4H

It is fall, which means time to join 4H. Plattsburg Pioneers are having their first meeting of the year on Thursday 9/20 at 6pm at the Clinton County Youth building on 116 hwy. To be in 4H, a child needs to be 8, if they are younger than 8, they are a "clover kid". Dues are $17 per child per year. Each child picks their own projects that they are interested in--there are a ton to pick from, including but not limited to archery, 22 rifle, baking, cake decorating, horses, cooking, sewing, photography, cattle, goats, rabbits, cats, dogs, chickens, quilts, scrapbooking...you name it, its a project. If interested--show up!! We normally meet the third Thursday of each month. Although we are in Clinton County, kids of any county can join our club.

If you are in Missouri, but not in our area, but interested in 4H, go to the Missouri state 4H website  On the left side, enter your county.  Then, click on club info.  If no clubs come up, call your local 4H extension office.

4H is WONDERFUL and is easily incorporated into homeschooling. There are projects for every subject, and if you can't find your subject,  create your own as a self determined project.

We've been busy learning "outside the box"

Like many homeschooling families, we don't just study a text book.  In fact, this year, we have NO text books as we are using computer based SOS.  Having our core subjects on the computer has its advantages--first, if we are away from home, it is much simpler to take a laptop vs 7 text books, and second, the girls are getting keyboarding and typing experience.

 We also use other resources for our schooling, such as scouts, youth group, volunteer work and 4H to name a few.  Last weekend, Rebecca and I went to Stewart MO for her to compete in the state .22 shoot which she and her fellow county 4H team had qualified for.  It was a huge event, and I do mean huge.  60 kids at a time shot their .22 on the range, and there were several sets to go through.  Meanwhile, other areas of the range had trap shooting, archery, pistol, hunting skills, air rifle....all going on at the same time.  Some kids were involved in several different activities. 

She shot the 4P (positions) which are standing, sitting, kneeling and prone.

The white boxes ahead are their targets.  She was number 23

Thru 4H and my husband, she has learned gun safety and maintenance as well as shooting.  She is now my snake shooter here on the farm.  Snakes can be a real problem when you have chickens and rabbits.

 I was impressed with the kids, their skills and their behavior.  I think I also lost some weight that day!  1/4 mile walk from where we parked to the club house, then a 1 mile hike to where she had to register to shoot.  Many families took wagons to haul all their guns and gear in, however, no wagon will fit in my little car, which isn't much bigger than a wagon!  It was chilly and overcast, but the rain held off until after we were finished.  We should get the results in a week or so as to how she and her team did.  I am confident that if she had to hunt for her own food, she could do it.

Meanwhile, my one publicschooler, Emily, was also learning outside of the classroom.  I pulled her out of school for 2 days so she could take an online class and a 2 day workshop and testing for the American Heart Association.  She passed with flying colors, and is now one of the  youngest (16) American Heart Association Instructors.  She can teach various CPR levels, all the first aid classes, blood-borne pathogens and more.  She can teach her own classes or assist me when I have a large class that requires a second instructor.  The instructor workshop is one that many adults do NOT pass, so I am proud of her.  

Clay County MO and 4H

For anyone living in Clay County, Missouri and interested in joining 4H, there is an open house Thurs., Sept. 13 at 6:00 at the Earnest shepherd Youth Center.

This event is designed to give prospective members an opportunity to learn about the various clubs in Clay County.  You will get to meet with the club leaders and other members and get an introduction to what 4H is exactly.

4H Cookbooks for sale

The 4H kids of Clinton County have put together a cookbook of their favorite recipes.  They are selling them for $10 each.  If you are out of the area, we will be happy to mail you one for an additional $4 to cover the postage, after you prepay.

Contact me and I can give you an address to send your payment to.

Its not too early to start your Christmas shopping for 2012, and cookbooks also make great wedding and shower gifts, as well as a good item to give kids going off to college this year leaving their momma's cooking behind.

Updates.....

Here at the farm, we have sure had our ups and downs....

In March, Emily was a winner in her division of the local 4H speech contest day for her extemporaneous speech.  She made it to the state level in Columbia on September 24.  At that level, they had 2 rounds, and she made it to the second (and final) round and came in 3rd.  She did an excellent job.  She was not only up against other very good speakers, but 2 of them she was up against were college freshmen and several years older.  (She is a high school sophomore, but just turned 15--about a year younger than most her classmates as I started her a year early in school).  Our family is very proud of her.

