Outside fun, and too much work!

Posted on May 17, 2012 by

Ruth & RustyMay has been the dryest we have ever had!  Which means lots of good days to be outside.  Rusty and Barney are both enjoying getting to know the kids.  Ruth especially has an affinity for our long-eared friends.  The swing set is seeing a ton of use!  Paul has turned 6!  It was so rainy and cold the day he was born in 2006, but this year we are planning a hotdog roast and campfire for his celebration!  We have been blessed with many 70 and 80 degree days!

Paul Swinging

 

Jeremy and I have been stealing away in the evenings to check on the close hay fields and pastures.  Without heifers, he cut the 12 acres near the house.  It was a beautiful stand that was bolstered by the spring addition of Triticale, peas, and a few turnips. The other field near the house that we burned in the spring has a horrendously huge crop of Canada thistle.  So we are planning to burn it down with herbicide and put soybeans out for this season.  I will be sad to not have the beautiful yellow birdsfoot trefoil flowers anymore.

Sun set over the hay fieldJeremy mowed over 500 acres the week of May 7th.  We picked up 22 acres of wheat that was struggling in the dry weather to make grain.  It is being baled both as baleage and dry hay.  It is beautiful and we were happy to work with the neighbor to help him get value out of it. It was difficult for him to stop and rest on Sunday.  Somehow he did get a better nap than I did on Mother’s Day.  But he made it up by taking me out for Mexican.  This week has had a similar schedule, not as many acres, but a lot more hauling of equipment from field to field.  Jeremy’s goal for the week is to get the big square baler running.  Though it was sold “field ready”, we all know that includes a big unspoked “MAYBE” with used equipment.  But he is good with a wrench and I know it will be punching bales before we know it! The Stacking Baleageweather has been perfect for making beautiful dry green hay.  We could use a good rainy week so Jeremy can catch up on sleep and also to ensure a second or in some cases a third cutting of hay.

 

 

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Farm Tool or Toy

Posted on April 18, 2012 by

 I doubt many of our friends or family would guess that the new piece of equipment at our house is actually mine. I made the arrangements to see it, Jeremy tested it out, and I wrote the check.  I did get to ride it briefly that first day with the girls.  In the past I have used quads and related toys for work.  So since I am branching out on my own, I decided it would be a useful tool.  So far Jeremy is enjoying having it around, some for play and some for speeding up work, and saving fuel in the trucks.  Paul is in heaven and wants to know when he can go for the next ride.  Amy is right behind Paul.  Ruth… was a little uncertain at first, but is now a fan as well. 

We went for an older model utility style quad.  It runs pretty good and the tires are decent.   Jeremy is impressed with the speed.  All I need now is some ramps so I can load it on the back of the trucks and get it to my fields. I debated on a small trailer, but will save that for another season.  With as fast as the crops are being planted in our area, we will be adding a lot of miles to it!  I’ve heard some farms are close to 50% planted already.  Guess I better go get those ramps so we can all play more with the new toy…..err tool!

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Time is Marching on!

Posted on March 28, 2012 by

The wonderfully warm weather has allowed us to do a lot of things that normally waits for May! The kids are having a blast playing outside nearly every day.  Paul has learned to ride his bike without the training wheels! Amy brings me her shoes & coat nearly every day in hopes that we get to go outside! 

I took a “before” picture of the garden in anticipation of a really nice productive patch this year! We have planted some onions since this was taken.  I also finally pulled some soil samples after a few dismal years of poor garden results ! The problem? A pH of 8.2!!! Yikes! time to back off the wood ash and possibly add some nitrogen fertilizer. Definitely no phosphorus or potassium will be needed. I’m a little nervous about using the site at all. Any suggestions? I know how to raise row crops & forage, a hodge podge of vegetables rarely gets the time it deserves. However this year I would really like to put up my vegetables and not buying!

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Alternative Insurance

Posted on March 2, 2012 by

It's all for my little ones!

One goal Jeremy and I have always had is for me to be home with the children and to be available on the farm.  One of the main challenges we faced is paying for health insurance. We are not done having children and I have to have c-sections which only further complicates things. I love the idea of HSA’s, and we had one for 4 years through one small employer I worked for.  However, by year 4 it had nearly tripled in cost and I had to fight with them every year about the premium increases.  At different times we have considered insurance alternatives: Christian Healthcare Ministries, Samaritan Ministries, and Medi-Share. But something was always available with my jobs. Until now.  Yes I have health insurance available. But….it is capped at $2500 per incident including maternity. On top of that the premiums are over $3700 per year and it is a 60/40 plan.  A few weeks ago I received a letter saying, that while this does not meet federal mandates, they received a waiver.  I felt like we were in a very precarious position.

