The Tale of Our Brownie-Locks

Once upon a time Brownie-Locks woke up to find her three-month old self crammed into her bassinet. "This bed is much to small."
So into Mamma Bear's bed she went after waking during the night. It was a restless night and little sleep to be had. "Oh my, this bed is much too big."

She searched the kingdom high and low. Finally at Grandma and Grandpa's she found a comfy spot for a little shut eye. She rested thinking,"This chair by the fire is just right." And little Brownie-Locks lived happily every after. Yours truly, Brownie-Locks, with her first set of pigtails.

Trick or Treat

We practiced being a frog all day, saying "Trick or Treat," and "thank you." You wouldn't have know it. Hudson was so shy, he wouldn't say a word. It frustrated me but he still got candy, so he didn't see much of a need. We went around to some of the older people in the ward that we go and visit regularly. They enjoy seeing the kids all dressed up. Our ward does a trunk or treat at the church parking lot, so there really aren't many kids that still go around to houses.

It's great if you want a lot of candy, but kind of sad. Some of my best memories of trick or treating were stopping at Glenn and Alene Judd's home for popcorn balls where they always took our pictures, or Algott and Lottie Peterson's home where your visit moistened Lottie's eyes. There were very few homes I remember going up to the door while Mom and Dad sat in the car. Each stop was usually a family affair and visit. But if Dad did sit in the car he always said, "Don't forget to ask for one for your Dad."

Something To Smile About

Dalanie is now 3 months old. Can you believe it? We feel pretty blessed to have her in our family. She is such a pleasant baby. She's learning and growing every day. Here are some 3 months milestones:

- holds her upper body up while she's lying on her tummy
- blows spit bubbles
- laughs, especially when tickled
- carrys on a conversation in "coo"
- sleeps through the night (8:00 pm- 6:00 am)
- still has all of her hair - no bald spot- and it's getting longer
- chills in her Bumbo

Halloween Preview

Last night, Brent and I dressed the kids up to go and visit a few friends (since Brent is going to be gone on Halloween.)
Hudson is a little frog and he loves to hop around and roll on the floor. Don't ask me why he does the rolling on the floor part, like I said, he's a frog not Fido--but whatever. He'll occasionally ribbitt and stick out his tongue to catch a frog. I'm glad he likes his costume. He about over heated in it because he doesn't want to take it off.
Dalanie happens to be the cutest little duckling. (I don't think any parent ever wants their child to be the "ugly duckling.") Once and awhile she'll move her arms enough to pass for the flapping of wings, but that's about as good as it gets. She prefers squawking over quacking and sitting over waddling.Oh yeah--Brent "gets" to be a scout for Halloween. More like he HAS to be one since he is attending a scouting/leadership course this week. None of us are real excited about this "opportunity," but this too shall pass. When he accepted the call as YM president in the ward, it was conditional upon his compliance to attend this course. Since we don't turn down callings, he kinda had no choice. Wood Badge is offered 5 times a year but since the other ones are during the summer, they weren't much of an option. Personally, I think he makes an adorable scout.

Last night, a gentleman in the ward came to our home for the Friends of Scouting drive. I informed him that I wasn't really a "friend of scouting" at this point in time, but Brent pulled out the check book. Come on. I'm about scouted out. Scouting for Food, Friends of Scouting, and husband stealing Wood Badge. (I know, I know. Den mother here I come.)

Which brings me to what I'm going to be for Halloween. A witch. And I don't think it will take much dressing up or acting.

20% Off Purchase at Shopko

My SIL gave me a copy of this coupon that she printed off. Sadly, I don't have the link--just print it off. It's only good for today, so take advantage and get a jump on your Christmas shopping. There are some exclusions, so read the fine print.

Up To My Elbows

Nikkala asked me to come to their ward's Super Saturday to teach a class on dipping chocolates. Since it's been a few years since actually working at the candy shop, I spent the majority of Friday brushing up on a few of my skills and making some truffles and other treats for the ladies to sample. The class was very basic, but I wanted it that way. We stayed away from the technical side of tempering chocolates (I need to practice doing it without a tempering machine) and focused primarily on the fun things you can do with chocolate-- it can dress anything up and make it look gourmet. After all, who doesn't like chocolate?