We drove part way up the night before the contest  and stayed at my parents.  It was good to visit with them and my brothers family.  While we were there, we also got to visit with my sister in law who was in the hospital for pain management for her cancer.  After the contest ended, we had a treat at Dairy Queen and headed back, stopping back at the hospital so Emily could show her Aunt her trophy and we got in another good visit.  Then, back to my parents to pick up the twins and back home.  We arrived back here around midnight.  Seems everytime we visit family we end up back home between midnight and one a.m.  Sometimes it is just hard to leave.

Just a few days later, we received word that the girls dad was not doing well.  He has been sick for several years.  So, we headed to Kansas City.  They spent all of the 29th with him.  The decision had been made to transfer him back home for hospice care.  The girls stayed with him until the ambulance took him away that night, even riding down the elevator with him to the ambulance.  Our plan was to go see him again early the next morning.   It is an hour and a half trip back home.  He made it to the nursing home/hospice center, and passed away 4 minutes later at 11:23 that night. 

So, since the girls are all minors, I have been helping them with the phone calls, making arrangements, paperwork and such.  He thought he had it all planned and ready, but none of the paperwork was where he said it was.  So, it has not been a smooth process.

The girls were expecting it, had been told by him and me for some time that his sickness was going to eventually take his life.  But knowing it was coming has not made it any easier on them at all.  They could sure use some prayers at this time.

Needless to say, some of our schoolwork has gone to the back burner for a bit, but we are getting back on track slowly.  Volleyball has proved to be a good distraction for them, they have 3 games this week and practices.

Dog Show

Today our counties 4H clubs worked in St Joseph cleaning at the dog show. For their efforts, they earned $500. It was also a good opportunity for the 4H kids who had dog projects to observe a dog show and learn more about their care, grooming, and breeds.

That was the first time I had been to a professional dog show. Wow. I saw dogs that I didn't even know existed. Dogs that had monkey heads, dogs with a collie looking under carriage and a dalmatian looking top. Big dogs and little dogs. Loud dogs and quiet dogs. Dogs that looked like mops, bears and well, sorry, but some that looked like rats.....Dr. Seuss would have had a blast writing about the dogs at this show!

I did wonder though, how many of these "dog show people" had kids, and how their kids were treated. I've been to plenty horse shows and have seen all the fancy trailers, but had no idea that people had huge trailers for tiny dogs... Some of these people had very expensive trailers, dog strollers, kennels, and more. Not that I think that is wrong, I just hope their dogs don't come before their children. I don't know, maybe for most of them their dogs were their children, but it gave me something to think about.

It was fun, and if asked to do it again next year, we would.

Right now we have a rain mixed with sleet/snow coming down. Hopefully it won't cause too many hazards.

4H and Scouts

How many of you are involved in either 4H or Scouting, or both? This is the time of year when both groups are adding members to start off their new year.

For our homeschooling family, we find it is a great way to supplement our homeschool learning. My girls have learned many new skills through these activities.

I have one daughter who could care less about math, yet is is the treasurer for our 4H group and loves it. (A rather sneaky way to sneak in some math and learn how to keep a checking account). By taking this duty on, she had to meet with the bank and learn some basic banking. She also was involved by setting up a new checking account for our group.

Other daughters were, or currently are president and vice president. They learned Roberts Rules of order, which many adults don't know! They also have learned how to present themselves in front of a group of people, how to conduct a meeting, maintain order within a group and public speaking skills.

Also, they have learned many projects from 4H and scouting that include sewing, animal care, working in a vets office, flying (including actually taking over the controls of the plane while in the air), learning to fold a flag and the history of the flag, public speaking, working with seniors and with preschoolers, all sorts of crafts, cooking, baking, and survival skills. (can you set up a tent and catch your own supper?? or create a shelter should you not have a tent??)

Dues for various groups vary, but are well worth the learning experience. If your group doesn't fit your needs, move to another group. But, this is the time to join should you or your child be interested.

