Mammogram Part 2

   If you read my earlier post you  know I have had a weird week! This is the rest of that day! I had to go in for a mammogram and ultrasound this week. A little scary, but just a fact of life. I found a lump, and it had to be done.

  While I was waiting for the Doctor to look at my images, a very nice Lady walks in. We smile at each other. I am looking at a magazine when my nurse comes in. "The Doctor needs more images". "Ok, no problem". The waiting room lady slowly turns to me and says... "Oh my goshhhhhh! You have got to be freakin out! I struggle with anxiety! I hope you have someone here with you!" 

  "Yes my husband is here. I also have anxiety issues, but I am trying not to worry till I am told I need too". In my head I am saying WHAT THE $#@!!, is this for real?? I have been dealing with anxiety for 12 years!!!! I have the tiniest boobs! Why are you saying this to me??!!!

  She continues to voice here concern for me, and she says she wants to come live with me for a month to know how to deal with stress! What???!!! Me??? I do NOT know how to deal with stress!!! You know how I deal with anxiety and stress?!!!! AGHHH!!!!

   She gets called out for her tests. As she leaves she wishes me luck. After all of the tests I find out everything is fine. I go out to the lobby and tell Jeremy. He says"I am so happy! The weirdest thing happened! I was sitting here and this woman came out and thanked me for being here for you". What a day!!!!!!

Mammogram Post 1

   This post is the the first of 2. I had a lot happen yesterday. This will seem made up... but it's all real, and only could happen to me!

Here goes!

   My life is weird! Something happens almost every week that does not seem real. Not joking!

  I was scheduled for a mammogram and ultrasound this week. It was my first. I found a lump and saw my Dr. about it. They made appointments for me to get it checked.

   The morning of my test I over slept, I made Jeremys coffee with yesterdays grounds( I was not on my game). Sorry Jeremy! 

   I eat really weird breakfasts...

 My favs are tacos, burritos, and left overs. Sometimes a ham sandwich! Not your typical breakfast, but  thats what I like! Well... the night before, I made split pea soup. Heavy on the garlic and onions. I LOVE pea soup!!!!

 So yesterday morning I debate...  Stinky garlic pea soup... probably not the best choice. The nurses and doctors are going to be up in your business...Maybe if you just brush your teeth really well, no one will notice. What can it hurt? aghh! But it is soooo garlicky!!! What the heck! I go for it! 

  We leave for the Breast Center. I tell Jeremy about the pea soup. He tells me I am weird, don't worry about. To be honest with you these are my concerns

1. Probably dying( I have anxiety issues)

2. Garlic! (why did I eat that pea soup??!!!!)

3. Getting my teeny-tiny boobs on those plastic plates! Do they have enough to squish? I am NOT confident they do!

  Fast forward to the end of my visit...

   My ultrasound tech tells me "Dr. Garlick will be in, in a few minutes". WHAT????!!!!! Dr Garlick????!!!

   This is IT!!!!! No wonder I was worried!!!!!! Sigh! Ok God, I am ready for the worse! Thats why I was stressed about garlic! It is over! I am stage 4 ! Why did you eat that damn soup?! But....In the end all is well! No cancer! But what I took away from this day was...

1. YES, you have terrible breakfast habbits

2. YES, you have tiny boobs

3. YES, you serve a great God that took care of you today!

    

Bacon Broccoli Cornbread

                                Bacon Broccoli Cornbread

• 2 jiffy corn muffin mixes
• 1 can cream corn
• 1/2 soup can of water
• 1 med. onion, diced small
• 1 lb. bag frozen broccoli, thawed
• 5 strips bacon, cooked and chopped                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Mix all ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour in a greased 9X13 pan. Cool for 5 minutes before serving. 

