I am in love with a farmer...

Happy 5th Birthday to Jorja May

2012-01-12T06:00:00.001-05:00

Our little girl is turning 5 today....

She started out small....

and now she is my only child that has made it to the 90th percentile in height and weight.

She is my shadow...God knew we needed one more child to complete our family and I thank God everyday for each of our blessings!

She is in preschool now, and can't wait for the day she gets to go to Tarkington where she knows everyone there and everyone knows her, from volunteering with mom!

She loves to help Dad on the farm...in her flip flops of course.

She is always ready to help out at the kids school!

We are so proud of Jorja May and the little person she is growing into. She loves to ramble on and on and especially late at night. She is a night owl like her father, she counts 40 and loves to sing.

Happy Birthday Jorja May!

Love,

Mom, dad, Kyra, Jackson, Cyrus, Jones, Dog and Cubby!

Happy New Year...

2012-01-05T20:27:00.000-05:00

Wow I could go on and on and explain why I haven't posted for a very long time, but let's just say that summer and veggies make for a busy farmers wife and becoming the PTO president, this time at the kids middle school makes the farmers wife insane but happy for the new adventure.
I wanted to share my Lasagna Soup recipe, it is one that five out of six Hebron's love and if you add my brother in law's family it is 9 out 10 Hebron's. I made it the night before heading to the farm, added the noodles in the a.m. and kept it warm in the crock pot for our Farm Lunch. And for those that know me or follow me, a recipe has to be easy for me to even attempt it, and really easy for me to make every couple weeks. Perfect for the winter months.

Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Lasagna Soup
makes 8 - 10 cups
1# bulk Italian sausage
2 cups onions, chopped
1 cup carrots, diced
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
2 Tbsp. garlic, minced
4+ cups chicken broth
1 can (14 1/2oz.) Italian-style stewed tomatoes, chopped
1 can (10 3/4oz) tomato sauce
1 cup uncooked mafalda pasta ( I use a whole box because my kids like more noodles less soupy)
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup provolone cheese or fresh mozzarella, diced
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
4 tsp. thinly sliced fresh basil

Prep all ingredients.
Brown sausage in a large soup-pot over high heat.

Add onions and carrots; saute 3 minutes.
Stir in mushrooms and garlic; saute 3 minutes.
Add broth, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce, bring to a boil.
Drop in pasta and simmer until the pasta is done (+ - 10 minutes).
Stir in spinach and cook until wilted

Place 1/4 cup of the diced cheese into each soup bowl and pour soup on top. Garnish with Parmesan and basil
makes 8 - 10 cups

Happy 16th Wedding Anniversary to my Favorite Farmer!

2011-07-01T06:27:00.001-04:00

16 years ago I married Farmer Chris... of course he wasn't a farmer then and I am pretty sure he didn't tell me that his intentions were to marry me, have four kids and become a farmer and feed thousand's good food! I met him at Ball State University...

Chris and Michelle visiting his sister in Boston!

...he was a nerd (although he disagrees) and wanted to become a teacher...and guess what he has. His classroom is our kids, me, customers and pretty much anyone that will listen to him. It has always amazed me how much knowledge he has...he does a lot of reading, something I don't enjoy much of, but he has passed that wonderful gift on to a couple of our children. After college we moved to Chicago (for the city girl in me)...and had a ball getting around town and enjoying the sites...and once we started talking about kids we knew we had to move back home to be around our families!

We lived in Chicago for 6 years before moving back to Indiana/Michigan...and my kids pointed out that he is wearing farm gloves in the picture...haha -- they said I should have known!

July 1, 1995
I married my best friend....

(1991)
Chris outside the barn at the farm he now goes to daily....I guess the clues were there!

The Hebron's today!!!

Everyday is an adventure with you Chris...and your mom warned me about that 20 years ago...but I always knew she saw us together forever...she just wanted to some day tell me "I told you sooo"! I love you and thank God everyday I have you in my life and that you are such a loving husband and father to our kids....and the several hundred animals on the farm! I can't wait to see what this year brings us...I don't dare try to imagine!

Happy Anniversary!

Mother's Day...

2011-05-26T14:32:00.000-04:00

Mother's day was great in our house this year, but really everyday is mother's day...I thank God every day I have little monkeys yelling "MOM"! Last Year we went and picked out this dog....

Jones!

And this year....this dog

is HUGE and still my puppy! This year Farmer Chris packed a picnic and we went to a park!

and I got to hang out with all of the kids!

My little farmers...

Playing in the creek!

And of course the day ended doing the evening chores...because we have many mama pigs that need to know they are appreciated also!

Sorry the posts have been lacking but I am hoping once the kids get out of school, posts will pick up!

The Spring Activities race has begun and what is a mom to cook?

2011-05-14T09:04:00.000-04:00

The race has begun... I feel like I am constantly running and late, and I am the kind of person that has to be 5 minutes early to feel like I am on time. Jackson is playing baseball and Trap Shooting and Cyrus is playing baseball. Jorja May (4) is constantly running and luckily doesn't mind being shuttled back and forth with the boys and Kyra (12) is recovering from foot surgery but a huge help even though she has a boot on her foot, so no sports for her this summer. We are nearing the end of school like everyone, so our schedules are very full and with the Farm in the busiest season with the gardens and now pigs going to camp every week I needed something easy to cook. We just started having smaller Ham Roasts cut out and they are awesome - they fit right in the crock pot, I even put this one in frozen, with chicken broth, carrots, potato's and onions and cooked it on low all day!

And of course I forgot to take a picture after...but everyone was very happy and we got everywhere we needed to be even if we ate at 8:00!

Have a great weekend!

Corned Beef Brisket...recipe handed down from Chris's Mom Carol...

2011-03-20T11:58:00.000-04:00

Every St. Patrick's day I get excited to make Corned Beef Brisket...it was a recipe Chris's mom (Carol) gave to me...and I love to cook anything she used to make so it gives him another awesome memory of her. She could take anything she had in the cupboards and make something awesome and usually with little time, something I have not been gifted with, but she gifted me with a husband that can do the same!

While it has been almost 12 years since she passed...she is in our thoughts daily. I laugh to think what she thinks about Chris, Richard and her husband Tony (Grandpa T) and what they have created on the farm. Tony and Carol bought the land together many years ago and built a cabin hoping to one day live in it. I know she would be proud and I am pretty sure she has been behind them every step of the way! So since I live with a farmer we don't always do things on the right day but we usually try to do them with in a couple of days that we are suppose to.

This past week our son Jackson (10) has been taking Hunter Safety Classes so he can do Trap shooting...which required transporting him three days up to Dowagiac and thank you to Mom, Dad and Grandpa T and the smarts of Jackson he got his license. Yay for Jackson and now he can follow in his cousins awesome foot steps and go trap shooting weekly!

So today....Chris took my five little piggies (Kyra, Jackson, Cyrus, Jorja May & Jones (dog)) to the farm so I can have some alone time and as I thank you I am making Corned Beef Brisket!

Here is the awesome recipe...and as I always promise...it is easy!

CORNED BEEF BRISKET

Ingredients:
1 Corn Beef Brisket
1 Cooking Bag
BBQ Sauce
Garlic
Pepper
Carrots
Potato’s

Put the corned beef in the bag (fat up – I have to put that because I had no
idea it mattered J),sprinkle the beef with pepper and about 2 TBL spoons of garlic, cover with your
favorite BBQ sauce, cut up potato’s (usually three or four for us) and carrott’s
put in the bag and add a ½ can of beer.

Cook at 300 degrees for about 2 ½ hours

Hope you enjoy it!

Flip flop wearing Farmers Wife!

2011-03-17T13:08:00.000-04:00

Oh it is hard not to get excited! I pulled out my flip flops yesterday... well they weren't ever put away, but I got to wear them outside. Yes, have you ever seen a flip flop wearing farmer's wife? It is really the only way this lady rolls in the spring/summer/fall (or no snow weather) -- they are easy to clean, although they sometimes get stuck in the mud, but really comfortable feet make me a Happy Farmer's Wife! And as we were loading to get into the truck to head to the farm, my 4 year old also made me find hers...because after all if mom has to wear them, she does!

Jorja May and I have been going to Kyra's school (middle school) and help teach skating, or in some cases pick up some of the kids. It has been a great two weeks, I guess you take some things for granted! I used to skate home from work in Chicago from the loop to Lincoln Park - it was faster then the "L" or driving, and it felt great! Some how we always have stakes around our house --- people hand them down to us so the kids have followed in my skates and enjoy it....now we have to find some to fit a four year that will probably whoop our butts once she gets going. It has been great watching several of the kids who have never been on skates and two weeks later they are skating around the gym! It is exhausting, and I am grateful the gym teacher fought hard to get this program for the kids. We have been going for two classes every two days, I can't imagine teaching it everyday all day long, but it confirms why I am so grateful for the teachers that love their jobs, we have been blessed at both of our kids schools with teachers who love what they are doing and have really become a part of our family!

I found these flip flops, they might be too dangerous to wear while doing the chores... I am pretty sure if I had a wedding renewal I would wear flip flops this time, although I wore ballet slippers the first time I got married and everyone thought I was crazy, but that confirms how much I dislike shoes!!!

I hope you get to go out and wear your flip flops soon!!

Happy Valentine’s Day or Happy Monday!

2011-02-14T16:52:00.000-05:00

I am wishing all of my friends and family a special day. I know it is a "Card" holiday...but it is one more day I can make sure my friends and family know how much I love them.

I hope you got to spend time with someone you love! Farmer Chris splits his time between me and his Pigs (and the other couple hundred animals) --- and believe me they know how much he loves them.

