Deep Roots

I am trying to think of one word to sum catch and cook rainbow trout quest. up the last year in the Nesse household. Easton went on his first Boundary At different times throughout 2021 Waters camping trip with his uncles and things have been sunny, delicious, stoic, Grandpa in June and he came back in oozing, brash, curious, piquant, thick, one piece! He raised three pigs this year eccentric, precarious and fun! I ruminat- and had fun doing it! He already has ed over these words for a while and found plans to expand next year. Easton was that none of them encapsulate the entire- fortunate enough to be able to help out a ty of the past year on their own. friend and fellow 4H-er and show a pig On my quest to find the perfect word that could possibly sum up our year, I stumbled upon supercalifragilisticexpialiDEEP ROOTS By Whitney Nesse at the county fair. He also showed goats with his sister and mustered up a few ribbons. docious. Defined by Mirriam-Webster as a “humor- Cora, makeup and fashion expert, artist, crafter ously big, nonsensical word,” or by columnist Helen and caretaker, is now in third grade. She is very Herman who was arguably the first to use it, “all much a people person and has been glad to be back words in the category of wonderful ... though rather in school after a combination of distance and hybrid long and tiring before one reaches its conclusion.” learning last year. Cora loves hiking and she too And that is exactly what 2021 has been: wonderful, had her first airplane ride to Arizona where she had long, tiring, humorous, nonsensical — supercalifra- a ball playing with her cousins and hiking in the gilisticexpialidocious. mountains. As with Abby, It was very difficult for Abby is now in 6th grade and attending middle school. Included in her supercalifragilisticexpialidocious year was the birth of her triplet goat kids, raising them, and showing them at the local county Cora to say goodbye to Beans. However, she has welcomed Barb with open arms. Cora loves to help babysit both humans and animals any time the chance presents itself. fair. She also had her first airplane ride to Arizona Jonny is usually found riding his bike or using his where she had the opportunity to visit some cousins hatchet to chop something down. Like Easton, and hike in the San Tan mountains. Abby sadly said Jonny loves the outdoors. He never turns down a goodbye to her furry friend Beans this year. chance to target shoot BB guns or Dad’s .22! Jonny However, she was able to help our family welcome a spent much time fishing this summer, there is nothnew, leggy, gentle giant of a furry friend, Barb, into ing quite like a livewell full of sunnies. Jon was our lives. also Easton’s business partner in the hog business. Easton is our fourth-grade resident hog farmer and outdoor enthusiast. His days are filled with He is also in on the plans for expansion! Jonny is in first grade this year and he sure loves school. hunting, fishing and trapping anything that is in There is nothing that will make Jordy happier season, along with football, baseball and Fortnite. than fishing. Whether or not the bite is hot, the boy Among his favorite outdoor adventures this year will fish. Jordy was able to go trout fishing a few were cooking venison over an open fire and his times this year, one of those times being in southeast Minnesota where he fished the Root River and camped near a spring fed trout pond. He didn’t catch more than a sunburn but was sure happy trying! Jordy is in his final year of preschool and is looking forward to kindergarten!

Karll enjoys his work as a crop consultant and raising some row crops as well. He spends most of his cold weather free time coyote hunting and warm weather free time making hay and fishing.

I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity that I have to work from home as a stay at home mother and cattle finisher. I am also thankful for the chance to write for The Land and do some milking for a neighboring farmer. Managing different learning models during distance learning for our kids was challenging; but it also gave us the freedom to go on more outdoor adventures in the last year than we ever have.

Included in our supercalifragilisticexpialidocious year were new experiences as well as familiar ones. Possibly the most familiar experience is the great love, mercy, and grace of Jesus which he has shared with us again and again-an experience that never gets old.

I hope that during this year you have been able to become more familiar with myself and my family as I reflect on the past and share from the present. I would sincerely love the opportunity to become familiar with you and your family. Send me an email or drop me an old-fashioned note! Have a blessed Christmas season as we celebrate Immanuel, God with us, and may your new year be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Whitney Nesse is a sixth-generation livestock farmer who is deeply rooted in her faith and family. She writes from her central Minnesota farm. v

changing just a wee bit now. It is these very kids who are bringing a great joy into her life.

Because you see, about the time the Dykstra Christmas lights presentation began growing, Val was diagnosed with a rare cancer, carcinoid. She has the aggressive form.

“When I get down,” said Val, “there is always a smile or cheerful greeting from one of these kids. Nothing blesses my heart more than anything when I see these kids developing skills.”

Towards the end of the display there is a purple tree with little signs that signify this cancer journey.

“This cancer journey could rob me of my joy, if I were to focus on it,” Val said. “Instead, my biggest thing is to know Christ Jesus. I don’t want to waste my life. Others need to hear of Jesus. I want to make sure, that when I stand before God, He will say to me “Well done, my faithful servant.”

“Everyone has a story,” she added. “People experience hard times in their lives. There are plenty of negative things that happen. But for us, who know Jesus, we have hope. We have the power available to let our light shine. We need to, as there are many hurting people out there. The journey can be hard.”

At the start of the drive through display, one sees peace, joy, love and hope exhibited. The lion and the lamb represent peace. The nativity scene featuring Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus exemplifies joy, love and hope.

The Dykstras have a prayer for you:

“We pray that people who drive through, will experience the love of Jesus. It is this hope and joy of knowing Him that goes with Christmas. He will give you peace; no matter what you are going through in life.”

This will be the last year Perry and Val Dykstra will set up their display. So be sure to take the time to drive to their acreage for looksee. The physical address is 36924 C12 Le Mars, Iowa. Their address doesn’t pull up on google maps; so just head down Highway 60.

Keep your eyes open for the Highway C12 sign between Orange City and Le Mars. The best clue will be the bright lights from the display. They will guide you to the acreage on the north side of this curvy highway.

After January, the plan is for the children to take the displays they desire. Then the rest will be available to the public. If anyone would like to have some please contact Perry and Val Dykstra. Val can be reached at (712) 540-4985,

Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, author and speaker. Contact her at (605) 530-0017 or agripen@live.com. v