Before I gallivant on telling you about our Christmas highlights, I would like to share some pre-Christmas moments. Earlier, I mentioned how we traveled to Pierre (the capitol of SD, for those who don't know) to meet up with my fiance's parents and see all the beautiful Christmas trees decorated at the Capitol. We went specifically because some trees that stand so precious with many meanings are donated. Well, small town Bristol (where my honey is from) had a tree placed and our family photo was hanging so brightly. Pictures will make you feel you were there!


Also, I mentioned how I put on my first cookie exchange. Just a few girls and I gathered to taste cookies, pack on a few calories, and share our goodies. This was truly a fun event for me since I don't know many people in this small town.

Okay enough with my updates, I'll get to the juicy stuff! First, I just want to mention I can't believe that Christmas is already over. I just remember thinking on Dec. 1 that Christmas was so far away and I didn't have to fret on my gift shopping because that was all accomplished on Black Friday. This Christmas was truly amazing for us. We ended up making all three family Christmases!

Our adventures started in MN where I'm originally from. I grew up on a farm and I enjoy going back when I can. When we reached our destination, boy, oh boy was there snow. Mounds of snow just filled my parent's yard. While our stay was busy due to wedding planning, I was able to capture a few pictures of our snow-covered Simmental cattle.

After a couple days with my family, we headed back to SD where we spent a couple of hours with Dustin's dad's family and then hit the road to his mom's home. Now before I left for our holiday adventures, I blogged about heading to the frozen tundra. I wasn't joking about it either--when we left to come home on Sunday, the temperatures where in the negatives and the wind wasn't so nice. To note, when we got past Pierre, our car told us it was 30 degrees, HEAT WAVE!


So after much rambling, I ponder what 2011 will bring us. We have so much to look forward to. I'll continue to be busy with work while traveling and writing article. As well as putting finishing touches on our wedding plans, as that is only 6 months away. As I sign off for the night, we would like to wish you and your families a prosperous New Year!

I'm very excited for this day and of all things, it's Tuesday. Now who would be very excited on a Tuesday? I AM! The reason why is (drum roll, please!), I'm heading home and get to spend time with all my families, that includes my soon to be families too!

There is something about that holidays that just give me the warm fuzzies! Usually, I'm in frantic mode because I still need to get gifts. Not the case this year, I fortunately got all my shopping done on Black Friday which is a first for me! I love the holidays because it allows us to spend time with families, especially now since I live 8 hours away.

I don't have a favorite Christmas memory because I think they all have a special meaning. The one Christmas-related story that I enjoy the most is listening to my mom explain to people when I was a kiddo and we went to take Christmas photos. Let's just say I didn't want anything to do with someone taking my picture so I ripped down the photographer's backdrop AND I wasn't put on the naughty list either!

So anyways, I'm going to keep this brief. I'll be back to post pictures from the wonderful cookie exchange on Saturday as well as Christmas at the Capitol hopefully tomorrow! If you don't hear from in a week or so, I froze to death in MN! Have a wonderful Christmas with all your families!

So it has been a couple weeks since I last posted and I thought since I've been crazy, I'll make time in my evening and stop listening to Christmas music 24/7 to informing you on my madness!

Honestly you won't believe what I've been doing besides working and finding wonderful people to interview for articles at work. I've been baking, imagine that! Haha!

No really, our house has been filled with yummy smells and between Dustin and I, we have gained at least 20 pounds. He keeps telling me that he's trying to keep his "boyish" figure, and I'm not helping!

Last week, I was occupied by getting Christmas goodies together to give to our new neighbors as well as former. Then I treated my coworkers to a goodies sack also. After finding out who are new neighbors are, we are truly blessed. They are some wonderful people!

Here is what I've been up too...the pictures will tell it all! In my divine goodie baskets, there are gingersnaps, white chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate dipped peanut butter balls, and peanut butter blossoms!

So today, I'm going to speak from a different angle today. I won't be sharing any recipes or why my house is so dirty or even why the Weather Man lied to me this morning. But anyways, let me get on my way on hoping to make an impact.

Through my whole life, I have been impacted by one thing–agriculture. I have been impacted by agriculture through many different aspects, if it was through the cattle industry and being part of a wonderful cattle organization or through the FFA and 4-H programs. The experience I gained through the many organizations I have been involved has allowed me to have a voice for the best industry–agriculture.

I speak about agriculture today, not only because its my job but there is a meaning. I don't know what spurred the idea to blog about this, but after being somewhat in tuned with social media and hearing how agriculture has impacted many people, I thought I would do my part and share my story.

Agriculture has been the backbone for my family's operation. I love hearing stories how our farm used to be and how my mom showed horses and pigs with much dedication. (That's probably where I got my dedication from!) Or, about how grandpa's parents made a living in agriculture. The information I learned from my family has benefited me, as well as them to educate others about cattle or how crops grow. The people we have told about how a calf is born or what causes bloat and let me tell you, they find a new appreciation for the term agriculture and want to learn more.

To help me share more of my agricultural stories, I just recently applied to received my Masters in Beef Advocacy. It's a free program that after 4-6 weeks of online training, I will be able to serve as an everyday advocate for the beef industry on issues such as animal care, environmental stewardship and the role of beef in healthy diets. I'm very excited to learn more information to help educate others about the beef industry!

