Laying water line and hauling hay May 14-22, 2012

Earlier last year we layed about 5,000 feet of water line in the pasture. Even though it was a huge help with the rotation, we still needed to finish up and get the rest of the farm done. We rented a trencher for a week and were able to get the job done! It was a very full week, but very rewarding. We not only laid the water line, but we put up fence along the trench we dug to be able to divide it up into 3 acre paddocks.

After digging the trench with the ditch witch, laying the pipe, gluing it together, putting in the valve and valve covers, this is what you want to see...success! It is so exciting to see running water from the well all the way on the back side of the farm. It is making the cow rotation so much easier, not to mention the fresh clean water that is constantly available for he cows.

Helping Papa fill up the trencher with diesel. Having the trencher made the job go so much faster. It took us a week to lay 4,500 feet of water line and Stephen even had to work 2 days at the fire station in that week. We were all tired when it was over. But very grateful to the Lord for the way he worked everything out. The original trencher we were using from the rental company had very dull teeth, and made the job to so much slower. But something happened to it and it just quit running. Stephen called the company and within an hour they brought a replacement. It was a much better trencher! I got to do some trenching on it too. My lines are a little curvy, but hopefully were able to get the job done. Pawpaw was out helping after he got off work and on the weekend too.

The kids love having adventures and love to explore. We parked next to the branch of a creek one afternoon and the kids had a blast climbing on he vines and trees.

Here are some of the kids in the back of the truck out in the pasture wih us as we worked on laying the 4,500 feet of water line. They all did very well for having several very long days out in the pasture. We found shady spots for hem to sit under, brought plenty of snacks, our 5 gallon water jug we drink every day, and they just played together and the big ones watched out for the little ones as Stephen and I were near by working.

This is out PVC band. These are he 4ft. sections of PVC pipe we use for the electric fence line. It is the most inexpensive and efficient way we have found to put up electric fence. The kids like to blow in the pipes and make music. They keep us saranaded while we work.

After we finished laying the water line, we hauled in some hay that we had cut right down the road at Stephen's cousins house. We love doing things as a family, so the kids and I rode along.

It had been a long time since we ran our big tractor, so it was fun to get to see Stephen work on it.

Happy 4th Birthday Elaina 5.19.12

Happy 4th birthday Elaina Marie! Our little cotton top is growing up so fast! It's hard to believe that she is just now 4 years old. Some of the things she does or some of the things she says make me think she is so much older. She is our little sunflower and quite the active little entertainer. She either has a great time doing something or has an awful time doing something. There isn't much that is just half way wih her. She is a great helper and loves to take care of Gus. We are so blessed to have her in our family! We all love you so much Elaina Marie!

Super Garlic Immune 5.15.12

Today we made something we call 'Super Garlic Immune'. We already went through our first batch over the last 4 or 5 months or so. We give it to anyone who feels the slightest bit of sickness coming on (At least I try to). Sometimes I don't act fast enough and we get a cold or feever. I give it to the sick ones, to help fight off the bad germs, as well as to the healthy ones, to boost the immune system. All it is is:

1/2 gallon raw apple cider vinegar
2-3 jalapeño
1 onion
1 piece ginger
1 piece horse radish
~1 head of garlic.

You blend each of the 5 ingredients separately with some of the apple cider vinegar. Once they are all blended up, pour in the rest of the 1/2 gallon vinegar. Store in a 1/2 gallon jar for 3 weeks. Keep it in a cool dark place and shake every day. Strain out the 'pulp'. Save the liquid and administer as necessary. I give about 1-2 tsp. per person 2-3 times per day. Everyone takes it just fine. Even Lydia when she was 13 months old.

Bella's 5th Birthday 5.14.12

Today, 5 years ago, our life was blessed with our 3rd child, and our 2nd daughter. Bella Jane adds such sweetness to our life. She is neat and organized, loving and very willing to help. She has a precious heart and tender spirit. We are so grateful to have her in our family! We love you so much Bella Jane!

Sarah and Josh asked what Bella's favorite dessert was and she picked green ice cream cones. They met us and Mo at the farm and we had mint chocolate chip ice cream cones. They are so thoughtful! Everyone enjoyed the treat!

Herzog Grandkids 5.12.12

Mother's Day 5.13.12

I am so blessed! I have the most loving husband and 7 precious children! They made me breakfast in bed, took me out to eat lunch and Stephen relieved me of many of my normal responsibilities. They truly made my day special! Thank you and I love each and every one of you so much!

My cowboy

This is my handsome cowboy! I love him so much!

We are back around the farm working on fence and cow rotation. We love our life and our little growing family. The kids are all such big helpers and so many times we couldn't do everything we do without them! Our life is full and we sure live it to its fullest!

New Mexico 4.2012

We recently took a mission trip to new Mexico. We helped Brian and Stephanie work at a camp and prepare the grounds for the upcoming summer camps to bd held. It was great fun! The weather was beautiful and we met some great folks. We had a wonderful time with Brian and Stephanie and enjoyed getting to be together. Brian and Stephanie made sure we played and did something fun every day. So after working together in the morning, we did something fun in the afternoon or evenings.