The Farm

Last week I had to present to our homeschool support group attendees information about "Unschooling."  I didn't know too much about it but the topic really picqued my interest.  I learned a lot and while I would not say I am a full subscriber to the notion of "unschooling" I think there are some very valid points to consider.  We oftentimes become too heavy in "telling" children what to learn and/or directing their learning paths instead of encouraging their own interests and curiosities.  I hope I can model and teach the girls to ask questions, find answers, be ready to be amazed, and have fun in the process.  This past Monday we spent two hours at my family's farm with my cousin Scott.  While it is very true that I grew up on a farm, I can't really tell you too much about farming other than basics.  Sad but true.  So I decided we should learn.  I guess I broke the first cardinal rule of "unschooling" since I determined we should learn about this, but hopefully I was able to model the questions, answers, being amazed, and having fun parts!  Our family farms approximately 1300 acres of field.  Here are some facts we learned that you might find as equally interesting as we did:

 Bean planter

 

The wagon is filled with beans for planting.

All bags of corn seed have exactly 80,000 seeds.  It is sold by 80,000 seeds not pounds.  Most bags of seed are between $250 - 350.  It takes 32,000 seeds to plant one acre of corn, thus one bag will plant just over 2 acres.  The corn the farm plants is RoundUp Ready, meaning that within 7 days of planting they can spray for weeds with RoundUp and it won't hurt the seed.  The seed also has (for lack of a better term) vaccines to protect the crop from bugs, worms, and weeds.  Just like pharmacuetical companies guess to make the best "flu shot" for the year, ag scientists are always adjusting these "vaccines" as the worms, bugs, and even weeds develop tolerance and immunity against the "vaccines" on the seeds.  The county average is 40 bushels of bean crop per acre.  Our family farm averages in the upper 50's per acre.  A general average for corn is about 170 bushels per acre, but the Lord blessed our farm a few years back with 206 bushels per acre.

 A semi will come and fill up these fertilizer holding tanks.

Scott patiently explained to us how the bean planter works and how it is different than the corn planter.  Modern technology is amazing in that some equipment will tell the farmer exactly how much seed was planted, the GPS location of the tractor, and so much more.  When the corn planter needs to be refilled, they load it all by hand (aka...opening the bag and pouring it in to the planter).  Beans are bought from the co-op and loaded directly into the wagon.  They use an auger to transfer the beans into the bean planter.

 There are 2 bean planters here.  Each is 15 ft wide.

 

 We then went out into the field to see if any of the seed had started to sprout. 

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Scott also told us all about how the grain bins work, along with "the pit" and the dryer.

We are going to go back in the fall during harvest.  Can't wait!

Nowadays we are constantly hearing about GMO's and organic farming.  I asked Scott about such things.  He said he knows of a local family who raises organic milk thus they do organic farming for feed.  He didn't know the specifics but mentioned that one year the farm tried planting one field without the use of any fertilizer or weed killer.  He said the crop was so sparse and the weeds were a financial headache as it caused such a mess in the combine. 

I also learned our family farm is over 100 years old!  WOW! 

Lastly we learned about no-till farming versus till farming.  No-till farming is usually called "ugly farming" because it is kind of ugly!  HA!  However, some of the benefits is that the plant matter helps deter wind/soil erosion, added moisture during drought conditions, and keeping the organic plant matter in the soil.  No-till farming is definitely considered to be a newer method.  My husband is partial to the tilled farms.  I think it is a little snobby but I still love him!  HA!  The bottomline is that there are pros and cons to both so it eventually boils down to preference.  Now as we drive down the road I ask the girls, till or no-till?  corn or beans?  LOVE IT!!

So, guess what I have on my mind for another field trip adventure?  Well, yes, besides harvest.  I am sooooo going to call the organic milk farmer (I went to school with their kiddos) and see if we can come for a visit.  I am really intrigued! 

We {heart} Mali: Part 2

My dad was in Mali for at least 2 to 2.5 weeks.  When he came back it was evident God had continued to grow this special place in his heart for Mali and the people.  These few little blog posts are barely even scratching the surface of the incredible story.  All I remember though from that time was the very smelly souveniors (I am talking super stinky.) and looking at tons of pictures and video of Africans who all looked the same to me.  I did not even begin to appreciate or understand God's plan.

