a whole new definition to 'short engagement'! Excitement and Anticipation reign! Stress and anxiousness beaten down daily!

Love You Guys!

2009-04-07T06:42:00.000-07:00

"A sentence from Psalm 101 has been both challenging and convicting for me: 'I will walk in my house with blameless heart' (Psalm 101-2, NIV). When God speaks to me about being more loving, this verse reminds me to make application in my family first—and then to others. It forces me to ask, 'Am I more spiritual, more loving, or more fun somewhere else? Who gets my best—my family or others?'"
-- Jean Fleming

I read this at the bottom of an email I received this morning and just had to share it.

Big Day for Mia!

2009-02-25T20:14:00.000-08:00

A beautiful day for a ride........

Mia suspects we took a wrong turn!

Just a little 'pinch' and it will be all over!

Empathetic bystanders!

Feeling of Accomplishment....

2009-02-03T12:02:00.000-08:00

well, almost.

Of UpWords and Birthdays!

2009-01-26T20:35:00.000-08:00

Anna and I (along with Mia) traveled up north Friday afternoon to celebrate Nana's birthday (her 91st). After supper, we put our pj's on early. Nana had an assortment of robes for us to choose from and once we made our choice, we settled in for an evening of UpWords and fudge! What a great combination! Nana is quite the party girl....we finished up our last game about 1:00 a.m. and headed off to bed. We had a late breakfast, and carrot cake and ice cream for lunch! Andria showed up just in time for a quick picture before we hit the road for home!

and oh yes, Mia behaved famously, winning the hearts of friends and neighbors that stopped by!

Presto Change-o!

2009-01-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Andria!

2009-01-14T12:30:00.000-08:00

And They Called It Puppy Love

2009-01-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

We are having so much fun with Mia! She loves the Big Dogs and they pretty much ignore her!

She is like built-in entertainment for us, constantly trying to amuse or engage us. If we're not paying attention to her, she'll find something she shouldn't have and parade by, head held high and tail wagging!

UNBELIEVABLE!

2008-12-10T20:45:00.000-08:00

Who in their right mind would get a seven week old puppy right before they leave for a week long vacation? Two things we never (well, almost never) do: go on vacation and get puppies. We're doing both, back to back! Unbelievable!

Thankfully I have a good friend who also isn't in her right mind and has offered to be a foster parent for the week. We hate to leave our baby, but know she'll be in good hands!

2008-11-06T07:08:00.000-08:00

They look innocent enough!

Just don't let your guard down!

I had the most wonderful time Sunday afternoon, hiking through some of God's awesome creation! All the elements were present for the perfect fall day--crisp dry leaves to walk barefoot through, friends and family to walk with, encouraging conversation and the beauty of the earth--rolling hills, meandering streams, waterfalls and majestic trees!! We hiked all afternoon and I vainly thought that I must be in pretty good shape, a myth that was dispelled before our vehicle even reached our home driveway---I was wiped out!! But it was so worth it!

Of Coons and Bargain Shopping!

2008-11-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

On Friday I headed to Dubuque to pick up my sister in law to do some birthday celebrating shopping. When I arrived in Dubuque, my brother came outside to let me know he had a special present for me in his garage! Imagine my excited anticipation! Upon entering the garage, I was met with the sight of a rather LARGE raccoon in a live trap! Drew said he thought I could tame her without too much effort! I'm sure he was thinking back to the time I had a pet coon name Gus (see above), but apparantly didn't remember that Gus turned rather aggresive in his last days with me, climbing on the dining room table and planting himself in the middle of the pizza that was meant for supper, and eventually giving me a good, hard bite through my finger! Even though this one had already damaged the live trap, Drew was confident that Beth and I would have no trouble putting it in the trunk and releasing her in the country on our way to shopping! Due to possible laws that may have been broken, I'll end my account here.

To sum up: We had a wonderful day of adventure and thrift shopping!

Happy Birthday Jordan!!

2008-10-20T11:01:00.001-07:00

My Grandma Once Said....

2008-10-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

"You've never been smiled at 'til you've been smiled at from behind a pacifier!"

