Our "family" just expanded by 20!

Our newest additions.

(They were rather shy!)

We have about 8 laying hens and way too many roosters that are around one year old. This spring we are adding about twenty more chicks that should be laying this summer!

(This little lady was a little sleepy)

If my hubby gets his way, we will add a few more chicks by Easter time. I am thinking that 20 chicks is plenty for now. 

(Aren't they just so cute!?!?!)

We currently get a couple dozen eggs a week, all different colors: white, brown, and greenish. I love seeing all the hens and roosters roam all around the farm looking for bugs and anything that might taste yummy to them!


We are so happy to add these little gals to our family, they bring happiness with their cute fur and little cheeps!

Love,
Dakota

Tasty Tuesday

Just like the "Golden Girls" my sister and I love cheesecake!! We usually buy the tray of different flavors of cheesecake that cost like $15. Then my sister tried a recipe for home made cheesecake. So we of coarse had to try it. It was delicious! Even though we just did a plain one I could only imagine what it would take like with strawberries. :) I wanted to share this little treasure in case you were a cheesecake lover like we are!

Here are the ingredients:

3 packets of soft cream cheese 

1 small can of sweetened condensed milk

3 eggs 

1 tsp of vanilla 

Directions:

Take 3 packets of soft cream cheese mix it up then add 1 small can of sweetened condensed milk, 3 eggs, and 1 tsp of vanilla mix well for 2 mins with mixer. Then pour onto any kind of crust (I used a gram cracker crust) and bake at 300 for 1 hour. Let it sit out for 1 hour then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving! 

This is what it will look like after mixing it for two mins 

Here is the crust I used 

It's ready for the oven!!

Fresh out the oven!! Yummy!!!:)

Like I said earlier this is just simple awesome regular cheesecake, but you can add any flavor such as strawberry, chocolate, blueberry, etc to add a twist of flavor. I hope you can enjoy this cheesecake as much as my sister and I did!:) 

Love,

Taylor ❤️

Fitting in family time

I am normally a homebody - I just like to be at home, cleaning, cooking, crafting, lounging. It is just who I am. Even though I definitely enjoy a night out every so often, I usually can only stand so much time away from my home. Jerrad really likes to be home too, just doesn't get to be there often due to traveling for work and the cattle we raise. Those cows keep him so busy when he is back from work on the weekends. Usually, my hubby is gone all day Friday and Saturday, and then Sundays after church he is most likely at the farm as well. He is the hardest working man I have ever met. I usually kiss him goodbye around 7:30 or 8 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and don't see him until at least 6 p.m., if I am lucky. 

Since our normal schedule doesn't include much family time, we have to fit it in as best we can. That means that this last Saturday, Little Man and I loaded up with him after chores to go over to a corn field and pull posts and roll up electric wire. Well, I actually drove the truck while Jerrad pulled posts and threw them in the back, and Parker just hung out in the back of the pickup - front of the pickup - my lap - anywhere he was occupied. 

We brought some snacks so that we wouldn't starve - we didn't get lunch until 4 pm, so we still starved HAHA.

Jerrad had to be cold out there even though he had many layers on. The wind was blowing and it was 30 degrees.

I enjoyed the warmth of the pickup!! :) 

Love from my family to yours, 

Dakota 

"Normal"

I always struggle with the word "normal". I know, in life there really aren't "normal" circumstances or such. But I can't help but to think of how "un-normal" our family is. I can't help but to think it isn't fair. This kind of thinking is so selfish and ridiculous I know, but like I said, I can't help these feelings.

Even though I am married, I am often a "single parent", like EVERY week!!! I would be lying if I tried to sugar coat it and act like it didn't bother me, but it does. I am left with a feeling of loneliness every week when my husband leaves on Sunday afternoons to travel 6 hours away for work. He doesn't return until Thursday evenings. 