As I was standing at the bus stop this morning (around 6:20) with my 12 year old daughter she was telling me a story! Kyra's class was discussing who was smarter - dogs or pigs. Most of the kids said pigs and her teacher thought they should test that theory and asked if anyone had a pig. Some kids jokingly raised their hands and Kyra spoke up and said no that she really did have pigs. The teacher said oh ok a Guinea Pig? and Kyra said no we have like 100 big pigs at the farm. Needless to say she was a little shocked. Kyra agreed that pigs are very smart, they know when her dad shows up they are going to be fed, they know if they bump Chris he will rub behind their ears, they know how to get out of the weather, they know not to touch the fence, a mama pig can deliver 15 babies all by themselves!

Don’t worry I am not jealous, I am just happy I married such a loving and caring human being!

Have a Great Valentine’s Day no matter how you celebrate it!

Crunchy Garlic Chicken...Cyrus' pick!

2011-02-06T12:37:00.000-05:00

If you have been following me you know I try to cook a favorite meal for each child once a week...don't worry they are all Farmer Chris's favorite! This one is Cyrus' favorite...we hope you enjoy it also!

Crunchy Garlic Chicken

1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

2 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 cups Cornflakes cereal, crushed (1 cup)

3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon paprika

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 3/4 lb) -- this time we cut into strips, before we leave the breasts whole!

Heat oven to 425°F. Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In shallow dish, mix 2 tablespoons of the butter, the milk, chives, salt and garlic powder.

In another shallow dish, mix crushed cereal, parsley and paprika. Dip chicken into milk mixture, then coat lightly and evenly with cereal mixture. Place in pan. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons butter.

Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (170°F).

And it was so good Jorja May wanted it for breakfast! She was being my shy girl!

We hope you enjoy this as much as we do! Have a great Sunday and stay warm! In this house we route for the commercials!

Snow days = Beef, potato casserole in this house!

2011-02-03T17:17:00.000-05:00

You are probably sick of hearing about it...but we have had lots of snow days. So on the menu was Beef potato casserole...it was a hit with 3 out of 6 Hebrons, but really all I care to please is Farmer Chris since he is the one that is outside most of the day! Every meal I plan I try to make it a favorite of one of the little Hebron's in the house - and this one is Kyra's!

So here is the recipe...I posted it on facebook and several friends have already tried it --- many of the ingredients can be Family Farms Cooperative's -- so that is even better! One of our customers made this for a Purple Porch Potluck and it won --- she makes the mushroom soup part from scratch - but usually I don't have all of those ingredients in my cubbard!

An easy ground beef casserole with potatoes and cheese.

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef, browned

• 1/2 cup chopped onion

• salt and pepper

• 3 large potatoes, sliced (I literally covered the top of the dish)
• 2 Carrots, shredded

• 2 can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Preparation:

Brown ground beef in a skillet with chopped onions; cook until onions are tender. Drain off excess fat; transfer ground beef and onion to casserole dish. Add layer of sliced raw potatoes, sprinkle with salt and pepper; shred carrots to cover potatoes. Put soup over carrots. Bake at 350° for 40 to 50 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Sprinkle shredded cheese over top and bake for about 5 minutes longer, or until cheese is melted.

This easy ground beef and potato casserole serves 4 to 6.

I hope everyone is staying warm!

WARNING Bragging is involved....

2011-01-25T09:13:00.001-05:00

My nephew Gideon made the paper this week and I couldn't be prouder of him! He is a great kid, he works hard on the farm with his mom, dad, Uncle Chris and Grandpa T! I have always loved how he has taken my son (Jackson) and showed him how to do things, helps him do chores and he takes him trap shooting (Gideon's passion), and now he is teaching Jackson it is important to make a difference...this was in the Cassopolis Vigilant this week:

Article taken from: http://www.cassopolisvigilant.com/2011/01/20/student-gives-back-to-art-class/

Student gives back to art class

Published 4:57pm Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Cassopolis High school art room is ringing in 2011 with brand new tables.

Well not exactly — but it sure looks like it. Thanks to Gideon Hebron, a student at the school, the room looks rejuvenated.

Last spring Hebron told teacher Shelly Johnson that he wanted to fix the gouged and abused tables. The rough surfaces made it difficult for students to do artwork. Every divot and scratch came though onto the paper above.

Hebron wrote a proposal letter stating his desire to fix the tables. This fall he was given the go-ahead, and he spent the last three months sanding, filling and finishing. He worked many lunch hours and much of his own time (coming in even when school was closed) to bring the tabletops back to their original beauty.

Hebron comes by his talent for woodworking by watching and learning from his father, Richard Hebron, who owns a private saw mill in Cassopolis. Richard graduated from Cassopolis High School in 1983, and he too kept the art room tables in top form.

When Hebron was asked why he wanted to refinish the art room tabletops, he responded by saying that he wanted to make a difference before he left high school. Hebron is a senior this year and plans to pursue farming and Olympic Dreams Trap Shooting after he graduates.

Great job Gideon....

Happy 4th Birthday Jorja May

2011-01-12T06:00:00.012-05:00

Four years ago today Jorja May (pronounced Georgia) -- nickname JJ, was born (January 12th, 2007)...she was born at 7:16 p.m. weighing 6 pounds, 14 ounces and measured 19 3/4 inches long. She was born early and in the NICU for 11 days... but don't let her fool you... she was just laying around getting ready to make a difference in this world!

She is very free spirited...crazy and keeps you on your toes!

This beautiful girl is turning 4 today... she loves to draw, paint, drink milk, and anything that her brothers and sister can do! She has a huge heart, but is very shy most of the time. If she talks to you... IT IS A BIG DEAL! She spends a lot of time with her mother (I call her my shadow), going to the farm and going to the kids school...and I am currently trying to sneak her in at the boys school because she feels most comfortable among the teachers and staff!

Jorja's sister Kyra made this and framed it for her for Christmas...

She loves working on the farm collecting the eggs!
She is my "GIFT" that keeps on giving and I thank God everyday for having her in my life!

Happy Birthday Jorja May!

Much love...

It's cold out... so we are having....Crunchy Chicken

2011-01-07T15:34:00.001-05:00

It is cold out... and snowing, which is good since I don't like it just being cold! I am hoping for sledding this weekend...fun times for the kids - and me of course!

Tonight we are planning on having Crunchy Chicken... the last time I made it Cyrus wouldn't stop eating it... which is rare, so I will try to make it often. If I could alternate Flank steak (in a special marinade I will post soon) and Crunchy Chicken he would eat every day!

Crunchy Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1-1/4 cups crushed cornflakes or finely crushed rich round crackers (about 35)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
• 2-1/2 to 3 pounds meaty chicken pieces (breast halves, thighs, and drumsticks)

Directions

1. In a small bowl combine egg and milk. For coating, in a shallow dish combine crushed cornflakes, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper; stir in melted butter. Set aside. Skin chicken (I did not). Dip chicken pieces, 1 at a time, into egg mixture; coat with crumb mixture.

2. In a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan, arrange chicken, bone side down, so the pieces aren't touching. Sprinkle chicken pieces with any remaining crumb mixture so they are generously coated.

3. Bake, uncovered, in a 375 degree F oven for 45 to 55 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink (170 degrees F for breasts; 180 degrees F for thighs and drumsticks). Do not turn chicken pieces while baking. Makes 6 servings.

I served the chicken with Potatoes and cut up potatoes with a side salad and of course a big glass of milk in a cold cup(frozen), can't get any better then that.

Have a great day!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T12:07:00.009-05:00

Well we surrived 2010. We had many ups and downs with our biggest being the barn fire that happened one year ago on January 6th, but I always believed after that...the year could only get better, and it did. We made many new friends and got to spend quality time with our old friends. I ended my long run on PTO board at the kids school and now can just enjoy volunteering when I want to or I can just go in and hang out with my kids.

My four kids still amaze me and I still can't believe I was blessed to be their mom.

Cyrus, Jackson, Jorja May and Kyra

We lost our dog Mcgee to old age...(14 years old)

Mcgee (14 years old)

and gained Jones who has wiggled his way deep in my heart.

Jones (puppy)

Jones (9 months old)

My husband the farmer still surprises me with his crazy ideas...which his mom warned me about .... about 20 years ago. I know she is in heaven saying I told you so, but I know she wouldn't have it anyother way.

I always try to look at the positive side of things...so this year we all have grown as a family and as farmers! I never try to imagine what I will be doing in 10 years, because as long as I have Chris by my side, my kids and my friends...I know things are going to be just right! Besides living with Chris one never knows what we will be doing in TEN years...but I am pretty sure it involves muddy boots and more animals!

I wish everyone a Happy New Year and I am hoping to make a difference this year!

ps. I forogt to mention another huge event in 2010 -- Farmer Chris started a blog...so now there is proof I don't make this crazy farmer up!

Merry Christmas...

2010-12-21T20:29:00.000-05:00

I hope you get the card above...this year we are going to save some paper, some stamps and our tongues and send our card this way...it doesn't mean we don't appreciate our friendship with you, so please keep sending your pretty cards...we fight over who gets to open them!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Love,

Michelle, Chris, Kyra, Jackson, Cyrus and Jorja May

Starting up the Saw Mill...

2010-12-16T12:19:00.000-05:00

This past weekend Grandpa T got the saw mill up and running again!

We are coming up on the year anniversary of the barn burning. We had a lot of losses this past year but we can only look forward. It has been a gradual process since we can't stop doing chores and focus 100% on the barn...

But they are getting there....