At some point, and I can't remember when, my dad and brother went back to Mali for a second visit.  During this trip they had included another group of believers from a neighbor CMA church in Lima, Ohio.  They had a grand time and again memories were made and the love for Mali grew in everyone's hearts.  This visit had to have occurred between 2000 and 2002 I am guessing...so maybe 2001 or maybe it was after in 2003.  Anywho, there are a few key people who have become very significant to our family. 

Dr. Sagara:  Dr. Sagara is very involved in research in the area of malaria.  In fact, he travels to America rather routinely working with American doctors, training them, etc. in exchange for further education himself.  He is extremely smart and a very important person in Mali.  He is a devoted Muslim.  When he is in the states, he has been able to come and visit with our family multiple times and we take him to church with us on Sundays.  He actually spent time with our family shortly after 9/11 and was heartbroken about the attacks.  We talked with him about Islam and he said these muslims did not represent his beliefs.  He too LOVES the Plaza Inn broasted chicken! 

Saran:  Saran is Dr. Sagara's wife.  While she was visiting him in the winter of 2002 in America (New Orleans to be exact), they were able to come visit our family during one of his breaks.  (Don't ask me how it all worked out...I have no idea!)  Anywho, a few weeks later my parents received a phone call from Dr. Sagara.  He proceeded to tell my parents that Saran was pregnant and it would be their wish for her to remain in America in order to deliver the baby.  My parents understood what was being asked of them and they said YES, Saran could live with them while Dr. Sagara traveled back home to Mali so she could deliver the baby in America.  This was a huge and incredible undertaking and blessing for our family.  My mom had to line up so many details in order to make this happen.  Saran developed gestational diabetes, didn't speak a lick of English, and was a typical moody expectant mother who was far, far away from her family and everything familiar to her.  I found out I was pregnant with Kate while Saran was here.  So neat...we were pregnant together!  Saran gave birth to a healthy baby boy and they named him Michael, after my dad.  Michael is now 9 years old.  Saran works in the city of Kati, Mali which is about a 45 minute motorbike ride from her home in Bamako.  She works for a school/center that helps impoverished children and families.  During the last visit, we all donated tons of clothing and shoes and my brother and SIL were able to give it all to the children and families.  There were like 4 suitcases full.  My brother and SIL also found out that Saran's boss is a devout Christian woman.  They were sharing with my brother and SIL (and their group of companions) some of the needs of the organization (a non-profit).  Because of God's sovereignty, my brother's group was able to financially meet their need that day.  My brother shared during our visit that Saran asked him on 3 different occasions on this last trip when he was going to come to Mali and be their pastor/missionary.  This is HUGE as she and her family are muslims.  She is a very intelligent and educated woman and her choice of words was not by mistake.  We were greatly encouraged by her inquiry and continue to pray that the Lord would continue to open her eyes and heart to His truth. 