Like I said before, I love my social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Twitter has allowed me to connect with other agricultural enthusiasts from afar! One thing that I wish I got more actively involved with and I know I need to do this, is to be a regular on AgChat. The AgChat Foundation is designed to help those who produce food, fuel, fiber and feed to tell agriculture's story from their point of view. Well on Twitter, every Tuesday night they have a chat night where everyone over the nation joins on Twitter to conquer agricultural topics and bounce ideas off one another.

One topic that I was hoping to join, but didn't, was about mentoring in agriculture. A very good topic! Mentoring has been the focal point in my life. I love the mentors that I have and I hope the mentorees that I have feel the same way. I enjoy teaching others about agriculture if its from how to show a lamb (my personal favorite) to a calf being born.

Check out this website for the AgChat discussion on mentoring: http://agchat.org/2010/06/archives.html

Anyways, I hope I was able to shed some light on how agriculture has impacted me. Many people don't know the importance of this wonderful industry and people need to let them know why it is so important. I know that this blog isn't necessarily called for agriculture but trust me, I will be talking about it more as I have been impacted by my fellow ag friends to have a voice and share!

It's only the second day of December and I'm exhausted! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving because I had the absolute best Thanksgiving I could ask for.

My grandparents, parents, brother and sister-in-law, and Dustin's dad piled into the house and engulfed a lot of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and the whole kitten-kaboodle! I was so blessed to have my wonderful grandparents here a couple days before the grand day. I asked my grandma on Thanksgiving, "How in the world did you manage to prepare all this food by yourself?" I was wiped when all the cooking was over with.

With plumped bellies, we somewhat gathered in the TV room, where Dustin and Jay busted out the Wii and played some games. It was a time to laugh and join in conversation like every year, but usually there is more room and we watch a holiday movie where I fall asleep. This should not be a surprise because I'm known to fall asleep during movies!

Instead of joining in the Wii festivities, I mapped out my Black Friday shopping. The week leading to this significant day, I studied up on my Black Friday knowledge since this was my first time going as an adult. When we were kids, my mom would take us the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas. That is something I will not forget. Speaking of this year though, I LOVED my Black Friday shopping experience, however, I was not one of those yahoos that were camping out hours before the store opened. I did wish we would of left earlier because some things that I did want to purchase were sold out. This day will be on my calendar for years to come for sure!

As my grandparents took off on Friday and still left with my parents, brother, and sister-in-law, we spent the night in Rapid City. We did some wine tasting in Hill City and after much debate where to eat, we stayed in Hill City to have supper. A popular restaurant called the Alpine Inn left us standing outside for an hour and half but to listen to music, enjoying roasted chestnuts, and the parade to our surprise. However, when we were called for our seats, we thought we would be browsing over a lavishing menu but to our surprise, they only serve Filet Mignon! It was rather tasty but people talk about their desserts being superb and I will not disagree as I added 2o more pounds to my waste line!


The big highlight of this whole blog is that Dustin and I ended up moving homes in town. I know my family wasn't really thrilled to being moving us when it was their weekend of rest but this transition has been the best. We have much more room and a bigger kitchen. That's the only thing that makes me happy about this house!

Even though its the second day of the month, I have a feeling that this month is going to go by super fast so I better enjoy it as much as I can. A sneak peek in the next couple of blogs will be about Christmas goodies! I'll let you ponder on that thought!

I'm coming to you from a cold and snowy, yet sunny town of Philip! Last night after being home for an hour from our Rapid City shopping excursion, it started to snow. I mean it was snowing, completely white outside! Yes, I'm ready to put up the Christmas tree and start playing Christmas tunes at work but this snow business is way too early.

I made a phone call to my mom this morning says, "Don't worry! We only got three inches! I think you can still make it out here!" I'm really looking forward to having my family visit us and the small, but warming town of Philip. I realized though while walking to work this morning, this town doesn't have snow plows. They use rather larger skidsteers! And, they don't do a very good job of clean the roads in town, let's just say they only do two giant strips down the middle of the road and call it good! The town must be lacking snow removal funding this year, it's just a guess! But, this is what I dealt with this morning!

Besides the snow, there have been a few other things that have happened since I last blogged.

1. I won a turkey through the town drawing!
2. We went shopping in Rapid City.
3. I baked on Saturday, only because we were gone yesterday!
4. Did I mention I won a turkey?!?!

So to elaborate on my list of happenings. Yes, we went to Rapid City yesterday. I THINK I got everything for my Thanksgiving cooking plan. It's going to be a feast! Later last week, I talked over my game plan with Grandma and she informed she was going to buy pies instead of make homemade ones. And, after I got off the phone with her and told Dustin, he had a hard time pondering on the thought of eating store bought pies. So Grandma, I know you are reading this but I'm making semi-homemade pies and you don't need to worry about it!

With us spending money yesterday and Sundays are usually my day to bake, I decided to do it on Saturday. I made pumpkin creme pies. They are ubber delicious! It's like a pumpkin bar with cream cheese frosting but only better. Since Thanksgiving is upon us, I'm going to share my recipe because if you are thinking out of the box this year on desserts, I suggest to bake these.