This is the hoop part of the barn and now Grandpa T and Farmer Chris are making the boards for the sides! Many people helped make this possible...just one of the things that we are thankful for this year!

The above drawing was done by Chris a couple weeks after the fire to show the kids what we are hoping for some day!

As we sit down to dinner at Christmas we will have many things to be thankful for...our health, our family and the lovely friends and customers that support us!

We wish you all a wonderful and happy Merry Christmas (Holiday)!

Love,

Michelle

Happy 7th Birthday Cyrus Quinn Hebron

2010-12-09T06:00:00.003-05:00

Cyrus Quinn arrived at 11:19 a.m. on December 9th 2003.

Weighing 8 pounds 11 ounces and 20 inches long!

He is a very busy boy....we call him a "chicken whisperer" --- he is the only one on the farm who can walk right up to a chicken and pick it up...it must be something calm and trusting about him. He loves to ride his dirt bike, do chores with Dad and Grandpa T.

Loves climbing and hanging out at the farm!

Out doing chores with Jones!

Happy Birthday Cyrus...we love you very much!

Mom and Dad

What we had for Thanksgiving...Cornish Hens!!

2010-11-29T18:37:00.000-05:00

After we sent out over 250 turkeys out to our wonderful customers...we decided that this year we were going to have our Cornish Hens for Thanksgiving! They were of course our family farm grown Cornish Hens and Farmer Chris made them excellently and still had time to do the chores!

Stuffed Cornish Hens...

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 tablespoons butter
1 (6 ounce) package fast-cooking long grain and wild rice mix
1 (14.5 ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup water
2/3 cup sliced water chestnuts, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
5 Cornish game hens

Directions

In a large saucepan coated with nonstick cooking spray, cook celery and mushrooms in butter until tender. Stir in rice; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the contents of the rice seasoning packet, broth and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5-6 minutes or until rice is tender.
Stir in the water chestnuts, cranberries, onions and soy sauce. Stuff into hens. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake at 375 degrees F for 50-60 minutes or until juices run clear and a meat thermometer inserted into stuffing reads 165 degrees F. Cut each hen in half lengthwise to serve.

It was awesome --- and we had a great time being Thankful for our families and the wonderful people in our lives!

Thank you for all of the wonderful feedback on how delicious your Turkey was this year! We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Michelle

Happy Birthday to Farmer Chris!!!

2010-11-28T06:00:00.006-05:00

Everyday we celebrate this man in our house...but today was the day he came into this world, many years ago!

We walked for breast cancer in honor of his mom Carol!

Teaches our children that faith is important!

Last minute camping trip...he is the cook in the house!

He has taught our kids to compete for themselves...

Takes us blueberry picking...and Jorja still talks about wanting to go back!

He takes us on last minute field trips to pick up 300 turkeys...but makes them fun by staying in hotels and touring around towns!

Makes sure there is time for fun...for the kids and himself!

After a big loss in January (barn fire) on the farm he taught our kids we need to pick up the pieces and rebuild...he was very sensitive and sad at all of our loss -- especially for the kids!

Works day and night on the farm to allow for me to stay home with the kids!

Is just a great big kid on the inside!

Has a soft side...

Is our kids biggest cheerleader...just not as loud as mom!

Surprises us with day trips to remind us what is important...Family!

He works hard for our family...teaching the importance of work and play.

We love you and thank God everyday that you are our Papa, husband and best friend!

Happy Birthday Christopher Aaron!

Michelle and Kyra, Jackson, Cyrus and Jorja May

Thankful....is the word of the week...

2010-11-26T11:31:00.000-05:00

So much running around selling our last fresh Turkey...now relaxing enjoying family time eating our hard work. Thankful for everyone that makes our passion for farming possible. Thankful for our family and that we are able to get together and remember to sit and relax every once in a while.

Wishing you a great Thanksgiving!

The Hebron Families!

Happy 12th Birthday Kyra Addison Hebron...

2010-11-17T06:00:00.002-05:00

Happy 12th Birthday Kyra Addison Hebron

Born: November 17th, 1998, on a Tuesday at 3:13 p.m., in South Bend IN!

8 pounds 4 ounces

20 1/2 inches

Brown hair, Slate Blue eyes (no more)

I put in her baby book that she resembles Chris --- but that isn't the case anymore, she is the only one that truly looks like I gave birth too!

She was our first child... the love of our lives and still is to this day. She truly amazes me daily in all of her accomplishments, her drawing, her poems (she wrote Environment). If you can't find her she is most likely reading...something she gets from both of her grandpa's (although I am pretty sure they haven't read the Harry Potter series once - let alone 4 or 5 times)! She has been on the honor roll since they started handing them out in 3rd grade (a gift from her daddy).

Now she is the 6th grade at a special academy still surprising me...and of course still being like a 12 year old should be and drive me crazy (my mom warned me I would get paid back for all that I did to her)... but we thank God every day for November 17th, the day our lives changed forever!

Kyra we are so proud of you and wish that all of your dreams come true!

Mom

Family time on the farm...

2010-10-11T20:26:00.000-04:00

As most of you know, we live in the city and farmer Chris travels to the farm daily. Well this past weekend at the last minute we decided to camp on the farm. This means we get to eat dinner with Richard and his family and then camp (of course with chores down in between). A couple years ago my father in law (Grandpa T)started building a cabin on the farm, which is where myself, Chris, Cyrus, Jorja May and Jones slept...Jackson and Kyra slept in a tent. What a wonderful weekend...the weather was great and we got to spend time doing something we love --- being together!

The girls in an old whole the pigs dug!

Jorja May doing chores!

Getting closer to having a warm space for baby pigs in the winter!

The barn posts are in!

The campfire and the tent Kyra and Jackson slept in!

We wrote secrets and threw them in the fire...

Ahhh the colors of fall!

Jorja May picked out her marshmallow stick

Grandpa T's Cabin we stayed in!

We hope you were able to enjoy this wonderful weekend!

Michelle

Gobble Gobble Gobble...

2010-09-24T11:41:00.000-04:00

It is that time of the year! Our Turkeys are out on pasture and we are taking orders for our Awesome (per our customers) Turkeys! They will be ready in November --- they range 15 -25#'s for $3.65/#!

You can send in your request with your normal order and Annette or myself will put you on the list. They will be frozen fresh... we are still loving on them like all of our other animals. I hope to post a video of them, they are pretty funny when you walk up to them they are silent but the minute you talk to them they all respond...gobble gobble gobble.

Have a great day!

Michelle

Purple Porch Community Night Win goes to....

2010-09-10T22:18:00.000-04:00

Chorizo (Mexican) Meat Loaf

Created by Chef Chris Hebron and made by Michelle Hebron

Tonight we had our Purple Porch Community night and from what I hear (because I was home sick) there was awesome food to be had...many many different types of food!

And one of our rendations of Meat Loaf won....(people voted by putting money in paper bags and at the end of the night they were totaled.) We also brought our other italian meatloaf that is also on this site.

Here is the recipe...I unfortunelty didn't get any at home, because they ate it ALL!

Chorizo (Mexican) Meat Loaf

Ingredients

2 eggs, beaten (FFC)
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley
1 cup Spanish Rice
1 handful pea tomatoes (FFC)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf sage, basil, or oregano, crushed
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound lean ground beef (FFC)
1 pound lean Chorizo (Mexican) sausage (FFC)
1/2 cup Salsa (drained)
2 tbl ketchup

Directions

1. In a medium bowl combine eggs and milk; stir in rice, onion, parsley, salt, sage, and pepper. Add ground meat and Chorizo (Mexican); mix well. Lightly pat mixture into an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan.

2. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 1 to 1-1/4 hours or until internal temperature registers 160 degrees F. Spoon off fat - not needed if you use our meat. In a bowl combine salsa and ketchup; spread over meat. Bake for 10 minutes more. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into eight slices.

3. Makes 8 servings

Can't wait for next month's entry...we enjoy trying to figure out how to use our ingredients.

Have a great night.

Michelle

Pretty Girl with Pretty Squash...

2010-09-07T08:55:00.001-04:00

Jorja May was excited to get her picture taken with some of our squash...I know which is prettier, but you be the judge! I love the way Squash looks... I am still developing a taste for eating it and cooking it, so for now I love to just grow and sell it!

Hubbard Squash

Hubbard squash is a tear-drop shape. They are often used as a replacement for pumpkins.

Acorn Squash

(Acorn squash (Cucurbita pepo) is a winter squash with distinctive longitudinal ridges and sweet, yellow-orange flesh. )

Have a great day!

Michelle

Winner winner Tomato Pesto Salami Ravioli

2010-08-27T16:27:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lapse in updates. Three of our kids are back in school so things have been very busy around here. Poor Farmer Chris must drive to the farm without any helpers...so we are all adjusting.

A couple weeks ago we had our first Purple Porch Coop’s Community Food night… Building relationships through good food! It is similar to a ministry we do at our church, but for this one everyone brings a favorite dish...and WOW were they beautiful...and the conversations were awesome! Most of the recipes were ingredients from local farmers or their gardens and everyone got to vote on which one they liked the most by putting coins in a paper bag! We had brought several items to compensate in case someone wasn't able too. We we brought coleslaw with blueberry's (Chris made), Blueberry Crumble (Kyra and her friend made) - see recipe in last update and Tomato Pesto Salami salad that I made! The Tomato pesto Salami salad won (by I think 10 cents)...but it was awesome so I wanted to share it!