So I spent hours finding more information about the Christian sharing alternatives. Jeremy did talk to a trusted friend and received health insurance quotes.  We can almost afford it if we do not add the maternity rider. But honestly it is more than we pay for rent. We discussed having me on one of the alternatives, and the rest of the family on the other. We have prayed.  I have to admit I have been ready to make the change for several weeks and did not see the benefit in having the family on separate plans.  Especially in light of the additional monthly costs there would be.  All of the Christian sharing plans require you to have regular church attendance if possible and place limitations on things like smoking and drinking. They of course will not provide funds for abortions. Plan members appear to be exempt from the National Healthcare plan. While the plans are similar, there are some significant differences in the 3 main Christian Sharing Plans. 

Samaritan Ministries appears to be the most economical.  However, you send your monthly share directly to those in need, and on months you need help, you are at the mercy of those who have received your name on their list. While it appears to be a reliable system, we did not feel comfortable with this.

Christian Healthcare Ministries has a central office which takes in and sends out monthly shares. They do have a limit of $125,000 per incident. However have a Brother’s Keeper program which for approximately $75/quarter more your whole family can be a part of, and receive up to $1,000,000.  They are currently giving codes for 2 months free and if you choose their gold plan, they allow pre-existing conditions at a limited benefit.

Medi-Share gave the most expensive quote for our family. Though it appears that with good health, we would receive a discount several months into the program. They have a network of providers you are required to use. Between this and a required savings account of some sort at their bank provider turned us off of Medi-Share.

All this said and done we have signed up with Christian Healthcare Ministries. We are relatively healthy and avoid going to the doctor if possible. I do attempt to take the kids to well child visits, though we may be backing that off. We get vaccinations at our courthouse for free. We pay the first $500 for any incident, and any discounts we negotiate are included in that, and they will pay the rest. I am very excited about the program and feel it will help our faith grow as we help others with their medical bills!

I encourage anyone who is unhappy with insurance to look at these plans. Find the one that fits your family. Don’t forget to check places like the Better Business Bureau, they are all rated there. I believe all three plans offer discounts for referrals and I would be happy to share my number with you!

This post is a part of 100 comments on my blog post event being held by http://www.blogelina.com/

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Combining the Blogs

Posted on February 27, 2012 by

My personal blog on www.michellesweeten.com will still be visible for a while, but I will no longer be updating it and have migrated all of the information and posts here.  I haven’t found that having separate blogs has been beneficial.  It has often been a toss up as to which blog to post to.  I will still be reviewing books and products, but you will find them here instead.  One reason for this is I will be starting an agronomic blog this summer which will include pictures from my summer scouting experiences. 

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2012 Crop Season is approaching fast!

Posted on February 23, 2012 by

 

We are down to 8 heifers, all of which are sold and are just hanging around eating the last of the corn silage while they getting closer up on calving.  It has been too wet to haul manure most of the winter.  Thankfully we no longer have 50 head piling it up! The hay is slowly leaving the barn.  Prices have been good this year and for that we are thankful!

It is always amazing how fast winter goes and we are yet again planning for the next crop year.  For 2012 Sweeten Farms has decided to do some crop scouting and soil sampling in addition to our forage crops.  We are getting supplies together portable handheld computer, visiting interested farms, and deciding on a software package.  Unlike other areas, agriculture is limited in software choices.  I plan to do some agronomic updates throughout the scouting season for our clients and other area farmers.  I may do that on this blog, or

We are also seeking cattle to custom raise for the season.  With a little more work we will have 70 acres of pasture ready to graze in 4-6 weeks. If we do not find a custom contract we will make silage and hay off of the acres.  Jeremy has been debating between planting beans, corn for silage, or a sorghum X sudangrass.  Of course it all depends on if we will be feeding animals here or if we will be selling the entire crop. 

One interesting field I will be scouting this summer will be in Switchgrass for a biofuel research project by Purdue. I am not sure what they will be looking for, but I will take and share pictures.  It is supposed to be a very heavy biomass crop.

We have been fighting sinus infections this winter. The kids are growing well and enjoy playing out in the cold mud a lot! What plans are you making for the 2012 season?

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What Am I Blind to?

Posted on February 6, 2012 by

A conversation with a co-worker sparked my thoughts.  We were discussing everything from creation to the horrid state of politics in the US today.  When we have strong views on one side or the other, we rarely have the desire to look at the other side.  We often just plunge onto our soapbox. It appears everyone around us is blind to this wonderful truth that we of course understand. I have found when I start thinking this way, it is time to come down from the soapbox and turn the question back on to myself. 