Fatime:  Fatime is Saran's sister.  In the summer of 2000 my parents had the privilege of hosting Fatime to stay with our family. I was already married by then but I remember the pure joy Fatime brought to all of us. Fatime worked with/for Mr. Jim McKinney (the former missionary who had guided my dad and uncle on the first trip). I am not sure of all the details of Fatime's visit other than I think she lived with my parents for at least 2 months. She didn't know an ounce of English and although she did speak French, we didn't know French. Fatime instantly became one of my sisters. There are so many wonderful memories with her as we introduced her to American culture and life. We taught her English, took her to Beulah, took her to the mall, introduced her to all kinds of foods (which her favorite was the Plaza Inn broasted chicken!), and so much more. One of my favorite memories is when I took her to the mall to buy some slacks. We had no idea what size she was because she always wore her African dresses. I kinda made a guess and she went in to try them on. Oh my goodness, these slacks were SOOOOOOO tight on her behind and I told her we needed to get her the next size up and she began to laugh and say, "No! No Cara!" She loved those tight pants on her behind. She kept looking at her behind in the mirror saying some like, "Good!" with her thumbs up. I kept tell her, "Not good!" We laughed and laughed. I can't even remember what pair we got her but will never forget that day. We were all crying when it was time for her to leave. She kept telling us in broken English that she viewed us as part of her family. When we tried to share the gospel with her, unsure of exactly what her response would be, she tried to explain to us that she was both Christian and Muslim. This was confusing for us somewhat and we weren't sure how to respond. Nevertheless, we are confident Fatime has heard the gospel of Christ and we rest in His Sovereign will for her salvation. Fatime came to visit again once I had had both girls. She had married and had some children by the time of her second visit. My favorite memory was getting her onto the trampoline with the girls and myself. It was hilarious and we all died laughing. The language was no barrier for the love we had (and still have) for one another.  Fatime is a Malian business woman.  She is strong, independent and very savvy!  She has traveled all over with her business.  She sells Malian art.  In fact, she had a contract a few years ago with Hallmark.  She has her own shop in Bamako (the capital city).  My SIL said it was pretty remarkable.  Fatime has an eye for "pulling it all together" just like you would see if you visited the Morgan House or some other quaint little shop.  Through Fatime's travels, she is able to pull off a store that is very attractive to westerners who can easily become overwhelmed by the marketplace.  Before John and Jen left it is customary in Malian culture to sit with the company and share stories and tell why you are important to one another.  Fatime and Saran's father was a very devout and strict Muslim.  During one of the visits though he attended one of the CMA national churches with my dad and the group.  It was another incredible moment!  Anyhow, Fatime and Saran's father had developed a great respect and love my dad, our family, and the Hess family (which is my mom and dad's pastor, whose daughter is my SIL).  Before he died, he told Saran and Fatime that he felt our families were all the same, only divided by the ocean.  He desired our love for one another to grow, despite the blaring differences of our faiths.  I pray the Lord will bring these precious people's souls to a saving knowledge of Christ.

I will give another installment tomorrow or at least soon.  I am getting tired and need to hit the hay!  HA!  Hopefully this will satisfy your inquiring minds....

We {heart} Mali: Part 1

Okay, I am going to give my best shot at explaining the incredible awesomeness of God and our family's love for the Malian people.  Our family's history of spending summers at Beulah Beach go clear back to when my dad was a boy.  My grandmother would take my dad and herself each summer to Bible Camp.  My dad would have to sit on the hard wooden benches (which we still sit on today) and listen to the Bible teachers and missionaries.  He specifically has a memory of listening to the stories by a particular missionary family, the McKinney's, who were missionaries to the Dogon people, in Mali, West Africa.  The Dogon people have been featured several times in National Geographic because they are Mask Dancers.  Some of the masks are close to 5 feet tall I would guess and some of the dancers also dance on stilts.  (Feel free to click on links to learn more about the Dogon people.)

My parents have always made summers at Beulah Beach a priority for our family.  As soon as we knew the camp schedule in February we were signed up and making plans.  Bible Missionary Conference was another must.  Sometimes depending on when camp was I would be there for 3 weeks straight...and you would never catch me complaining about it.  Being there each summer I was very exposed to many missionary stories and became friends with many missionary kids.  So I have a deep love for missionary, mission work, and people called to ministry.  In fact, all of us do!

Well, just because we couldn't ever get enough of Beulah my parents decided to purchase a piece of property that was for sale.  It is very common around the lake to find "garages" that have been remodeled into a "cabin."  This property had a two room 'garage style cabin.'  We didn't care.  We LOVED it!  The first year we owned the property in 1994 I remember hanging out with friends in this little two room abode.  The following year my parents contracted for cement to be poured.  My brother proudly initiated the property by engraving '1995' in the freshly poured concrete.  The following year we began to build.  This was an entire "family style hands on deck" experience.  My uncle was a builder and master wordworker.  He dedicated multiple weeks of his summer vacation, since he was the Industrial Arts teacher at our high school, to help us build this cabin.  There are way too many humorous stories that could be told about our experiences in building this cabin.  I had started dating Scott so we were thankful for extra labor!  HA!! 