The County Fair is over

Well, it is mostly over. All the events are finished except for the horse show and produce judging which takes place in July. But, the girls are finished for what they picked for their projects this year. It was a rush at the end (it usually is) for the projects are due the same day the younger girls get back from church camp. We arrived back home with just enough time to shower and go.

I am proud of them for their work. Their projects included sewing (winter coat, shirt and walking shorts),self determined (project with the fire dept that created a smoke detector program and public education regarding fire), photography, showing ducks, rabbits, chickens and cats. In all, we came home with blue ribbons, 1 white ribbon (the white was in fashion review--Emily showed her bunker gear and it didn't really fit into any of the divisions, but she did it for more of a public ed thing), one trophy, and Emily was selected for Junior Queen. We also have one project that is going to state and interstate.

I really love 4H. In addition to learning through their projects, they also learn public speaking and gain self esteem. They also get to meet kids from other 4 H clubs and see their projects as well. The majority of 4H are ones that teach life skills or ones that kids can actually make a living doing. Projects include animals (future farmers or just to raise your own meat), photography, sewing, baking, cake decorating, welding, electronics & electricity, child development, small engines, computers.....the list goes on and on. If your not into 4H, check it out. If there are no groups in your area, you can do it independently as well. It is a great way to supplement your homeschooling.

From the radio to trash

Monday, our 4H group was asked to be on the radio out of Cameron, 100.1 to help promote 4H and to tell of some upcoming events. Two of our 4H families went. The kids had fun. Our extension office was also there to answer questions as well. I think the kids had a lot of fun, and enjoyed seeing the control room.

This morning, our 4H group was on of several groups that was involved in helping the city to pick up trash in one of the parks. It really needed it! We filled numerous bags of trash (big barrel sized bags). We had 4 families represented and afterwards 3 of the families stayed to play for awhile. They played a game of football and enjoyed some sunshine.

4H Contest Day

Today was our 4H contest day for our county. All the kids in our club who participated did great! I think every kid in our club got at least one blue ribbon, if not more.

Each girl did a speech and judging. Emily did an impromtu speech and judging. The twins did judging and demonstration speeches. Rebeccas was on drawing horses, and Elizabeths was on vet science.

My girls each came home with an assortment of blue and red ribbons (they each entered in several different areas) and Emily also got a gold medal and will be sharing a speech at the state 4H contest in September. Several others are also going to state as well.

Way to go Plattsburg Pioneer kids!!!

Emily is back

This past weekend Emily went to Columbia MO for the weekend for a 4H leadership teen conference. She had a lot of fun, and learned a lot. She also had a tour of the MU campus. Her classes included Skits, Trips & Awards, Parli Pro and Etiquette, Global Education, and Self Defense. She got to meet with other 4H kids from her region and other regions. Being homeschooled, she thought it was cool that she got to ride a school bus from the hotel to the MU campus.

Yesterday it started snowing, and it has not stopped yet. It is also blowing, so we have some drifting as well. somehow a little calf managed to get out of the pasture and into the back yard, but its momma called it back. I was grateful the momma called it back, as I was afraid she might opt to go after it herself. Her momma has been known to climb the gate like a ladder a few times.

They have cancelled the community chorus practice for tonight, along with a few other activities. Hopefully we will still be able to have 4H tomorrow night.

Free Magazine, Sorry Pigs, Fences and 4H

If you live in Missouri, you can receive a free subscription of the Missouri Conservation Magazine. But did you know there is also a free magazine for kids? It is the Xplor Magazine and it is also put out by the Missouri Department of Conservation. You can order it online at http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/newmomag/default.aspx

Our pigs are rather put out at us right now. For some reason, all 6 of them got it into their heads that they were dogs, because in the country dogs can roam free. They also learned to climb panels like a ladder (in addition to rooting under them). JD and I had planned on reworking the fence over the weekend, but that is when he injured his neck and back. So, we had a couple of homeschooling brothers from our homeschool coop come and work on it. (I would recommend these two teens to anyone. They worked hard and got it done right.) Then we woke up the pigs (who were sleeping in the barn) and moved them back into the pen. It was rather interesting to watch the pigs as they discovered the electric fence. At first, they all gathered into a huddle and just stared at it. In fact, I don't think the pigs slept all night-I think they just stared in disbelief at the fence. Even though they all watched each other get shocked, one by one they had to go touch it and see (feel) for themselves with their nose. Now they are mad...They are acting like we have never seen before--just laying there looking at the wire.