Recipe: Pumpkin Creme Pies
Ingredients:
FOR CREME PIE:
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Vegetable Oil
1 can Pumpkin (15 Oz.)
2 whole Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
3 cups All-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 Tablespoon Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
½ teaspoons Salt
½ teaspoons Ground Nutmeg
¼ teaspoons Ground Cloves

FOR FILLING:
1 package Cream Cheese Softened (8 Oz.)
1 stick Unsalted Butter, Room Temperature
1 package Powdered Sugar (16 Oz.)
3 drops Vanilla Extract
2 dashes Cinnamon

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Pumpkin Creme Pies: Beat together brown sugar, sugar, oil and pumpkin. Add eggs one at time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients.
4. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
5. Cut 3 inch squares of parchment paper, about 24. Using a pastry bag with a round tip, or a big zip top plastic bag with one corner snipped, squeeze out concentric circles of batter, starting from the middle and working outward until the circles are about 2 inches in diameter. (Note that the squares allow the baker to move the square while keeping the bag in the same spot. Just squeeze for easy circle making!)
6. Transfer each square to a baking sheet. Bake for 11 minutes, or until firm, and cool on a rack.
7. Cream Cheese Filling: Beat together cream cheese and butter. Add powdered sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Frost flat side of half the pies and top with another piece.
8. Enjoy right away, or chill overnight. These keep very nicely in the fridge for at least a few days.


Anyways, I think that's about it! I hope the weather gets a little bit warmer so we aren't having a completely cold winter. I wouldn't mind it because it would give me a reason to cuddle up with a cup of coffee, or hot coco, or maybe apple cider (depending on the day), and watch Christmas movies! Have a wonderful day and I'll be back soon to tell you something interesting again!

Good evening everyone! I hope you guys have experienced beautiful weather today. For me, not so much! Currently our temperature gauge tells me its 41 degrees out and I don't think it peaked 50 today. It was a chilly one here in Philip!

However, I have something to share with you that warmed me up today and hope to warm your hearts up too. Dustin and I have been together for four years today! It's amazing how the years go by and the laughter, smiles, tears, joys, and arguments we have shared will keep on continuing. Not many realize that we just met out of the blue at a rodeo dance. Now, how fitting is that?

I know it's lame to say that we are having our anniversary but its a date for now that we can share together until we are united in marriage. And I know we have been engaged for a while, but we wouldn't have any other way. I think I would be a basket case if we didn't wait so long. We are still learning to adapt to one another and we'll just keep learning. I think waiting has helped us grow into a unit and sort things how before we convert to being one.

So anyways, Dustin and I very excited to being tying the knot in June after two long years of being in engaged. We have been blessed with such wonderful families who have supported us through these past four years. Let's just say I'm happy to become Mrs. Koepke. I just need to work on my new signature because nothing like Thissen!

To remember the past four years, here is a photo collage of Dustin and I and the many memories we have shared!

Well I hope we have warmed your hearts tonight! I would like to mention that I have had wonderful role models to show me what a true loving relationship is, and that's my parents! I have been fortunate enough to have been brought up in a wonderful family and know the true meaning of love!

It's the seventh day of November and we've all got to experience the weather change. Early in the week, Dustin and I have faced much cooler temperatures and fortunately, here in Philip, this weekend has been amazing! I pondered after having 70 degree weather this weekend, why did we winterize our house so early? We could had our windows open and turned off the heat. To tell you, this house isn't the most efficient place to heat. We have been keeping our eye open for a new rental house and have found a few, so there might be a possible move in the next couple months for us.

This brings me to my next pondering question. Why is there such a thing called Daylight Savings Time? It really cramps my style! I appreciate a little light until 7 p.m. and currently it's 6:50 p.m. and pitch dark. Let me back up, it was dark at 5:00 p.m! That's just wrong! I've always battle with this subject because it really throws off your sleeping schedule and hello, what woman doesn't like her sleep?!?! Thank goodness I like watching the news every morning because my favorite news station (The Early Show) told me tips to ward of Daylight Savings Time!

Okay, it's Sunday and I'm not going to let you down. I baked today! Yay! I accomplished my S'more bars today and let's just say they are spectacular! I've had 7 already...well not really but I'm okay with making it my primary diet for the week!

So my third and final pondering question is, why is it unhealthy to eat raw baking dough? I relived my childhood and licked off the beaters from the mixer. It's just such a sham letting something so good go to waste. I know the health risk but I want to reassure you, I haven't eaten a whole log of cookie dough from Wal-Mart in years! I think my immune system can handle a little raw egg.

Here's the delicious recipe that I conquered today:
S'more Bars from the Pioneer Women's Tasty Kitchen
Ingredients:
1 cup Butter
¾ cups White Sugar
¾ cups Brown Sugar, Packed
2 whole Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2-½ cups All-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
½ teaspoons Salt
2-½ cups Mini Marshmallows, Divided
1-½ cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
6 whole Graham Cracker Sheets
4 Tablespoons Butter, Melted
1 whole Milk Chocolate Bar (1.55oz)

Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.
2. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in 2 cups marshmallows and chocolate chips. Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan.
3. Combine crumbled graham crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle on top of the cookie dough. Sprinkle on candy bar and remaining 1/2 cup marshmallows. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into bars.
Note: these do not require refrigeration, but they are easier to cut if chilled.