Of Pioneer Days and Deer Hunting

2008-10-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

We recently had the opprotunity of joining a homeschool group for 'Pioneer Day' which involved candle making and buttermaking, tin can lanterns, string games and other various activities! It was a beautiful fall day and we had a great time with friends old and new!

And on the homefront, Grant had a successfull early morning hunt!

Sunday Sightings with New Camera!

2008-09-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

On the way to church...
While at church...

on an evening walk...

The Great Grandma

2008-08-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

Recently we attended a Family Reunion on my grandmother's side of the family. Grandma is 90 years old and an incredible woman. She is intensely dedicated, loyal and supportive of her family. I only hope to attain to the mental sharpness that she has held onto and cultivated through a love of learning, always interested in what is going on in the lives of others, and the world around her!

Two Peas in a Pod!

2008-08-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

Grant loves his Pa!

2008-07-31T16:37:00.000-07:00

"Results! Why, man I have gotten a lot of results. I know several thousand things that won't work."
Thomas Edison

Happy Birthday Luke!

2008-07-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Luke celebrated his first birthday as a Married Man!

Happy Birthday Luke!

Anna made a delicious white cake with chocolate frosting and even managed to get ALL the candles on it! An even bigger feat was lighting all those candles!

Luke made quick work of blowing them out and we all enjoyed cake and ice cream!

4th of July!

2008-07-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Independence Day with a great group of friends and family! We had a wonderful day filled with good food, including fried chicken and an abundant amount of delicious dishes prepared by our guests! ... Yard games...bocce ball, bean bag toss, and volleyball....and then as night fell the men entertained us with an awesome display of fireworks

Spring Into Summer.........

2008-06-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

..............garden produce..........root beer floats on the porch..........

.........shadows on the field............................clover bouquets................

Special Day!

2008-06-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

The sign says it all!

Quote of the Day

2008-05-27T11:25:00.001-07:00

"I'm Just Glad to Be Back In the Park!"
----anonymous

2008-05-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven"

Ecclesiastes 3

Congratulations Luke and Anna!

2008-04-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

April 5th, 2008

PUPPET THEATER!

2008-01-27T06:07:00.001-08:00

We got the idea from 'Bend the Rules Sewing' book and Goodwill provided the perfect set of sheets. We made this for the little cousins out east as a late Christmas present!

Happy Birthday Andria!

2008-01-14T16:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas

2008-01-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

Just the Right Tree!

2007-12-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

We 'down-sized' a bit from last year!

Thanksgiving Day!

2007-11-22T19:53:00.001-08:00

2007-11-10T05:29:00.000-08:00

LUKE AND ANNA ARE ENGAGED!

Luke popped the question to Anna last Tuesday

and much to his delight,

Anna answered "YES!" Luke then slipped the ring on her delicate finger and it's been nothing but sunshine since!!

2007-10-20T06:58:00.000-07:00

Mother Daughter Breakfast

2007-10-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Anna and I had a great time at a mother/daughter breakfast the other day. All kinds of crafts for the girls to do, in a girls' dreamland craft room, and for the mothers: fresh hot coffee and lots of good gab time! Oh yeah, and lots of breakfast yummies to choose from too!

2007-10-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

Grant pointed out that I had my settings set so that only registered users could post on my blog. Now I am sure that you all have tried to leave a comment and been unable to do so.....well now that the problem has been corrected I'll be expecting you all will be leaving a comment for me!

My Father Owns the Cattle on a Thousand Hills

2007-10-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

I have no need of a bull from your stall
or of goats from your pens,
for every animal of the forest is mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know every bird in the mountains,
and the creatures of the field are mine.
Psalm 50: 9-11

Between Rain Showers!

2007-10-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

Anna feels secure behind her dad!

I rode behind Grant on his Quad for the first time today! I could definitely feel a difference in the speed of the machine compared to the ATV........or maybe it was just the driver! I think the nickname 'mudflap' may be sticking with me, compare my jeans to Grant's.

Cake and Tea, Anyone?

2007-10-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

Featuring 'Elvis Presley's Favorite Poundcake'!!, with lemon flavoring, and Your Choice of Tea!

2007-09-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

Pauline comes to the window to give an intense, imploring stare....

