Memorial Day and Miracles

It's a beautiful day on the Knolltop! Sunny and getting warmer by the minute!

Yesterday morning I was goofing off with Angie and we had a great time. But this morning, it's back to the grind. I've got a long list of things to get done and posting some pictures on this blog is not one of them. So I've got to get this done quickly so I can get back to the real work at hand!

We had a great Memorial Day weekend. Some friends of ours from Indonesia were here for a visit and their oldest daughter, Jennifer, spent the day with us. She and Sarah are good friends. We started with a parade and then came home and goofed off outside most of the day.Sarah and Jennifer enjoying some sunshine. It was cold for Jen, she's used to weather in the 90s, not the 70s!

Luke in the center had to march in the parade, he wasn't too happy about it, but I enjoyed watching him!

Then the miracle came Tuesday night when the two children who get along the least spent an hour outside playing volleyball together. JW and Sarah spend most of their days tolerating each other. One day they will get along, just like my big brother Rex and I. We fought most of our childhood years but now get along beautifully.

When JW and Sarah first went out, I made a mad dash with my camera out to the front porch and snuck a few shots of them together. I figured they would be fighting within minutes, but I was pleasantly surprised when an hour later they both came back in red faced and civil!

Okay, I've interrupted a million times while doing this post...I guess I'd better get going!

It's coffee time!

I know, it's been a week since I blogged! Sorry!

Okay, it's raining here in on the Knolltop, but that's okay, my flowers need it. Those that are planted and those that are still in their flats!

Actually, I'm not at home, I've having coffee with my BFF Angie in Jonesville. We were looking things up on her computer and I thought while we were sipping coffee and eating day old, over priced muffins I would post on the blog!

I can't write much about Angie, since she's reading as I type, otherwise I would tell you much she weighs, her heartburn troubles and how tan she is...is it fake and bake or garden glow? Oh wait, she just told me she has her pool open, so I guess as a crop farmer's wife she's got nothing to do so she sits by the pool every day sipping lemonade, unlike us dairy farm wives who's work is never ending and we have farmers' tans not bikini lines!

Oh, and let's not forget the horse show she has this weekend, yes, she's one of those.....I'm telling you, this crop farming is the way to go!

Okay, enough about Angie, I've got too much talking to do, and I can't talk and type. So I'll share pictures of Memorial Day weekend and the miraculous event that happened Tuesday night. Yes, parenting has it's downs but it also has it's ups too!

My second cup of coffee was just poured, gotta go!

Home Run Delight!

It's another beautiful day here on the Knolltop! Good Morning!

Last evening was beautiful as well as we sat at the ball field watching our team beat Jackson Christian. I sat with my BFF Sue for the first game and then sat with my BFF Debbie, (you know I only use that BFF stuff in fun, hope I'm not irritating anyone with it!)

The only problem with sitting with Debbie, our pastor's wife, is that her son Brandon plays for Jax Christian. So while I cheered for Luke, I was in the minority on the opposing side. It was all good until Luke hit that home run and we started whistling, cheering and basically screaming with delight! Debbie, her daughter Lauren, my daughter Sarah and I were the only ones cheering on that side, while the rest of the Jax Christian crowd just sat in silence. Then to make matters worse, Brandon, Debbie's son and the second baseman for Jax, gave Luke a high five as he jogged around the bases. I think that was a bit too much for that crowd.

But Luke was beaming as he came in and basically had a grin from ear to ear the rest of the game and I think he went to bed grinning.

That was their last outing for the season and districts will start next week.

Today I'll get back outside and enjoy the weather working in the sunshine. I told Jake and Sarah they will be helping me plant the garden tomorrow! You can only imagine the looks I received. Yep, that's right...thrilled to death!

One more thing

I forgot to wish my brother Rex a very Happy Birthday! He is 46 today!!!

So...from all of us down here....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Sunny and warming up!

Another beautiful day here on the Knolltop! The sun is shining and it's warming up nicely, it's already 60 out!

The boys had a game last night, neither one of the played, it was a non league game so most of the freshmen played. They lost. But it was a nice break to sit and visit with my BFF Sue and my mom! We had a great time sitting in the sun.

We've dried up a few cows so milking is much quicker these days. And the cows are staying out all the time so that's nice too. I had four renegade heifers get out yesterday morning. They were so funny, they aren't show calves so they haven't been worked with and yet trying to drive them back in where they belong was no easy task. They would just stand there. I would tap them on the hip and they'd take a step and then stop. They are a very quiet group!

Jake is happy now, he's back in the mowing business. Last night after the game he hopped on the mower and went at it. Boy does he love mowing!