        

Sam

  Our oldest Sam, will be 16 soon. He is very private, but I got his permission for this post. Sam was born when I was 20 years old. I had a really tough pregnancy! I was on bed rest, had ALL day sickness, premature labor,(thankfully the DR. could stop it) among other things. When he was born, his heart rate dropped too low, and they had to use measures to get him out quickly. It was a little scary! I was young, and he was our first. When he was 18 months, he was not walking or talking. I addressed these concerns with our DR. She was also a little concerned, and suggested I contact Ottawa Area Center. We had Sam evaluated at that time by a speech therapist.
   Her name was Val, a great therapist. She came over to our house and evaluated him. She told me that he acted, and had only met the bench markers of a 6-8 month old! A little overwhelming! Sam immediately started therapy! I read any and every book I could get my hands on child development... anything that could possibly help.
   Sam slowly began to say words, along with signing words, we had showed Sam.  He was very uncomfortable around others! Stayed to himself, things always had to be done in the same order. Change of any kind completely set him off! He continued therapy till kindergarten. Than he started seeing the school therapist. It was just a struggle for everything with him! I tried diet changes, different supplements, we saw ALL kinds of alternative medicine DRs... anything and everything!!! Finally when he was 7, he was diagnosed with PDD-NOS and anxiety. It was heart breaking!! PDD-NOS is on the autism spectrum. But...we kept going, and working! Trying everything! I honestly would cry to Jeremy, because I thought he would never be able to leave the house as an adult. There were just soooo many struggles and issues we were working with.
   But... With hard work on our part, therapist, and a ton of work from Sam, and LOTS of prayers, He is now in the 10th grade, taking AP classes, and has been on the honor roll since  the 6th grade!!!!!!! He is so smart! He is one of my biggest blessings! He is responsible, funny, and a great kid! I am crying writing this, thinking of all our struggles, and all our victories! He is growing into being a great man! He is a true testament of what hard work and prayers can do! He is still shy, but you would never know he struggled with all the things that he did! He is just a normal teenager, who rolls his eyes at his Mom and Dad, and picks on his brothers and sister. :)

Fall Harvest Stew

This is one of my favorite stews. Its easy, its good, and it fills you up! Best of all its made in the slow cooker! I LOVE slow cookers! I have 3. My husband thinks I have a problem with kitchen appliances. I don't! (maybe I do)  But, when you have a large garden and raise your meat, cook almost everything from scratch, you kinda need some things. Just sayin' So here is my stew recipe.

Fall Harvest Stew

• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 4 med. russet potatoes, diced into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 med. sweet potato, diced into 1/2 inch pieces
• 5 C. cabbage, copped
• 1 med. onion, diced
• 1 t. garlic powder
• 1 t. salt
• 1 can of corn, do not drain, plus one more can of water
• 4 C. of left over pork roast or chicken breast, diced
• 1 T. corn starch
• 1 T. water

Spray slow cooker with non-stick spray. Place first 8 ingredients in slow cooker. Cook on high for 3 1/2 hours. Add pork or chicken. Cook for 30 minutes more. Mix corn starch and water. Add to slow cooker and cook for 15 minutes longer, on high.



2 Birthdays in 2 Days

  My 2 youngest boys were born on 11-04 and 11-05, 2 years apart from each other. Elijah was born on the 4th in 2003, and Matthew(who we call Chewy) was born on the 5th in 2005. We have a tradition of me making what ever they request for their birthday supper. So this week Elijah turns 12 years old, and he wanted crab rangoon, and pumpkin pie. Not a great combo to cook! Crab meat and pumpkin pie spice... not such a great combo!!! But I am a Mom... and that's what we do! Cook and make our birthday boys happy. Today is Chewys birthday! He is 10! He chose hamburgers, hotdogs, coleslaw, baked beans, mashed potatoes, and monkey bread. If you are wondering... yes, I bought Tums when I got groceries this week! Sigh! But Happy Birthday boys!!! You are great kids(most of the time:) You make me smile, make me happy! I am a very blessed Momma!

Elijah

Chewy

And yes, I know I will be in big trouble for these pictures! :)

Here Comes the leaves!

  Let me tell you about one of our neighbors down the road! (Sigh) He has a SERIOUSE addiction to... his leaf blower!!! I mean "needs an intervention" kinda problem! All summer he blows grass clippings and than in the fall, he goes NUTS!!!!!! He starts as soon as the sun comes up, and typically does not end before 5-6 pm. It is relentless everyday! It makes me crazy! We needed to get a new blower this year, we thought about asking him what he has, because he really puts his blower to the test! We didn't ask him, but we did get a new leaf blower this weekend, and Sam decided to do this to his sister...

Sam and Anna. Chewy running to her rescue


 Just after I took this picture, this happened. Brother and sister love!