So now since you know my pondering questions, I'm still thinking about the Thanksgiving meal that my family is going to feast on. I think it will be based off all Food Network recipes since that's how Dustin and I like to roll! I don't have any new recipes in the work so this coming week might come as a surprise for both you and I! Don't fear, I won't let you down!

Well I hope you have a wonderful transition with this nasty time change too! On a positive note, enjoy this weather as long as you can. I checked the forecast today and they have chances for snow showers next Monday here. I'm always in the mood to build a snowman in November since I've had Christmas fever for awhile now!

I have asked myself this question several times in the past couple days, hours, and even minutes, "Where did October go?" It's not possible that November is already here. It's only November 3rd and I feel a lot has happened but there really hasn't been much going on. Yesterday (Nov. 2), I voted for the first time in my life! It was truly a great experience exercising my freedom.

Our Halloween update: 12 kids vs. 150 pieces of mini candies for me!

Now I know I told you that I would have recipes up of my cheesecakes yesterday, but I have been busy and my body hasn't caught up to me. Oh dear, I wonder what I'm going to feel and look like when Daylight Savings Time occurs!

So I'm going to keep this short. Here is a recipe that I tested out on Monday, my Oreo Cheesecakes!

Ingredients:
12 oreos
2-8oz. pkg of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs

Directions:
1. Line muffin tin with foil liners. Preheat oven at 325 degrees.
2. Place one oreo in each liner. Mix cream cheese, vanilla and sugar on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs. Mix well. Pour over oreos, filling 3/4 full.
3. Bake for 25 minutes.
4. Remove from pan when cool. Chill!

I encourage you to try with different kind of oreos. I tried mint and they are sure minty! These are a fun and easy dessert to make. I like to make these just for the fun and veg out on them for a week or so! I do hope to make my Smore Bars this weekend so that recipe will be next. Hope everything is going well in your area! Yay for baking!

Happy Halloween family and friends! Are you ready for some adorable kids to arrive at your doorstep with the cutest outfits on just like Dustin and I are? We have to note, it's been a year since Dustin and I moved out here. Last year on Halloween day, my parents and Dustin's whole family piled into vehicles to make our way West for us to start a new adventure.

This new adventure for Dustin and I have been filled with joy. It feels like we are already married, however we aren't yet, in June we will mark that date ours when we become a unit and I no longer carry the Thissen name, but that's ways away! We have learned to rely on one another, and I have definitely learned not to get angry when Dustin just wants to relax and the house could be cleaned!

We have made a few adjustments while living here. Dustin moved to Philip as an auto mechanic but in August started a new job being a chef at the local hospital. It has been a wonderful transition for him, if I do say so myself because I come home from work with him in the kitchen cooking. I make up for it by baking him goodies on Sundays. We have joked that if things don't work out here in Philip and we move closer to family, we will open our own bistro. He cooks and I bake!

Dustin and I have been truly blessed with the support from our families while making this transition together. Through our jobs, we have formed many friendships. So we are happy to tell you that we are not complete homebodies! As we look ahead, I'm super excited to say that my family is coming out for Thanksgiving. I've always wanted to prepare a turkey and this is my year!

So I know its Sunday and I just told you that I bake on Sunday, let's just say I have no eggs! Key ingredients in my Oreo Cheesecakes and S'more Bars. I will post pictures and recipes on Tuesday! I better get ready for those trick-o-treaters! I hope we get some because we have 250 pieces of candy to hand out and it would be unfortunate if I had to eat all those!

Hello to all staying indoors today! Here in Philip, it's a chilly one with strong winds. This morning when I walked out the door to head to work, half ways I thought to myself I should of wore a stocking cap and gloves. It's that season again!

Upon arriving to work, my boss Codi mentioned how she's refraining from playing Christmas tunes and I said to her, I have had the same thought! And, it's not even Halloween yet! I've noticed over the years that stores display Christmas decorations more earlier than years in past and it tends to become depressing!

To boost my spirits over the holidays, I hosting Thanksgiving regardless if my family shows up. I think I've mentioned that before but after several phone calls with my mom there's discussion going on about the family coming out depends with my papa's work schedule. Now, I have to cook a 14 lb. turkey!

My highlight from last week: Chili cookoff! Last week, my coworkers talked me into entering chili for CBW in the cookoff. Let's just say, I lost a lot of sleep last week. This was my first time making chili and boy, oh boy! It was a fun experience and being out in the community. CBW walked away with the Best Tasting trophy, tied with the bank. But I still think we had the best tasting! I'm looking forward to it next year. Dustin and I already began thinking of recipes! Below are photos from the night.

Since the chilly weather has kicked in, I'm going to post two recipes that I have tried in the past week or so. They are so simple and tasty! I should mention most of the recipes I find come from the Pioneer Women Tasty Kitchen site. It is a fun site with a whole lot of variety!