It's time for breakfast....better get!

This weather is WONDERFUL!

It's another beautiful day here on the Knolltop! Sunny, warm and just a grand day!

Yesterday I finally got the lawn taken care of...and boy does that make me feel good inside. And the neighbor came down and planted my sweet corn....oh that feels good too! Now today I've got to plant the rest of the garden and some flowers that I purchased from the local FFA. But first I've got chores and a column on my plate before I can even think about enjoying the outside air! Guess I'll just have to open the window and listen to the birds.

Did you star win from Dancing with the Stars? I didn't stay up to watch, but I did see this morning on the Internet that the gymnast won. That's cool! Who did you want?

Better get going!

Bad games and good moms

It's gonna be another gorgeous day here on the Knolltop! Warmer and sunny and I can't wait!

I went to the baseball game last night, well at least the first two innings of the first game. Then Sarah and I had to come home and milk but we had a real treat! The game was on the radio! So we listened while we milked and I didn't miss anything! Luke had two RBI doubles and a single in the first game, I can't remember what he did in the second game. JW played shortstop well, but was struggling a bit in the batters box. He either went down swinging or popped it up. They were ahead in both games but ended up losing both of them...they were a little disappointed to say the least.

Although it's a bit delayed, I'm running a tribute to moms in the dairy industry this week in my Dairy Agenda Today blog. If you want to write a short memory or tribute to your mom, email me and I'll put it up. I know Liz at Northview Diary blog should be able to come up with something! Right Liz?

Now it's time for breakfast!

A beautiful Monday!

What a beautiful morning here on the Knolltop. It's cool, but going to get warmer and I can't wait to get outside to work again. Good Morning!

It was a volleyball weekend. On Saturday we sat in a school in Coldwater and watched a million games of volleyball and then did it again on Sunday in Grass Lake. They played well, but I have to say, as the days get warmer, I'm glad this season is over.

I've got to finish up two stories this morning while I wait for things to dry out. Then I will head back outside and mow again. I'm making headway on this lawn and it might look like someone actually lives here again! I know my neighbor will be happy when she can look out and see a nice yard. I've also got some flowers to plant that I bought from the FFA kids. Although they aren't the color I prefer, what they take in is nearly all profit, so I will support them and have a farm of purple petunias this summer!

Headed outside!

Good Morning from a sunny Knolltop!

Last evening the kids had their spring concert and it was great! For such a small school where all the band students are also the baseball, football, basketball, softball, volleyball track teams they do a fabulous job! They even received a standing ovation at the end. They truly are a great group with a very good sound.

I'm going to try to get outside today and work. When I came across the road this morning I could smell the sweet scent of the Lily of the Valley. Oh my heavens that was a great smell! And at 4 am, I heard that bird singing again. I don't know what he is, but I can hear him every once in awhile when I'm working in my office. He has the best song and it makes me feel good inside to hear him!

So what is everyone else up to on the great Friday????

Heifers running at dusk

Good Morning from a sunny, breezy and the rain is gone now Knolltop!

With the rain and the grass coming on, the cows are able to stay out all day now and boy is that nice. Especially for the dry cows and heifers who get to hang out in the big pasture. We had two escapees the other evening. Sarah and I got done with chores while the guys were at the baseball game and while I was finishing up some editing for Dairy Agenda Today, I heard the "moo" of a cow and she was way too close. I looked out and saw Sarah's heifer, Brandy, running down the road and before I could get my shoes on, Sarah was out the door to round her up.

Brandy and her pen mate, Lexi were out having a great time kicking up their heels in the dusk of the evening. Sarah put halters on them and we tied them in a stall for the night. The next day we decided they were old enough to go out with the dry cows and heifers so they are now enjoying the wide open space of the pasture and loving every minute of it!

Tonight will be a busy evening. Sarah has volleyball practice at 5:30 Jake has baseball practice at 5 and then we have a band concert at 7 pm. It seems like the last month of school is busier than any other time of the year!

Today I have to write a couple of stories, do some editing and then head out to mow the back yard.

Baseball victories!

Good Morning from an overcast windy Knolltop.

For those of you who care about my lawnmower belt saga, I finally got the right belt! And now half the lawn is mowed with rain coming this morning. If you want the blow by blow story see it on my Dairy Agenda Today blog. Otherwise, let's just say Wells Equipment in Litchfield came through again for us! I love them!

Can you say three run homer? Yes, that's what Luke had last night at the Burr Oak game. As badly as JW and Luke hit Monday night, they hit that well last night. JW had a double and a single and Luke had a home run and a single. They won both games and were in a very good mood when they got home. Luke reminded me of when he was a little kid, he was actually giggly when we talked about his home run. Those boys are so much fun to watch! (I know, I'm biased!)