I truly wish I knew what it felt like to sleep next to my husband every night. I wish I knew what it would be like to spend every evening during the week across the table from the man who stole my heart. Our life together has always consisted of him being gone every week, so you would think that I would be used to it by now. It's quite the opposite honestly, it gets harder and harder to deal with the loneliness and I miss him more, and more, and more. As Parker grows older and realizes that his daddy isn't there for multiple days during the week, it's tough! 

I realize that some people may think that I knew when I married the man, so it's what I chose. It is!! Exactly, I didn't care if I got one day with this man or three, I knew God worked a miracle in uniting us together. He is my highschool sweetheart, odd for a highschool girl to date a guy that was only home on the weekends, but we were made for each other. We compliment each other in every way possible to compliment another person. 

Even though I am so passionate about this guy, and am so lonely without him during the week, I know that this is Gods plan. He is making our love SO strong right now!!!! He knows what we need, he is delivering that, even though it may bring heart ache. Our God has plans for us, he is working on us and answering our prayers. I know that God will lead my husband to a job somewhere close to home soon, I can feel His plan working in our family. 

On the other hand, I know how truly blessed I am to have a husband that isn't gone for year, on the other side of the country, and at least is home on the weekends. I am blessed to have a husband with a great job, that he loves doing. I am blessed to have a husband with such a strong work-ethic! He works 40 hours in 3.5 days and them comes home and works cattle EVERY DAY, he works 7 days a week and most likely more than 80 hours a week. I am blessed. 

May God bless you!

Dakota

Around the Farm on Friday

When I get a job as a nurse I want to be an OB nurse to be able to witness new life being brought into this world! It's a beautiful thing! Well even if I am not able to have my dream job, this time of the year, I get to witness new life being brought into this world on our farm all the time! :) We still have quite a few calves that need to make an appearance, but yesterday I was able to be around when a mama decided to have her baby! She did need some help. I am really glad when we as humans need help with having a baby that they don't put chains on and slowly pull the baby out! But we are talking about animals and it is at the pace of the cows contractions (sometimes). I love the baby calves! They loved the weather yesterday! They were running around with their tales sticking up! Soo cute! I couldn't picture myself anywhere else but on the farm this is my Home! 

Getting ready for baby!!! :)

Baby fresh from the womb!! A Heifer! (Girl)

Additional pictures: the one on the left is a heifer and the wife faced one is a bull 

Twins!!!!!:) she will be a busy mama! 

Love, 

Taylor ❤️

Prayers for my Dad

When I think about my father I think of things like, my rock, my best supporter, my teacher, and guidance through this life. Most ladies have lunch dates with their mothers and share their secrets like a best friend with their mother. For me that was not the case. All the special events in my life have been with my father. I am greatful for all the love he has given to me! It's not everyday that fathers and daughters have the relationship that I do with my father. He has made me the person I am today. He has encouraged me to do my best and to be independent. 

Last thanksgiving while my dad was working he had an accident. He fell off a ladder and shattered both of his elbows. 

The strong man I saw became completely helpless in a matter of seconds. He was in the hospital for a week and spent 9 hours in surgery to fix his elbows. This was a hard time for him, but I am glad I was there for him just like he has been for me. It has been a long road since that happened. We thought he would just have to restrengthen his arms, but at his last check up with the surgeon they said they need to do surgery again on his left elbow. We couldn't believe it. So today he is in surgery to take pins out, remove scar tissue, and make sure everything else is fine. I am hoping a praying that everything goes well and that there are no suprises when they get into surgery. 

Last nights sermon at church really related to today. It was about when we don't know what to do or how to feel to turn it over to God and he will help us through. His power is great in our weakness. I'm glad we went my dad could hear those words of reassurance that God is always with us. So I pray God is with my father today to keep him safe. I love you Dad! With God and each other we can conquer anything! :) 

Love, your little girl 

Taylor

Hurley Baby #2 - 16 Week Update

This pregnancy seems to be going fast, so far at least. I know when it heats up this summer and my belly is the size of a watermelon I will most likely feel like the time is dragging.

Cravings: Salty (green olives)

Sleeping: I wake up multiple times each night, so sleeping isn't the best. I do get about 9-10 hours each night though, still hoping for a little more energy though!