  

This is Matthew James, aka Chewy. He is turning 10 in a few weeks! He is my youngest! How is he almost 10?! He is smart, kind, and loves to fight with his brother, Elijah! He loves sweat pants, hates jeans, loves jokes about cows (for some reason)! Anyway...He has been saying for the last year that he, and his family someday, are going to live with Jeremy and I to help with all the farm chores. Cute! So cute and sweet! Than this happened... Last night we were all hanging out, watching tv. Than that cute little face said, "Can I live here after I am grown up?" I say "Sure Chew that's sweet". Than Chewy says "Cuz I can take care of you old folks!" looking at Jeremy and me!!!! What???? I am 36! I am not an "old folk" Chewy James!!! What 10 year old says "folk"??!! Too funny! :) He is one of a kind! :)

Date Night

  Jeremy and I have been married for 16 1/2 years. We rarely go on dates, because of the kids having things going on, we don't have the money... All the normal, everyday stuff that gets in the way. But when we do... they are EPIC!!!! Let me tell you about our exciting date night! Brace yourselves...

We were just going to go out for dinner. But we decided since we were all ready out, to do a few errands. (this is where it always goes off course) I needed to go to the fabric store, to get a gift for my cute little niece Ruby. She loves to craft when she is here! So I wanted to get her something crafty. Than we were off to Menards for a chainsaw blade, and oil. I also bought laundry detergent. After that Walmart! I know... its getting super romantic at this point! We bought new pillows for the whole family

 

 

 

 

and Wonder Woman pajamas for Anna.

 

Got gas for the mini van. Decided just to come home, because the hockey game was going to start. I made pizza sandwiches, and cheese dip to eat while we watched the game. Did dishes, laundry, cleaned the house a little.

 

 


Than this happened.

 

 

Not really a date night, but I spent it with all the people I love the most! We had fun, laughed, screamed at the TV while watching the game, I saw Anna become Wonder Woman! Pretty good! Its so nice to be married to your best friend, that even in the most normal everyday things of life, you can have fun! I am a pretty lucky girl!

 

 

 

A walk in the woods

 

Blessings

Wanna be farmers!

         Giving thanks for all our blessings! Thankful to God for helping us through a REALLY long, hard weekend! LOTS of work was done! Picking veg, butchering, freezing, processing, smoking bacon, along with all the normal chores.


       We are VERY thankful for all our produce/animals, that help us raise our kids, as healthy as we can! We try to do everything as natural as we can. We are just so thankful to be able to do that! Even if it is exhausting!

           A big thanks to Dad Brunink for his help this weekend!! He stayed and helped us butcher Friday! We butchered  6 pigs.



        I am not going to lie... I was on the brink of tears Friday with all the work! I might have dropped some pretty bad words, in front of my kids!(Idid)! :( Sorry kids!!
                         (I am not known for my good language!)  

Thankful!

Canning Applesauce

This weekend Chewy, Anna, Elijah and I, picked, made, and canned over 20 quarts of applesauce!  We have 2 apple trees on our property. We are very blessed to have them! I have about the same amount to do this weekend. We were all tired, but we did it!!!!!!!!!While we were canning, Sam and Jeremy, were cutting and splitting wood.We also finished building our smoke house, moved a shed, along with all the chores that come along with having chickens, and ducks, dogs, 4 kids, homework, cleaning coops, cleaning the house... But we are sooo grateful for all our blessings!!! And nothing says fall like apples!

Girl Meets Carpenter

      This post comes from the bottom of my heart!!!! I have a sister-in-law/friend, that is the most caring person ever!!! She came over last week, and blogged about me, and our home. This is her site girlmeetscarpenter.blogspot.com I could not see through my tears! She was way too kind, and loving!!!!!!

    She is incredible!  I really look up to her ( even though she is 6 years younger than me), I try to be the kind of sister/friend/wife/mother that she is. She also has 4 amazing kids, Natalie, Ruby, Charlie, and little Emmy. She is married to my amazing brother Jordan!

   

     I have been so blessed, to have had God bring her in my life.( so don't screw it up Jordan) (I know you won't ;). I am not as good with words as Lindsey, but I just wanted her to know that I love her soooo much, she has helped me in rough times, she inspires me, she is so great, and such a good friend!  I love you!!!!!

Barkel art work

  Some of the cute art work from Lindsey and Jordans kiddos!

A picture of our pigs from Natalie, a minion and my dogs from Ruby, a fish from Charlie, and a artistic design by Emmy! 

First Day of School

Ever have a day like this...

Warning: this post includes the word puke. You have been warned!!!!!!

