One Word

one word.....

So here’s the rules:
All of the answers must be just one word.

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your significant other? lovable
3. Your hair? curly
4. Your mother? giver
5. Your father? guardian
6. Your favorite thing? shoes
7. Your dream last night? none
8. Your favorite drink? Dew
9. Your dream/goal? family
10. The room you’re in? living
11. Your church? small
12. Your fear? alone
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? mother
14. Where were you last night? softball
15. What you’re not? awake
16. Muffins? chocolate
17. One of your wish list items? time
18. Where you grew up? farm
19. The last thing you did? breakfast
20. What are you wearing? Illini
21. Your TV? heavy
22. Your pets? Abbey
23. Your computer? laptop
24. Your life? busy
25. Your mood? happy
26. Missing someone? always
27. Your car? SUV
28. Something you’re not wearing? makeup
29. Favorite store? Michaels
30. Your summer? gone
31. Like(love) someone? lots
32. Your favorite color? blue
33. Last time you laughed? today
34. Last time you cried? unsure
35. Who will re post this? Adrienne

Yesterday was my parent's anniversary. It also would have been my grandparent's anniversary. How great would it be to get married on the same day as your parents?

All Because Two People Fell In Love...

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!


And now look at us all........

Agronomy Day

Yesterday was Agronomy Day here at the University of Illinois. This field day give researchers an opportunity to present some of their relevant research to farmers, industry, and other agriculture professionals.

Both Ron and Nick presented some of their soybean aphid research at one of the stops during the field tours. Due to the rain and having to get back to work, I didn't make it around to all the tours, but did get some photos of the guys. Nice job gentlemen!

State Fair....Then and Now

Going back to the state fair always brings back memories. Going now as a spectator and not an exhibitor still seems strange and its been more than 10 years since I've stepped into the showring.

Over the past couple of weeks, I've been keeping up with The Kids Cattle Blog as they hit the show circuit this summer. It still looks like so much fun.....then I remember how much work it is too. But its worth it.....especially when you get to bring the "hardware" home.

We had our share of Champions and Reserves at the county fairs, but nothing compares to winning the state fair. I'm lucky enough to have won, twice. And the prize - a silver punch bowl platter complete with cups and ladle.




(sorry for the photo quality, I made do with what I had)

How far we have come......this year, we judged 4-H exhibits. It was a lot of fun. Both Ron and I enjoyed spending time talking to each of the kids about their crops and entomology projects. We can't wait to do it again.


Someday, I'm sure we'll be heading to the fair, with cattle in tow, but until then we'll have to spend out time checking out the Lumberjack Show and other attractions.

Hello Kermit

I was out checking my traps yesterday and look what I found in one of them-

I got the little guy out, but he seemed to want to hang around. Hopefully I won't go back in two weeks and find him again.

Corn Dog

Off to the Fair......

Oh how times have changed. Years ago, I'd spend my summer going from fair to fair, with the cattle in tow. As a family, we'd show at several county fairs, weekend shows,and of course, the state fair. I'm pretty lucky, I've shown at several state fairs, including both Iowa and Wisconsin, as well as several national events. Looking back it seems so long ago.

This weekend Ron and I will be heading to the state fair, not only to walk around, check things out, but also eat a lot of greasy fair food. Most importantly though, we'll be judging 4-H projects too.

It has been a long time......I'm the one giving out the ribbons now.

Happy Birthday Ron!

Here's to a great day - including celebrations with friends (like Mean Joe Green)



and I promise you won't have to work on the house today......


but I doubt we'll be heading to Tennessee anytime soon.


Love Ya!

We're getting a nephew!

and just in time for Christmas........Congrats Melissa and Erik!

I've got a secret!

Earlier this morning I was on an all important three-way call with my two sisters (and Erik too). Melissa and Erik were on their way home from the doctor. Stacy and I now know whether we're getting a niece or nephew this December..........but I can't tell anyone yet! Guesses anyone? I'll share the news as soon as I get the o.k.

Happy Anniversary to Sondra and AJ!

The wedding was great....but afterhours at Indiana Beach, now that was something to remember!

Taking a Ride Tuesday

Melissa, Maddy, and Erik taking a ride over the weekend...


"Wave at Grandma"

Sweet Corn Saturday

We put up corn this weekend, though we still have a lot more to do. We squeezed in two batches on Saturday and another two on Sunday. Coming from farm families that know how to cook, we freeze our corn 2 different ways (and we each think our grandma's is the best).

Here's a look at how we like our corn in Morrison...


Husks off, all clean

Love, love, love the electric knife

Lots of butter, and some whipping cream

After an hour of baking.........yummy goodness

We'll be freezing some more, so I'll let you in on the Estes' sweet corn recipe too!

Favorite Recipe Friday: Part 2

And for those of you in the same boat as Adrienne....here are some recipes forGreen beans

Favorite Recipe Friday

It's that time of year - we have sweet corn coming out of our ears (ha!) We'll be putting sweet corn up this weekend, but I also found this website with lots of corn recipes. Check out What's Cooking America?