Well, I've got to get the chores done so I can write more and then hopefully the rain will hold off until I can get the rest of the mowing done and then you won't have to read about this blessed lawn again!

One more store

Good Morning from another sunny Knolltop!

I went to the boys game last night. They played Reading, who won the state championships in baseball two or three years ago....they got killed. So, we washed that loss off of the uniforms last night and are off to another game this afternoon in Burr Oak.

I will be going to the third store for a lawnmower belt in a week. I'm beginning to lose all hope that I will ever mow my lawn this summer. Stanna, my neighbor has mowed three times and I'm sure she looks out and wonders what in heavens name her neighbors are doing!

Headed to the barn...later!

Great Mother's Day with lots of flowers!

Good Monday Morning from a sunny, but cool, 45 degree Knolltop!

It was a very busy weekend with baseball games on Saturday and then Mother's Day on Sunday. While I took pictures and enjoyed every minute of the games, they lost both of them and so we got to come home earlier than we thought.

JW pitched and played shortstop and second base.

Luke got a break from catching and started at short then went to third base then went to second base and then bounced back to third. I needed a score card to see where they would be inning by inning. Of course with Brad pitching, I had to get a picture with Brad and Luke both in the frame!

JW's friend Hillary, surprised me with a Mother's Day gift, cupcakes!

Oh my heavens were they ever good. I can still taste them! And so pretty too. She also made me a pair of earrings and a necklace, I wore those Saturday night at the women's event that I spoke at in Ypsilanti. They went beautifully with my outfit!

Here was a gathering of women after I spoke at the event, they were so fun to visit with, so many people from so many backgrounds! The funny thing was, the lady holding the baby came up to me and said she thought I was going to be so boring because I was a farmwife and I was from the country and she was ready to take a nap. But then when I began talking about purpose for her life and passions inside of us, she sat up and took notice and she said she loved it. I had to laugh at her assumption that because I was a farmwife she thought I would be boring! What a hoot! I'm glad I surprised her!

On Sunday the family took me out for dinner and then a little shopping and then home to relax. I also received three bouquets of flowers. Of course, they were all flowers from around the house. It was so funny, while I was checking on some things on the computer, Sarah came in with her bouquet and a note for me. I told her how much I loved them, put them in water and all of a sudden I heard the back door open and slam. Knowing Jake was out following Sarah's lead, I waited for my next bouquet, and sure enough, in walked Jake with his bouquet of spent tulips, one sprig of lilac and a couple grape hyacinth. I laughed inside as I put his gift in a special vase. Then we got in the van and Sarah and I had left our carnations in the van that we had received from the women's event that I spoke at the night before. Luke picked those up and said, "Happy Mother's Day!"

One thing is for sure, these kids are frugal!

Happy Friday!

Good Morning from a beautiful, sunny, I'm-going-to-mow-the-lawn-today-if-it-kills-me Knolltop!

Now that I have more pictures downloaded onto the computer, I'll share a few from the Region II FFA Camp that JW was involved in...just in case you didn't visit the Dairy Agenda Today Blog.

JW, the national officer Laila and Chris Sanford from Springport posed for a picture for me.

Then I caught them working at the camp. All the kids at the camp were put to work as they did the spring clean up for the camp. It didn't take them long to get things in shape...wish I could get them here!

Today the boys have a game in Bellevue and I get to go! Then tomorrow it's tourney day!

Better get to breakfast then out to the barn and then you know what.....MOWING!

So much to do..so little time!

Good morning from a kind of foggy Knolltop.

Yesterday I heard the best sound ever, my lawnmower running! Although it hasn't cut a blade of grass yet, it runs!

Monday I went to JW's Region II FFA camp where they installed new officers and he is no longer the president. They had a National FFA officer there and she was awesome. If you want to read a little more about her, go to my Dairy Agenda Today blog. I think I'd better write a column about her too...she's terrific!

Anyway, I have pictures, just haven't downloaded them only my computer yet...too busy writing other stuff. And I just realized Sunday is mothers day and I should've dedicated my column this week to moms...shoot!

Well, I've got more writing for today on the schedule, after I head out to the barn to finish up chores. I'm getting the showing bug...sizing up the heifers, deciding which ones need to go to the show and how we need to get working with them! The neighbor, Lori of Knolltop Morgans just got two heifers for her kids and so now we're getting excited about the summer shows!

Well, I'd better get out to that barn!

Just call me Eve

It's another beautiful morning here on the Knolltop and promises to be a great day!

