Got Milk?

We have been making several changes around the Eberhardt household in an attempt to get healthier in 2014. One of those things is getting milk from a farmer straight from a cow. That's right, the Eberhardt's are drinking raw milk! While looking into where to buy our beef this fall, both the Graf's and I stumbled upon Bartlett farms web page out in western ND. They are a family farm that sells meats, eggs, produce, and milk.

Upon looking at their website, we noticed there was no eastern ND delivery area, so dreams of fresh raw milk were dashed. A few months went by and I noticed their website had been updated to include more eastern ND delivery locations, so, on a whim I emailed them. Much to my delight, they were in the process of setting up a Grand Forks pickup group! Right now there are 4 families in town that take turns driving to Devils Lake every other week to pick up milk for the clan. It is a bit inconvenient but so worth it.

 You may be wondering if it is so great, whey don't they sell it in stores. Well,it is illegal in ND to sell raw milk but milk shares are allowed. Basically we paid a flat rate of $74/share (we have 2) and boarding fee of $14/month per share for the farmer to board, feed and milk our cow. In return we get 2 gallons of milk every two weeks :) So, in a way, I guess you can say, we bought a cow. We have been drinking a ton but we have also made butter and buttermilk from the cream. In fact we used so much that in the first week, all 2 gallons were gone! I need to order a third share I guess! It is all amazingly wonderful. So without further ado, may I present our cow, tulip. 

I was pretty excited to fill up this bad boy and let the cream settle to the top. Well, things didn't go quite as planned!

Why is it on a cookie sheet you ask? Because the spigot leaks! Note to self adorable $20 glass jars leak from Target :(  I did find other ways to drain off my cream and store my milk ,this was just such a cute option I was hoping it would work.

If you come over after milk delivery, you WILL find your self shaking cream to make butter, watch out!

All the health benefits aside, you might ask, HOW DOES IT TASTE. Well, a lot like a delicious milkshake. And the kids you ask, how do they like it? Well lets just say Elias asks to drink the cows milk every morning noon and night. He was upset when we ran out today and we still have 5 days until our next delivery! Everyone loves it, well except Brandon. He is still weird ed out by it, but he doesn't drink milk plain anyways so he can just deal, right honey?

So far we our loving our milk share! If you or someone you know is interested, just contact Bartlett Farms, they are a wonderful to work with!

Happy birthday elias

Wednesday marked 6 years since God had blessed me with my first baby. At times,it seems Elias should be a teenager already and other days, I can't believe 6 years has flown by. 

Before we get to this years birthday festivities, let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we?

Happy Birth-Day Elias

1st birthday

Elias turns 2

My favorite birthday picture yet! Happy 3rd birthday

Elias turns 4

Big 5 year old Elias

His birthday was on a Wednesday ,so off to school he went. Brandon picked him up about 30 minuets early and took him on a surprise trip to the comic book store. While at the mall, they stopped off and picked up these amazing cupcakes made and decorated by the oh so talented auntie Melissa!! Elias then got home just in time for him to stay in the car and accompany Annie and I to ballet. You see, Brandon and I had decorated the house and arranged for our family to come over to surprise Elias for his birthday and we didn't want him to see!

After ballet, we met daddy and the rest of the family at home for some pizza and presents. Elias was pretty surprised to walk in and see all of our family hiding in the living room waiting to wish him a happy birthday!

Pizza crusts make great teething toys for baby Samuel

Brandon had class that night, so we were on a bit of a time crunch. We ate dinner, cleaned it up then immediately opened presents. Once again, Elias was a spoiled little boy. He received several Lego sets, which, as I am sure you can guess, he was pretty excited about! He also got a few things for his imaginext collection. I think there were a couple of bust gifts, a microscope from daddy and a rainbow loom from mommy. I will say, he didn't pay much attention to either at the time, but after the third full day of playing lego's, I think he is open tot he idea of playing with something else tomorrow, we shall see! Anyways, he was super happy and couldn't wait to set up all his new toys!

I love this picture. I don't think Annie or Elias were impressed with the Microscope, we opened it today and I have to say I am seriously less than impressed to!

Do you think someone likes legos?

 After presents, we cleaned up a bit, took some pictures and did the whole cake and ice cream thing before Brandon had to scamper off to class.

Kellie was indulging in a cup cake ,while, ironically enough the YMCA in Minneapolis called to tell her that her gym membership was expiring.

Papa and Samuel had some good play time together....

Then this happened, just kidding it was very slow motion and no one was hurt in the process.

Kellie entertained a sick, crabby, overtired Samuel with Science.  The whole episode was adorable and Samuel found it all rather silly.

These two are the best of friends, I just love it!

The boys all got some great play time in! Uncle Jordan was kind enough to sit with Elias and build a couple of his legos. Benjamin was pretty excited about this, as he got to play with the imaginext stuff!!

After class, Brandon and Jordan tended to the oh so important fantasy draft. I don't know how, but for the last three years, the draft has been on the evening of Elias' birthday.

It was a simple day but one filled with family, fun and food! Elias felt very loved and every one had fun at the party...well all except for one very little ballerina. She cried and stated " I am not having any fun at this party!!!" Seriously people, I am in for in when this girl grows up! In her defense, it is tough watching someone get lots of toys, boy toys. Don't worry princess, your birthday is in just 6 short months.

Message to Elias: Happy Birthday to the sweetest 6 year old I know!  You are caring, sensitive and quirky. You love Jesus, your family, Legos and superheroes, and luckily in that order! You are a sponge and soak up all knowledge that comes your way. I wouldn't  be suprise if you inherit your daddy's nickname of google....cause he knows everything too!  You have gotten so much better at sharing and playing with your siblings, but just keep on using that conflict resolution when they start to pester you. With a brother as awesome as you are, it's no wonder that they want to be near you all the time. I am so very proud of the little man you are becoming. Keep it up, mom and dad love you bunches!!!!