It's county fair time! I think I'm going to be going on my third year of not attending the Meeker County Fair, but don't quote me. Meeker County is home for me and living on an agricultural operation, the local county fair was my favorite summer activity of all time. I was a proud 4-H member for 10 years and FFA member for 6 years.

I started showing cattle when I was in 3rd grade and several years later, I picked up another specie–sheep and then after that I showed hogs for a couple years. The only specie of animals that I didn't show was dairy, chicken, rabbits, and goats–only because my mom freight over the thought of them on our operation.

Before I continue to ramble on, all I have to say is thank you to my big brother for instilling some hardcore work ethic into me. I wouldn't be the person that I am today if he would of just sat back and let me slack off on my projects.

Since I finally got that off my chest, I have created some amazing memories with my brother. Do you know how many hours youth put in a day working on their livestock projects? It's a lot! They are up before the rooster crows to get them into the barn before the blazing heat strikes. After a nice bath and coat drying, they brush and brush and brush till their animal's coat is nice and shiny. Now with lambs, its a different story because you have to give them a slick haircut and practice setting up their legs and making sure they brace. (Bracing helps them define their muscle conformation, which is a plus in market lambs.) You have the same concept with beef animals but you hold onto a halter and position their feet with a show stick.

This process is what my brother did very well. He made sure that I was out in the barn brushing my animals for at least an hour and that my animal was well cared for. Leading up to a cattle event, I cleaned the livestock trailer and we loaded up all the supplies–showbox, chute, fans, hair blower, hose, and chairs.

As I grew out of 4-H and FFA, my family and I have been blessed to mentor a couple of youth that lived in town and wanted an agriculture experience. They were able to try all species but down the road they found their niche.

This is Karin (aka, my little sister not by birth). Her and her brother were our first ones to join us on the farm!

This year, we have to young girls showing pigs and I wish them the best of luck as I won't be there to root them!

Alyssa

Autumn
(Photos taken their first year showing pigs in 4-H. I use to babysit them when they first moved out to the country. Their parents wanted them to be involved in something and enjoyed being out on our farm!)

Uffda,time is getting away from me once again! It has been mad crazy around here lately. Truly the story of our lives is: in the car, out of the car! After getting married, we have been constantly traveling and I have now worked a full two weeks at work. It takes awhile to get back into the swing of things!

June 25 – I became Mrs. Koepke! I'm still getting use to the name. At work, it varies often what last name will say.

July 9 – My best friend said 'I do'! And, I was so honored to be part of her special day!

July 14 – I chopped 5 inches off!

July 17 – This is what our house looks like now. I call it "a home tornado!" We had gift opening and now we have to make room for our beautiful gifts! I just think we need a larger house.

And for Jet, I think he's glad to be home for awhile too!

So I hope I caught you up on things! Since I haven't been able to be home enough to do a load of laundry, I don't have any new recipes. However, I have a new idea in the forecast. Come back at the end of the week for details!

Good morning everyone on this beautiful Sunday day! I'm nestled up on the couch with a cup of coffee and watching the Glee Project on TV. I have a feeling this day is going to be one relaxing day, which I'm not going to complain because yesterday the house got cleaned.

But today, I want to take this time to honor my papa! It's Father's Day today and it's a day to recognize the love that fathers give to their family. My father is extraordinary! For the past 24 years of my life, my dad has been there to pick me up when I have fallen, has instilled values and beliefs into me, and most important has always said to be yourself and not change for someone.

How does the saying go? You're always daddy's little girl? I believe that I'm daddy's little girl regardless that I can mom all the time! I remember the many times working cattle and sure I never knew where to be half the time, but dad would place me a spot and tell me not to move. Also, the many times we halter broke calves. I think that was the moment when I became tough because you can only get kicked a few times, head butted by a calf or endure many rope burns.


There have been a few disappoints throughout life, like running the the 3-wheeler into a group of pallets in the middle of the driveway and flipping it or that time that I have backed many vehicles into well-established buildings or grain wagons.

But throughout my life, I believe that I have been the best daughter my papa has asked for. And, I couldn't ask for a more amazing, loving, caring, supportive, unselfish, hardworking, and nurturing father to walk me down the aisle on Saturday to give me away to my best friend and to his new son-in-law. But, I always remain daddy's little girl!

So, Happy Father's Day daddy! You deserve a day to relax because this days is about you! See you Wednesday! Love you!