The boys split their double header last night with Waldron. They did well, both of them hit well and Luke had two throw outs.

Yesterday we got another batch of prom pictures, but I won't put them up, they are basically the same as the last two days posts. What I can't figure out is this: The envelope came in the mail, it was red and you could feel it had pictures in it. I picked it out of the mail and said, "Oh! More pictures!" I handed it to Bobby and he promptly opened it and then looked at who it was addressed to. It was not addressed to us! But to JW. Bobby froze in his tracks feeling extremely guilty he immediately put them back in the envelope and put them in a safe place for JW. Of course, we didn't feel guilty enough not to look at them first, but no one else knows that!

Bobby assured me he would explain it to JW and that JW wouldn't get mad at him, knowing full well, if it had been me to open the mail, I would be in big trouble! And sure enough, Bobby explained the mistake to JW and it was all good. Until he found out I was the one to hand the mail to Bobby to open...all of a sudden it was all my fault! I have a new nick name...Eve.

WHATEVER!

Again, I ask you....I went through 45 hours of labor for this?????

Tuesday's Prom Update: More pictures!

Good morning from a sunny Knolltop and at 8 am it's 49 degrees!

For those of you who can't get enough of the prom pictures, which are about three people, me, mom and Nana....here are a few more that Suzanne sent yesterday.

Here's Grandma pinning the flowers on JW...Hillary was too worried about poking him. This is so cute!
Gramps and Grandma with JW.

Hillary with her grandparents, Joyce and Bob Benjamin, long time Holstein breeders.

JW and Hillary with Hillary's parents Suzanne and Al.

And then we have bonus prom pictures from Wisconsin!

Alexa Nunes and her boyfriend....oops, I forgot to get his name...sorry!

Alexa is the oldest daughter of Matt and Mandy Nunes of Scientific Holsteins. I know the story behind that dress, but I won't share it here! I'm just happy to be able to share the photos! Thanks Alexa!

That's it for today's edition of the prom update....if I get more, I'll share, until you tell me to stop!

Better go eat breakfast!

Prom Results

Good Morning from a sunny Knolltop. We're supposed to be in the upper 60s today!

It was a very busy weekend, but I must put the ONE picture I have up from JW's prom night. Yes, I only have ONE and that's only because Hillary's mom was kind enough to send IT.

JW has more on a zip drive that Hillary's mom, Suzanne, gave him but he wouldn't let me have it until he looked at it first! And to think I went through 36 hours of labor for that kid!

While we were in Battle Creek at Sarah's Volleyball tournament, JW was at Kimball Camp getting ready for FFA Leadership Camp. When he got done with that, he drove up to Hillary's house and got ready for the big evening. My parents arrived at their home, along with all the other parents of the kids who were there for the pre prom photo shoot. Picture after picture after picture was taken of all these beautiful kids. Then they were off to dinner and the prom.

While we were finishing up chores on Sunday morning JW pulled in to give us a quick update before he headed back to Kimball Camp for the Region II FFA Camp. He stayed overnight at my parents house since it is only a few minutes from Hillary's house.

He told us he had a great time with Hillary, but his favorite part was roasting marshmellows at the bon fire at Hillary's house afterward. So typical for a boy!

He left for camp and a few hours later called to say, "Could you get somebody to milk for you tonight, I need you guys over here for dinner tonight...all the officers are honoring their parents at the dinner." Oh, great JW! Thanks for letting us know in a timely manner!

So while Luke, Sarah, Jake and I did chores Bobby went to the dinner and collected my rose! I was glad to let him go, he never gets to attend FFA events. Bobby said it was very nice, but that JW was the only one with one parent...all the rest had both parents in attendance. While I'm bummed I missed out, I think that's remarkable in this day and age!

JW will be home this afternoon and Jake starts Little League practice today, he's more than excited!

And that's the weekend in a nutshell! When I get another picture of the prom....I'll post it.

Happy May Day!

Happy May Day from the Knolltop! It's sunny and warming up nicely for the first day of May.

Prom update: JW has the flowers ordered and his shoes purchased. I don't think I've ever purchased shoes like he did. He would find a pair he liked and then take a picture with his phone and send it to his date...she would give the thumbs up or down. I guess they did this for awhile. But the funny thing was, he found a pair, purchased them and then sent the picture.....I think he's beginning to clue in.

The boys have a baseball game in Litchfield tonight....should be a good one. I think they should win.

I've got a bunch of writing to do but I'd really rather be outside working in my yard. Today is the first sunny day that the wind hasn't blown your head off! I'd like to get some spraying done and then burn some brush...we'll see. If I keep my nose to the grindstone then maybe I'll get outside!