Donating Blood

Did you ever have the opportunity to help save three peoples' lives?   Well, I've had that opportunity several times. 

How? 

Simple.

By donating blood with the American Red Cross.

Ever since I was a junior in high school I have been donating blood at our local Red Cross community blood drives.  One of the incentives for donating blood as a high school student was getting out of the last class of the day as we walked the two blocks down the street to the Legion hall where the blood drive took place.  That's just part of the beauty of small-town USA. While I can't skip class anymore to donate blood, I do still take part in our local community's blood drive.

A few days ago, I got a call from the American Red Cross informing me of several blood drives in my area. Apparently, my blood type was in high demand.  Because I was pregnant for most of 2013, it's been over a year since I've donated.  I was extremely happy and excited to get that call from the Red Cross.

Giving blood is a very quick and simple process.  The actual donation process takes less than 10 minutes. Plus, after your donation, you get some cookies and snacks!  Who doesn't love free snacks!  I really enjoy knowing that I'm helping others.  After all, you never know when someone you love may need lifesaving blood! 

I know some people are scared about donating blood.  They are afraid of needles, the sight of blood, etc.  However, it's a pretty simple process that doesn't even hurt.  The worst part of the entire blood donation process is the small finger prick to determine your hemoglobin level. Honestly!  (that's the part I always look away from). 

Since I've been a blood donor for almost 10 years, here are my tried and true tips for donating blood:
1) Water...lots and lots of water
2) Don't go on an empty stomach
3) Wear comfy clothes--especially a tee-shirt that allows for quick and easy access to your arm
4) Water; don't underestimate hydration!

Check out http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood to learn more about donating blood.

What a Difference a Year Makes!

Looking at my previous post dated 4-19-13, I realize that this "spring" isn't as bad as last years.  Yesterday, after months of bone chilling coldness, we experienced our first 70 degree day since October.  It was absolutely wonderful, especially after a winter that went down in the record books as one of the longest and coldest.  As the days grow longer and the sun stronger, I know that spring will be here shortly.  We just have to wait a bit more.  It's a very comforting thought especially comparing the days to last year.

Speaking of my last post, where did the past year go?  My last post was almost a year ago.  I completely neglected this blogging adventure.  Whoops. This would be known as blogger fail!  Anyways, I will do better about posting on a more frequent basis!  After all, I now have something, rather someone, to talk about.

So who is this someone...well, that someone is our son, Owen.  We found out we were expecting Mother's day weekend 2013.  How perfect is God's timing!  My pregnancy was relatively easy--it just got rough the last few weeks prior to his birth.  Owen was born at the end of January, and we are absolutely smitten with him. He has brought us such joy, sleepless nights (in the beginning), many laughs, and a heck of a lot of love. It's simply amazing how someone so little takes up such a big place in your heart.  I'm sure I will share more about him as time goes on.

Owen's Baptism--he didn't want anymore pictures at this point

As I write this post, he is currently 11 weeks old.  I can't believe that 11 weeks ago we welcomed him into our family.  I really can't comprehend where these past months have gone.  Seriously, little guy, stop growing so fast!
 

Love these big smiles

Yesterday, since the weather was simply beautiful (and the road grader came by a few days ago, meaning the gravel road is a little smoother than previously), Owen and I ventured out to make the trek from our house to the farm.  I don't know who enjoyed the walk more--- Owen or I.  He babbled and smiled the entire time. It was wonderful to get some fresh country air.  Even the cows sounded glad that spring has finally sprung!

Owen will be the 4th generation at our farm

 

Welcome to Beautiful, Sunny, Minne-SNOW-ta!

Clearly, I'm not a great blogger.  The last time I blogged was upon the creation of this blog.  That was LAST  November. 

Fast forward 5 months, and not much has changed.  There was snow then, snow later, and even more snow now since my inaugural blog.

Not the best day to be out on the road; stay in the tracks!

The photo is deceiving, but that snow pile is over 10 feet tall! 

