2005

cows (beef & dairy),

it's hard work, 

Last weekend we hit the road to drive 12+ hours to pick up a set of show lambs for kids in our county.  Now to you it might seem crazy that due to chopping silage we didn't leave until 8 p.m. drove until about 2 a.m. to pick up lambs at 8 a.m. and be back home before 5 p.m. so that the kids could grab their lambs.  

Before we headed out the boys and I had to check the heifers we had just turned out into a new field

and feed the cows in the barn...(can you tell Farm Boy #2 is a climber)

Farm Boy #1 fell asleep not long into our trip

And when he wasn't sleeping he was playing games, watching videos, fighting elephants or asking questions

The Farmer took 2 milkings off to go with us...

he did most of the driving (expect the 11 p.m.-2 a.m. shift) 

which included me, 

in the middle of the night, 

navigating his new trailer through bridge construction

ONE LANE bridge construction 

that was barely wide enough for a mini cooper to pass

much less the truck & trailer.

Farm Boy 1 was excited to help unload the lambs for the kids

These four will make excellent showers...poor Farm Boy 1 doesn't realize he's doomed in showmanship with these cuties

Farm Boy 2 is just frustrated no one will let him in with the big kids

Farm Boy 1 was determined to halter break his lamb on day one!  

Flash isn't so determined.

But they are becoming friends

And Farm Boy 1 was allowing Farm Boy 2 to explore without boundaries 

After a while the shirts came off because "halter breaking is hard work, Momma." 

So here is to a new show season,

with all it's ups and downs,

feed bills and buckets,

clippers and show stands.

I wouldn't trade a minute of the time I get to spend with my boys during show season for anything else.

Livestock projects teach children so much,

responsibility,

record keeping,

compassion,

animal husbandry,

Plus it keeps them outside!

Until we meet again~

Caci

This was the first time I had taken the boys on a road trip by myself.  

But they did awesome for 99% of the trip! 

This was how they rode most of the time.  One napping, while the other entertained his self with games, books, DVDs, music and toys!

We were able to stop for lunch at my favorite BBQ place in all the world!  If you have never tried Purvis BBQ in Louisville, GA you need to make a special trip to this small town.  I promise you won't regret it!

Even Wyatt gave it 2 thumbs up!

This unfortunately is the driveway to where I grew up.  Behind that fallen down tree and up the lane sits the house my Granddaddy built in the early 80's.  This is where I developed a love for agriculture, learned how to halter break a calf, learned the books of the Bible (which I still can't remember 1/2 the time), spent hours riding my horse, and listened to my Granddaddy tell stories while watching the Braves game.  I wish now that I had paid more attention to my Granny's cooking and sewing that is lost behind this overgrowth.  That I had listened when she tried to share Jesus with me, that I had appreciated what was at the end of this driveway just a little more.

This overgrowth made me realize the importance roles others played in my life.  So instead of just driving right through my small hometown...I stopped and chatted with my Ag teacher for a minute and was lucky to get to see another family friend as well (I just wished I'd gotten to see his wife & girls too).  

The boys and I also made a stop at ABAC.  It was this place that introduced me to the Farmer.  It was here that I learned the importance of speaking out for agriculture.  It was ABAC that taught me no matter how entrenched you think your community is in agriculture there are still those folks who only know food comes from the grocery store.  ABAC is also where I learned to put my thoughts on paper and advocate...long before anyone thought they had too.  If you pick up a copy of Pegasus (ABAC's literary publication) from the 2002-2003 school year you will find a copy of my award winning essay "5 Legged Calf Found Eating Mutant Green Corn."  It was a non fiction piece discussing GMO's and the public's perception.  

After visiting with Rachel (Farmer's Baby sister) for a few we headed South to see this girl play in the powder puff football game at her high school.  Living 7+ hours apart we don't get to experience many of the "regular" parts of life with my sister and her family.  So it was a treat to just enjoy each other's company.  

Wyatt's highlight of trips to Florida always include hanging out with his "super cool" big cousins and playing video games (that he has no clue how to play).  

We were able to enjoy a local festival while we were in town as well.  It's neat to see how different towns celebrate their past, present and future.  

Wyatt even coaxed Paige into riding the train around the mall with him.  Which honestly made his day!

We did some sister pictures too.  I love spending time with my big sister and just talking.  We don't get to do it nearly enough.  I also just realized that apparently there are no pictures of my brother-in-law from our trip.  He did a good job of hiding from the camera I see.  No worries Scott we love you!  I mean really you have been part of my family for 20+ years now (over 1/2 my life you know!).  

After a tearful goodbye the boys and I headed home but not before a pitstop at Amelia Island.  The kids had a great time playing in the sand.

Farm Boy loves the ocean no matter the time of year and even though the water was cool he dove right in.

We have decided if he ever leaves the farm, you will find him at the beach.

Farm Boy #2 (he's no longer a baby :( )on the other hand preferred sitting on a towel munching on sea shells & sand. 

We had a great time and a wonderful trip.

Can't wait until we get to visit with our family again!

Goodbye for now!  

Until we meet again...

Caci

Like all working moms, even though I only "work" from 8-5 my job doesn't stop at 5.

I still have kids, a house & a husband to care for.

But some days I also have to throw in helping around the farm as well.

Being part of a family farm means that it takes the whole family to make it work...

Yes we feed cows with the tractor but someone still has to open/close gates

new baby calves are fed on bottles and milkers are put on by hand...it takes at least 3 people WORKING to make milking go smoothly...

Even the boys have to deal with the heat and the hay to make sure we get enough bales in the barn before winter....

Every once in a while Daddy gets home before dark and everyone enjoys some much needed family time

And some days...farm boys show off

& Wyatt again on the front of the Local/State Section of the regional paper