I have 4 kids, 2 teens, and 2 pre-teens. I am a stay at home mom. I love them, but I have been planning for their first day back to school, all summer. My plan was... to eat chocolate, watch a movie, and take a shower with no one yelling "mom", while I was in it. Being a mom is tough work. Keeping them safe, not screwing them up to much... So, I was feeling selfish, and wanted a afternoon to myself. So, movie and chocolate, that's my plan. I know, I dream big!!!! But this is what happened...

Wake up late
Eat potato salad for breakfast. This is where it starts going a little off course.
Start watching a movie.
Start feeling a little yucky.
My lovely sister-in-law Lindsey calls. (This is where it goes way of course!)
Try to act normal on the phone with Lindsey, because I am feeling NOT GOOD!!!!!!
Puke
Puke
Puke
Puke, and get a HUGE bruise on my arm, trying to get to the bathroom.( It did not end well).
Start a load of laundry. Washer breaks.
Sam(15) gets home and throws his gym clothes in the broken washer,(if you have boys, you know what a BAD thing that is)
Take a picture of the kids and post it to instagram,  like nothing ever happened.(things happened today!)

                      If this was your dream day, dream no more. It happened! It happened BAD!!!!
                                             

    

Pizza Sauce

 

 

Pizza Sauce

1 lb. Roma tomatoes
1 1/2 t. Italian seasoning
1 t. minced garlic
salt to taste
1/4 c. minced onion

Blend all ingredients in blender. Simmer in a sauce pot for 20 minutes. Easy and good!

New Chicken Coop

Jeremy, Anna and I made a new coop and yard, for our youngest chickens and ducks. They had outgrown their other coop, as we have added to our flock. So now we have it in the barn. Yay!!! No more frozen water and heat lamps (hopefully). It was so funny when we were catching them last night. I manned the door of the coop while the rest of the fam caught and put them in the new coop. They were making so much noise! But they love their new home!  

Dairy and Egg free Snickerdoodles

3 1\4 c. Flour

1/2 c. Water

1/2 c. Canola oil

1 t. Vanilla

1 1/2 c. Sugar

2 t. Cream of tarter

1 t. Soda

1/2 t. Salt

Cinnamon and sugar

Preheat oven to 350°. Mix all ingredients, except cinnamon and sugar. Drop a tablespoon of dough, roll in cinnamon sugar mixture. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes.

" Yummy Summer Pasta"

                                                This is what we had for supper last night.

I dumped some of the veggies that are coming out of the garden, added a few other items, and Chewy named it. :) He names all my pasta dishes because pasta is his favorite, and he can eat a TON of it! :)

 

Yummy Summer Pasta

1 lb. ground meat (I use turkey)

2 T canola oil

1 t. salt

1 t. garlic powder

1 t. cumin

1 med onion, diced

2 jalapeños, minced

1 c. fresh corn, cut of cob

1 4oz. can sliced ripe olives

1 can great northern beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 4 oz. can tomato paste

1 1/2 c. water

1 summer squash, diced

1 lb. box of pasta

 

Brown meat in oil, along with the onion, peppers and seasoning. When browned add, corn, paste, olives, beans, water. and squash. Simmer for 15- 20 minutes. Cook pasta according to directions and add to the sauce the last 1 minute of simmering time. Makes 8 servings

 



The Egg

  This is a pic of our eggs we got today! The one in the front is HUGE! We couldn't even shut the top! Way to go hens! Its so amazing how God created these birds to have these eggs everyday! (fyi... glad I am not a hen!)
 

The Man on the Tractor

This morning I dropped Sam off at drivers training, came home, and started to watch the morning news. I heard a tractor coming down the road. I looked out the front window, to see a older man, wearing a bright blue bicycle helmet driving the tractor. In the tractors front bucket was his bike! What???!!! I was laughing so hard! Its not a scene you see everyday. I was bummed I couldn't get a pic! I almost got in my van to chase him down:)  I decided that wouldn't be kind. :( He might have temporarily lost his marbles, and I was raised to respect my elders. Sooooooo stinkin' tempting though!!! ;)   (insert evil laugh!)