Tomato Pesto Salami Ravioli

1 9-ounce package refrigerated cheese filled tortellini or ravioli
1 medium tomato, chopped (FFC)
½ cup purchased pesto (or homemade)
6 ounces salami, chopped
Thin tomato slices (optional)(FFC)

Directions:

Cook tortellini according to package directions. Place chopped tomato in a large colander; drain pasta over tomato. Return mixture to a hot pan. Place in a medium mixing bowl. Add pesto and salami (we used our own beef salami); toss gently till pasta is coated with pesto. Serve warm on individual plates lined with a few pieces of thinly sliced tomato or in a bowl for a buffet. 6 to 8 servings. (when I made it I doubled everything)

I am going to make it again tonight for us, our next community night is September 10th, so if you are local we hope to see you there with your good food! You can bring anything you love to eat and it is very kid friendly!

Have a great day!

Michelle

Blueberry picking and Blueberry Bars yummm!

2010-08-02T13:39:00.000-04:00

Friday night Chris called and asked if we wanted to go last minute Blueberry picking...so we did!

Luckily it was closing in the next hour -- so it wasn't too painful to the kids!

Then on Saturday Kyra made this...

BLUEBERRY CRUMB BARS

We have met so many wonderful farmers through Purple Porch - and one of them offered to teach Kyra how to bake (because everyone learns better from someone they aren't related too :) So Marianne Christy from (Christy's Clean Crops) taught her to cook this last week!

BLUEBERRY CRUMB BARS

Ingredients
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cold unsalted butter (2 sticks or 8 ounces)
1 egg (from FFC)
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Zest and juice of one lemon
4 cups fresh blueberries (from the Orgnaic Blueberry Ranch)
1/2 cup white sugar
4 teaspoons cornstarch

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch pan.

1. In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup sugar, 3 cups flour, and baking powder. Mix in salt and lemon zest. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend in the butter and egg. Dough will be crumbly. Pat half of dough into the prepared pan.

2. In another bowl, stir together the sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice. Gently mix in the blueberries. Sprinkle the blueberry mixture evenly over the crust. Crumble remaining dough over the berry layer.

Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until top is slightly brown. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

And since we ate it all, Kyra made it again yesterday and it was awesome. Now Chris says if we keep the blueberries in stock she should be able to make it twice a week! :)

Have a great week!

Michelle

Mouth watering Watermelon...

2010-07-29T19:48:00.000-04:00

We have Watermelon and since I can't count - and I was worried I would sell someone else's, I came home with some from our Wednesday coop --- yeahhhhh! And Jorja May got her first bowl full today! And she loved it! Hope you get a chance to have some of ours...or some local Watermelon while you can!

Happy 10th Birthday Jackson Garrett!

2010-07-21T06:58:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Jackson... you are my hard working son, who loves going to work on the farm with Dad and Grandpa T. You love to keep moving, playing baseball...you would do anything for your little sister Jorja May...we love you very much and are so proud of you!

We hope all of your wishes come true!

Love Mom and Dad

Happy 4th of July....a little late!

2010-07-09T11:57:00.000-04:00

A little late.... but we hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July. The upside of being a Farmer is you get to bring good food to good people, the down side, the animals don't take vacations, therefore their farmer doesn't either. Farmer Chris is smart and on Friday at the last minute said lets go camping up by the farm. That way the kids and mom feel like we get to go somewhere - the laundry and dishes stay at home and we get to have fun time with Dad. We camped at a resort about a mile from the Farm. It even had a beach with a diving board...my husband is very smart!

The four of them in the Big people's tent!

The lake...was wonderful!

The diving board!

They had something other then chickens, pigs and cows!

Me and my first born -- Kyra

Waiting for dinner... no worries the beer was not drank by them!

Jones got to play in the lake for the first time...and he definitely loved it!

We had a personal chef...who cooked good food!

Once again Chris gave us a wonderful mini vacation. Coming soon is previews of our soon to be new barn... the rebuilding from after the fire! We got the shipment in...now need the time and weather to cooperate!

Have a great week!

Michelle

A Farmer's Breakfast

2010-06-28T10:54:00.001-04:00

A Farmer's Breakfast
Originally uploaded by The Hebrons

Well I guess it could be considered a Farmers Breakfast when the person who gathered the eggs, raised the bacon, grew the chard and fresh herbs and threw it all in a pan and tried to serve it to his family...is my husband --- our farmer...my loving hard working husband, who 15 years ago July 1st made me the happiest person in the world.

Mind you when I said I do --- he wasn't a farmer, and farming had never been in any of our conversations, but I knew the man I was marrying was passionate (and a dreamer)-- and providing for his family was very important to him. And if you had come up to me then and said, Michelle in 15 years you will be feeding pigs, have four children, chasing turkeys and picking eggs -- I would have thought they were insane, but I am not someone who tries to figure out how my life will pan out...I want to live each day with my best friend and these crazy little farmers we are raising. And if along the way we get to feed people with our hard work -- that is a bonus.

My aspiring foodie husband thought this breakfast up Sunday morning, while I sat outside tending to our puppy outside. As some of you have come to understand, Chris is the cook in the house -- doesn't follow recipes, makes it up as he goes along, hence the reason when customers ask me how to do something with some meat we raise - I have to ask the Farmer/chef!

Recipe:

Fresh Herbs, 3 eggs, bacon, Sunny Meadow Raw Cheddar Cheese and Swiss chard. Cooked in a pan with oil.

Hope you enjoy this...Happy Anniversary to my Best Friend/farmer/father/husband!

Michelle

Happy Fathers Day....to the greatest father!

2010-06-22T08:55:00.000-04:00

(Self portrait at the park)

With having a farmer as a daddy our kids get the joy of spending time with Daddy all of the time!

I feel like most of the time they appreciate that they can go with Chris everyday over the summer -- especially Jackson who loves helping dad and grandpa T. I am not saying that all of them are standing in line by the door waiting...but sometimes even Jorja May our 3 year old cries when daddy can't take her.

This Sunday Grandpa T did the morning chores, so we got to spend a couple hours in the park --- just enjoying our time with the kids.

Aww - this is at a park in Three Rivers!

Then we drove to the farm...

We found out our 2 month old Chocolate lab is not afraid of pigs - or electric fences...and I think they actually liked playing with him. But after three of them came up on him, I decided it was enough.

Then he watched how they layed in the mud to cool off -- it is a little muddy by the water bucket....so Jones had to join in the fun...

He was covered in mud...and loved it!

I didn't get any pictures of us chasing baby Turkeys around...apparently Mom left the turkey coop open after feeding them and when we returned up to that part of the farm...they were running everywhere -- but we had fun hearding them back in!

We hope you had a wonderful Fathers Day and got to stop and remember what it is all about!

Have a great week!

Michelle and the Hebron's

Strawberry Salad Dressing...Yumm!

2010-06-06T08:38:00.001-04:00

Strawberries are here and I actually got some for our personal use...you see the goodies usually go to the customers first and my sister in law and I only get them if some are left over after a coop or we complain enough so Chris or Richard saves some for us.

Strawberry Salad Dressing

A good friend of mine made me this salad after I had one of my kiddo's and I love to make it every summer!

¾ cup Sugar
1 ½ Tbsp diced red onions
1 ½ Tbsp Poppy seeds
¼ tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Dry Mustard
1 cup oil (vegetable or olive)
1 tsp salt
¾ cup Vinegar
5 to 6 Strawberries diced

Directions: Mix sugar, garlic, salt, vinegar and mustard together. Add onion and strawberry. Add oil stir 2 to 3 times and mix in poppy seeds.

I double the recipe….to make sure I have enough for a while. Shake well before you pour, I store it in a tall container with a flip lid, but anything will work.
Pour it over ----
Salad: Spinach, strawberries, tomatoes, mushrooms and pine nuts. (I use whatever salad we have from the garden)

Yummmm....that is all I can say!

Warning....make sure you have alot of lettuce on hand, because once you eat one bowl you will want to keep eating it! I think Farmer Chris might have even licked the bowl - but don't tell anyone I said that!

Have a great week!

Michelle

Grass Fed....proof!

2010-05-24T13:56:00.000-04:00

The other day I was out taking pictures and I couldn't resist these... they say it all!

Richard and his family raise these beautiful cows - Scotch Highland -- grass fed, no chemicals or hormones given to these animals! When we get out of the car and yell MOOOO they come up to the edge of the field!

I will get some pictures of Jones - he is getting bigger and now barks at us... another demanding child in our house!

Have a great day!

Michelle

New beginnings on the farm and at home...

2010-05-17T14:04:00.000-04:00

Introducing.... Jones Hebron... chocolate lab... about 6 weeks old! We call him Jonesy for short!

We picked him out on Mother's Day and Chris and his dad went and picked him up on Saturday... we are all in love. He loves chasing the sheep and being at the Farm -- which excites Chris, but I am not ready to let him go everyday!

New baby lamb born last Thursday... cute as can be!

We spent Saturday with Chris doing the chores and introducing Jones to all of the animals! Mom got to drive...lots of sad boys!

This is Jorja May and I talking to the pigs and feeding them some bread!

We are all enjoying our new puppy and the last couple of weeks of school. That means dad will have an additional helper on the farm --- aka Jackson!

Have a great week!

Michelle

Yummm and Awwww...

2010-05-10T12:13:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day started out with a yummy breakfast from Chris with all our Farm fixin's and all of my favorites...

And no...I didn't finish it by myself... it is a cheese omelet with sausage and gravy, bacon and hash browns...no one can make it like Chris does! On our "You are special today" plate, that we bring out for everyone's special day.

Then we packed all six of us in the car and headed on a road trip to pick out a....