Dark

Hudson can't tell time, but he is pretty good at taking cues from the sun. For example, when it begins to get dark he knows it's bathtime and when it is dark he knows it's time for stories and bed and that Brent will be getting home soon. "Dark Mom," he'll say. When things start slowing down this time of year, I find myself relying on the sun a little more too. I get tired by 8:00 at night and I don't think it's at all appropriate to be up before the sun comes up. I forget just how "dark" this time of year gets. **On a side note, I've been loving the full harvest moon.

Strong and Immovable

Ever since I heard Sister Beck's talk during the Relief Society Broadcast, I have been inspired. When I get feeling like I never accomplish anything anymore I read the talk. I spend too much time and effort doing things that really aren't important. My goal is to use my time more wisely so I stand strong and immovable for things that really matter.

Witches Night Out

I've been wanting to have my own WNO party for several years now. I had a lot of fun planning and hosting the event. (I might just have to make it an annual one.) We had a simple meal of soups and grilled cheese sandwiches. Afterward I had made up some little Halloween stitcheries to do as a "Witch Craft."

Especially for the Class of 99

Since I've been getting some visits from former classmates and friends I decided to create a blog just for our class. That's right, just for us. It's not much of anything right now because it needs your help. Go check it out and pass the word along.

Beautiful Day

Since the weather was gorgeous, I took the kids outside to snap a few pictures. Hudson was fairly cooperative. I kept bribing him with the promise to be able to rake leaves once we were finished. The sun was casting an amber tint which is great for pictures. Here are some of my favorites.

Co-Pilots

We're still chipping away at the big block called harvest. I keep thinking that one of these days it will be over. Hopefully in a few weeks. But until then, Brent occasionally needs my help. Dalanie and I spent the last two days driving truck. Hudson helped Grandpa and Daddy in the combine and grain cart. As you can see in the picture, lunch is becoming the most important part of being a co-pilot.

He Who Helps Himself . . .

Gets dessert. We had some friends over for Sunday dinner. After we finished eating, we sat around and visited. During this time Hudson got the ice cream out of the freezer, got his bowl and spoon, sat down to the table and dished some up. Once he had a few tiny scoops in the bowl, he shut the carton and ran to put it away. He came back and ate the ice cream. Before I knew it, he was running to the bathroom bowl and spoon in hand. No sooner than I heard the water running, it was turned off and he was running back to the cupboard saying "wash, wash." He put the bowl and spoon up and came to join our conversation as if no ice cream eating or dessert had ever occurred.

Although the washing of the dishes (as if to hide the evidence) is new, the part about him dishing up his own ice cream isn't. The other day Brent brought him home from riding in the combine. When I walked in the house I found him sitting at his little table having a bowl of ice cream.

Moral of the story: If you want ice cream-- get it yourself.

Steppin' It Up

For awhile now (harvest permitting) I've been going to an aerobics class held at a local church. We have been doing floor aerobics and strength and core training using bands and balls. It's been fun. The instructor is energetic and I've gotten to know some fun girls, but I still missed my step aerobics at Logan Rec. But today I walked in to they gym to find about 25 Reebok steps. HOORAY!! Finally, my long lost step aerobics.

Here in Firth. Can you believe that?

Free of charge. You can't beat that.

The end.

More Fun Than. . .

A barrel of BOY. Since the weather was gorgeous today, I decided to do some yard work. Hudson was a great helper. We cleaned up some of our flower beds and started cleaning up the garden. By the end, he was getting silly. I was busy pulling out the zinnias when he tried to get my attention. Before I knew it, he was next to me saying "Mom." When I finally looked this is what I saw. It wasn't enough for me just to see him in the buckets, he kept playing in them. It was hilarious to watch him try to get up once he fell down. It was so nice today, Dalanie even got to come out with us.

SLC, Kids, and Snow

The kids and I went down to SLC to play with Nik while Chod was presenting at On Target. I was pleasantly surprised at how well behaved they were. We drug them in and out of stores and around the town. The weather was beautiful on Thursday, perfect for going to Hogle Zoo. We finished off the day with an outing to the swimming pool. Hudson loved it. It was fun to be able to fit in visits with a lot of family. On top of the Stephens, we also got to see the Hartwells, Tameka, and part of the Western family. It was a fun trip, but we were all happy to come home. Even if it snowed 3 1/2" today.