Anyhow, one day as we were working we noticed our neighbor across the street digging in the dirt, creating an absolute muddy mess.  I am talking he was muddy from the top of his head to the tips of his toes and he could pretty much care less.  My dad finally went over and struck up a conversation with him.  Turns out that his name was Jim McKinney, a son to the McKinney missionaries my dad had loved listening to all those years ago as a young boy.  They chatted the breeze and soon a friendship and God's providential plan continued to be laid forth.  Over the course of our two year building project, my dad had several other conversations with Mr. McKinney.  It turned out that once his children had started school he and his wife had decided to leave the Malian mission field so the children could attend American schools.  However, I have heard it said that once you visit Africa your heart stays in Africa...so Mr. McKinney started a quasi-style business where he would take people on trips to see Africa.  It wasn't so much a mission trip but more of a sightseeing trip.  He began to ask my dad if he would like to go.  The way I have heard the story go is that my dad in turn asked my uncle if he would want to go.  My uncle said, "I'll go if you go."  They got another gentleman in our small community who also decided to go and so they began making plans with Mr. McKinney.  I was in college and falling madly in love with Scott during all this so I was a little removed from the hub-bub and excitement and have been learning more about it now.  HA!  The first trip to Mali was in January of 1999.  I know that my dad came back with part of his heart still in Africa. 

I will have to stop the story for now and will pick it up from there another day. 

Benny's & Beautiful Ladies = Perfect way to spend an evening!

I love it when our schedules all coordinate and we are able to get together with these beautiful ladies.  Aren't my "Fun" Aunt Kelie (second from left) and her BFF Jodie (on the end by me) smokin' H.O.T.?  Seriously, no offense to anyone, but they look better than all the rest of us and they are in their 50's (said in sing songy voice).  Hello....I hope I inherit those genes!  We just laugh, joke, share stories about my grandma Honey, poke fun at my crazy...ooops, I mean "Fun" Aunt Kelie!  ; )  Beautiful....

Nostalgia

Ya'll know I have said before that I am really nostalgic.  I love old things.  I love to imagine and think about the simplicity of other eras.  My mom and dad's basement is full of stuff.  It is frightening how much stuff but at the same time, I know there are treasures down there.  Here are some treasures they have found recently as they were cleaning up from the unfortunate "winter flooding". 

This is my great-grandmother's examination tablet from her horticulture class from 1914.

Go BUCKS!

Can you tell how beautiful and neat her handwriting was?

Amazing!

Isn't this a neat old mailing label?

Notice the "Made in the U.S.A."

This is my grandma.

Do you get a "Congratulations" nowadays for purchasing an item?

Maybe...but I still think it is kinda cool.

These really cool "Libbey" glasses are now mine. 

They came with a serving tray.

How cool!

My Parents

I have amazing parents.

They are so full of wisdom.

They are so full of love.

I love them so much.

I cherish them so much.

They mean sooooo much to me. 

A New Student

Sneaky, sneaky, sneaky = SMILE!

A Funny from my Cousin

My cousin posted this on her FB today and I don't want to forget this funny...so I am sharing it here:

What a day! Went to Babies R Us w/ the boys. Got a new potty, put it in the cart w/ Evan. He told me he was sitting on it - I asked if he had to go and he said just pretending. Few mins later he tells me he pee'd. Come to find out he had pulled down his pants, sat on it & did what he had to. Quickly I pulled up his pants & rushed to the restroom to clean his new potty. Oh my goodness!

Happy Birthday Honey!

Today is my grandmother's birthday.  Her name is Anna Marie Shuster.  Friends called her Annie.  Really close friends and family called her Honey...because of me.  The story is that I began calling her Honey when I was just a toddler.  The name stuck.  She sure was as sweet as honey so it was certainly an appropriate nickname.  Honey was everything you would an imagine a grandmother should be.  The memories are so rich and wonderful that I can't even begin to adequately express the loss our family felt when the Lord took her home.  However, we feel encouraged to know she is with her Maker, still eternally living life to the fullest, just as she did here on earth.  She would want us to be doing the same.  Enjoying the beauty of every moment with family.  Making the most of each breath the Lord gives us.  Celebrating all accomplishments.  Seeking to serve Him.  I am who I am today so much in part to her loving tenderness. 

A Funny

We have spent the last couple of days in Mansfield tending to my beautiful sister and her little guy.  We are praising the Lord as He has provided Matt, my brother-in-law, with a new job.  His timing is perfect as his boss had told him the week of his interview and hiring that the firm was really struggling.  Thank you, thank you, thank you Lord.  So, while we were there Kate was looking at their wedding album.  Here is the conversation...
Kate: Aunt P, why is Uncle Matt looking at your leg?  Isn't that inappropriate?
Paige:  (snickering) He isn't licking my leg.
Kate:  I didn't say licking your leg, I said looking at your leg.
Paige:  Yes you did.
Me:  No Paige, she said looking at your leg.
We all busted out laughing! 