Something I miss: Being comfortable while sleeping

Something I am not enjoying: HEARTBURN

Something I am looking forward to: Finding out the gender in TWO weeks! :)

I am currently in maternity clothes everyday now... except sweatpants and yoga pants of course. They aren't joking when they say that you can show sooner with the 2nd baby than the 1st baby.

XOXO,
Dakota

Tasty Tuesday

Today I was craving for meatloaf. Not your regular mothers meatloaf but my meatloaf recipe I found in an old cowboy cookbook. My dad pick up this unique cowboy cookbook one year on our trip to Fort Robertson, Ne. We use to always go to Fort Robertson Park. This cookbook has a lot of good recipes but this is one of my favorites! :)

The ingredients include:

1 pound of hamburger

1/4 pound of ground pork sausage

1 egg

1 tablespoon of butter melted

3 slices of toast, crumbled up

1/2 of an onion, cut up

1 tsp of salt

1/8 tsp of pepper

1/4 tsp of sage 

1/4 tsp of chili powder, don't worry it's not hot 

1 beef boilion cube 

1/2 cup of boiling water

3 slices of bacon

First preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then you just start with putting together all the ingredients except for the last three and mixing them in a bowl. Make sure to mix it well. ;) After that dissolve the beef boilion cube in the 1/2 cup of boiling water. Once that is all dissolved then pour it over the other ingredients. While being careful, because the water is hot that you just poured in, mix up the mixer again while it soaks up the beef water. It will seem kind of soft but it adds so much flavor. Now it's ready to go into your pan! And no there is to be no ketchup to be put on the top! 

Here is what mine looked liked in my Rachael Ray loaf pan. 

Place it into the oven, after 25 minutes of baking, take it out and place the slices of bacon on top of the meatloaf. Place back into oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes. 

Yummy!!! :) A perfect meal for 2-3 people!

I added to the meal mashed potatoes and creamed corn! I know it's not your traditional meatloaf but it's full of flavor! No offense to your mothers meatloaf;)

Love, 

Taylor  

How does your garden grow?

My secret to gardening... starting plants indoors! This little task helps tremendously! We don't have to spend extra money by going to nurseries to purchase the plant, and don't waste our time trying to start the plant outdoors.

What we are starting indoors this spring: tomatoes (many different kinds), peppers, mint, basil, and some marigolds and pansies.

The reason I am starting the marigolds inside is that I know if I don't do this and wait until I need them to plant along the edges of the garden that I will just go and spend more money to have "instant gratification" from buying the flowers at the nursery. I started the pansies inside because of this too! I am hoping to give them as Mothers Day gifts this year, and buying the seed and soil is far cheaper than buying the plant :) I will also feel a little relieved that I planned ahead of time for gifts.

We will be planting many other crops in the garden this year but those plants will be able to grow by directly sowing them in the soil. I am excited for the strawberries this year, we planted them last year so they should take off a little now. Other crops I plan on growing are: corn, sugar snap peas, green beans, cucumbers, lettuce, carrots, pumpkin, watermelon, cantaloupe and gourds for sure. I still have so much planning ahead of me so there could be more added :)

I highly encourage anybody who hasn't gardened before to give it chance! Even if it is only one tomato plant in a container on your porch!

We actually talked about gardening at this mornings MOPs meeting (maybe that is why I am sharing my little secret!). I know if you have little kids that gardening is actually EASIER... they LOVE it!!  The planting, watering, weeding, harvesting... every little bit of gardening is exciting for little ones. Parker has his own supplies for gardening so it is always cute to see him digging in the dirt with little shovels and hoes.

Finally!!