I told my husband, "That pile of snow isn't going to be gone until May 15th".  He laughed when I told him that, but at the rate this winter spring is going, I just may be right.

Meet Rylee, our loveable pooch.  She LOVES the snow.

By the end of March, the snow was almost gone.  I didn't see any robins at the time, but saw some swans instead.  I figured that had to be a sign of spring.  Maybe, just maybe we will be in the fields mid-late April.

Why, yes, that is some mud I see!  Spring must be near!

Last year was a short winter and a beautiful spring.  Farmers around our area were chomping at the bit to get into the field at the beginning of April, and most farmers were finished with spring prep and planting by the end of April. 

This year, Mother Nature is laughing at the farmers in Minnesota and giving us all a real treat.  A winter that is starting to reach the 6 month mark. Yesterday, she decided to have one last (hopefully, last) hurrah with us.  I stepped outside this morning and measured 8.5" of heavy, wet snow.

At least our dog is enjoying this weather

Now, typically, an April snow storm does occur.  But usually, we get no more than 3" of snow, and the snow melts within a day or two. This year, well, it's not the case.  Today's high: 35.  Our first shot of 50+ is Wednesday, April 24th. So far this year, we have only seen 50 degrees or higher 3 or 4 times. 

On the bright side, at least the mosquito population will be at bay for a long time!

Here's to warmer and sunnier days.

Plunging into the Blogoshpere

All the good blog names have been taken.  Seriously. ALL.  TAKEN.  I can’t use : When pigs fly, or Cowtales, or Pioneer Woman (who I LOVE!). Ugh.  I guess I will have to stick with Pigtails and Cowpies.  However, the name is quite fitting. Why? Well, just sit back and let me tell you why this title is the perfect fit into my crazy life.

First things first.  Introductions.  Hello!  My name is Jenna, and I’m from a small town in Minnesota.  No, not Minn-eee-SOOOta.  Minnesota. There is no long “O”.  Sorry.  But get that accent out of your mind!  That’s not how I talk, don’t ya know. 

I grew up on a diversified farm in SW MN.  On our family farm, we raised hogs, corn and soybeans.  We no longer are a part of the hog industry, but my dad still crop farms.  I went to college to get my Mrs. BS degree at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities.  I figured I might as well as try to experience a metropolitan area for a few years of my life.  While I was in school, I fell hopelessly in love with my cowboy.  Okay, he’s not an actual “cowboy” per se, but he is a dairy farmer.  Cows=female bovines for milk production=dairy=farmer=my Hubby!  So see.  He really is a cowboy.

Anyways, I was/am a bit of an overachiever, and I finished with my BS degree in 3 rather than the typical 4 years.  Well, being the overachiever that I am, I decided to continue my education and go for my MS.  [Actually, I continued my education because I wasn’t engaged yet!]  Three years later, I got married and finished that degree and decided to throw in the towel with the entire “formal education” thing. No PH.D for this gal! In 2011, I married my farmer, and I moved to the dairy farm.  My hubby farms with his dad and brother.  In addition to the dairy cows, we raise our own replacement heifers, steers, and crop farm.  Needless to say, life on the farm is busy!  I am employeed off the farm and started my job with an animal nutrition company.  I am blessed to work with pig farmers on a daily basis, helping them make good, informed decisions. 

I have been sitting on the fence about starting a blog for years.  Finally, one night I decided to take the plunge and, well, here we are.  The driving force of WHY I started blogging was to share the story of agriculture.  Agriculture is deeply rooted within me.  It makes me who I am today.  I am so blessed to have the opportunity to be a farmer’s daughter and a farmer’s wife, and hopefully, someday I will switch to a full time farmer.  Along the way, I may deviate from my path and tell you about my hobbies, a good book I just finished, life happenings, a recipe I need to share, my beloved dog, or may vent the frustrations of the day.  Regardless, I look forward to writing about day-to-day happenings in my life. 

Welcome to Pigtails and Cowpies!