Bye, Bye 2016

I've really slacked off on the blogging this year and for those of you that actually care, I apologize.  I swear I don't know where the time goes.  I told someone the other day that I haven't gotten used to writing 2016 yet and now it's almost 2017.  They said that means I'm getting old--ugh!

I used to almost (yes, almost) look forward to winter as it was a time that was a little more laid back, a little less stressful.  Those days are apparently gone, but I'm hopeful that as we age even more those days may return.  Right now we have over 700 cows to feed every day and lots of our own grain to haul.  On top of that the guys have taken on a couple of hauling jobs for other people who wanted to use our grain extractor to empty their grain bags.  Those jobs are done and half of the cows will be going back to their home next week so maybe things will slow down a bit.

We had the usual "Thievin 7 days of Christmas" which is always exhausting but fun with an added bonus of a party for M's mom who turned 80 years young.  The visit was extended by a day for a few of them because road conditions prevented them from venturing back to South Dakota.  They all made it back home safely and without incident, thank goodness. 

Happy mama with her kids

Party crowd--just the family part!

2016 was a typical year of ups and downs.  The worst "down", of course, was the loss of M's dad in March.  We are confident that he had something to do with the record rainfall and incredible crops.  We all felt him with us as we harvested a record crop and thought of how much he would have enjoyed seeing it....or even just hearing about it.  He was certainly missed during the holiday festivities.

But, on the "up" side, his namesake, Jax Phillip, arrived to brighten our lives in October.  He's so sweet and mellow....and may even look a little like his great grandpa Phil.  There was no shortage of people ready to cuddle him during our family get-togethers.  Even Sawyer has gotten used to him and has become protective of her little brother.

Sawyer and Jax

 

 

 

I was blessed to have some quality time with my far-flung siblings who were all here for a nephew's wedding.  Always fun to get together since it doesn't happen very often.  I cherish my time with them.

We had some fun trips this year...to Daytona, of course, and also Miami this fall.

A little fun in Key West

 We enjoyed some time in the Black Hills in July when it was to wet for haying.

The new barn went up!

As I mentioned, the harvest was incredible....but on the downside the price of wheat is still in the toilet.  Good thing we have the bushels....and the lentils which have good value.  Our calf shipping went well, and once again our contract price beat the market at the time of shipping.....however, those prices are nearly half of what we received last year.  I hope you folks that have to buy beef see some relief in the price you pay....because based on what the rancher is getting, the prices in the store should be way down. 

The other big "down" of the year was when R's girlfriend and her little boy moved back to Missoula in August.  Our hearts broke for both of them, but it was a move that needed to happen.  Kade seems to have adjusted well in a new school and being close to his cousins and grandparents.  He has been back for a visit this week.  We have missed him so much and the week went too fast.  He had so many people to see!  I hope he doesn't find it too difficult to leave us again.

So much happiness in one photo

 Another "up" was the birth of eight puppies in our house....although the reason they're here is not a happy one.  The mother belongs to our elderly neighbor who ended up in the nursing home.  Immediately after we brought her home with us she went into heat.  Despite our best attempts at keeping her and Junior apart, we were unsuccessful....thus, puppies on December 10.  They are really cute, and it's been fun, but it's getting more challenging as they are growing.  I feel like a mother of 8, and it's exhausting!

This mama is a tired girl.

We are truly blessed and I thank God every day that we get to live the life we do with our kids and grandkids close.  Wishing everyone a healthy and happy 2017!