Recipe 1: Parmesan-Garlic Tilapia Sticks
These are so easy to make and probably more nutritional than those out of the bag and taste better!
Ingredients:
1 pound Tilapia Fillets Or Any Other Firm White Fish Such As Cod
1 whole Egg
¼ cups Buttermilk
3 cloves Garlic, Pressed Or Minced Finely
1-½ cup Panko Bread Crumbs
⅓ cups Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 dash Salt And Pepper, to taste
1 cup Warm Marinara Sauce, For Dipping

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Cut fish into 1/2-inch strips and sprinkle a little salt on both sides.

In a small shallow bowl whisk together the egg, buttermilk and pressed garlic. In another shallow bowl combine the bread crumbs, cheese, and a big pinch of salt and pepper.

Dip the fish sticks into the wet mixture, letting excess liquid drip off, then coat in bread crumb mixture. Lay on a baking sheet and repeat with remaining fish sticks. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. If you want them golden brown, broil them for the last minute of baking time.

Serve with warm marinara sauce.

Makes 3-4 servings.

Recipe 2: Crock Pot Pulled Pork and Cole Slaw Sandwiches
Dustin says these are "Good Eats"!
Ingredients:
FOR THE PULLED PORK:
½ cups Ketchup
⅓ cups Cider Vinegar
⅓ cups Packed Brown Sugar
6 ounces, weight Tomato Paste
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
2 Tablespoons Yellow Mustard
1-½ teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
3 pounds Pork Sirloin Roast, Cut Into 3 Pieces
1 package Sandwich Rolls/hamburger Buns
FOR THE COLE SLAW:
1 bag (14 Oz. Bag) Cole Slaw Mix
½ cups Mayonnaise
3 Tablespoons Canola Oil¼ cups Sugar
1 Tablespoon Cider Vinegar
¼ teaspoons Salt
½ teaspoons Celery Seed
1 teaspoon Onion Powder

Directions:
For the pulled pork: mix together ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, and onion powder in a crock pot. Add pork and turn pieces to coat with sauce. Cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Once done, shred pork and stir to completely incorporate in the sauce.

For the cole slaw: mix coleslaw mix, mayo, canola oil, sugar, cider vinegar, salt, celery seed, and onion powder well in a large bowl. Cover and let chill for 1-2 hours.

Once pork is done and cole slaw is chilled, make sandwiches! Put some pork on your bun and top with cole slaw. Enjoy!

I hope these two recipes warm your heart! I'll be back soon with a few more recipes that I've tried. Maybe I just might mix it up and feature a "sweet" treat recipe! Well I hope you stay warm in the next couple of days. They are forecasting SNOW, it's just not right because a year ago, Dustin and I moved out here and it was beautiful! Have a wonderful day!

What a beautiful Saturday morning it is here in Philip, SD! I woke up around 7:30 a.m Mountain Time to remind you and now enjoying some quite time on the couch watching That's So Raven, Hannah Montana, and the Suite Life of Zack & Cody while drinking some coffee with creamer of course! Now, don't mock...there is nothing wrong being a kid!

After my run a couple weeks a go, I was sore for a couple days. I felt like I was 80-years-old! I planted my be-hind in the couch every day I got home from work. Over the past week, Dustin and I have been keeping busy. We've been to Rapid City, Dustin has been watching movies, and I have been testing out my baking skills. I had a dilemma this time trying to make some cookies. I used my future mother-in-law's amazing monster cookie recipe. Let's just say they didn't turn out like hers!

This past week was pretty exhausting. On Wednesday, the office was closed because the electric company had to turn off our electricity to put in our new furnace. So on my day off, I cleaned, did laundry, and baked whoppie pies. The reason why this week has been exhausting, I worked 10 hour days to make up for the office being closed. I thought it was bad enough sitting in front of a computer for 8 hours until this week!

I ponder what I'm going to blog about during the fall and winter months since we don't have a garden. I came up with a conclusion and you might like the idea. I'm going to blog about the recipes that I've tested out. Trust me, if they don't meet Dustin's standards, I won't blog them!
So bare with me, this post might be a long one.

First recipe: Cheeseburger Chowder Soup
We thought this was a tasty recipe and it was easy to make for a beautiful fall day. It took about 30 minutes to make. I'll be making this again throughout the fall season!
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
1-1/2 cups water
3 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups cubed red potatoes
1 celery rib, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2-1/2 cups milk, divided
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. In a large saucepan, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the water, bouillon and salt. Add potatoes and celery. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
2. Combine flour and 1/2 cup milk until smooth; gradually stir into beef mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Stir in the remaining milk; heat through. Stir in cheese until melted. Yield: 7 servings.

Options you might want to consider: Adding more cheese and bacon chunks!

Second recipe: Crescent Roll Hot Dogs
This recipe is a fun idea for kids and any ages! It was so simple and Dustin loved the idea.
Ingredients:
1 pkg of crescent rolls
1 pkg of hot dogs
American Cheese slices

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Slit hot dogs to within 1/2 inch of ends; insert 3 strips of cheese into each slit.
2. Separate dough into triangles. Wrap dough triangle around each hot dog. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, cheese side up.
3. Bake at 375°F. for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve with: beans and chips. Like chili dogs? Pour some chili over the wrapped hot dog.

