Nobody likes to talk about losing livestock. It's more than a business or financial loss when an animal dies. The emotional toll can be great, but it's part of life on the farm.

The county fair is a great time, but for me, it's an important part of my family history, dating back to 1931, when my grandparents won a contest to be married in an extravagant ceremony at the fair!

Last month, Cheryl Tevis wrote a column advising moms of young kids to enjoy the chaos while it lasts. Jake is 12, Luke is 10, and Will is 8, so I know about chaos. 

I had planned to spend one month getting my house decluttered and completely organized. As it turns out, I seriously understimated the amount of clutter in my house, as well as the amount of time and energy I would have to dedicate to this project. Still, I am forging ahead. 

New Year's resolutions often include specific changes, like eating healthier, exercising more, or finally getting a handle on the clutter in the mudroom. Finding inspiration in The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, I have made a resolution that is simultaneously simple and very complex: be happier.

I found our dog, Dave, online, and finally talked my husband into adopting him. We saved him from the shelter, but he has given us so much more than we've given him. Meet Dave!