Anna, Chewy and Jess' Desk Project

  I bought this desk at Ikea maybe 10 years ago. It was black and has 2 locking drawers. We lost the key amd after a few years we broke into it hoping to find money! Nope... Just a few dried up pens! AGHHHH!! Anyway Anna and I decided to paint it. Chewy sanded it. Than we primed and painted it a soft creamy/white color. I love it! We moved it into "mommas command center".(AKA the corner of the living room with the phone, all the bills, and everyone's schedules). We also hung up a 1957 license plate over it, for magnets and notes. Jeremy found the plate on our property. I think it looks pretty cute!

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

  My family calls me a"food nerd". I love food, cooking and canning.I love creating and trying out new recipes. We make pizza every weekend at home. I make 4 large pizzas to feed the six of us. (yes, we are pigs). Normally we make this on Saturday night, and than watch a movie. This is the crust recipe I created, and I think its pretty good! ( you can cut this recipe in half, if you are not a large, piggish, family like mine).

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough- makes 4, large pizzas 

2 2/3 c. warm water

2 pkg. yeast

3 T. sugar

3 c. self rising flour

2 c. whole wheat flour

pinch of salt

2 T.oil

 Mix yeast, water ad sugar together. Let it stand 10 minutes  Add the rest of the ingredients. Place in a oiled bowl and cover with a cloth or plastic wrap. When it doubles in size punch down and spread out on your pans. top with your toppings. Bake @ 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

4 Eggs, 6 Yokes

  As I mentioned before, the "little chickens" are laying eggs. Today Jeremy decided to make egg sandwiches. We make them by toasting bread, slathering the bread with butter, and topping the toast with fried eggs, and cheddar cheese. Well, 2 of our little hens laid double yokes this morning! Way to go, you little overachievers! So proud of my ladies! Anna takes care of the little chickens. She was gone at a sleepover this morning. She is going to be sooooo upset that she missed this! Sorry Anna:( 

Peas Please!

I am soaking peas to be planted later this afternoon in the garden. It helps them germinate quicker. Peas grow best in cooler weather, and as it is August, its time for the second planting! (BTW what happened to summer?!) Peas are so easy to freeze also. Just blanch for a few minutes, cool, and freeze in bags. But nothing beats going out in the garden, and eating them right off the vines! I guess that explains why I have not froze enough for the year yet :/ oops!

Pigs by Matthew "Chewy", Chores by Elijah

As I mentioned before these next post are from the kids. Chewy is 9 and going into the 5th grade.

Pigs-by Chewy Brunink

One thing I don't like about pigs is - they are stinky! Some things I like is- that they are tasty, fun to watch and are fat! They are fun to ride too :)

This is Lij's post. He is 11 and going into the 7th grade

Chores-by Elijah David Brunink

Chores are NOT fun!

Chores SUCK!

My chores are gathering eggs, watering the chickens, taking out all recycle. On Saturdays we also have to clean the coops, clean our room and the kids' bathroom! 

That's all I have to say.

These post cracked me up! Thanks boys for the help, and all your words of wisdom! ;) 

My Little Chickens - by Anna Rose Brunink

I have asked all 4 kids to write a post for our blog. This is Anna's, She is 13, and going into the 9th grade.

  My little Chickens-by Anna Rose Brunink

We bought a few more chicks this spring. We call them our "little chickens". We also still have our older hens and my Daddy bought me 4 ducks! They have been through rough times! They have had to deal with a fox, a raccoon, a possum ,and crazy Michigan weather. We lost a duck and a few chickens after all of that :( My great uncle gave us 7 more chicks last month, and they are all getting along well with are other birds.They fit in perfectly! And I have even more good news! We are getting 7 or so eggs a day from our little chickens now! We love our little ladies! 

Pumpkins

    We planted pumpkins this spring. Guess what y'all? They are starting to turn orange! Pics to come soon! Have a great weekend y'all!

School Supplies, Birthday, Drivers Training and Crabby Teens

  This August is a huge month for us! I am working on getting all of our back to school supplies. Holy crap! I am doing just the basics, but it is costing a lot! This year we have 2 in high school, 1 in  middle school, and a 5th grader. Our three youngest all have birthdays this fall. So ALL the kids will be teens and pre-teens  Yikes! Sam, our oldest is in drivers training. How did that happened? I just brought him into this world! Now all I have is crabby teens! All they do is crab, roll eyes and eat! Also this month I turn 36! How did that HAPPEN!!!This is my plan for the first day of school:

1) Dance as the bus leaves
2) Go see a movie
3) Eat M&Ms
4) Read

What will not happen the first day of school:

1) No housework
2)I will not answer phones
3) I will not listen to: fights, gaming disputes, facts about cars, facts on weird movies and shows, or hear the words "I am bored"
4) Smell stinky boys!.