Yesterday was my last test I will ever take for school! I was hoping to get an 80% and I ended up getting an 88%! :) I was so happy after the test. I also was so relieved because it meant that I was finally done and going to graduate this May! May 8th I will graduate with my RN-BSN (Registered Nurse-Bachelors Degree of Science in Nursing). I don't ever plan on going back to school so it's an awesome feeling of not doing homework or studying for tests. Well except for the NCLEX, which is the state board I have to take to practice as an RN. I have been waiting 4 years to get to this point and I am so proud of all my accomplishments! :) Now I just need to get through my internship until I graduate. I want to thank all my family and friends who have supported me through out the years! They always encouraged me and helped me make this possible! I love you all! No better way to celebrate finals on St Pattys Day is with a green......water!! Haha :) 

Love, 

Taylor :)

Nothing is forever...

As I sit here thinking about my close friend getting into a car accident last night I can only come to one conclusion...nothing is forever. :( for this very reason we should never go a day forgetting about everyone and everything that we have to be thankful for. We shouldn't take life for granted. I love my friends and family! I don't know what I would do if I had to say goodbye. Thankfully, my friend only had minor injuries from her accident. I also strongly believe that everything happens for a reason; even the bad things that we can't explain. Our lives are apart of Gods plan. This little spell maybe part of my emotional state of pregnancy, but I have become much more greatful for everything He has put in my life and how He has directed my life. I never used to understand why He had put certain things into my life until I met my husband and became pregnant with my son. It starts to make sense to me after so many years. I know my friend may not understand right now why she ended up in this car accident, but maybe later on in life she can look at all these struggles and challenges as apart of His grand plan for her. I love all my friends, family, husband, and unborn child! I am so greatful for my life!

Love,

Taylor 

Baby update!!

Today I am 25 weeks along! :) I am loving being pregnant. It was a rough first trimester with morning sickness and no appetite. I can't believe I'm almost into my third trimester! This morning I have another doctors appointment. We had another ultrasound today because on our last appointment they weren't able to see the baby's stomach very well and they just want to make sure everything is ok. But enough with the sad and scary stuff of my pregnancy; here is an ultrasound picture from today!:)

This is suppose to be a side view of the face.. You can see the ear on the left. He was being very stubborn and wouldn't let us see his face :(

Here is his arm flexed;)
 

Baby's heart beat of 141 

I am so excited and anxious to meet our son! I'm so happy to become a mom and embrace the changes of our new lives as parents. 

Love,

Taylor 

Tasty Tuesday

For this Tasty Tuesday I chose to make chicken Alfredo. I loooove chicken Alfredo! Usually I can just buy a can of sauce and it's good, but this time I wanted to make the sauce from scratch. The creamier the sauce the better in my mind. I ended up using a recipe from my mother in law. 

It calls for:

1/2 cup of butter

1- 8ounce package of cream cheese

2 teaspoons of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of fresh parsley

2 cups of milk

6 ounces of Parmesan cheese, doesn't need to be right at 6 it can be a little more;)

1/8 teaspoon of black pepper 

These are some easy ingredients and the cream cheese makes it creamy! 

First off you have to melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat after that add the cream cheese and garlic powder until smooth. This takes awhile and isn't very easy at first with the cream cheese, but keep working with it and it seems to become soft and somewhat smooth. Once you add the milk, which is the next step, it starts to get more smooth and look like a sauce. I have found that adding a little of milk at a time made it easier. After adding all the milk then you can add the Parmesan cheese and pepper. That's all the ingredients now you keep it on heat until you reach the desired consistency. Like I said earlier I like it creamy so I keep it on the heat for awhile longer. If you happen to get it too thick for your liking then you can add more milk. 

Here's a picture of my sauce when it was all together:

Doesn't it look creamy! Don't mind my 70's green stove.

Now that's just the sauce I like to put chicken and sometimes even broccoli with it. For adding chicken I take about a pound of chicken cut it up into little pieces. Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan and throw the chicken in. I usually start that the same time as the sauce so they are done at the same time.

Here's a pic of the chicken after it was cooked in the olive oil. I like it better than baking it. 