Puppy...and here he is! He looks almost exactly like our dog McGee (a chocolate lab) that went to heaven a couple weeks ago from old age and I couldn't take not having a dog in the house -- and I grew up with a NO animal house and now am crazy addicted to animals. We have to wait until next Saturday to pick him up --- which we need that much time because we can't agree on his name. I have even caught Chris bribing the kids to pick his name, but I say since it is my Mother's day present, I should get to name him! I will let you know what his name is soon!

Have a great week!!

Michelle

Happy Mothers Day....from one mama to another...

2010-05-09T09:45:00.000-04:00

From some of the moms at Family Farms to all of our moms out there...

we wish you a very Happy Mother's Day

front row: Kyra, Me (Michelle) and Jorja May

back row: Jackson and Cyrus

Mama pig and her babies...

Mama sheep and her babies feeding on our grass...

Some Moms, Dads and babies...

We wish you all a wonderful day!

Love,

Michelle and Family

Green Grass...Happy Cows

2010-05-01T09:26:00.001-04:00

We sure do have some Happy Cows... and right now they are loving their green grass!

Have a great day!

Asparagus...

2010-04-18T17:21:00.001-04:00

We had our first 6 pounds last week for sale at Purple Porch Coop... I can't believe I got so excited about it... of course I don't get any for our personal use... but it was exciting to sell it to our great customers! Hopefully more this week... we will see!

This means every week we might have more surprises...Spring is here - perhaps someone should tell Mother Nature!

Have a great week!

Michelle
________________________________________________________________________
Here is my favorite Asparagus Recipe:

Roast Asparagus with Shaved Parmesan (from Weight Watchers)

1 1/2 pound(s) asparagus, tough stems snapped off
1 1/2 tsp olive oil
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, coarsely ground, or to taste
1 oz Parmesan cheese, aged-variety such as Parmigiano Reggiano, at room temperature

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425ºF.
Spread asparagus in a single layer on a nonstick baking sheet; drizzle with oil. Roast, shaking pan once or twice during cooking, until asparagus is fork-tender, about 10 to 15 minutes (varies greatly depending on thickness of spears).

Remove from oven and arrange asparagus on a serving plate; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Using a paring knife or microplane, cut paper-thin slices of cheese and arrange over asparagus. Yields 1/4 of asparagus and cheese per serving.

And remember it has to be easy if it is my favorite. :)

Easter, Eggs, Piggies, and hiking on the farm...

2010-04-06T10:15:00.000-04:00

We spent Easter at the farm...with my brother-in-law (Richard) and sister-in-law (Annette)!!! What a beautiful day at the farm. I wanted to share the pictures so you can see where your food comes from and who the special people are that raise and love it!

On our way to do chores...we found mama and babies had gone wild...

Apparently they wanted to take a walk for the day, so this is Cyrus leading the herd with a bag of bread!

Then Jorja May, Kyra and I went on a nature walk....

It is very pretty on my father-in-laws farm!

And of course they get to drive the mule!

On to chicken chores....which was pretty neat since it was Easter and we were finding eggs everywhere...

We hit the mother load here... and they are clean!

This is Kyra and Jorja May carefully picking up the eggs --- I broke two, they broke none!

Those eggs are from these pretty chickens! We believe the more you talk to them, the more eggs they will give you!

This chicken wasn't done laying yet. They do like their privacy, one was pacing beside it waiting for it to be free!

Daddy and his girls checking on his chickens!

Jackson getting feed for the pigs...he now is able to do the pig chores all by himself -- well maybe with a little help from Jorja May.

This is our free bird...

This is Jorja May after finding out we were having Pork Tenderloin for Easter Dinner!

Chris and his brother Richard solving the worlds problems...or trying to figure out how they are going to feed the world with our healthy food! (Gideon is in the back ground taking it all in)

We hope you had a wonderful Easter or Passover and enjoyed time with your family...because in the end that is what is really important!

Love,

Michelle and Family

Spring Chicks are in the house...

2010-04-02T10:00:00.001-04:00

Every year we try to get the kids chicks around Easter -- the only reason we are comfortable getting them is because they go to the farm when they are ready. They get 2 each and then later on Daddy gets 400. Sounds fair? Well the 400 don't make it in the house. The great thing is we get to enjoy them in the house and then take them to the farm when they are bigger. I have even extended the favor to a couple friends...they get chicks for their kids and then they give them back when they are ready to go to the farm. It makes me happy to share in the fun, while they don't have the stress of what to do with them when they are older.

These are pullet Chickens

These are the brown eggs that people buy from us that will come from these chicks in 16 to 20 weeks.

This is Kyra with one of her chicks....even though we have hundreds of chickens at the farm, there is nothing like having chicks chirping in your living room (in a box) for a couple weeks.

This is Jorja's pick...she just wasn't ready to hold it yet!

This is one of Cyrus' - look how excited he is..

This is one of Jacksons!

We appreciate that we have this opportunity to have these animals in our lives...so every chance we get we like to share the experience, so yesterday Jorja May and I took 3 chicks into our kids elementary school to share with the kids. In Jackson's class they sat in a circle and asked many questions. I was so proud of Jackson and how he answered them. It proved that he has been listening to his dad and grandpa.

Then we went to Cyrus' kindergarten class, even took eggs in to show the different sizes we get... from the first egg - pullet to a jumbo jumbo egg that doesn't even fit into our cartons. The kids light up when they see us coming. We even had one egg from our Ameraucana Chicken that lays Easter colored eggs.

This is Cyrus showing his classmates.... I love how proud he gets.

These are Easter eggs --- and what the Chickens look like!

We stopped at a couple classes to show other kids....and if you pick up orders at our house, I will be sure to show you.

We truly wish everyone a wonderful Easter...and we truly appreciate all of our family, friends and customers!

Love,

Michelle & Family

Environment

2010-03-23T23:52:00.002-04:00

Environment

The world is huge

and I'm so small sitting here

Now multiple me by a billion

This is what I fear

If everyone was me

The world would be so wrong

There would be no pure water

No birds to sing a song

So now I make a pledge

to keep this world clean

to reduce, reuse, recycle

to respect all I've seen

Sitting here I may be small

but what I do

will make a difference to all

Kyra Hebron

Michelle handed me this tonite when I sat down for dinner. Kyra (our oldest, 5th grade) writes down poems all the time and some are good. But this one struck home. It seems that she was actually listening to me all these years behind all those blank stares. I'm so proud of her,as proud as a father could be.

Just the other night I learned the story of the hummingbird and this poem reminded me of that. Great job Kyra, love Dad

Apple Cider Slushie...

2010-03-16T11:41:00.001-04:00

Have you ever had Apple Cider? The other day we got crazy and made it even better....really is that possible? We made Apple Cider Slushie....oh my word...it is heaven. It took several tries and many laughs with my brother-in-law Richard and sister-in-law Annette...Jorja and I thought it was out of this world --- so much that even when you had a head ache from too much cold you had to drink more.

We came home and had to make it for the other kids...when we made it at the farm we used plain H20 ice with cider -- and Aunt Annette used her new Christmas smoothie/slushie blender! When I came home I immediatly made apple cider ice cubes...

once those were ready --- a couple of hours...I put the ice cubes in a regular blender and about 2 cups of apple cider...doing it one cup at a time to get the right consistency. Here are the results!

Happy Cider Slushie drinking Jorja May

Happy Apple Cider drinking Cyrus and

After drinking too much...sometimes you just need to dance...

Jorja is starting an Apple Cider Slushie dance (another day...hence the clothes change)!

If only it were warmer out...but really I don't need a reason to drink something that tastes out of this world and shhh-- don't tell the kids.... it is good for you to drink!

I have two trays of frozen cubes, waiting for the kids to get off of the bus!

Have a great day!

Michelle and my dancing star....Jorja May

Growing Together, Feeding our Community

2010-03-05T19:23:00.001-05:00

The Next 4 Saturdays at 7:00 you can join us at FREE Movies about Feeding our Community.....

Saturday March 6th 7:00 pm-- Fresh! New Thinking about what we're Eating (I could watch this movie over and over...it represents everything we feel as farmers)

Where:
First Unitarian Church
101 East North Shore Dr.
South Bend, IN 46617

Film web site: http://www.freshthemovie.com/

Location web site: http://firstunitarian.us/

Please share the information with your friends and family... you will meet people like you who care to make a difference in their family and community.

(Thank you for Jessica Clark, a member of Purple Porch Coop member for making the graphic and her hubby Tim Bayer for organizing the movies)

It is being put on by the Coop we sell at on Wednesdays....we (Family Farms Coop) are hosting the one at Little Flower Church. Come have great conversations with great people.

Enjoy the warm weather...it is nice and muddy at the farm....perfect for our PIGS and kids!

Michelle

2nd Annual International Raw Milk Symposium– Claiming Your Rights

2010-03-04T09:25:00.000-05:00

2nd Annual International Raw Milk Symposium– Claiming Your Rights....thought I would share this in case you missed the news and you live near Wisconsin:

BIG NEWS: 2nd Annual International Raw Milk Symposium– Claiming Your Rights

Now is the Time to Register!

Augie is most pleased to report that the Journal and the Alliance for Raw Milk Internationale (ARMi) has been named as an official Partner for this international symposium.

If you love your raw milk and your freedom to acquire it and drink it, then “Claiming Consumer Rights” is the conference for you. And, if you are a dairy farmer interested in the herdshare arrangements and legal sales of raw milk, the 2nd Annual International Raw Milk Symposium is the one conference of the year that is a must attend for education, training and networking– and one wonderful time. You will be surrounded by the key moovers and shakers of the industry with an agenda to set in motion major changes in North America to increase the availability of nature’s perfect food: clean, natural raw milk! This is all brought to you by Farm-to-Consumer Foundation.