What am I blind to? I know right now I am blind to how fast my children are growing up. No matter how hard I try to appreciate the here and now, I find myself often wishing for simpler times and a chance to sleep in.

I am also blind to the plight poor in our world and internationally.  Yes we support a child at Circle of Hope International in Malawi, but my good fortune blinds me to the trials he lives through every day. I pray for those without. But I know I cannot truly understand what it is like to be hungry and have no where to turn. I know that Malawi has been named the third poorest country in the world, but I have no idea who has been named numbers 1, 2, or 4.

I write this as a reminder to myself. Don’t get so caught up in my life and my trials that I forget why I am really here. For Christ and his kingdom.

 

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A Year with Jesus: Daily Readings and Reflections on Jesus’ Own Words by R. P. Nettlehorst

Posted on February 3, 2012 by

A Year with JesusThis daily devotion comes in an attractive sturdy paperback book. It is not a purse size book!  But I couldn’t find anything that I would leave out! My favorite aspect of this book was the organization.  First of all it is a yearly devotion without dates! The devotions are numbered day 1, day 2, etc.  This allows you to start it anytime of the year without feeling like you are behind.  Next the author has included an extensive table of contents with the sections covering:

 

Love and Hate

Truth and Lies

Arrogance and Humility

Friends and Enemies

Belief and Disbelief

Patience and Impatience

Deserved and Undeserved

Good and Evil

Fidelity and Treachery

Life and Death

Each day covers just one page, with the Bible text at the top and covering five to ten verses.  This keeps you in the Word, but isn’t overwhelming to someone who dreads reading or study. Be warned, R.P. Nettlehorst is not afraid to step on your toes, this is for your good and will help you grow in your Christian walk. 

My one complaint about the book is the variety or bible translations that are used. Eight different translations are used as the author searched for verses to match the devotions. I believe that we should write starting with a verse in mind and not the other way around. However, there is a lot of good in this book and this should not be held against it.

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My Take on Financial Peace University

Posted on February 3, 2012 by

Last summer our church offered Finacial Peace University by Dave Ramsey to us as a Sunday school class.  I was really excited.  I had known for some time that we could be better managing our money, but wasn’t 100% sure how.  Plus I needed Jeremy to be on my side. I had looked up the course several years ago and it was offered in our area.  Unfortunately I was never brave enough to broach the subject with Jeremy.  The course was intense and even though we met early every Sunday for it, we never were able to have enough time to discuss everything.  We did have several people cut up a credit card which was cool.  We didn’t, but probably should have.  Though my cards now reside at home in a drawer. 

The good in the class: Gave a family or individual a roadmap of how to get out of debt, and how to prioritize financial responsibilities.  There is a lot of emphasis on tithing and giving to ministries.  He really encourages people to buckle down and take responsibility for poor past financial decisions and to pay off their debt.

The not so good: A lot of the class felt overwhelmed, some felt they were in too deep already.  It was easy to get caught up in the hopelessness of our situations. One comment I heard was, “well Dave went bankrupt, so maybe we should too”.  I think some of this would have been alleviated had we had more time to discuss.

In conclusion, I am confident that if followed all of us taking the class could get out of and stay out of debt. Since taking the course our personal debt situation has gotten worse.  I had some unplanned dental work, and am struggling with having a different job and sticking to my budget. I still have a plan and am keep coming back to some of the main principals taught in the course.  Will I ever cut up my credit cards? I should. 

I encourage everyone to take the course and try some of the principals.  For us, it hasn’t been following the plan to the letter, but having a plan that I believe will get us out of debt and give us more financial security.

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Farm living perk or annoyance?

Posted on February 2, 2012 by

Two days after Christmas Jeremy comes in after doing chores and says, “a heifer calved, can I bring it in here?”  What can a person say?  It was well below freezing and I knew the calf wouldn’t survive out in the weather.  So he carried it in. We cleared a spot next to the woodstove on the tile. Got out a whole bunch of old blankets and towels.  The mother had milk fever and we didn’t even know if she would survive.  Not that she would have cleaned him off, dairy heifers have very little mothering instincts.  So Jeremy came in with this black and white wet mess.  After about 20 minutes of rubbing and drying he perked up and the kids wanted to name him.  Paul picked Thomas (everything is named Thomas around here).  Everything was going well until the calf decided it was time to stand and nearly fell into the woodstove.  Jeremy then took him out to the garage.  Where he stayed until a friend who bottle raises calves came to get him.  Paul and Ruth were in bed so were very sad when Daddy told them he gave Thomas away.  I was relieved and left with a huge pile of laundry and no bottle baby! But I admit he was sad and I knew having him around taught the kids some lessons many kids miss!