Speaking of my sister, we covet your continued prayers for healing.  It donned on me tonight as we were driving home and the girls were asking questions exactly how to describe the situation to them.  It was one of those epiphony moments where my own understanding of the situation became more clear as I was saying it out loud to them.  A couple of years ago my dad was in a terrible, yet fluke, accident.  He was teaching one of our family's friends from Africa, a Bible translator from Mali, how to drive the jeep.  Instead of pressing the brake he accidentally pushed in on the accelerator.  My dad suffered a broken leg/knee.  Obviously he had to undergo surgery. 

I asked the girls if they remembered when Grandpa Mike broke his leg.  They said yes.  I asked them to think about how we could when he was in pain, needed the help of a wheelchair, couldn't really go anywhere, and later on walked with crutches.  I reminded them how we were able to watch as he began to gain back his strength and now is able to walk just as he did before the accident.  I explained to them that Paige's injury was to her brain and just like Grandpa she was in the healing process.  I told them that it is a little more difficult for us to notice her healing because it is more complicated since it involves her brain and an injury we can't see with our eyes.  The Lord used my own words, which He often does, to remind me to be patient with my dear sweet sister.  I love her so much and there are times when she is just like her old self.  However, there are times where the injury to her brain is more than apparent.  These occurences between old Paige and stroke stricken Paige can leave someone feeling a bit confused.  Nonetheless, I love her, am proud of her, and know beyond a shadow of a doubt she will heal.  Thank you so much...

My sister had a stroke...

My sister Paige is 28 years old.  On the Tuesday, November 16, the week before Thanksgiving I got a call from my mom telling me one of Paige's friends from work was taking Paige to the hospital.  My mom began to make preparations and then headed on to Mansfield.  I wasn't sure exactly what to do so I waited.  Later in the day she called and said the MRI showed my sister had suffered a small stroke.  I didn't know any more details but made plans to head to Mansfield with the girls so I could keep watch of Isaac.  We went on Wednesday morning and as soon as I dropped the girls off with my mom at Paige's house I went to the hospital.  I was completely heartbroken.  My sister didn't even seem to recognize me as her face and expression was completely flat.  I even asked her, "Do you know who I am?"  With her face still completely expressionless she replied with a nod signaling YES.  Her friend Rachel showed up at the hospital the same time I did.  Before she had come into the room I had asked Paige if she was on medication, yet noting to myself that she didn't have an IV or any other lines hooked up to her.  Paige nodded in response NO.  Rachel after soon entering the room and taking it in asked Paige the same question.  Paige, if she could voice a response at all, only replied to our questions and such with one word responses.  I left the hospital that day feeling devastated for her, Matt, and Isaac.  Once I got back to the house my mom left for the hospital and I stayed with the kiddos.  They were a pleasant distraction, especially little Isaac!

On Thursday my mom headed straight for the hospital since Matt went back to work.  I knew it was going to be a long day, full of all kinds of tests for my sister, and even me with the children.  My mom had taken my car so I could have the van.  After we got all dressed and around I packed up the kiddos and headed to Walmart to get out some energy.  We had fun shopping for my mom because it was her birthday.  We got streamers, cake, and ice cream.  Once we got home I let the little girls have fun decorating.  The verdict was still out as to whether or not my dad would be able to make it over that evening for dinner and to see Paige.  It is soooo unfortunate that he had one of his busiest work weeks that week but knew we were holding down the fort without him.  I spoke with my mom periodically throughout the day getting updates.  The doctors had suspected Paige might have a thick blood disease because her blood was thicker than it should have been.  She had some blockage in her neck but not enough for serious concern.  Her blood pressure was unstable, jumping up and down sporadically.  One time I was on the phone with my mom and I could tell she went into major panic mode.  I found out later my sister's BP had dropped drastically in a split second.  They did ultrasounds on her kidneys and heart, as well as lots of blood tests.  Later in the afternoon I decided maybe if I took Isaac to see his momma it would be a good motivation to her to keep working hard to get home.  There were no restrictions at the hospital regarding visits from children.  I loaded the girls and Isaac up into the van and we headed off to see Aunt P/Momma.  When we got there it was again devastating and heart-wrenching...Isaac cried and refused to go to my sister.  She didn't have any tubes but it was like he could sense something was a little off with the whole situation.  He clung to me, turning his head and burying into the crook of my neck.  I thought maybe when Matt arrived it would be better.  Well, not so much.  In fact, at one point I needed to talk with my mom so we stepped out of the room and Isaac went crazy, crying for us.  Matt was holding him at the time.  The plan was for Matt to get home, change, grab some dinner and then go back and relieve my mom to come home.  The girls, Isaac, and I left, stopping at Bob Evan's to get some take-out for dinner as my dad wasn't able to make it.  I got two dishes I knew my mom loved and we headed home and waited.  My mom finally got home and while I can't remember the time exactly I know it was well past dinner time.  I ended up feeding the girls and Isaac earlier but I waited for her.  When she got home we had a great time surprising her and celebrating her birthday, even amidst this crisis.

