Jan-u-weary

The beginning of the month blew in with exceptionally cold temps, causing some challenges with the equipment on the farm. Even when plugged in the 806 decided it wasn't working for a few days. We improvised and went to our back up plan, lining up bales and forking out hay. It's important to keep an open mind and know how to get things done when you're thrown a curve ball. We always take care of "first things first". Food. Water. Cows milked.

We had our annual herd check on the 6th. It was fun to catch up with the vet that started his career the same year we did. We had a great year, only 2 open cows. We are thankful!

We got to use the new pit pump. This was very important as the old pto pump broke as we removed it from the pit the last time we used it.

I couldn't resist this picture....the sun came out!

The educational opportunity I received this month was when one of the chop gates broke in the parlor. This part here is called a pillow block.....

Leroy showed me how to change them out. I hope next time to be able to do it myself. Thanks again friends!

January was challenging. We were short help but the team all gave a little extra and we got it done.

I didn't get this picture rotated correctly.  We marked a year without our farmer on the 20th. When I found this in kid #3's school work....it gave me pause. The two older kids remembered the day, the littles did not. This one remembers details some, but hasn't marked the time like the older kids and I.  Seeing your reality in picture is...no words here. However I am a bit surprised their aunt and uncle and the neighbors 7 miles to the south weren't in it :). We spent the day with family and close friends. Thank you ~

Kid #1 said "I'm going to get one more bale."
No....no you're not. Welcome January thaw.

Dry off 2017
We had some good laughs as we finished out the season, then in tradition we enjoyed breakfast together. Thanks team!

I will be the first to admit it. I often lose hope. When one thing after another breaks, when we are short help, when there is yet another negative producer price differential, and on and on and on....I get discouraged. I often see all that needs done instead of all that has gotten done. This picture reminds us once again, each day, each season, each year is new and filled with hope.

Ephesians 3:20
Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power of work within us, to accomplish infinity more than we might ask or think.