Uh-Oh

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Her new favorite saying...and will even throw stuff on the floor to say it!

But don't worry, someone always picks it back up



Happy Birthday Miss Maddy

Tuesday, March 29, 2011




Happy 4th Birthday Madison!


Rollin'

Monday, March 28, 2011

Last week when the weather was warm, we tried out the new wagon. Lots of fun for everyone. We definitely have a little girl who loves the outdoors. When we tell her its time to go bye-bye and get her coat, she's ready to roll!

Good news...the temperatures are supposed to go back up at the end of this week, so we'll be able to spend a little more time outside!


Thursday, March 24, 2011

Boy, this little smile can brighten the dreariest of days...


Happy Ag Day

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

From the Illinois Farm Bureau


Farmers Say “Cheese” During National Ag Week
Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Traditionally, farmers spend National Agriculture Week, March 13-19, talking about how the crops and animals they raise are turned into food, fuel, and everyday products like plastic cups. They call it “telling the field-to-fork story.” This year, farmers are letting family photos tell their tale instead.

Illinois farm families are using National Agriculture Week as a time to improve lines of communication with their city cousins. “When a mom has a better understanding of the different ways that real farmers raise crops and animals, she can make more informed personal choices about the food she puts on her family’s plates,” said Illinois Farm Bureau’s Steve Simms.

Different farmers use different farming styles. This diversity doesn’t mean one farmer cares more than another. After all, farmers eat the same food, drink the same water, and live on the same earth as non-farmers do. Of course they care. The variety of farming methods means a good variety of food choices, though. The more shoppers know the true facts, the more confident they can feel knowing that they don’t have to choose price over nutrition or convenience over safety.

“The first step to an honest dialogue between consumers and farmers is making the introductions,” continued Simms. “That’s why we’re asking farmers across the state to share their family portraits online. It’s almost impossible for people to meet the men and women who grow their food, but thanks to websites like Facebook, anyone can meet a real-life farmer online, ask questions, and get answers right from the horse’s mouth.”

Starting this week, the Illinois Farm Families coalition is encouraging farmers to upload their photos to the free website www.flickr.com and share them with the Flickr group called “Illinois Farm Families.” All Illinois residents are also encouraged to join Flickr and search for “Illinois Farm Families.” For tips and tricks to using social networking sites like Flickr, visit www.ilfb.org/social.

“Family farms make up 94% of the farms in Illinois,” said Simms. “National Agriculture Week is not only a good time to celebrate their hard work, but it’s also an ideal time to meet them.”

Illinois Farm Families is a coalition of grassroots members from Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Pork Producers Association. This group of united farmers is dedicated to improving two-way dialogue with Illinois consumers.


Branching Out

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Over the past year, this blog has been hijacked by baby pictures, baby stories, more baby pictures, and sometimes some other stuff. I know, I'm a proud mama, but our lifestyle has also changed some too. Our world now revolves around our toddling 1 year old. (wow, it seems weird to say that, but typing it gives you a little gut check too).

I still follow a lot of blogs. I don't get around to commenting all the time, but I'm still stalking you, trying recipes, and bookmarking crafts I want to try ---when I get some free time, that is.

I'm going to make a concerted effort to diversify a little and not focus exclusively on Kaylee. I'll not only be doing that here, but also on our family farm website I've been working on. The website is live, although I have some sections that need work yet.

We'll be blogging farm industry news, along with stuff happening on the farm, and it also serves as a business website for potential clients interesting in cattle, custom ag services, and potential landlords. We hope to incorporate field notes throughout the year on the farms with hybrids, yield, and other pest news. I'm sure some family news will trickle in. Let's face, we have some very proud grandparents.

So, if you know anyone in NW Illinois that could benefit from Cook Farms, send them over to the new website!


One Year

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

One year ago today, our lives were forever changed. 


One year ago today, dreams became a reality.


One year ago today, you brought us more laughter 

One year ago today, we became a family.

One year ago today, we welcomed our daughter into the world.

Happy Birthday Kaylee Grace. You have completely taken over our lives. You are simply wonderful and we wouldn't have it any other way.



Movie Monday

Monday, March 7, 2011