On Friday, my mom headed back to the hospital and I hung out with the kiddos.  I wasn't sure what exactly the weekend plans were going to entail for any of us so had started working on lining up a few of Paige's friends to watch Isaac so mom and I could get home to regroup.  Once the plans were set for him I packed up the kiddos and headed back to the hospital.  What a relief to see her smiling and putting together sentences!  Several ladies from work had stopped by to see her the same time we were there.  Isaac was still really cautious but warmed up a little bit easier to his momma.  After we left we got some lunch and Paige's friend Rachel came by to pick up Isaac.  I knew Rachel and trusted her completely with my little nephew but my heart was breaking.  Unsure of what the road to recovery was going to entail, I knew I needed to get home and separate the girls and I from the situation to process and sort through the events and gear up for what would lie ahead; however, it killed me to relinquish my sister's blessing into the hands of another lady.  The drive home that day was horrible!  The girls were tired, hungry (because aren't kids always hungry in the car no matter that you just fed them), and emotionally as raw as I was.  It was tough to say the least.  We barely made it home in time to see Scott for a tadbit before he left for work.  The next day was his birthday (thus the other post).

In regards to the update on my sister now, my mom has been going to stay with her every week since.  Paige has been going to speech therapy twice a week.  It turned out she does not have the blood disease but is borderline because of her thicker blood.  The hemotologist diagnosed the cause of stroke to stem from her birth control, along with a combination of a few other things.  The stroke occurred on the left side of her brain which affects the right side of her body.  She is able to feed, dress, and wash herself...along with taking full care of Isaac.  She is doing remarkably well and the doctors expect a full recovery, although a full recovery could take up to a year.  The expected time span for functional recovery will be between 3-6 months.  They have endured such difficult challenges the last two years.  I can only hope and pray that their load would be lighter.  Through it all though, Matt and Paige continue to rest in the knowledge that God is Sovereign and in complete control.  They find their hope and strength through Him, not in themselves because they have faced just how weak they can be.  If you feel the Lord's leading,  we would appreciate your prayers for them.  Thanks!

14 months

Today is the day my little nephew Isaac was supposed to be born.  However, he decided he couldn't wait to meet all of us and arrived exactly 2 months early.  What a joy to be able to spend a little time with him and my dear sister tonight at the farm.  God has so richly blessed our family and I continually thank Him for His provisions and the blessed assurance that He is our salvation and hope! 

Since I can't figure out how to post his birthday photo, click here.  You can find other photos of him by clicking on my FAMILY tag on the right hand side of my blog. 

Anyhow, look at him today...

My {Heart} Melted

One of my Favs

This is a picture of one of my favorite times in Wisconsin. 

My sister-in-law plays the cello!  The girls asked her if she would play it for them.  On Saturday night, even though she had a million things on her mind because her and John were preparing to leave for vacation after church the next day, Jen made the time to pull out her cello and play for the girls.  She then let them touch and slide their fingers up and down the strings while played the bow.  Watching this interaction truly warmed my heart!

Thank you Aunt Jen!!

Wonderful Wisconsin Part 2

What I loved and/or learned about Wisconsin...