Have a great day... and drink Raw Milk if you have some!

Michelle

Oven-Fried Chicken (Recommended by 6 out of 6 Hebrons)

2010-02-22T10:44:00.003-05:00

A miracle has occured, I made something last night that 6 out of the 6 people that live in this house recommends! That is very rare in this house, and actually I don't even shoot for it, I think it is a good day if 4 out of 6 like it! So of course I have to share it with my followers --- especially the ones that still can't believe that I am actually cooking this much. (Hint hint - for those followers that are in Colorado - I promise to make some of these when you come back).

This is the yummy after picture, sorry I am not a food photographer. We always forget to take the picture when it is all pretty on the plates. We used two of our Chicken Grillers and I didn't skin them.

Ingredients

Directions

1. In a small bowl combine egg and milk. For coating, in a shallow dish combine crushed cornflakes, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper; stir in melted butter. Set aside. Skin chicken (I did not). Dip chicken pieces, 1 at a time, into egg mixture; coat with crumb mixture.

2. In a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan, arrange chicken, bone side down, so the pieces aren't touching. Sprinkle chicken pieces with any remaining crumb mixture so they are generously coated.

3. Bake, uncovered, in a 375 degree F oven for 45 to 55 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink (170 degrees F for breasts; 180 degrees F for thighs and drumsticks). Do not turn chicken pieces while baking. Makes 6 servings.

I served the chicken with Potatoes and cut up potatoes with a side salad and of course a big glass of raw milk in a cold cup(frozen), can't get any better then that.

Have a great day!

Michelle

Beef and Noodles...that is what was for dinner...

2010-02-18T17:35:00.000-05:00

We have egg noodles back on our product list... we had to wait until we have enough yolks cracked out to make the noodles, and finally we had some made last week! So guess what we had for dinner the other night...

Beef and Noodles

1 lb. grass fed beef

2 cans of cream of mushroom soup

1 can of beef broth

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/4 tsp. celery salt (or chopped celery)

1 bag of FFC Pastured Egg Noodles

1 tsp brown Gravy Sauce

Directions:

In a large saucepan over medium high heat, saute the ground beef, onion and celery for 5 minutes, or until meat is browned.

Then add the mushroom soup and beef broth, cook for three to four minutes. Make the noodles by the directions on the bag and when done add them to the beef sauce. This is something Chris' mom used to make, it is simple and easy to throw together at the last minute...exactly the only type of recipe I like.

Have a great night!

Michelle

Catalogs and more catalogs...

2010-02-11T11:14:00.000-05:00

I can't remember when the change happened. We use to get Lands End's, Macy's, Eddie Bauer and now we only get SEED catalog's....they are everywhere!

Don't get me wrong they are beautiful... but very overwhelming to pick and decide what to plant. We had a great garden last year but I am beginning to think this year the garden is going to be even bigger.

I am not sure what type of plans Chris has made yet, but as with everything else he does I am sure it is going to be big. Everything we grow/raise is without chemicals -- that means you can pick it and eat it on the spot.

Last year the kids got involved and planted and weeded and picked... this year I am sure it is the same but on a bigger scale, perhaps we will even plant some at the house, it seems our garden at home suffered, I hope to plant our normal garden this year.

Have you started planning your garden yet, or are you getting excited about buying from your local farmer? I look forward to the day I can bite into a tomato and not have it taste like cardboard....can't hardly wait!

Have a great day!

Michelle

Warms the heart...

2010-02-08T08:19:00.000-05:00

Farmer Cyrus went to the farm on Sunday with his dad and brother...I think it was great for his spirit! You never know how the quite ones are affected by tragedy....Cyrus has written many stories and drawn many pictures about the fire...I was excited to send him to school today with this picture!

I think he named this one "shooter pig"...but it will probably change over the weeks...nothing will be as good as the name Goggles, I can remember when he first named goggles, can you guess what time of the year it was? It was the time of the year he got a pair of goggles for swimming. God I love this boy!

Kyra loves how their noses are so wrinkly... and you wouldn't believe how soft they are...

All snuggled up for their nap!

What a good start to our week!

Have a great day!

Michelle

New Life on the Farm...

2010-02-05T08:45:00.000-05:00

We are so excited to report that one of our mama pigs had her babies yesterday... and she had one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine.....TEN babies --- all white with black spots --- just like their mommy and daddy (Goggles - may he rest in peace)!

I was so excited when Chris called to tell me, I was at a PTO meeting and couldn't wait to tell all of my friends and supporters of our farm. Plus they know that this means we will be bringing in a show 'n' tell soon. The boys all went into school this morning with the picture above...very proud!

Hopefully more pictures to come soon, and we have one more Mama due any day now... they are the softest little things you will ever hold!

Have a great weekend.

Michelle

Mama pigs are nesting...

2010-02-01T19:52:00.001-05:00

Well maybe they aren't nesting, but we have two mama's that are about to have babies!

The daddy is Goggles that we sadly lost in the fire... I think he makes the prettiest babies! So everyday I send Chris with the camera, hoping that is the day that she starts having them. Unlike me, pigs don't need doctors waiting by to catch the babies, in fact the smoothest delivery happened when no one was around and that morning we discovered she had 8 babies. She looks ready doesn't she!

The sheep were happy to find some grass today, they are very easy going. Although the other day they broke into the little barn that is left and dumped over the chicken feed barrels -- and ate some of the food...Grandpa T and Chris we not happy to find that when they went to do chores.

Ahhh the fun of owning a farm...we are standing by waiting for the mamas to go, they had to build a make shift hut, since normally they would be in the big barn.

It will be a good day when we have new life on the farm...and the babies are sooo cute, you will want to take one home. I will make sure to post some pictures. Maybe they will wait until Wednesday, the day that Jorja May and I go to the farm to pack eggs and orders for Purple Porch Coop.

Have a great night!

Michelle

Old-Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup

2010-01-30T14:10:00.000-05:00

This is the second time I have made this recipe....I have yet to take a picture, but this is what my daughter looks like after she eats it...

And that smile is worth me deboning chicken parts which I don't get very excited about.

Ingredients

1 3-1/2- to 4-pound chicken, cut up, or 2 1/2 pounds meaty chicken pieces (I used one package of Chicken backs and 1 package of Chicken necks)
8 cups water
1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 cup chopped carrot (2 medium)
1 cup chopped celery (2 stalks)
1-1/2 cups dried egg noodles (I actually use a whole bag of egg noodles)
2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley

Directions

1. In a 6- to 8-quart Dutch oven combine chicken, water, onion, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, about 1-1/2 hours or until chicken is very tender.
2. Remove chicken from broth. When cool enough to handle, remove meat from bones. Discard bones and skin. Cut meat into bite-size pieces; set aside. Discard bay leaf. Skim fat from broth.
3. Bring broth to boiling. Stir in carrot and celery. Simmer, covered, about 5 minutes. Stir in noodles. Simmer, covered, 5 minutes more or until noodles are tender but still firm. Stir in chicken and parsley; heat through.

4. Makes 8 servings (10 1/2 cups)

Great for the winter months and super easy... or else I wouldn't make it.

Have a great Weekend.

Michelle

FRESH the movie....

2010-01-29T10:05:00.001-05:00

Are you looking for something to do Saturday night. We are showing this movie at Little Flower Church.

The movie starts out with Joel Salatin calling his pigs, PIG PIG PIG, (much like how Chris calls his babies) it is a great movie and it is free. Here are some more details on the movie FRESH the movie. It is a great movie, and pretty much is all about how we feel as farmers and consumers.

If you saw Oprah Wednesday, you saw Michael Pollan, another person in the movie

Fresh! Come check it out.

DETAILS:
January 30th, 7pm
Little Flower Catholic Church
54191 North Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46635
The film “FRESH” is about food and food production. It shows the creativity of individuals devoting their lives to producing food differently. There are problems with our food system but what about solutions? FRESH is a vibrant, creative look at efforts underway to renovate the way we grow food and feed ourselves.

The film will be shown in the Parish Center (Upper Parking Lot) on Saturday, January 30, at 7 p.m. and a discussion will follow. A few local food cooperatives will be present sharing their visions as part of the discussion. The film is approximately 90 minutes.

If you need more information, contact Chris or Michelle at familyfarmscoop@gmail.com or 574-340-2648.

Pictures...aren't worth a 1000 memories if you forget to take them...

2010-01-27T22:29:00.000-05:00

I am a huge picture taker...in fact I am not in many pictures since I am always the one behind the camera. After the barn burned, I realized I didn't have any pictures of what the barn looked like before. So many times I don't realize I never took a picture of something until it is gone. Or when a loved one passes, I realize that I didn't have that many pictures of them.

For one of my Christmas presents to farmer Chris I gave him a poster with farm pictures and our logo "Family Farms Cooperative". We brought it tonight to Purple Porch Coop, one of the places we sell our food (meat and eggs), which was nice to show our customers who hadn't been at the farm yet. Many of the customers asked about the fire and as we were showing them pictures we realized that we didn't have any of the actual barn...sure now I have them after the fire. But Chris recalled a time back when my first son was only one and we visited. This was before we were farmers, but my father in law had his horses there and I believe my brother in law was just starting to farm.

So guess what I had to do when I got home... you guessed it, I had to find the pictures....

And then I remembered I had ridden on a horse before, wow is my memory bad. Please remember this was back in 2001 (farmer Chris made sure I wrote that), so be nice. They had made changes to the barn since this picture. This is me riding with Kyra, farmer Chris holding the horse and my nephew Gid in the back. Our son Jackson wasn't even one yet, I am pretty sure he is sitting on a hay bale somewhere.