We had our planning meeting last night for our new 4H group. We were very impressed with the turnout. We had 25 families who were either at the meeting, or called/emailed and said they were interested. Quite a few of those who expressed interest are homeschoolers. Personally I think 4H and scouts are two of the best programs a homeschooler can join. There are many activities that can be combined into homeschooling lessons, or that can spark interest in researching an idea further.

This afteroon the girls picked their classes for our homeschool coop which starts back upon Friday. They are excited and ready to see their friends again.

New 4H group forming

We have around 40+ kids who are interested in 4H, so we are proceeding with our plans to start a new group. Many of the interested are homeschooled kids, but not all. This new group has 2 main focus points: #1 to not schedule meetings on Sundays and #2 to be community service minded with possible service projects monthly. Right now Becky Black and I are working with the extension office in getting a new group going. Just to clarify, this is not a group splitting or anyone leaving because they are upset, it is simply that there is a need for another group that is not meeting on Sundays.

On Monday, Sept 14 at 6:30 we will have a meeting for any interested parties to come and learn more about 4H and for you to share your thoughts and ideas. I would encourage you to come if you are interested, but if you can not, we can fill you in later. It will be held in Plattsburg at the US Bank. The bank is about 1 block north of the intersection of 116 and C highway. (downtown main drag...well the only downtown drag in Plattsburg) From the intersection you can see the sign. We will have information & project books to pass out at that time. Also, our group will need a club name--so start thinking of ideas to throw out.


If you are interested, and have not already, let me know so that I can start directing future emails to those who are, rather than to everyone.

I did have several questions that were asked numerous times, so I will address those now:

#1. There is no uniform and you do not earn badges as in scouts. You do NOT have to live in Plattsburg or Clinton County. You do not have to be a farm kid. There are over 100 projects and a self determined one (which means you can decide your own project).

#2. Your child has the option to be in or not to be in the county fair or state fair. Kids can earn small premiums for showing at the fair and ribbons. Kids not only do their projects but are also required to keep records as to money spent and money earned while doing their project. They learn finances, record keeping and such as well as their project. 4H tries to teach life skills. 4H stands for head, heart, hands and health.

#3. Attendance to the state fair is NOT a requirement.

#4. Parent involvement is very much encouraged. Ideally the kids run the meeting with parental/leader help. The kids are the officers, not the parents. Kids and parents often serve on committees together. On the flip side, if a parent works during the meetings and is unable to attend, your child can still be in 4H-but another adult will need to be appointed to be over your child.

#5. Fundraising--If our group decides to raise money for a service project we may look for things to do to earn money--such as mowing, raking, cleaning a barn, labor auction, car wash.... Kids are not REQUIRED to sell anything. We may at some time sell for a fundraiser, but if you don't want to that is fine.

#6. What kind of service projects?? Ideas may include: washing police cars, fire dept trucks, kids adopting a nursing home pal, collecting food for the food pantry, cleaning a vacant lot, making a first aid kit to donate to a group..... The kids and parents will decide these projects as a group.

#7. What are Clover Kids? They are kids too young to be in 4H. Providing we have some, we would like to "split them off" during part of the meeting and do something on their level that would correspond with what the older kids are doing. At one time I was a Clover Leader and we did a simple lesson, and often a craft. It keeps them involved without being bored.

#8. Club meetings are held monthly. To show a fair project, you have to have made at least half of the meetings plus one more. There may be an additional meeting for a service project or they may be done during the monthly meeting--depends on what the group decides to do.

#9. Individuals pick their own projects. Some projects are self directed, others have parents volunteer to be the project leaders or project leaders may come from other clubs or in the community.

#10. Dues are $10 per child a year and if a family can not afford that, the extension office has funding to cover it for you.

#11. Volunteers (including parent volunteers) do undergo a background check.

http://extension.missouri.edu/clinton/index.shtml

Fair Projects are done

Rebecca and Elizabeth have their dresses finished. Tonight they turned them in at the 4H building and met with the judges to discuss their projects.