Sunday Drive

Once we had all taken our Sunday nap, we decided to take a drive and enjoy the beautiful day. We drove up over the "W" to the cabin. The leaves were just starting to change color. I couldn't believe how cold it was. There was still quite a bit of snow in the shade. Hudson was disappointed we didn't take his gloves.

My Favorites

Since I was tagged and thought it was a good list, here it goes.

Favorite smell: Freshly mowed grass, campfire, and sweet babies slathered in Baby Magic lotion.

Favorite sound: The sound of sealing jars, sprinklers, the shutting of our door late at night when Brent gets home, and cooing babies.

Favorite taste: Cafe Rio sweet pork and green dressing, garden vegetables *tender corn on the cob, red potatoes, sweet tomatoes, and cucumbers*(so long pitiful weed infested garden), and homemade bread.

Favorite touch: Not much lately considering that my hands are so rough/dry/cracking. They get snagged on pratically everything. And yes. I do use hand lotion. Once in awhile. But wait, I touch with so much more than just my hands. I love the feel of Dalanie taking a nap on my chest and hugs from my family.

Favorite sight: Leaves changing colors, Brent playing with our kids.

Car Wash

We woke up this morning to snowflakes falling out of no where. Looks like it's a good thing we got the car washed yesterday while the weather was still nice. Well, make that both cars. As soon as Hudson saw that I was going to wash the car, he pulled his cozy coupe out of the garage and started scrubbing. Forget the lemonade stand, Hudson is going to set up his own car wash.

'Tis the Season

Hudson looks forward to taking his Dad lunch. I don't know if it's because Brent shares his chips with Hudson or if it's because he gets to ride in the chopper. Regardless of the motive, this time has become sacred to the little guy. I don't know which one enjoys it the most. Look at the first pictures and you tell me.

I got to make another trip to Jerome for parts today. Harvest is winding down, so hopefully it's my last "trip" of the kind. I was trying to remember. . . 3 or 4 ventures over to that part of the country. Who knows. At any rate-- I got to see a lot of corn being chopped, spuds being dug, and beets being hauled. It's a busy time for lots of folks.

I have vowed to stop my canning for the year. Last night was the clencher. Both kids were screaming and I was up to my elbows in jars of apple pie filling that were not sealing. It was very frustrating, hence my promise to put the jars away for the year. Although my drive today got me thinking. How could a person package up all this sunshine and warm weather in a jar so they could pull it out during the winter? It was such a beautiful day. Hmmm. . . If anyone has any idea it might just be worth hauling my water bath back upstairs.

Changing of the Guard

Dalanie has been sucking on the same pacifier every day for the past nine weeks. It's the one she got sent home from the hospital with. It's been a wonderful relationship.

Comfort. Quiet. Peace.

We went to her 2 month check up today. She got her shots and needed a little comfort. Wouldn't you know.

I lost it.

I think I might have left it in the exam room. So long dear friend. Hello new pink friend.

Once Again

Once again, I left town with my camera in tow but the memory stick in my computer. I've got to quit making a habit of that.
Last Wednesday the kids and I went down to Grace with one of the chopping crews. We pulled the in-laws camping trailer down and set up camp to fulfill my duty as camp chef. It was a decent job, but cooking in a primitive kitchen made me miss my kitchen at home dearly. It seemed like I no more than got the dishes washed up and it was time to start the next meal. I think the crew enjoyed some warm meals. They are all so tired of sandwiches and lunch boxes they could puke.
The nights got a little chilly, we all got a little sick, but it was a nice change of scenery. The leaves were changing on Fish Creek and it was a beautiful reminder that life is good.
Hudson loved when the "guys" came back to the trailer at night to eat. He has become friends with all of them, but Dale has taken the lead as his favorite. Hudson loved riding in the pack tractor with him.
Although it was a nice break, I was ready to get back home. We got home on Saturday, just in time to make it to the last few minutes of our ward's harvest party. As a matter of fact, we celebrated in farming fashion because it was straight from Grace to the party- no cleaning or dolling up.
Home Sweet Home. Laundry, canning, dishes, and cleaning.