I hope you can find time to create my masterpieces. I will post more down the road when I create some more tasty recipes. I feel the Julia Child in me! Speaking of that book, its been sitting unread for about a year, maybe I start on that today along with doing some weed killing and brush destroying around our home. This could be dangerous!

Well I hope you have a wonderful Saturday as well! I won't judge if you spend your day being a vegetable. I will be back to inform you with something new in life soon and recipes! See you soon fellow readers!

Hello my fellow readers! I know it’s been a few weeks since I've updated you but it was go time before I conquered the marathon relay on Sunday. And by my surprise, I ran my leg of the race, 4.2 miles in an hour, which I had set before I sprinted across the exchange line.

I'll give you a rundown what was going through my mind as I took on this 4.2 mile leg...
1. Oh lordy, here comes Codi! Here's go time as I was read to puke!

2. Okay, I'm doing well. I can vaguely see my future mother in law in front of me!

3. Oh crap, my mouth is getting dry and I'm exhausted!

4. You can do it Sara, as I told myself every step I took!

5. Are you serious? My future mother in law is already heading back! I really got to pick up my pace!

6. I saw Vegas Man as he was running his 135 marathons mumble something to me as I had my music blaring in my ears!

7. I’m almost there! I’m almost there as I repeat that phase frequently to myself.

8. FYI, don’t drink water while trying to run. There are some repercussions!

9. Okay, old man! Make up your mind..stay behind me or pick up your pace so I don’t have keep passing you nor you have to keep passing me!

10. ½ a mile to go…I can see my destiny!

It was an amazing feeling to accomplish something like that. I would of never thought in my wildest dreams that I would to running 4.2 miles. It was awesome! Also, what made this experience amazing was to have some family participating too. My future mother in law and sisters in law also ran. I loved every minute being with them and my co-workers!

Probably the biggest joy of this whole weekend was having my ma and pa out visiting. It was the first time that my ma and pa were out since we moved to Philip on Oct. 30 so it was fun to show them the West River country.

I know that this is short but I’m exhausted just thinking about what I accomplished yesterday! Have a wonderful day my fellow readers!

Here I'ma comin'!

Greetings to you on a not so sunny day! The skies are gloomy here in Philip and temperatures are chilly! According to the news that I watch this morning, at a little after midnight, we spin into the fall season. That's my favorite–time for bundling up and leaves are changing colors!

Anyways, I better get on with what I want to say, since I'm just wanted to quickly blog what I found while I'm searching the news for work this morning. Please don't tell my boss!

Remember the last time I blogged? Yes, I know I go in spurts but I mentioned on how I wanted to canning all my goodies for next year depending on a successful garden. This post I found just made me want to set a goal to can 99 jars of tastiness! Check out the post at the end of the blog.

On other notes, I've been out of commission on running the past couple of days. I hope to get back to running tonight since the big run is next Sunday. Yikes! Great news, my ma and pa are coming out next Thursday. I'm pretty stoked to see them since it's been about a year since they've been out here. I hope they surprise me with their new wheels because I'm nervous that their current automobile will be able to make it out here. How many miles does that moving device have now, Mom?

Well I better get back to work! Remember this secret post is between you and me...don't share with the boss! JK! Have a wonderful day!

http://agwired.com/2010/09/20/99-jars-of-food-on-the-wall/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Agwired+%28AgWired%29

This past weekend was quite a nice and relaxing time! And I mean it when I say relaxing...on Saturday, I stayed in my pajamas until 3 in the afternoon. I was up early though due to my sleeping pattern through the weekdays but I consumed my time with watching DC Cupcakes on TLC. In which it spurred my first great idea...

I'm going to open a bakery. Well not really, but would love to. After watching the marathon of DC Cupcakes, it made me want to bake up some cupcakes. Yummy in my tummy! Also what is great in my tummy are whoppie pies. Now if you haven't heard about whoppie pies, I'll let you in on what they are. They are a cake cookie. It's two cake-like top and bottoms with a delicious filling. I was so excited about them that I even bought my own whoppie pie cookbook!

My next idea is creating a huge garden. I'm not lying when I say this because over the weekend when we went to the bookstore and spent over $140 in goodies, we picked up a canning book. Therefore, that's why we are going to have a big garden next year. On the agenda...Beets, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Beans, Onions, Sweet Corn if we can get to grow in this dry environment, and the list keeps growing. Heck, I just might just try some pumpkins!

Okay, well those are my big ideas right now. I know that I had a few more but trying to catch my favorite television shows and doing this at the same times, is asking a lot! Another relaxing weekend is planned for this weekend but I need to get some cleaning done. It looks like a tornado has gone through our house.

A side note: I'm addicted to Super Mario Brothers Wii, thanks to my wonderful and loving fiance. We just had to buy it and it has consumed two of my nights this week so far!

Anyways, if I ponder on some more great ideas, I'll be sure to inform you. Next time I blog, maybe I should let you in on my bucket list. The list is getting longer and longer.

Finally racked over 10,000 miles on our car since April, I thought I would finally post something. I'm just kidding! I've been busy over the past couple summer that I'm sorry to say, I put this on the back-burner. It's the first week of September and hopefully I'll be more faithful to my blogging.