And I will say " I survived the summer of 2015!"

6324 Michillinda Rd. Whitehall

Today at the stand we have:
green beans
lettuce
kale
beets
summer squash


 Enjoy this pretty weekend we are having!

Holland and the 2nd Plantings

  Some of our veggies are going to Holland today! Some of us are visiting my in-laws tonight in Holland. We are taking 2 coolers of veg! We are taking kale, lettuce, squash and beets. We are in between plantings right now, so we have a little less to chose from.
  Our beans have been planted for a 2nd harvest, and Wednesday our peas will be going in for a 2nd planting.We also have planted a 2nd bed of  kale. Can't beat fresh veg!
 
 

A Big Day for one of our Ladies

  An exciting day for us yesterday! We heard ALL kinds of squawking in the "little chicken" coop.(thats what we call are our youngest birds). We got our first egg from one of our ladies! You would have thought she laid a football, for all the noise she made! Congrats lil' lady! Good job! A little less noise next time, please!

7- 21-15

Today we have:
beans
peas
lettuce
greens
kale
pet treats
plants
banana muffins
and more!

7-20-15

At the stand today we have:
peas
beans
lettuce
kale
canned tomatoes
pet treats
summer squash

 Tomatoes, peppers and corn will be here soon!!!!!

Pig Sh*t

 This weekend we had a few huge storms. It left our pasture in a lot of water! We needed to move our pig shelter out of the water. It was over a foot deep in their home. So we moved it. It weighs 800 lb. It was hard, but we did it! We were COVERED in SH*t! But we did it! Showers for everyone!

Saving Money on Groceries

We have been a one income family for most of our married life. We had 4 kids before our 7th Anniversary! And they are pigs! We are a HUGE foodie family, and it is really hard to stretch a one income budget to feed all these mouths! Especially now that we have 2 teens, and 2 pre-teens! And 3 out of the 4 are boys! These are my tips...
1. Pay attention to the price per ounce at the store
2. Make your own stock
3. I cook most everything from scratch
4. Base all meals on the sales that week
5. Have a garden
6. Buy local meat (we raise our own)
7. Bake your own bread and buns
8. Freeze leftovers for lunches
9. I make most of our cleaning products
10. Rice, dried beans, and pasta can stretch a meal
11. Buy almost nothing processed
12. Can and freeze all your veg that you get from your garden.
13. Make your own jam
14.No soda

This is what I do. Its a lot of work. But I know what is going into my families bodies.

Canning Beans and Frezzing Peas

Anna and I worked all day Monday, and we canned 21 quarts of green beans and froze a little over 20 quarts of sugar snap peas! We were so tired by the time we were done! This is the only pic Anna let me take! She just kept saying "Oh Momma!".

My Grocery Buddy, Chewy!

Enough pics Mom!

                                                   Thanks for the help Chewy! Love you!

Freezing Sugar Snap Peas

We are getting lots of Sugar Snap Peas! They are so good! I freeze all my peas, and this is how I do it:

Freezing Sugar Snap Peas

Wash peas, blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, drain and cool. Pack into freezer bags, or vacuum seal. My Husband spoiled me last Christmas, He got me a vacuum sealer!!! I am such a food nerd! It was the best gift ever!!!!!!

BBQ Sauce

This is my BBQ sauce recipe. It is easy, and really good.  Its got a little heat, and a hint of sweet.

BBQ Sauce

1- 6 oz can tomato paste
3 C. water
1 T. onion salt
1t. garlic powder
2 T. soy sauce
1/4 c. hot sauce
1 C. molasses

Simmer on a low heat for 2 hours. Keeps for 4 day days in the fridge. You can also freeze it.

7-5-15

Today at the stand we have:

Sugar Snap Peas
Green Beans
Kale
Turnip Greens
Lettuce
Spinach

Enjoy the pretty day we are having!

Hops

                 This is our 2 hop plants, that Jeremy uses in making beer. They are only 2 years old!I

My Girl

Check out Anna's blog!http://farmersonlydaughter.blogspot.com/
So proud of you lady! You are a so amazing! She is kind, sweet, tough, smart, a great photographer, a country girl, and just amazing! Love you Anna Rose!

