Our life in 2015

We started off our 2015 on a good note. We added a Jersey heifer to our family named Daisy. Initially we were told she was 9 months old at the time of purchase but later we determined (and confirmed) she was actually more around 3-4 months old. I have no idea why they got it wrong except I think there was some confusion on their behalf. It was their Grandpas farm. Their Grandpa had died that year.

So while the picture says she is that age, she is not... She was born more around October which would have made her about 6 months old in that picture. Best that we know and understand she is a purebred Jersey heifer

Our youngest Emma is sure growing up!

With MUCH great sadness we had to say our goodbyes to Grandpa. One day I am talking to him on May 1st talking about life. He was being made to move to an assisted living center in town and leave his home. He was so heartbroken. Later that day my kids were around when his other "family" came in to start packing his stuff. My kids said there was much tears that evening. Little did I know but it would be the last time I would see him. May 4th we finally found out where he was living by visiting different senior homes and asking for him. My daughter got to talk to him for a bit then later that night my husband and two children had dinner with him. He seemed to like it a little bit but would quickly add that he wasnt going to be there long. He said he wanted to go back home. But there was a lot of people he knew there. He passed away May 17th. We didnt get to see him despite knowing hew as going to die. We werent welcome by others. Maybe we could have showed up anyways and pushed our way in but the way our hearts were fragile I am sure theirs was too. I didnt want to add to their heartache nor did I want to end up saying something I would regret later. Gramps knew we loved him and stood by him. He was right, he wasn't there long. He did go HOME... But it wasn't to his yellow house- he went to be home with his Lord and his wives who passed on before him. We will miss you forever Grandpa!

In June we added on a little bull calf from the dairy. He became Jennas fair calf. Sadly he was a poor thriver but none the less he meant the world to Jenna! We once again did 4H with the same two groups as 2014. By now we were more familiar to others and the kids now had more friendships than ever. On the other hand though it meant the boys were having crushes on girls and the last thing they were doing this year was paying attention!! It really showed by the time we got to fair. The boys placed nearly last in their showmanship classes yet they did take 1st and 3rd in the Dairy Bull Calf class. They picked great calves! too bad they didnt show them well. Mikayla once again took 3rd place. THe girl she helped train all summer ended up in 2nd place. Laura got 3rd place in her class. Jenna did not do well and did not even take her calf into breed class. He did not look great at all.

Sarah raised Champagne D'Argent rabbits for her Small Market meat project animals. It was stressful, very stressful right up til the moment they were put on the table. We had some drama and some problems here and there. In the end...

Thats right, Grand Champions!! Fern did not place very well again but she was also 7 months pregnant. Daisy was entered in the wrong class. First of all, her age was wrong and we realized it later. Secondly I put her up too high even for her wrong age. So this year, a year later, she will be entered in the same class. This year she stands half a chance now that she will actually go against heifers her age!

My family and cow family just keeps growing! In early November Fern added on a Jersey heifer calf to our family! Her birth was perfect! smooth! It was AWESOME!! 2015 was quite a year for us. Many ups and downs.