I'm not going to bore you with a lot of typing which would turn into a novel, that I decided to do a picture blog of the things I have done since the last time I've left you hanging. You know picture books? They were my favorite when I was younger, hence today I don't like to read and I like pictures!

Enjoy my picture book blog!

Okay readers, normally I can baffle this heat but I tell ya! Coming from Minnesota, I had to take on the brutal humidity and now, living in South Dakota I don't have that problem...BUT still its hot! I don't think Mother Nature should be allowed to reach 99 degrees!

Well, I'll get off my soapbox now and inform you that everything has been going well. Last next weekend, I got to experience the Haakon/Jackson County Fair. Sort of. It's nothing like the fairs back in Minnesota. There were probably a minimum of 3 head of cattle and a hand full of horses, if that. The fair only lasted for 2 days, where in MN they last for 4-5 days and they have a carnival! Out here, they have a bull riding event and a band!

I have wonderful news about the garden! We have picked and used some tomatoes already but soon I think I'm going to have tomatoes coming out of my ears. Also, those beans are tough buggers after getting hit with grasshoppers but I think they are making a come-back because they are starting to flower again. And, when I lost all hope on my cucumbers because they haven't produced anything yet, they are alive! After watering, I was searching around and there laid a little cuke! I'm pretty excited but one isn't going to be enough to make pickles like we hoped!

I know this is short but I just wanted to pop in and say hi! This weekend, I believe Dustin and I are going to head towards Rapid City as his family is in Sturgis for the weekend at the Sturgis Bike Rally. This would be my first but I only will be making a short appearance there. I'll let you know how it goes. I hope you stay somewhere cool, however they are forecasting cooler weather for next week! Thank goodness!

Have a splendid weekend and enjoy the last couple weeks of summer! Don't worry, I'll be back before then!

It's a new month and two-weeks since I last posted something. I have gotten an e-mail from my grandparents with concern. No lie, there is over 7,500 miles on our car now. I've earned a new name, The State-Wide Traveler. That is my reason for my lack of dedication to keep you inform about my life happenings.

Well let's start back two weeks ago. I promise I won't bore you a lot of information. My main crisis are the grasshoppers. How can they be so insincere? They took over my garden and is very depressing. The only thing they have really ate are the beans. We have used Tempo and Seven to get rid of those pestie buggers! Below is a photo of the devastation that they have done.

Now onto my glory, we have tomatoes! We haven't picked them yet. Just waiting for them to get a little more red. It has been exciting to see our fruits of labor come to work!


Dustin and I would like to share something interesting with all of you. This past Saturday we attend a friend's wedding in Lake Preston. It was a beautiful day! On our way home, outside of Pierre we passed this operation.


Out here in South Dakota, farmers tend to take on so much land that during harvest, many custom harvesters from all over come to assist. It's amazing how many acres of wheat just one farmer could possibly have. Dustin and I figured that there was almost $3 million of equipment sitting in that field. It was a sight!

Next on the agenda for us, nothing! We are going to be staying in Philip for awhile. Next time we are on the road, Labor Day weekend to MN! At that time, the sunflowers should be a full bloom out here. I hope to grab a few photos of them on our way to MN.

Until next time, I hope we aren't in a drought! Just kidding! But it would be nice to get a little more rain that what we have had.

Hello everyone! I know, I know, it's been some time! I just got back from a road trip, a rather long one! I was in Iowa, and I know why they call it the corn capital of the world! I attended the National Junior Simmental Classic in Des Monies. It was a lot of fun being their and capturing moments for work. I was able to reunite with old cattle friends that I haven't seen in five years. While I was down there working, I did a few assignments. One consisted of going to a restaurant and eating. Don't you love your job when you can do that? I wrote a review for the Cattle Business Weekly on Rube's Steaks...look for it in the Aug. 4 issue! It was mighty delicious!

So after my couple of days in Iowa, I headed north to my home state, Minnesota. It was a good feeling being back. I saw the lambs, pigs, and calves! An important detail that I took care of while being at home was my mom and I conquered dress shopping once again. Let's just say, we had a successful day! It was fun to have some girls time! Besides that, I got to see friends and experience a storm, well not really but rain for the first time since a month!

While being at home, I got to see my grandparents, you know them, the garden wizards! Right before church I made a visit and my grandpa had to show me his garden, while in the back of mine I was thinking what mine looked like. I'm so jealous of my grandpa. He even has WATERMELON growing out of a pot! I did learn something from him though...ever heard of potting everything? Well that's what I'm going to do next year...no more weeds! But I'm impressed with my grandpa's achievements!

Now that leads me to my own garden! Since I've been gone for five days, my wonderful love, Dustin took care of everything, even weeded a section! Anyways, I mentioned about the grasshoppers last time...I was crushed when I visited my garden this morning and I have nothing left of my bean plants. :( However, Dustin sprinkled this "Seven" stuff on the garden and I didn't see anything so maybe with a little MircleGro they'll come back! Fingers crossed!

Well, that's my update for now. I'm back on the road tomorrow for a work field trip and then onto Sioux Falls on Sunday. Doesn't my schedule sound like May? I think so! I'll be back to update again...hopefully soon again!