Tomorrow they show their rabbits and chickens and then wear their dresses in the Fashion Review.

Then, Emily will return from William Jewell Science camp and we have a fire department family picnic.

Sunday the twins leave for church camp at Flaming Spirit in Oregon. They return on Friday afternoon, but Emily leaves Friday night to help at church camp at Mission Lake in Kansas.....Are you seeing a pattern here???

As we were leaving for the 4H building this evening, we found 2 tiny tiny black baby kittens at the end of the driveway. They don't act like they are weaned, but we got some milk down them. One is much smaller than the other one. I am thinking they are dumped because they are not wild, but act like they have been around people. Since we live the the country the neighbors are some distance away, too far for these to walked, I have a feeling they got left here. They are cute, but we already have 2 cats, (in addition to all the other critters)

One down Three to Go

Campers that is. We took Emily to Science camp at William Jewell College this afternoon after church. She already had found some from last year and did the girl squeal thing that they do as they run up and hug. We had the parent meeting and said our good byes. Saturday morning the campers will have a science fair for the parents and then we bring her home. Also Saturday is the beginning of the county 4H fair. I still am not sure how I am going to be 2 places at the same time, but at working on it.

Rebecca's missing rabbit has been trapped in a coon trap (twice--the first time she got out AGAIN) and put back into her hutch. I bet she is telling the rabbits lots of stories of her exciting free time on the other side of the fence. We are lucky enough to have a family from church who live down the road from us that do a lot of hunting and trapping, so we were able to borrow a trap from them. Last year they also helped trap some raccoons and stray cats that were helping themselves to our chickens.

The twins are working on their sewing project for 4H for the fair. All of the girls are good little seemstress. However, one of the rabbits has started loosing its fur--right before the show, that isn't the best time for that to happen.

Garden beginnings FINALLY

Last night the girls had a regular club meeting for 4H. The club did a service project for the local nursing homes. They planted hanging pots with flowers to be delivered before Mothers Day. 4H meets in the ag room and the leader is the FFA leader. We were able to buy 25 tomatoes and 18 bell peppers that were left over from their plant sale.

After we got home we started to disc the garden (in the dark). It was finally starting to dry out some. I got about the first 40 feet done, then the tractor got stuck--twice. After managing to get it unstuck the second time, I decided to wait another day and hope it didn't rain more. This morning it sprinkled some, but not enough to affect the garden too much. Where I disc last night, the earth was much dryer this evening. So, I went over it again, and disced the remainder of the garden. The second part will need it one more time tomorrow (weather permitting) then I can till and start putting my plants in. First priority will be given to my potatoes and horse radish(which are sprouting on the dining room table) and my tomatoes and peppers, which are also on the dining room table. It will be nice to have the entire table back again!

MO Extension Center News

Many homeschool families use the local county extension office for some of our class projects-such as the hatching of chicken eggs. Also, many homeschoolers belong to 4H or do projects for their local county fair.

Please see the below email from Barry Crudup and help support your local extension office. The state has tried to cut the funding to our kids. Let them know how you feel!


I am sending this e-mail as a strong supporter of the University of Missouri Extension Program. In a previous e-mail I asked for your help in contacting the governor's office and your Missouri state representatives and senators. Hundreds and hundreds of you participated and voiced your concerns. The House of Representatives passed a bill which restores the extension funding cuts and the senate has started working on the budget and it is critical that senators hear from us in the next two weeks. Please tell them how important extension is to you a voter and ask that they support House Bill 3 and thank them for their support of Extension.

It is very important that your senator hear from you. There was much attention by the media and others reporting on the phone calls, letters, etc. that extension supporters sent to their representatives and the governor's office.

NOTE: It is just as important that you continue to participate in this political process by contacting your state senator.

Oh, and as a reminder to the governor, you might want to call his office again just to make him aware that cuts to the extension service continue to be one of his "not so good ideas."

I apologize in advance for sending this e-mail to you unsolicited. However, as a supporter of extension I hope you might forgive the intrusion.