I am more aware of the pictures I take, I don't leave the house often without a camera...I hate the feeling when you lose something and you don't have a picture. Especially for the kids...

While I was looking for the pictures the kids got to see things they don't remember doing...and then I got asked why I took them to Florida when they were babies, and don't now when they would remember it. Well some day they will appreciate them...right?

Have a great night...

Michelle

Old Time Beef Stew...

2010-01-26T07:24:00.001-05:00

If you know me, you would know it is very out of character for me to cook...but doesn't eating home cooked meals make people feel better. Well I thought with all that has been going on in our house...a little more home cooking might be nice.

I had some Stew meat thawed and found a good recipe from Paula Dean...the results...of course, the Farmer loved it, oldest daughter rated it her top 10, which is a huge compliment - so today I make her favorite Pad Thai, the yougest daughter, I am pretty sure she liked it in between her dancing around the table, the boys not so much...but my goal is to please half of us and that definetly happened last night.

Old-Time Beef Stew

Ingredients

2 pounds stew beef
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups water
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, peeled
1 or 2 bay leaves
1 medium onion, sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
5 small red potatos cut in wedges*
Dash ground allspice or ground cloves
3 large carrots, sliced
3 ribs celery, chopped
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions

Brown meat in hot oil. Add water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, bay leaves, onion, salt, sugar, pepper, paprika, and allspice. Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Remove bay leaves and garlic clove. Add carrots and celery. Cover and cook 30 to 40 minutes longer. To thicken gravy, remove 2 cups hot liquid. Using a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup water and cornstarch until smooth. Mix with a little hot liquid and return mixture to pot. Stir and cook until bubbly. *I added in five red potatos cut in wedges and added them when I put in the carrots and celery.

Have a great day!

Michelle

Winner Winner Meat Loaf Dinner...

2010-01-23T12:19:00.001-05:00

Last night I had the dilemma of having five types of meat thawed and no idea what to cook. Either way what I cooked, someone would not be happy. It was between Taco's, Meat Loaf and Breakfast! I called the person who actually brings home the bacon and asked what he wanted...he is the most important person to keep happy! He said it doesn't matter and then he said Meat Loaf...

Did you hear the moans from my house last night?

The kids always complain about Meat Loaf. Well...they ate it all but one slice.. which made daddy upset because he won’t have any leftovers this week. I take a recipe and use Hamburger and Italian sausage, I think the Sausage makes a big difference and of course I use our meats that you can get from us directly at (Family Farms Cooperative (FFC) or Purple Porch Cooperative (PPC).

So I thought I would share the recipe with you.

Meat Loaf

Ingredients

2 eggs, beaten (FFC or PPC)

3/4 cup milk

2/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs or 2 cups soft bread crumbs

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried leaf sage, basil, or oregano, crushed

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1 pound lean ground beef (FFC or PPC)

1 pound lean Italian sausage (FFC or PPC)

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon dry mustard

Directions

1. In a medium bowl combine eggs and milk; stir in bread crumbs, onion, parsley, salt, sage, and pepper. Add ground meat and italian sausage; mix well. Lightly pat mixture into an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan.
2. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 1 to 1-1/4 hours or until internal temperature registers 160 degrees F. Spoon off fat - not needed if you use our meat. In a bowl combine ketchup, sugar, and mustard; spread over meat. Bake for 10 minutes more. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into eight slices.
3. Makes 8 servings

Its great for this time of year!

Have a wonderful weekend....

Michelle

They love their farmer...

2010-01-22T15:39:00.001-05:00

Our pigs come and greet Chris when he walks up to the fence...do they love him or what? This obvisouly wasn't taken now, but it is one of my favoite pictures... and the man behind the camera is just as excited to see them!!! The mama pigs come right up to him because they know he will rub behind their ears...should I be jealous?

Have a great day!

Michelle

Wednesday, Wednesday... I love my Wednesday's!

2010-01-21T11:50:00.001-05:00

I have to say Wednesday's are probably one of my best days of the week... I get to spend time at the Farm and get to see my husband more on this day since he is building his brother's house on the farm...just knowing he is in the next building is comforting.

Jorja May and I start our day heading to the farm to pack eggs. I actually made a trip to see the barn (or what is left of the barn), I saw it the first time on Sunday, but made it up so late that really couldn't see how incredible it was... and got to take some pictures yesterday.

Mostly metal is left, Chris, his dad and Jackson are doing the clean up on the weekends!

And pigs that weren't in the barn fire were taking naps...

After we are done packing eggs we finish packing orders for Purple Porch Cooperative (PPC), we go to PPC every Wednesday, as a family to sell our meat, eggs and many other goodies and we are surrounded by sometimes up to 20 vendors doing the same. The pickup location is at Good Shepherd Montessori .

The kids this summer during PPC

We have been blessed to be a part of this Coop - Chris is on the board. Back in September 2009 I thought he was crazy put one more thing on his plate....but wow this is one time I am glad he didn't listen to me.

PPC is a group of people exactly like us...who believe it is important to know where your food comes from, how it is grown and help our your community by keeping the money in the community. We have made many wonderful friendships with the producers, in fact it is hard to get Chris out of there. Someone once said he is very chatty, well any of you who knows him, knows he doesn't say much unless he is passionate about it.

We get to meet the people who eat our food, they are like extended family to us. In May it will be a year since PPC took off...and it is awesome for us as a family and for the Community. We have many many producers all within 60 miles that make/raise their own goods, from meat, bread, cookies, vegetables, pizza, soup, spices, and many other items...so you won't find a banana at PPC.

It was overwhelming the response we got from losing our barn...like a community reacts. The day we lost the barn, we went that night to sell our food...because that would give us a couple more normal hours before letting the kids know what had happened.

In the future I will get better pictures...we are always selling and forget to do it. Each vendor has their own table and the member orders online the previous weekend or you can also pick up extra's that day. You walk in the door a volunteer gives you your invoice and you walk around and get to talk to your local farmer. How many times have you gone in Martins and the vegetable producer knew you by name and asked you how your broccoli was last week or did the butcher ask how was your Roast? You get the first two weeks of membership for free...check it out PPC!

Sorry for the rambling...I have had been wanting to post this and had to get it done so I could focus on other things...like my little boy who is home sick...but he is chasing his little sister around the house so I am wondering if perhaps he needed a mommy day.

Hope you have a favorite day of your week.

Thanks for reading.

Michelle

Marinated, Breaded Lamb Chops

2010-01-19T09:46:00.002-05:00

Chris doesn't ask for much...he is pretty laid back, and I don't like to cook, no scratch that I am lazy and hate remembering to buy the ingredients, or I hate planning, I like to pull something out of the freezer that morning and have the ingredients to cook it in the house because with four kids, the idea of making a special trip to the grocery store is not fun. But I figure with all that he does for our family he deserves some good food every once in a while and that usually happens when some of our good meat (ends up in our home freezer. And I found this recipe and I had all the ingredients in the house.

Sometimes we get the meat when a seal is broken...we have just switched Butchers - so I won't be getting many broken seal packages -- if you buy from us you will see a difference in the packaging and how good it looks. I ended up with a package of Lamb Chops after some confusion with a customer, so I thought I would try a recipe.

Our new packaging!

4 chops per package... sealed so good it took me a while to get it open!

Marinated, Breaded Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Garlic

Ingredients:

1 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemary, bruised 6 lamb chops (FFC or PPC)
2 eggs (FFC or PPC)
1 cup bread crumbs

Directions:

1. Mix together Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic and rosemary in a non-reactive bowl. Place the lamb chops in the marinade and turn. Refrigerate, uncovered, for 1 1/2 to 3 hours, turning once or twice.

Marinating the chops...

2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.

3. Remove lamb chops from marinade and set them aside. Discard the rosemary sprig. Whisk eggs into the leftover marinade. Spread breadcrumbs on a large plate.

4. Dip lamb chops into the egg/marinade mixture, then into the bread crumbs, coating evenly. Place the breaded chops into the prepared baking dish. Discard marinade/egg mixture.

5. Bake for 20 minutes and turn chops over. Bake for 15 more minutes or to desired doneness.

I don't have a picture of the finished product...it came out and it was eaten very fast...but I am happy to say Chris loved it, and so did I. The flavor was awesome!

Hmmm....perhaps I will find something else in the freezer to try this week! If I keep doing this, Chris will probably bring something home every week.

Have a great day,

Michelle

Building after the fire...

2010-01-16T22:42:00.001-05:00

While we have a while before we will be ready to build after the barn fire, it feels good to move into a positive direction, especially for the children. We have many people coming to us to want to help...and it is probably the hardest thing for Chris and his father to let happen, it seems crazy since when one of my friends recently had a family tragedy, I jumped up to help them in any way I could, but when it happens to you, you feel why am I worthy of peoples help. So why is it so wrong to allow other to help us.

Someone sent me this...after I told them we would get through it.

"I do not want to pass up the opportunity to allow you to enjoy the gift of giving... I have learned this year that to not allow someone to help you... takes away from allowing another to enjoy the blessings of giving! In other other words, if we are always to proud to ask for help then others cannot give to us. And then others cannot receive the best gift ... feeling like they made a difference today for the better good, above yourself, by the act of "giving"."

Purple Porch Coop had some inquiries from our customers on wanting to help so we came up with an idea to have people demonstrate community with us. We will be building a new facility that requires 6x6 posts. If you would like to purchase a post for the new facility, the Hebrons will be very thankful and place your name on that post. You can provide them with $20-25 per post or give it to the Co-op for this purpose.