Greetings fellow readers! I have probably lost all of you now. I know its been over a week since my last post. Don't worry, I've gotten harassing phone calls from my family wondering about my existence! The reason: at work they tell me that this is the slow time of the year. I think filled me with a lot of nonsense...I'm extremely busy! So here is my load-down, brace yourself with a lot of ramblings!

Since my last post, Dustin and I were debating on what to do over the 4th of July weekend. Well we made an appearance at his hometown, in small town Bristol. A couple of his buddies were home that he hasn't seen for awhile, so it was just a given we would drive there. Funny thing, since we haven't been on the road for about a month, it was weird getting into our new car again and taking off! It was a fun time like usual and being with family was a blast!

Once our arrival to home, our yard need desperate help! With our lawnmower being out of commission for awhile, we finally got it back in ship-shape order to create our yard into a masterpiece...well not really! My garden is doing wonderful! I'm not sure if I have told you this already but I finally bucked up and pulled an onion out of the ground. It was just a tiny little thing! The cucumbers and beans should start producing some goodies soon, hopefully!

One thing that is driving me nuts about nature at the moment is....those dang grasshoppers. I didn't know that grasshoppers loved South Dakota so much. They cover the front of the house like crazy. I just got new flowers for my basket and I hope they don't kill them because I hear rumors that's what they do. I'm done ranting about them now!

Before I leave, I should let you beloved readers know that I'll be hitting the road for work now so I'll try to keep up with my blogging. Next week, I'll be driving to the corn country, Iowa to capture the National Junior Simmental Classic moments. I'm excited to see all my Simmental friends again! From there, the company is taking a field trip to visit the companies that print our weekly paper in Watertown and annual magazine in Aberdeen. Then after being home for a couple days, I'll be conquering the big city of Sioux Falls (haha!) for the Young Guns conference that is put on my the American Simmental and Red Angus Associations. I'm stinkin' excited for all this traveling! So if you want me to call you, let me know--I'll be up for a good chat while driving across the state by myself!

Well anyways, I think I've taken up much of your time now! I better get back to fun things, like thinking about what I'm going to cook or bake next! Yay! It's my favorite thing to do! Next time, I won't leave you high and dry so I'll post again sometime soon! Toodles!

Okay readers, I know what's going through your mind! I didn't fall off the face of the earth nor did I drown in a river. I have been really busy over the past couple days and just haven't had time to update on what's been going on.

So let me start you off with the biggest news of all. I traveled to Hermosa, SD yesterday for work to see and listen to Temple Grandin give a presentation on animal handling. Now let me tell you who Temple is. She is a renowned animal handler, author and autism advocate. She is a professor at Colorado State University. She is an amazing figure for the cattle industry. It was huge for me to be there and as well for my company. HBO came out with a movie, Temple Grandin, on Feb. 6 and I haven't seen yet but will soon! My parents caught it on HBO and gave amazing reviews to me! It makes me more excited to watch it after meeting her in person!


Onto other news, my garden! I have tomatoes growing! It's so exciting! I talked to my Grandpa sometime last week and he told me to pull up some onions and see what I have. I'm nervous, so that's why I haven't gotten to it yet. I hope to do that tonight when my plans are to de-weed my garden. Also, I think I may have some beans ready to pop anytime. My produce has sure taken huge turns over the week.

Our 4th of July weekend plans is still a mystery. Dustin and I have a lot of options but just don't know which one to do! So maybe by the end of the week, I'll know which direction we are going. I know this is a short post but just wanted to inform all of you that I'm still here and everything is going well.

I'll let you know how my gardening extravaganza goes tonight later this week! Enjoy the nice and beautiful weather outside, because I am!

Hello readers! After a busy weekend, I thought I would fill you in with my weekend happenings! Brace yourself, it's busy!

This weekend was Philip Days, what a better way for Dustin and I hopefully meeting some people. On Friday, we attended the Matched Bronc Rodeo. It was an awesome event and well attended. My favorite part was able to watch J.J. Elshere, World Champion saddle bronc rider, spur his horse to make it far into the competition. Then we grooved on downtown to listen to Dustin Evens and throw back some drinks with friends.

Saturday was pretty busy. The Cattle Business Weekly sported our stuff in the Philip Days parade. Let's just say, I always knew that I had the 80's spirit in me! And I think I went over the top. We were promoting our marathon rely. Check out pictures below. Besides the parade, we were able to conquer our crazy lawn and spruce the garden up. After a long day of work, we were spectators at the demo derby. It was a great night to relax!


So Sunday leads me to express my greatness of cooking. I made my first apple pie. Let's just say, 4-H has been beneficial in creating me into a Betty Crocker! Since today has been gorgeous, Dustin and I prepared a feast for supper. It was amazing!


Enough with the cooking, I have exciting news. A package from my grandma arrived on Saturday with a rain gauge and a ton of pictures of me from when I was a baby to when I graduated from college. It has been so much fun looking at those. My garden is doing really well. Everything is up from under the ground and growing. We got hit with rain tonight and experience our first tornado siren tonight. However, there was no damage! I'll have to see how much we got tomorrow morning!


I better stop rambling! Just wanted to update!

Until next time...maybe I'll try my hand at making a cherry pie!