Gaining entrance, she quickly seeks out her brood and goes into her 'mommy trance'

Homeschool Get-Together!

2007-09-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

The date for our rescheduled-rained out 'kick-off' picnic proved to be the perfect weather for food, fun and fellowship! The kids, as well as the parents, made some new acquaintances and got caught up with some old ones!

No shortage of chips here! (busy homeschool-mom-potluck staple;-)

Happy Birthday Ron!

2007-09-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm....Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, Angel Food Frosting Dessert!

Wait a minute......something isn't right here...brussel sprouts?????

Yes, brussel sprouts...the kids didn't even know what they were, I've avoided serving them almost my whole married life. They bring back unpleasant childhood memories. But then I remembered Ron has unpleasant childhood memories involving sweet potatoes, and I don't mind serving those, so brussel sprouts were on the menu tonight and no one seemed to mind!

Iowa! Land That I Love!

2007-09-14T15:39:00.000-07:00

I took the picture of the clouds from the car window on our way out to Pa and Grandma's (while Grant was driving) and then I got out at the bridge over Indian Creek and took the picture of the cows. Grant seized the opportunity and drove away and left me standing there!
Anna was in the back seat and none too happy about being taken captive by an underage driver! I must admit, he looked a bit like his dad as he turned around in a field drive to come back for me!

On the Outside Looking In

2007-09-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Amy looking longingly into the house for Anna!

Cupcakes!

2007-09-12T16:45:00.001-07:00

With fall weather setting in came the urge to do some baking! The recently acquired glass dome from a thrift shop seemed to call for some cupcakes!

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL!

2007-09-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

Let the Good Times Roll!

2007-09-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

We are now the proud (?) owners of two four wheelers!! I'll admit, I had a bit of fear and trepidation, but when Ron showed me how practical it is for him to use me as a mud flap, I calmed down. Ha Ha!! Anna and I have both done our share of screaming! Grant has no reservations at all, thus my reservations! You can see the ATV serves well to get the mowing done fast, eliminating the need to get off and move heavy objects.

Now this would be more my speed!! Seat belts, climate control, tunes, windshield!!

Georgia zipped on over in this neat little unit!! Chance explained all the finer details to me and I'm sold!

A View to the West

2007-09-06T17:11:00.000-07:00

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language

where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.

Psalm 19

August Sunset

2007-08-15T06:21:00.000-07:00

VISITORS!

2007-08-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

Imagine our delight in finding these two young ladies, who had been out riding bareback, stopping by for a visit in our driveway!

Ball Park Fun!

2007-07-24T09:29:00.001-07:00

Grant is up to something, for sure!

Field of Dreams night in Iowa!

More fun on the sidelines..............

Lily...just a spectator!

2007-07-24T09:27:00.001-07:00

Family Reunion

2007-07-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

2007-07-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

Then followed that beautiful season...Summer.

----HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW

Happy 2nd Anniversary Jordan and Jennifer!

2007-07-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

4th of July!

2007-07-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Independence Day with a great group of friends and family! We had a wonderful day filled with good food, including fried chicken and an abundant amount of delicious dishes prepared by our guests! ... Yard games...bocce ball, bean bag toss, and blongo ball....and then as night fell the men entertained us by burning unusual objects and ended with an awesome display of fireworks!

Amy Joy formerly known as Stella Rose

2007-06-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

Not only has our puppy had a change in size, she also has a name change! For reasons not expressed here, the name Stella has been dumped and our loveable puppy is now answering to AMY!!

Late Breaking News!!

2007-06-26T09:36:00.001-07:00

The Long Awaited time is here...Luke and Anna D. are Officially an Item!! Though we are all excited for them, no one is happier than Luke and Anna themselves!! And yes, she is holding a kitten :-) And on the homefront.....Anna H. is now sporting a new set of braces!! She's all ready for the 4th of July with red and blue bands!

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

We met at Culver's to enjoy some fun fellowship and food, and celebrate God's goodness to us with Dad and Pa!

Anna Is 10 Years Old Today!!