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Some updates!

Posted on February 2, 2012 by

I was able to get my devotional/planner completed and distributed for Christmas.  So far everyone likes them!  It’s fun to see what I wrote and use it myself as well. 

We are survived Christmas and I have a new niece!  I am now teaching 2 night classes at Ivy Tech, Jeremy is taking a night class for First Responders.  So life is challenging!  In addition to all of this our personal debt got out of control with Christmas spending.  So I am attempting to sell some unwanted items on ebay.  I keep hearing it is a good way to make money.  I will have to let you know.  I sent a letter out to some local farmers in hopes of picking up some scouting acres.  I really enjoyed scouting and am hoping to supplement our income. 

 

One thing I will be adding to this blog is reviews!  Mostly book reviews.  Right now I want to write up my response to the Financial Peace University Course we took last summer, “Crazy Love”, a devotional I read through Book Sneeze, and “The Resolution for Woman” which resulted from the movie Courageous. 

I am in the throes of buying and returning a refurbished laptop.  Hopefully I will get that sorted out and be able to post more often!

 

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Reminder…..

Posted on January 5, 2012 by

Three year olds + popcorn + microwave = disaster.  Ok so God was watching over us, and it was not a disaster this time.  I’m pretty sure the microwave will still work, and the smoke & burnt popcorn smell may take a while to dissipate.  But no one was hurt and our house is still standing.  Ruth learned a good lesson and went to bed early. Paul was oblivious to the whole thing.  Amy was mad because I wouldn’t let her in the smoke-filled kitchen. Jeremy came home late from a volunteer fireman’s meeting.  He was late because the main crew was out at a fire.  The house was lost.  No one was hurt. But I can’t imagine how the family fells today as the firemen poke around in the ashes of their life and try to determine why the house burnt.

It is cold out and we all want to be warm.  But please take time to check your heaters and unplug electronics when you are not at home.  Our woodstove can be temperamental and a few weeks ago found me (yes fraidy-cat of heights me) up on the roof pouring water down the stove pipe.  If you use wood for heat, make sure you are burning dry hard wood. 

With the cost of electricity and fuel oil many are trying to be creative and save money.  But it is not worth losing your house and possibly your family.  I avoid electric blankets, electric heaters without thermostats, running the dryer when no one is home, and any heaters that have an open flame of any sort.  I wish I could share with you the smell of the burning popcorn, and the fear I felt when I saw the kitchen filled with smoke.  It was difficult to get to the windows to open them it was so bad.  Please stay safe this winter!

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God’s Voice in our Lives

Posted on December 2, 2011 by

The past year I have been actively listening for God’s direction.  I have always wanted to write.  I enjoy working on brochures, websites, etc.  So I started this website.  Next I kept getting a niggling to write a devotional planner.  So I am.  It should be ready to give out to my friends and family for Christmas!  Another item God has been talking to me is about our church’s mission trip to Malawi, Africa in the spring.  I believe Jeremy or I will be on that trip.  So I’m going to see what it takes to get our passports updated.  Life is busy at our house to say the least.  We have two Birthday’s this month, plus Jeremy is traveling for a hunting trip.  We are looking forewards to Christmas! I feel so blessed that God has been nudging us and cannot wait to hear what he has in store for us next!

Sky last night

This picture doesn't begin to showcase how beautiful the sky was last night!

 
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November goes out with a white bang!

Posted on December 1, 2011 by

Snow Storm 11/29/11

Yes it was predicted, and yes we ignored it!  However 10 inches in November is pretty rare.  The biggest issue with it was the inches and inches of rain that came before the snow. Literaly hundreds of power lines were broke and poles fall over.  Our highway and electric companies have been working around the clock to get everything safe!  Our power went out Tuesday evening about 9 pm.  We are told it *might* be back tonight.  Jeremy is borrowing a generator.  Grandma took Paul & Ruth last night so they could get bathed and sleep with their nightlights.  Jeremy and I have been washing with water warmed on the woodstove, but I am ready for a real shower!  This morning went much better just getting Amy ready.