This is the barn Chris drew the other night while we were out celebrating Jorja's bday -- of course it was done in crayons and things may change, but it felt good to see the future. All the kids were drawing cards for Jorja and Cyrus' even included a burning barn...so I think Chris thought maybe there should be a better picture in their heads. They were very excited about it...it sounds like him and Tony talk about all of the things they want to do. Cyrus has picked out all of the colors (not sure if they will be the final ones....but I am happy they are seeing some joy).

I ask that you keep one family in your thoughts...our friend (Maryann) who introduced us to Pete (horse) was asked to call the original owners -- Chris nor I could do it. I think the hardest part for us was that we had just gotten him, and I had fallen in love with him...something I never planned --- but it was terribly hard for our friend to call them and I will be forever grateful to her for doing it. God does know that Petey was loved tremendously the time we had him.

Tomorrow after church we are planning a family day up at the farm -- hmmm fire brings you closer...it is nice to be around people that understand your loss, or why you can break down crying with out warning. I am actually going to see what’s left of the barn - I have only seen pictures so far and talk to my piggy’s that are still with us....over 50...all of the chickens and sheep and hopefully take some pictures. I hope to share some with you soon.

xoxoxo

Michelle

Happy 3rd Birthday Jorja May

2010-01-12T06:00:00.003-05:00

Three years ago today Jorja May (pronounced Georgia) -- nickname JJ, was born (January 12th, 2007)...she was born at 7:16 p.m. weighing 6 pounds, 14 ounces and measured 19 3/4 inches long. Of course since this was our last pregnancy, she was the most difficult. Early on we learned I had placenta previa, so I would need to have a C-section.

On her birth day...

Proud daddy Chris holding her!

Then she started turning blue...next stop NICU for 12 days --- what a trip that was, her lungs weren't fully developed...but she is a fighter!

Mommy stayed in the hospital the whole time with baby and daddy handle the home front...with help from friends. Here are Cyrus and Jackson during one of their many visits.

(Cyrus, Jackson, Kyra and Jorja May)

Happy homecoming --- Kyra was so excited we had another girl...daddy called her after we got out of surgery to tell her the good news, everyone could hear her screaming!

JJ and her bumbo --- what a great invention!

The above picture is of Jorja May on her first birthday. Grandma Carol used to put a silver dollar, rosary, and shot glass in front of the grandkids on their first birthday. Whatever they grabbed first would let the parents know what their future holds. JJ grabbed the rosary... God knows we have done enough praying over her!

This is Jorja May on her second birthday...with her first baby doll!

Jorja loves Dora...maybe a little too much. She loves going to the farm, helping mama counting eggs. She has to have two binkies at a time, one for her mouth and the other for her nose - she doesn't know yet, but they will be leaving the house soon. She calls Kyra - sissy, Jackson - Jacky and Cyrus - cy cy. If it is your lucky day, she will tell you..."you know what... you my best friend". She screams when daddy walks in the door, she has a wonderful ability to make anyone smile and is always willing to give you a hug.

Happy Birthday day baby...we are very excited to see the person you will grow into!

Love,

Michelle

A Sad day...January 6th, 2010...

2010-01-07T12:40:00.002-05:00

Wednesday at 3:29 a.m. we got a call from Richard (Chris' brother that lives on the property) that our animal barn was in flames...it was too late to save anything. Chris quickly drove up there and picked up dad on the way.

We lost over 50 animals...we lost our daddy pig (Goggles - named by Cyrus), several mama pigs with all the babies that had been born in the last two months and our seven horses --- which included Pete that we had just given our kids for Christmas and Pixie my nieces horse that she got this fall, and five horses that my father-in-law has had for many many years.

(The barn the next day)

All winter hay for the sheep (they are fine, as they were outside) and feed for the chickens and pigs were also in the barn.

I think the hardest part was telling the kids.

We waited until late Wednesday night because we had Purple Porch Coop that night and we knew that we wouldn't be able to keep it together.

RIP Pete (the kids Christmas horse) (when I introduced Pete)

RIP Pixie (Olivia's horse)

The kids are hanging in there....Cyrus has picked out the color red for the new barn and Grandpa, Jackson and Gideon have been out in the woods looking for trees for the new barn. It will be a slow process, but we had over 50 pigs in another structure with all our chickens so we will survive. It is just alot of loss to go through...in one lifetime.

We are overwhelmed by all of the people that have offered help and I am glad the kids are able to witness all of the love and support that comes from this pain, while this will forever change us, it can only make us stronger.

Thank you....Michelle

Last day of winter break...

2010-01-03T17:17:00.000-05:00

I have mixed feelings of this being the last day of Winter Break...I have enjoyed spending two weeks with the kids and I have definetly enjoyed Chris being home a little more often this past week. I wanted to make it fun for the kids.

Last night they went and saw "Cloudy with a chance of meatballs" with their cousins, while the parents went to dinner.
Today Chris took a trailor load of pigs to camp (shhhh...this is what Cyrus believes and we are sticking with it). So I took Ky, Cy and JJ out to have some snow fun!

The snowman makers...Cy is the photographer!

It took a while...the snow wasn't packing, I had to steal the neighbors snow...almost done!

Scarf and all...this is JJ's first snowman!

Ky kissing Mr. Snowman!

And he is done! On into the house for some Hot Coco and marshmellows!

Not looking forward to waking up early tomorrow and standing at the bus stop with Kyra!

Hope you had a great weekend!

Michelle

Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies

2010-01-02T15:41:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to make sugar cookies with our Lard for months... I finally thought I should do it before the end of 2009. Everyone has told us that Sugar Cookies made with Lard are the best...and after making these I have to agree. The real test was seeing what Chris said...he said they were the best cookies he has ever tasted. Granted sometimes I think he says that so I will cook more...but I really think he was being honest.

I also put frosting on them, and they were even better. Here is the recipe.

Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies

yield: Makes about 32 cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup lard (I used FFC lard) or vegetable shortening, melted and cooled
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 cup sugar plus additional for coating the cookies
1 large egg (FFC - of course)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

In a large bowl stir together the lard or shortening, the butter, 1 cup of the sugar, the egg, and the vanilla. Into the bowl sift together the flour, the baking soda, and the salt and stir the mixture until it forms a dough. Chill the dough, covered, for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Roll rounded tablespoons of the dough into balls, roll the balls in the additional sugar, coating them completely, and arrange them 3 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Flatten the balls with the bottom of a glass dipped in the sugar (the edges will crack slightly) and bake the cookies in batches in the middle of the oven for 8 to 12 minutes, or until they are pale golden. Transfer the cookies to racks and let them cool. The cookies keep in an airtight container for 1 week.

Hope you all are staying warm...

Michelle

Egg Day...

2010-01-01T13:25:00.007-05:00

Wednesday's are egg days on the farm... usually Jorja May and I ride up in the morning to pack eggs with Annette and Richard. We use this day to work on counting with Jorja May. This past week since the kids are off they were also up there helping with other chores. Jackson took the camera outside to take some pictures.

Moo Moo....they don't seem to care about the weather --- if I yell Hi to them they usually Mooo~

Pete the horse loves his new surroundings...I think I have fallen in Love with him!

Jorja May usually takes a nap in Aunt Annette's chair half way through, the counting wears her out!

Jorja May always wanting to help... I break more eggs than she does.

Cyrus on the tractor with his cousin Gideon... his favorite is to ride the mule...today they were moving hay bales.

After we are done with the eggs the whole family packs up for Purple Porch Coop where we get to see our friends who love to eat good food! I love Wednesday's since I get to hang out with Chris all day long... we hope you had a wonderful New Year!

Love the Hebrons

Good Old Fashioned Pancakes...

2009-12-29T14:18:00.010-05:00

The kids are off on break still so me and my little helper made "Good Old Fashioned Pancakes" and scrambled eggs this morning.

This is my helper Cyrus! We made...

Good Old Fashioned Pancakes

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 1/4 cups milk (used Raw Milk from Family Farms Coop)
1 egg (from Family Farms Coop)
3 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Chris got me a new Calphalon Nonstick Pan for Christmas so my pancakes won't stick anymore...

And of course we had to use our syrup from Dodd's Sugar shack that we sell at Family Farms Coop. We always put powdered sugar on our pancakes...the kids love them and would eat them everyday if I made them.

Hope everyone is Happy and Healthy, I sure do love having the kids home on break, although Jackson spends most of his time with Daddy at the farm...tomorrow is egg day at the farm and the day we pack orders for http://www.purpleporchcoop.com/! Have a great day.

Michelle

Newest Family Member --- Pete the horse

2009-12-28T17:54:00.003-05:00

For about a year we have been casually looking for a horse to have at the farm. Kyra has been taking riding lessons on and off for about two years. We got a call from a friend who was with someone who was wanting to sell their horse. Their only concern was that it went to a good family. We took Jackson and Kyra out to take a lesson on him, they didn't know we were checking him out to purchase. This was Jackson's first time riding and he loved it, and he loved Pete --- we finalized the deal a week before Christmas. On Christmas morning we had four envelopes on the tree -- and they opened them at the same time to learn we got a horse. Jorja May just loves telling people about our horse. He was delivered to the farm on Saturday. I actually rode him bare back, oh he is good. I can't remember if I have ever been on a horse, if I have it was many many years ago. Here is Pete.

Isn't he cute. He came with everything you need when you own a horse. I have learned that he loves the Nerd candies, haven't gotten any yet. But he does love Apples and some treats that we got from my niece for Christmas. I have to say I was a little nervous about getting a horse, but one ride on him, I am in love. He look around at the chickens and lamb and think what is going on. Hope to get more pictures soon.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas....

Love,

Michelle