Monday, December 11, 2017

A Christmas Update

I was talking to my sister-in-law this morning (Hi, Mary!), and she was reminding me that I hadn't posted here in quite some time.  So here I am, posting an update... Let's make it almost like a Christmas card, because we all know that I won't be sending them out any time soon...

First off, we'll start with The Girls. 



As I scroll through my photos, I realize that this is the only photo I have of The Girls from the year that doesn't have them covered in mud, dirt of cow poo.  How nice.  Anyhow.  Collectively, The Girls love horses, cows, quads, dogs, their family and basically anything to do with ranch life.  They love their friends and neighbors, staying home on a Friday night (it's my dream, really), and being outside.


And now, for some more details:

Hannah.  Age (almost) 17.  Grade 12

It's Hannah's last year of high school this year, she will be graduating at the end of the year.  Her plan next year is to work for the year, and then she's hoping to attend college to be a Vet Tech, specializing in Equine.  Hannah loves horses, and enjoys cows.  Last year, her steer won Highest Rate of Gain in our 4H Interclub achievement day, so she was pretty happy with that big boy. 

 

She bought a couple of heifers this fall to start her own cattle herd also.  Hannah spent a week helping at camp this summer, and I think is hoping to go back again next year.


Hannah continues to work at a horse barn, where she's worked for the last 3 yrs.  She loves watching movies, being outside, riding her horse and reading.  Always reading.



Abby.  Age 15.  Grade 10

It was a big year for Abby.  After getting skunked last hunting season, Abby was bound and determined to fill her deer tag this year.  She talked of little else.  All.  Year.  Long.  Abby also works at the same horse barn that Hannah works at, and she saved her pennies to buy her own gun for hunting season. 


Abby loves cows.  And she likes horses.  She is most often found in the steer pen, working with her 4H steer, or walking through the pasture checking out the cows.  Abby also enjoys baking, reading, hunting, and talking with friends on the phone.  And she loves cows (Did I mention that already?  'Cuz the girl is crazy about them!)

Besides buying herself a gun, after years of pleading, we finally let Abby buy a puppy.  So she purchased a really sweet Chesapeake Bay/Lab cross puppy who she named Dixie.  Dixie fits right in with the rest of our pack, and is sure fun to have around.




Lastly, and probably most importantly to Abby, the girl managed to fill not one but two deer tags this season.  She harvested this doe on opening day, and learned how to gut, skin and butcher her deer.  Truthfully, all the girls learned.  We've been enjoying the great meat, and Abby has also made lots of jerky.




Molly.  Age 12.  Grade 7

Molly had a really great year in 4H this year.  Her steer won Reserve Grand Champion at our interclub show, which meant she won herself a nice buckle.  She was beyond excited!  She was quite sad to see that steer go.  Molly loves cattle and horses, as well as being outside and playing inside with Playmobil or Schleich.  The girls spend hours in the basement, setting up their own ranches, which is quite fun to watch.  It's Molly's first year in youth this year, so that is a big change for her, but she's really enjoying it. 


Molly loves being involved in everything around our farm, and is often Art's little assistant.  She can work a full day outside and then still have the energy to run around and play.


In going through pictures, I was chuckling that it really is hard to find a picture of Molly on her own.  She's definitely a social butterfly, and loves her sisters fiercely.  I am often asked if her and Elizabeth are twins, as they are almost the same height, and there's definitely some family resemblance!  Molly is usually the one making everyone laugh in our family, and she is very quick witted.




Elizabeth.  Age 10.  Grade 5

Elizabeth had her first year in 4H this year, and loved every minute of it.  I guess, after being dragged to countless meetings and events of the last 5 years, it's about time.  Elizabeth works really, really hard and is very diligent in everything she does.  She loves horses and cows, she's crazy about owls, and she enjoys being outside with her animals and sisters, as well as playing inside with Playmobil and Schleich.  Elizabeth has sure had big changes this year as 1-2 nights a week, all of her sisters are gone to youth.  She misses them quite a bit, so we try and plan a few fun things with her. 


Elizabeth is very affectionate and sensitive, and is always the first to hug or cuddle in.  She really loves Science.  Her sisters are her best friends, and they sure do have fun together.


She loves working with cattle, especially if it's horseback.  One of her favorite spring time activities in castrating calves (For real.  That girl outworked grown men at cutting calves), and she gives such a huge effort in all things. 


So there you have it.  As for Art and I.... well I suppose our lives are spent mainly keeping up with life.  As I was looking through pictures, specifically for Art, I was struck that in every picture, the man was either working on the farm or doing something for us girls.  He works very, very hard at providing us with not only our needs, but many times, our wants. 



Besides running our cabinetry business in town and farming, with all the spare time we have, both Art and I enjoy shooting and hunting - especially when the girls are along.


Having our farm is a dream come true for both of us, and we love our life.  It's exciting to continue to build our herd every year, and produce some great cattle.   It's a privilege to raise our girls this way as well, learning the value of hard work and having fun while doing it.




We both continue to enjoy learning more about how to raise great cattle and be great stewards of our land.  This whole life long learning thing is something that we've tried to install in our girls, as well as live it out in our everyday life.


Art has always had a way with kids, and his even temperament make him a good cattleman.  Our cows are very quiet, and (usually) will just follow him around like a puppy dog.



Lastly, the man loves his girls.  He loves to see them work hard and do well.  He is so steady and reliable, something I very much appreciate.


Soo there's an update on our family this year.  I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas, and cheers to a Happy New Year! 



The Goerzen Girls.... and Art