Barry Crudup
Cass County Extension Council


Find your state representative at http://www.house.mo.gov/member.aspx
Find your state senator at: http://www.senate.mo.gov/09info/senalpha.htmContact the governor at:
Office of Governor Jay Nixon
P.O. Box 720
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(573) 751-3222

Senate Appropriations Committee considers higher education budget
The Senate Appropriations Committee began consideration of HB3 last week. Each appropriations bill is reviewed by the entire committee twice. The committee should begin the mark-up process this week when amendments to the House of Representatives budget suggestions can be offered.

The committee amendment process takes approximately five to seven days. It is predicted that the full Senate will take up all the FY10 budget bills when they return from a short Easter Break April 14. After approval by the full Senate, conference committees will be appointed for each bill. All 13 operating budget bills must be passed by 6 p.m. May 8.

Barry Crudup
barry@mosynthetics.com

Getting ready for pigs

This next week we are getting pigs. Our plan is to only keep them during the warmer weather and butcher or sale barn them in November or when the weather gets cold. So, for the next few days we will be setting up fencing and getting their home all ready for them.

We had a good day at coop Friday. The kids were all attentive and we went right through our lessons.

This morning the girls and I went to Lathrop. Our county 4H horsemanship group was running the concession stand as a fundraiser for our upcoming horse show and activities. We made several hundred dollars so it was time well spent. It was good we were inside with the food, as it was very windy outside where they were playing.

I wished for a garden and got snow instead......

Not quite what I had in mind. Saturday we got 6+ inches of snow. The wind was blowing so we also have drifts. Some drifts are 12 inches, some are 36 inches, and some come halfway up the barn. The only way we can get in and out is with 4 wheel drive. My little 4 cylinder car is sandwiched between the garage and a 3 1/2 foot drift. Its not going anywhere.....I thought I would clear off some snow with the bobcat, but its so cold the battery is dead. So, I am staying in where it is warm. JD and I are having to share his truck when we go out. I have decided though we will not venture back out tonight for youth group. The county roads have not been cleared, and there is a 4x4 truck stuck at the end of our road. Thankfully 4H which normally is the first Sunday was changed to next week for this month.

The kids on the other hand, are outside sledding. The cold doesn't seem to effect them unless it is chore time! Yesterday they even had the dogs going down the hill on sleds.

Orginally I had thought that Saturday or today we could plow the garden. HA. I never do manage to get the potatoes planted on March 17.

The produce from last years garden is about gone. I used the last of the bell peppers a few nights ago (chopped and frozen). There is just a little zuchinni, green beans, waxed beans, and okra left in the freezer, and a few jars of green beans, and peas.in the pantry. There is also a little applesauce, jelly and jam left, but not much. So, its time to plant again.

Yesterday the girls and I started a new series of history in our homeschooling. It is a 2 week series, but we will probably finish it early as they really liked it. It is about Colonial America. Last night we learned all about Ben Franklin. Did you know one of his inventions that usually is not credited to him, was scubba flippers???

This is for Friday

I just noticed...Fridays entry is not here..So, I will put it in now. Maybe I can even figure out how to get it in the proper place...maybe..

Friday we worked on school work and then went to our 4H wrapping meeting. This party had been rescheduled several times due to weather. Our 4H group had adopted a family for Christmas. Everyone chipped in and brought the gifts and we all wrapped them together. Then we delivered them to the family. My daughters really got an eye full. I never made a comment to them, but they brought it up on the way home themselves. They had already been told that the family didn't have much money and that was why they were being adopted. But, they picked up on stuff during their visit, and quizzed me about it. This is what I heard on the way home.

"If they were so poor, where did they get the money for all those cartons of cigarettes they had?"

"Did you see their TV? It was a flat screen plasma and it was huge"
"Forget the TC, did you see how many DVDs and movies they had? They had more than the library has"

"Mom-why do you think they bought that TV instead of fixing the holes in the floor and walls. Snow was coming in through one of them"
"Maybe that was why they had the huge pile of dirty clothes (really huge-touched the ceiling) in the living room. Maybe it was covering up another hole"

"Did you see all those cats?? Boy did it smell bad in there"

But the killer was this one..."Mom, soap really doesn't cost that much does it?? and it doesn't cost anything to be neat and clean...I guess that is why mom makes us clean up our messes...we are lucky. I think they just had their priorities wrong".

Out of the mouth of babes..

It really was bad. Very similar to what you see on some of those TV shows.