• Absolutely beautiful farms!  The classical style that you imagine as the perfect farm with beautiful homes, the classic red barns, silos, and holsteins!
• I didn't get a picture of this but there were so many brick homes...but the brick was like this golden butterscotch color.  It was gorgeous and like nothing I had ever seen before.  Stunning...!
• Farmers grow corn mainly to use as feed for the livestock and not so much for cash crop as in Ohio.
• There are old schoolhouses every 4 miles.  This was so children didn't have to walk more than 2 miles to school.  They are beautiful and most have been renovated into homes.
• Most of the restaurants are actually bars.  You have to specifically ask to sit in the dining room because they assume you want to sit at the bar.  Drinking beer is part of the culture....Christian or non-Christian. 
• It has strong German-Catholic roots.
• It is extremely green and lush!
• There are lakes and rivers everywhere!  People don't need a sandy beach, they just hop in and swim.  Many "Chicagoans" now travel to vacation at the different lakes in Wisconsin.  Word on the street is Oprah has a house on Kelly Lake.  Remember, Holiday Inn at Kelly Lake (from an earlier post).  ;)
• Green Bay is actually very small and not anything like a city in a typical sense.  There were no skyscrapers, thus no cityscape/skyline.  We went on a Friday afternoon and there was no traffic and it seemed very easy to navigate. 
• They thought is was deadly hot.  It was like 88 degrees with some humidity.  I didn't think anything about the heat.
• Looking at the map, you can certainly tell Wisconsin was definitely the original home of many Native American tribes.  In fact, the city of Green Bay had to annex it's borders because originally Lambeau Field was on the Oneida Nation Reservation.
• TIP: Do not travel through the reservations at night. 
• The county roads are all lettered such as "County A", "County B", etc.  When these two roads combine the road is "County AB."  State Routes are numbered and township roads are named.  Makes it easy to know which kind of road you are on.
• There is a bar called "The AA Bar" because it is on "County AA".  My sister-in-law asked if it was a dry bar.  ;)
• People are generally either Catholic, Lutheran, or don't go to church.  John's church has an average attendance of 150 people on Sunday and this is considered a bigger church for the area.

• Behind John & Jennifer's home is a huge green bean field.  These were planted for a cannery.  I found this interesting since...well, haven't you ever wondered where canned vegetables are grown?


• John and Jennifer have the most incredible garden I have ever seen.  Their tomato plants were at least 6 feet tall.  They yeilded at least 6 dozen ears of corn.  They also planted red onions, potatoes, white onions. green peppers, and carrots.  They also have raspberry bushes in their garden that have flourished!  We enjoyed fresh raspberries on our homemade ice cream one evening.

Wonderul Wisconsin Part #1

After visiting with the Suttons in Chicago, we (my mom, the girls and myself) traveled on to Gillette, Wisconsin to visit my brother John and his wife Jennifer.  I didn't get all the pictures I had wanted to get to capture all the wonderful aspects of our visit and of Wisconsin.  Total bummer!  :(  Nevertheless, we had such a special time of fellowship with John & Jen.  The girls were looking forward to wrestling and watching The Princess Bride (or as Anna says, The Princess & The Bride).  We rolled in about dinner time on Thursday and headed straight to the Holiday Inn @ Kelly Lake for Tender Tips.  Amazingly scrumptious!  This was actually the first and original Holiday Inn.  In fact, there is a story that the Holiday Inn hotel chain tried to make this place change their name but when it came down to it the chain couldn't do it.  I can't remember all the details. 

We tried to watch The Princess Bride this first night but the girls were too afraid (understandable) so we ended up starting Enchanted, which John and Jen had never seen.  Friday we explored John and Jen's new home turf. 

We went to the cheese house!  We could have watched the cheese being made but that required a very early morning (5:00 am) so we just enjoyed being tasters.  You are allowed to try any of the cheese, as much as you'd like, before buying.  We were super, duper impressed with the Garden Jack & Smoked Cheddar (which we used later for Shuster Burgers).  Of course, we had to buy some Wisconsin cheese curds too!  Have you ever tried a cheese curd?  Hmmmm....let me just say, squeaky cheese!  ;)

Next up...a trip in to experience Green Bay!

Looks like a family picture, doesn't it? 

John & Jen with my girls with "The Bay" in the background

Lambeau Field

(aka Home of the Green Bay Packers)