2007-06-09T04:54:00.000-07:00

We are starting the day with an 8:00 softball game! This is after getting home at 10:00 last night from a graduation party, and Anna waking in the 5 o'clock hour this morning, filled with excitement at the thought of having turned 10 while she slept and looking forward to partying and presents today!!

Western Day!

2007-06-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Our little town had 'Western Day' last Saturday and my neighbor asked me to help in a Dutch Oven Cook Off that she organized. It proved to be a fun-filled day, with lots of delicious dishes baked in cast iron dutch ovens! There was cornbread, rye bread, cherry cobbler, baked beans...you get the idea! Anna won 2nd place in the tractor pull and her friend Ashley won 3rd!

Luke was thrown in jail, apparently there was a warrant out for his arrest for abusing his younger brother, hmmmm, I think the abuse may have come after the incarceration!

8 Things People Might Not Know About Me, but Probably Do!

2007-06-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, I've been tagged and forced to reveal more than a few things about myself! 8 to be exact.

I've been homeschooling for 18 years! We have testing everyday in one form or another.

I've never mowed more than a few strips in my whole life!...I have three brothers, and three sons. ( does that count as two or three?)

I love to read other blogs!

Of all days, I was born on Halloween!

I love to thrift shop!

I love to go barefoot!

I like peanut butter and lettuce sandwhiches!

I adore newborn babies! Like Collin Jr. here......

Moving Day!

2007-05-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

http://slideroll.com/?s=w4gv0tng

Not sure how to post this without a link....but here's the pictures from the Rabe Move....it was a lot of fun and they have an awesome new home!

Spring Piano Recital!

2007-05-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

Anna played 3 pieces:

Landler---------Franz Schubert

Sonatina in C Major------------Jean Latour

Allegretto

Rondo

Anna has a wonderful teacher who has a wonderfully simple recital, with 8 students earnestly playing their pieces and looking forward to a little fellowship with cookies and punch following their performances. Anna felt very nervous before her recital, and I encouraged her to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" and "whatever is lovely, noble and pure, to think on these things".....apparently it worked, as afterwards she proclaimed she 'wasn't nervous at all!'

Poppies are Blooming!

2007-05-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

Not sure if you can see the bee in the picture, but that is Grant's favorite part! Poppies are such beautiful flowers and of the best kind, the kind that comes up by themselves each year!

EMMY LOU!

2007-05-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

Though not a mother herself, Emmy Lou was certainly the main attraction on Mother's Day!

2007-05-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

Stella Rose is the latest addition to our family, it took our four year old, Boomer by surprise, but after a brief adjustment period, he warmly embraced his new friend! Along with her toys, puppy-chow, etc!

Stella and Boomer Romp on the Lawn!

2007-05-09T14:29:00.000-07:00

House Finches Hatch!

2007-05-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

A couple of house finches picked OUR house to build their nest on and raise their young! We were surprised that the eggs hatched as every time we went out the door, the mother flew off the nest! Apparantly she was on it enough, though, as Grant discovered in the following pictures....

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread!

2007-05-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

This morning Anna and I made bread. Lots of it!! I am still amazed at the amount of bread the Bosch allows me to make in such a short period of time. I find myself hoping that someone will stop by so I can send a loaf home with them! Anna loves (at least I think she does!) to help me, I know I love to have her help. In less than 2 hours we can have six loaves of bread plus some buns, and this morning we did twice that amount! If Andria is around it makes the load all that much lighter, and we have clean up all done as well!

2007-05-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

Every couple of months our neighbors get a shipment of newborn calves that need to be taught how to drink from a bucket for the first time.......
they send out the call to neighboring families to come and help teach the calves to drink from a bucket for the first time.........

This is done by sticking your fingers into the formula, then sticking them into the calf's mouth, and while he is sucking, guide him down into the bucket, where hopefully he will begin drinking on his own!

If that doesn't work.....out comes the bottle!
Team work helps!

And if the bottle doesn't work.......here Grant intubates a calf for the first time....it fills a tummy up real quick!

Afterwards, there is a time for a little messing around

And time to 'catch up' !

Spring Comes to Iowa!

2007-05-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

2007-05-01T09:17:00.001-07:00

Yay the Horak family got their blog set up we hope to post lots of stuff in the future!