Sum-It-Up Saturday

"That about sums it up." 

Have you heard this phrase, or is it a Minnesota thing? 

"Crazy busy!" That sums up our week.

We finished combining corn this week. You can  learn about the process here. It is a huge job to cross off our to-do list. Now Farmer John is baling corn stalks to use for bedding.  Learn about stalk bales here.

Daughter Sara's community TV show premiered this week too. Aprons Optional is all about preparing 3 recipes; one easy, one medium difficulty, and one more time consuming. By the look on Sara's face, this is not the easy one!

Speaking of TV, my other local television star, son Michael (aka. Take A Hike, Mike!) and I handed out candy to over 550 kiddos at a local Halloween Community Event. So fun, and lots of Frozen costumes! You can see Michael's show Take A Hike, Mike visits Bremer Farms  here.

Our week began with my mom having colon cancer surgery. Through God's guiding hand, mom's surgery went well. Thank you Lord for giving me a mom who is stubborn, and always willing to fight whatever battle is set before her. Love you, Mom!

Our week ended with an addition to our family. A big welcome to the family to Porter, my mom's first Great-Grandchild, and my first Great-Nephew, and Mommy and Daddy (Dena and Aaren's) first child. I'm hoping to hold him, and spoil him real soon!

Lastly, congratulations to Cindy Q. You are the winner of my latest giveaway, and this addition to your herd, cow bank, will be in the mail next week.

So that about sums it up. See you soon!

The Farmer Takes A Wife

As a child, I often played "The Farmer In the Dell." We all stood in a circle, sang the song, and anxiously waited to see who would be chosen as the wife, child, dog, cat, and on and on. This past weekend I witnessed the real-life "Farmer In The Dell" as Aaren (the farmer) chose Dena (my niece) as his wife. But although fun and games were included, this was serious business, as the farm boy from southern Minnesota married the city (o.k.- the town) girl.

Photo by Sheree

I'm thrilled that this farmer took this wife! At the reception Aaren shared a humorous story about when he knew Dena would make his perfect mate. It seems Aaren was fixing a barn door, dropped a screw in the manure, and without hesitation, Dena, the town girl, swooped down to pick it up. Ah, yes, true love will make you do almost anything, even things we may not have even considered before. But isn't that what marriage is all about- diving in, without hesitation, to make someone else happy, while making yourself just as happy? 

 

A farmer and his pick-up are rarely parted.

My advice to Dena, from one farm wife to another- 

• Be patient. Remember when you want "date night", he has no control over when animals give birth.
• Be understanding, even when he is late to meals. I'm guessing a piece of machinery broke down.
• Be forgiving. Weather that is not conducive to farming can lead to a husband that says things he may not otherwise say, to you or aforementioned machinery.
• Be gentle, when you nudge him awake after he dozes off on the sofa from a long, hard day of doing what he loves...farming, which provides both of you with the best life you can live. Welcome to farm life!

Special thanks to Larry, Dena's new father-in-law, who was seen promoting my blog by handing out my business cards at the wedding reception. 

 He's another proud farmer!

Dena's Getting Married! And My Giveaway Continues!

My niece Dena is getting married soon, to farm boy Aaren, and we couldn't be happier for them. Sara and I hosted a bridal shower for them yesterday, and after getting many requests for the egg bake recipe that we served, I thought I would share it with you as well. Served with muffins, fresh fruit, a tall glass of milk, and a cupcake to satisfy the sweet-tooth, no one left hungry. Thanks to Stacy and Peggy for the recipe.

Since Dena and Aaren first met while working with the 4-H program at the Minnesota State Fair, this seems like a perfect time to remind you of my giveaway to win admission tickets and malt coupons for the fair. See the link below to enter. Good luck!

Egg and Hash Brown Casserole

12 oz hash brown potatoes

8 cups hot water

10 eggs

1 cup cottage cheese

2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

4-6 tablespoons minced onion (optional)

1 teaspoon salt

dash pepper

12 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

paprika

Pour hot water over hash browns and let stand 10 minutes. Drain well. Beat eggs, add potatoes and other ingredients except bacon and paprika. Pour into 9x13 pan. Sprinkle with bacon and paprika. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Uncover and place in cold oven. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until eggs are set. (For a smaller quantity - use half the measurement of each ingredient and bake in a 10 inch pie pan).

Have you entered my giveaway?

4 MN State Fair Admissions and 4 malt coupons. 

It's a $60 value!

Click this link- My Very First Giveaway!