What's my age, again?

Have you ever heard the song by blink-182 called, "What's my age again?" If not, give it a listen. Nonetheless, there is one specific line mentioned in every stanza that describes my life right now.

Nobody likes you when you are 23.

This is the time of year for proms, FFA banquets/conventions and graduations. Reflecting on all of those past experiences, I'm beginning to feel old. Perhaps I am using the wrong noun. I don't feel old; I feel out of touch. I feel lost from it all.

First state convention (I think?) and I look so young!

Has it really been two years since I graduated from college, six years since high school senior prom, and eight years since I attended my first State FFA Convention? Where has the time gone?

I had a skinny arm before that was a thing... thank goodness that has changed!

Sometimes, I question my age. In my role, I have a lot of responsibilities. My life is evolving from different things I thought I knew in high school and college to what I know now as an adult in the working world. Nonetheless, I ask myself often, "what's my age, again?"

My cousin Sara and I at prom.

Do we ever really know the meaning behind an age? What is the real measure of time? I don't know but if I ever figure it out, I'll be sure to share. How do you make the most of your age, measure time and see the future?

Thankful 30 - Day 25, my sister

She is my little goof ball. Kelly (aka Keke) and I have had our highs and lows as siblings. Growing up, mom and dad tried their best to keep us separated... we were often up in arms about who was picking on who. They tried to keep us from attacking one another.

When I went off to college, things changed. I missed having that one other family member to confide in. I missed having someone I could just talk to... even though she judged me sometimes and I did the same. That's the nature of our relationship.

Since then, things have changed. We live 13 hours apart; I miss her. We talk more now than ever before. Even with her busy college schedule, we do our best to make time to catch up and talk. She is doing remarkable things. She has a job, is very focused on her educational and career goals with music, just auditioned for one drum corp and is auditioning this weekend for another. I do not give her credit she deserves. When she actually sets her goals (which is sometimes a daunting task), she works her tail off to accomplish them. And even if she does not, she keeps pushing forward.

Sousa Concert 2014.

I am thankful to be able to share that music with her and hopefully continue sharing fitness as a shared interest. We also both love to travel and went on a sister trip after my college graduation and her college graduation. Looks like another trip is in the works for next spring. Where to? Not sure yet. But, we will certainly figure it out! :)

My OSU graduation day.

Kelly's Otsego graduation day.

Sister Roadtrip 2015 in Maine.

Thankful 30 - Day 24, my dad

A farmer, handy man, do-gooder, cat lover, environmentalist, wannabe "Gibbs", the master, cow whisperer, husband, mechanic, salesman, auction goer, Elks member, son, man of God, Chevy fan, midday napper, dog trainer, Blue Shirt, old school, brother, Western watcher, hunter, NASCAR driver in his dreams, leader, impatienter, agriculturalist, philanthropist, learner, ice creamaholic, work harder than anyone else, and my father.

Many of the characteristics above have been pasted down to me. My dad is a man of integrity. Even though he drives me nuts half the time, I cannot help but be thankful for him and the impact he has on the community and agriculture industry. Love you, dad!

Thankful 30 - Day 23, my momma

Yep, I'm thankful for my mom. I definitely do not tell her enough or prove it enough how much I care and appreciate her. This weekend, she was definitely the listening ear and thoughtful role model I needed.

Most recent photo of mom, dad and me.

Today, she sent me a funny photography of their house cat and it definitely made me laugh. Even living so many miles away, she is one I depend on. She helps me get back to reality. She works her tail off at home and keeps the farm going. She is a damn good mother. Her love is unconditional.

Even though I will not be home this year for Thanksgiving, I hope my momma knows how proud I am of her. :) Unfortunately, I don't know where this is a photo of just her and I. So, the one of mom, dad and me from my short stint in Ohio a couple weeks ago will have to do. Love you, mom!

When she wanted to send a picture of grumpy kitty,
turned into alien kitty!

It's #FairFriday | 7 characteristics taught at county fairs

Urban and rural dwellers alike agree that a fun summer event is a local county fair. The aromas of greasy fries, the echoing voices of announcers across the grounds and the ceaseless smiles seen on fairgoer faces combine for a vibrant environment. Growing up, I lived for those summers. Through 4-H, FFA and Junior Fairboard, I kept busy preparing for that one week of the year. Reflecting on this week of the Wood County Fair, it has been four years since I was prepping animals in the barns, blending milkshakes and riding around in the opening parade. If there is a valuable lesson to be learned, attending and participating in county fairs build character. Here are seven characteristics built at county fairs.

1. Family pride.
I began showing cattle at age 8. To do this, I needed lots of help from my parents and family to ensure not only my safety, but the safety of my calves. Show persons build relationships not just with their supporters before the show ring, but create stronger bonds with our family members. Weihl Farms has always raised Shorthorns and being proud of our culture has developed through exhibiting animals at the fair. Children and young adults who don't raise their own, but purchase livestock from other breeders, feel this same passion and connectedness among family because of the fair. The photo above is my dad and I showing heifers in open class from 2008.

2. Responsibility.

Proper management of animals includes their health. We
don't just wash them, take care of their hair and clip them
to make them look "pretty". It also keeps them healthy.

Taking care of yourself is important. But taking care of another living creature is a responsibility. Feeding, watering, grooming and training animals can seem daunting, but is often rewarding for show persons in 4-H and FFA. Responsibility is a key characteristic you will see in young individuals at county fairs. The students learn the process and often the business and results. Take a look in the FFA projects building. Woodworking projects, crops and produce are also examples of how responsibility plays a role in youth development. Junior Fairboard members also have a large responsibility during fair, ensuring shows run smoothly, exhibitors are taking care of their animals and guests are enjoying the fair.

Farming families rely on fathers

Yesterday signified a day where many people honor their fathers. These are the men who not only helped bring us into the world, but hold an important role in the development of our lives. For me, it has taken more time to truly understand the sacrifices my own father makes to provide for my family. But after spending the weekend at home and reflecting on my trip to California, this next post is dedicated to the work by fathers in agriculture.

My dad is a man who works more than he should and receives less pay and recognition for it. Whether he is out in the field planting his crops or in the barn caring for our cattle and goats, he is constantly seeking ways to provide for our family. He is the true definition of a farming father.

This photo was from 2008 at our county fair Shorthorn open class show. The term "daddy's little girl" definitely applies to me, from my relentless need to work and complete tasks, hatred of coconut, and a passion for the agriculture industry.

In California, the AFA team was able to see more fathers taking roles in the agriculture industry. At Diepersloot Dairy Farm, Bob is the head of the farm. He sees the needs of his 9,500-head dairy and also the needs of his family. His son, Adrian, has become involved and formed a partnership on their farm. They have developed a strong father-son relationship that continues the success of their farm.

The photo on the left is of Bob when he invited us into his home to enjoy breakfast! He was telling us about the chocolate milk his friend's dairy produced. The image on the right is of Adrian when he was giving us a tour around the dairy farm. You could clearly see the passion each of the them had as they showed us around the farm. They prove that collaboration is the key to a working family.