I have discovered in person that camping without electricity in the summer is a big difference than living without electricity in the winter!  To keep my eyes on the things important I want to share somethings we are thankful for in this trying time:

  • A wood stove, and lots of wood!
  • Electricty at the babysitter’s and at work!
  • A generator that at least keeps the cattle in!
  • Lots of batteries, flashlights, & candles.
  • Pizza for supper
  • Lots of good men & women out their working hard getting things back on!
  • The look on Paul’s face when he realized it was snowing!
  • Warm clothes, especially for Jeremy who has to be out in the weather.
  • A heater in my mini van.
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Sweeten Bridge is almost done!

Posted on November 26, 2011 by
The Bridge is almost done!
The Bridge is almost done!

  I don’t even want to go back and see how long the county crew has been working on this bridge (right at the end of our driveway).  It has been a while, but considering they did not hire the work out, and they weren’t aware of the need to replace it until June.  They have not been able to work overtime on it either.  I think they have done a good job!  It has been an inconveniance especially these last few weeks when Jeremy has had to drive nearly 3 miles around the block to build fence on one of our fields.  The kids have really enjoyed watching the progress and throwing rocks into the creek.  Much more impressive than an on-site video with Bob. 

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An Apple a Day….

Posted on November 19, 2011 by

Every fall Grandpa brings us some apples.  This year he brought giant yellow delicious.  Once those were gone I went to our local orchard and bout half a bushel seconds called goldrush.  The yellow delicious are definitely awesome eating apples, while the gold rush made the best dried apples or apple chips. 

The kids and I have been busy.  We have made dumplings, apple crisp (twice), apple cake (my favorite) 2 apple pies, processed a few for the freezer, and made 2 batches of dried apples.  We still have a few of the goldrush left to decide what make with.  Jeremy has requested a pie for his Birthday.  We will probably dry or freeze the rest.  A neighbor has an abundance of granny smiths, so we may make some time to go pick more!

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Family photos done!

Posted on November 9, 2011 by

This is early for us this year!  I wanted this year’s picture to include a tractor which has a special story.  I haven’t decided how to share it’s story yet.   Aunt Deb was able to get some great shots and it wasn’t too cold.  I am hoping to get my Christmas cards designed early so I can take advantage of all the sales.  I feel like I have been hoarding this pictures because they are so precious.  But it is time to share them!

 

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Things I am Thankful for this month!

Posted on November 4, 2011 by
  • I am thankful for a Bible believing church which promotes spiritual growth and opportunities.
  • I am thankful for a spiritually growing husband who loves and supports me.
  • I am thankful for my health and the health of my family.
  • I am thankful for hugs and snuggles from my children.
  • I am thankful the we farm and live in the country where we can enjoy God’s creation.
  • I am thankful for many friends who love and support me no matter what.
  • I am thankful for a dentist to fix my teeth, and be patient while I pay her. 
  • I am thankful for heat (especially the wood heat Jeremy provides for us).
  • I am thankful for a reliable and nice car to drive to work and other places.
  • I am thankful for the ability to work and provide for my family in fun and innovative ways.
  • I am thankful for the warm sunshine and beautiful blue sky.
  • I am thankful for the opportunity to have an education and help others receive one.
  • I am thankful to have learned to anticipate good things and not bad.
  • I am thankful for good sales and the fun I have finding them.
  • I am thankful for good deals on pizza and my crockpot.
  • I am thankful for times of reflection.
  • I am thankful for seasons, so I enjoy the next one all the more.
  • I am thankful for a Faith the grows each and every season.
  • I am thankful for songs that stick in my head and make me cry.
  • Most of all I am thankful for Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for me.
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Saying goodbye to heifers!

Posted on October 24, 2011 by

Loading Heifers

Today we sold some of the close-up heifers (getting ready to calve).  The first of those were loaded and arrived at their new dairy today.  Things were uneventful as Jeremy had plenty of good help.  None of the animals jumped any gates or rushed the hot wire.  While it is sad to see animals we have raised from birth leave, it is a relief to be able to concentrate on fewer animals and know that we will be able to pay more on the loans.  Plus we will be able to sell more of our stored forage instead of feeding it.  It was a beautiful fall day, though the trees are loosing their leaves quickly.  Once all of our current heifers find new homes we will be looking for some new ones to raise next spring. Ready to load

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Working part-time is great!

Posted on October 5, 2011 by

I am really enjoying my time with the kids and the house is so much cleaner and organized.  However….. I just had a root canal and by the end of the month will have had 5 fillings!  So it is time to get back on the path to making money.

Our budget we created when while taking Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University looks good on paper!  However, it has some holes and not a lot of room for flex.  We are going back to baby step #1 due to my teeth issues.  I was on mint.com earlier, and checking our trends.  We are not staying within our budget very well.  So back to the grind and possibly the pavement while we figure out how to stay ahead of the bill collectors!

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