Herzog Family Farms: 2010.06

"Appointed" 6.17.10

We were so excited to have "Appointed" here at our house again. This is the 3rd year we have had them here during their Texas tour. We got to see several of their performances which we were grateful for because this may be the last time they are officially together as a group. Sarah and Josh and Ein are moving back to Texas which we are all so excited about, but it just makes it harder for the group to get together for practicing as they will be in Texas and the rest of the group in Tennessee.

Above are some pictures of their performances in our area as well as the one at our home. We had a great turn out...around 100 people at least. One of Stephen's fireman buddies came, my grandparents and mom came, the Roy family came (Josh and Daniel Roy play bass and banjo in the band) lots of folks from the community came as well as family from around here. We also had another family band here and they started off the evening with about 30 minutes worth of some of their bluegrass gospel music. They were the Miller Family from the Bryan area I think. It was a joy to have them here as well.

The kids had a great time playing with their cousin, Ein. He is just precious and really seemed to enjoy all the activity our children inevitably bring. We made a new friend, Mrs. Pyatt. She is the mom of the mandolin player (Cory) and she came along for the tour. She was such a blessing to our family and helped out in so many ways.

(Mom taught me how to make a collage, so I practiced with all of our "Appointed" pictures we accumulated. If you click on the collage, it should bring up an enlarged version which may be easier to see as some of the pictures are pretty tiny.)

James Wyatt's 1st Birthday and Martin's Big Catch 6.13.10

James Wyatt! He has brought so much joy to our family in the short time he has been with us. For the 5th child, he is so easy going and laid back and just downright happy! Stephen can get him pretty excited and riled up, but at the same time he can get him to cuddle and fall asleep in his arms. He is such a ham! He sees me pull out the camera and automatically gives his cheesy grin. He is keeping up with his older brother and sisters quite well. He has been walking for around 2 months now, and can't wait to talk. He always has lots to say, we just can't understand him...yet. Funny thing though...he always gets his message across one way or the other. We all love him so much and are blessed to have him as a part of our family.

We celebrated his birthday with friends at the Carl Baron Park on Sunday evening as Stephen was asked to play in the softball games that day. We brought some cupcakes to share and had a great evening.

Stephen took the 4 big ones fishing one afternoon as Martin had been asking and waiting patiently for the right time. I was at home taking a nap along with James so I missed it all, but apparently Martin reeled in a whopper! It didn't take long for the line to be in the water when suddenly he felt a tug and started reeling. He was so proud to show me what he caught.

The Chicken Hoop House- Mid June 2010

Well, the little baby chicks are ready to move out to the pasture...we just needed a place to move them. Stephen constructed a "hoop house" for our little layers. It is not 100% complete, but it is done enough to give them some shade and keep the feed and water in there with them. It has turned out very well!! I am so proud of Stephen for all the hard work and effort he has put into all these projects lately. They are all turning out great!

Elaina helping screw.

Putting the tarp on.

Getting it fastened down.

Pulling it with the little red truck out to the pasture.

Bringing the birds out right behind it.

Unloading them into their new home.

Elaina always holds that little white feather footed chick.

Martin is balancing his on a stick.

Millie's 4th Birthday 6.10.10

Millie is our little butterfly. She is always flitting about and bringing a smile to someone's face. She is becoming such a big helper and enjoys doing things for others. She and Martin do everything together, she and Bella and Elaina share a room, and she absolutely loves to take care of James. She has a way about her that gets along with everybody. She brings great joy and spunk to our family. We are so blessed to have her as our 1st daughter and 2nd born child. We love you Amellia Winnifred!!

Here and There - First part of June 2010

Here are some events and things that have gone on around our house the first part of June...just wait, the end of June gets busier.

One afternoon Ellie (our milk cow's heifer) got out of her paddock and was wondering around in our yard. Martin Millie are pictured here trying to put her back with her mama.

Mr. Billy Jo reading a book to some of our kiddo's.

James Hambone Wyatt giving us a big cheesy grin.

Little ladies in pink.

Lounging with Uncle Kevin.

Uncle Keith and Miss Karen (the special one in Keith's life:)

Being serenaded by a trio.

Putting up chicken wire on the window openings in the brood barn.

Riding in the Herzog's van headed to Killeen to get dad's camper and drive it back to the shop in Conroe. We filled up every seat in the house! It was a quick trip and much more fuel efficient to take the van vs. the camper although we missed riding in our comfy house.

While in Killeen we saw CarrieLynn, Michael, and their cat. Stephen treated us to CiCi's Pizza for supper!!

Amos Duncan had hoof rot. Mr. Herzog gave him a shot to help him recover faster so he could get back out to the pasture and get back to work.

Martin decided to clean Boots' hoofs and did a great job looking them all over...top and bottom.

Sleepy Time

One afternoon after lunch Stephen had all the kids lay down on a palate in the living room where it was cooler than upstairs in their beds. He read to them out of the Bible for a little while, then they all eventually fell asleep. It was so sweet. Moments that are definitely rare but precious. I am so grateful to Stephen for the way he leads our family. He is the best Papa!

Family Date Night 5.1.10

Stephen treated us out to dinner at "The Olive Garden". We had such a great time and as always thoroughly enjoyed the food. (Apparently I forgot to write some posts on a folder of pictures that were taken the beginning of May, so this is a little out of order but I wanted to say how much fun we had.) We had been to the Bryan, TX area getting loads of fertilizer for Kevin and on the way back home after dropping off the fertilizer wagons, Stephen took us out to eat. Thank you so much Sweetheart!

The kids are all wearing some of the new clothes that mamageese gave them for their birthdays. Thanks mom and dad!

Baby Animals

We have had some new additions to our family lately. Stephen's Uncle Larry found a baby deer while he was mowing one day at one of the houses he mows at. He called Stephen and asked if we would like to raise a fawn and he thought about it for a few seconds and said sure. We named her Sandy and she is so tiny and sweet. She drinks a bottle in the morning and the evening. The kids all take turns feeding her. After she eats her breakfast she usually goes and curls up somewhere in the tall grass or under the porch with the dog. She has been so easy to take care of and has been a sweet little pet. I checked the date on the pictures and we actually got her April 30th. I am just a little late posting about her.

The kids all enjoy being out with the chickens. They are Silver Laced Wyandottes and we have 105 of them and we also have one feather footed exotic chick (the one Martin is holding). I haven't found out the name of her breed though. She is so cute looking.

We have also had 2 kittens off and on around our house for a few weeks. The orange and white one we named Cecilla and the grey and white one (I don't have any pictures of him) we named Jedediah. Martin loves the name Jedediah and was so excited to get to use the name. I am just sorry for him that the kittens didn't stick around. The mama cat apparently came and took them to the farm because we found them over there a few days after they were missing around our house. They were fun to have around while they were here though.

Visit with Mom and Scott 5.2010

Mom and Scott came down for a visit for a few days. We had some fun filled days. Following are some highlights of the many activities we took part in...

Fun times with Mamageese and Scottie....