Farm and the Fourth

Today at our farm stand we have:

Lettuce
Kale
Turnip Greens
Sugar Snap Peas
Green Beans
Dog Treats
Spinach
Flowers

Happy 4th everyone!!!!!

Boat

 

This is our UGLY boat. We bought it for $100.  We put a little into it, to get it running, but it runs and floats (yay!). Jeremy and Sam took it out for the first time last night. We are still debating on the name of the boat.  The boys think "Green Lantern", I like "3 Hour Tour", and "Kermit". The reason for all the crazy names is that EVERYTHING is green inside!!! EVERYTHING!! We hope to spruce it up this winter, when we have more time. But we are just letting the ugly boat go this summer!

We had a boat before this one. A BAD experience! When we lived in Grand Haven, on Easter Sunday, we brought it to the Grand River for the first time. We stalled out in the middle of the river, couldn't get it started, and had to paddle upstream to get home. It took forever and was so hard! Some of us cursed, cried, were so tired after 2 hours of paddling and almost peed their pants! You are probably thinking that it might have been one of the kids... Nope it was me (Jess). ( sorry Jeremy) So I am  thrilled that this one runs good, and we put it in the lake, NOT A RIVER!!!!!! Cuz trust me, 6 people in a boat paddling upstream for 2 hours is NOT fun!!!!!!

The 4th!

Happy 4th of July! Thank you to all who have served our great Country, and allow us to celebrate our Independence Day! Happy Birthday America!

Summer Days

This is our summer day... Take care of the animals. Pick lettuce, peas and kale. Set up the farm stand. Brothers are fighting. Make beds. Do dishes. Start planning supper, because Jeremy has a side job tonight. Laundry. Mail BDay card to Natalie. Pay bills. Pick up the house. Sweep. Take out dogs again. Teenager attitudes. Have a small mental break down! :) Throw out all my junk mail. Make lunch. What? Its just lunch time??!!!!!  I love my family but its a lot of work! My husbands dog is stuck under the couch as I write this. She is 47 lbs. She thinks she can fit under an Ikea couch. She can't!!!! So who is ready for a nap? lol

Polka Dot Boots

Some girls wear heals... country girls rock the rubber boots! Yeah I now... we are classy :) Have a good weekend everyone!

Taco Casserole

Ok... This is not the healthiest of my recipes, but its really good! Some days you just need comfort food. Its good! You should try it!

Taco  Casserole

4 c. shredded chicken
1 can cream of mushroom
1 pint diced tomatoes
2 c. canned pinto beans
1 small can diced green chilies
1 t. cumin
1 t. garlic powder
1 T minced jarred jalapenos
salt to taste
5 c. crushed tortilla chips

 Start a layer in the bottom of 9 by 13, with half the crushed chips. In a bowl, mix remaining ingredients and pour on top of chips. Bake for 40 min. @
 350 degrees. Top with shredded cheese. I like to serve it with sour cream, diced onion and salsa.

Farm Stand

 We are open tomorrow! 10- 6. We have flowers, lettuce, greens, and peas!

Our Day

The Van

  I have been driving a mini van since I was 22. I am sick of it!!! Its a piece of crap!!! Today I discovered I was locked out of my van. I can find NO keys! I call Jeremy.  He feels bad, because he drove it last. He tells me he is coming home to break into it.. He comes home and gets it open! My hero! Than I get home from errands... and guess what? The keys are in my bag! :( Sorry Jeremy! So sorry !)  I text him that I found them. He says " I knew it!". Sorry Jerm! :(  I also ripped off the mirror backing out of the garage this winter! :( Sorry!

The Fox

  We have been having HUGE issues with a fox! We have lost 9 hens this spring! It is soooo sad! Its bold, it kills, and we want it gone! Jeremy has been setting traps, we have a gun by the back door, and we also have snares out. You know the movie "Fox and the Hound" ? Well real fox, are not so nice! We love our chickens and sell their eggs! Anna and I get tears every time we lose one.  We take really good care of our animals. They are all a part of our family, and we always thank God for the blessings of what they contribute to our family, friends and neighbors.

Pigs

                                 Here is a picture of our new additions to the property! Six new pigs!

They are huge, and so friendly! They are already eating out of our hands. and we just got them Friday! They love to eat, and dig around.(Anna is in the background.)