Once that's cooked and the sauce is ready I combine them and serve over noodles! My husband and I really like this recipe for Alfredo sauce and I hope you do to! :) 

That's all for my Tasty Tuesday!:)

Love, Taylor 

Bargain Buys

This weekend I finally went shopping for some pregnancy clothes. Yes I had bought a few things online that were maternity, but nothing for day to day. I was going to go to Motherhood maternity, but turns out the Westroads mall in Omaha does not have this store. My sister convinced me to go to Younkers and I was able to get some good deals. All of their maternity clothes were on sale plus an extra 20% off! I was happy! I was ably to get jean shorts, tan capris, two v neck t-shirts, and a dress for upcoming events all for right at $100! I think that's a good deal. The t-shirts were originally $32 each; I paid $14 for each! So now for today's forecast of 70 degrees I can feel and look good while being pregnant! :) I am not one who can get by with wearing pre-pregnancy clothes. Especially since I have my graduation coming up, weddings, baby showers, and other events where I want to look good as well as feel comfortable. I think everyone who is pregnant shouldn't have to spend a fortune to look good! :)

Love, Taylor 

Gift in a Jar

I always like giving gifts... really I do! I love making other people happy, some would say that I am a "people pleaser". Anywho -  doesn't matter! I just wanted to share the cute little gift that I got to give another momma from my MOPs group the other day!

For those who wouldn't know what MOPs is, I will give a brief little description. We meet twice a month for a couple hours in the morning. MOPs stands for Mother Of Preschoolers, however, any momma who has a baby in her belly - up to a child in preschool is more than welcome! I started attending when Parker was one - going on two! We have both loved it! Parker gets to go to a Moppets classroom and do fun activities with other littles his age and learn about our savior, Jesus Christ. Us mommas, we get to have "mom time" where we can connect with other moms who are in similar stages of life, as they are raising little babes too! We enjoy a great breakfast, sometimes listen to fabulous speakers, sometimes do great crafts, and enjoy great fellowship!

One of my favorite things about MOPs would be the hospitality in the group. Whenever a momma has a new baby, a few other mothers sign up to bring her family a meal so they have one less thing to worry about for a few days after baby is born. What a blessing it is to be able to love on a momma this way! I know that I would have LOVED this when Parker was born!!! :)

This last week when I had signed up to bring a meal to a fellow momma, I decided to include a little something extra for mom, just for herself! I had seen these cute little "Mommy Survival Kits" on Pinterest and knew it would be easy, low cost, and PERFECT! Here is the link to the original post, and the cute printable. The printable kind of makes it a little "classy"! :)

First I gathered all of my supplies... Things I already had on hand: Mason Jar, Ribbon, Scentsy Bath Tab,   everything else was from our dollar store. Dollar store items include: EOS lip balm, chocolate, Tylenol, Germ-X, and antibacterial wipes.  (Total cost was less than $10, and I got to keep some of the chocolate)

My ribbon I wrapped around the jar was just black and white stripes, and here you can see the extra cute little label.

Then, just stuff the jar!!! (I totally cheated and only used scotch tape to hold the ribbon and tag on- I was too lazy to dig for glue dots... oops!)

Of course when I delivered this I included the meal! No photos, but it was Chicken & Noodles, Cubed Cheese, Crackers, Flavored Sparkling Water and Ginger Ale, and Fruit! (making myself hungry...)


I encourage any momma with a young child to find a local MOPs group!
Blessings - XOXO,
Dakota

Snow, Snow, go Away

I can seriously say that I am getting anxious for spring to be here! I am excited to be able to spend time in the sunshine and dirt and not wear so many layers. My little guy however, he enjoys every little bit of whatever weather we are getting. 

He would stand out here all day if his momma would let him! Maybe not stand, he really enjoys making snow tracks. 

I, on the other hand, almost felt the need to order these... 

They are water proof, and would keep my feet warm, yet still fashionable and cute... And happen to be deeply discounted!! Bogs, you have my heart at the moment, too bad my hubby really NEEDS new insulated boots... :( and his aren't even discounted yet! I guess Muck brand isn't anticipating warmer weather yet??? 

Blessings from our home,

Dakota