Sissy

We love our sissy.

Spud Day

Spud Day.










It's a long standing tradition in Shelley. As a matter of fact this event has been going on for 79 years now. The weather was beautiful of Saturday, so the kids and I took in the parade before heading down to the park for a free baked potato and other potato themed events. When it was time for the potato picking contest, I asked Hudson if he'd like to participate. He agreed, so we went out onto the field to get ready. He was having fun picking up the biggest ones or knobby ones with "noses" and putting them in the basket. When the event officially started, I dumped the potatoes so he could start over. This really upset him. He threw the basket and started kicking it.
I could hear spectators laughing at his performance. How embarassing. I couldn't get him out of there soon enough. I'm sure it was quite the sight since I had to carry him off in addition to Dalanie who was hanging out in her Snugli. I just should have never asked.

Chop, Chop Mom.

My son is obsessed with chopping. For the past few days, he's been "chopping" corn with a toy combine that he borrowed from Grandma. He has packed it everywhere with him. The header was constantly falling off, so I was the designated mechanic (since Dale is taken this time of year.) I told Brent about Hudson's behavior and he decided it was time to break out the "real" toy chopper.
When we purchased a chopper two years ago, the salesman sent Brent home with a toy for our then baby, Hudson. It was quickly put away once Brent saw that the recommended age was 8 years old. I remember him saying, "he's got to learn to respect it. He can't have it until he's 8." Well, time went by awfully quick. Now as a 2 1/2 year old, Dad has deemed Hudson mature enough to play with the chopper.
This morning was the big unveiling. Before heading out to do a little chopping of his own, Brent decided to replace Grandma's faulty combine with a Claas Jaguar 900. He reserved the rights to take it back at any time if Hudson isn't treating it right. (Poor Dalanie. . . she doesn't stand a chance. Who's going to want to deal with her dad, especially this Dad who is even protective about a toy chopper.) It turned out to be another busy day of chopping. He barely had time to eat dinner or ride with me to mow the lawn. "Chop, chop Mom." --I'm just glad the lights don't work on the dang thing or he'd still be pushing it around in his bed.

And not to overlook our little Lanie. She is getting so strong. She's been holding her head up for a couple of weeks now. My favorite is that she's starting to smile as a response.

It's Here

Corn harvest. Sadly enough, we've been at it for over 2 weeks now and I'm barely getting around to posting about it. Perhaps it's the love hate relationship I have with it. Back before kids. . .well, actually before two kids-- I was an integral part of the harvest. I drove truck. I did it while I was pregnant with Hudson and then 2 years with him. Since we just welcomed Dalanie into our family 6 weeks ago, I decided that it would be best for me to sit this one out. I didn't realize it was going to be this hard on me. It's not that I still want to be in the truck, because I truly enjoy being home with the kids and having time to take care of the home and yard. (Don't worry, I've gotten a few opportunities to get back in the saddle.) I think it's because I have no husband. He leaves early and comes home late and tired. It's always very stressful and I am counting the days down until it is over. Then we can all breathe a big sigh of relief.

I have been trying to do my part as lunch lady. I usually deliver a lunch, a little co-pilot and co-pilot's lunch to Brent. (It doesn't work to feed Hudson before he goes because he usually eats most of Brent's lunch anyway.) It's Hudson's favorite part of the day. He loves to ride in the "cha-cha" with Dad. The only problem is that he falls asleep and cannot stay on the buddy seat for the life of him. He bounces all over and is so miserable that I am usually called to rescue the poor fella. On Saturday the tradition held true. Hudson no more than got his sandwich out to eat and he fell asleep.

Blessed Day

Today we blessed Dalanie. Brent forgot to state by what authority, so he had to do it over. Despite that, it was a beautiful blessing. All of the family was together. It was a full house, but what can be better than good food and good company. We appreciate everyone's support. While Mom, Nik, and Deid helped get the dinner ready, I sent Tameka upstairs with Dalanie and the camera. Here are a few of my favorites.
Mom helped me make her dress using the pattern from my blessing dress. Grandpa Parish gave Dalanie her bracelet and Grandma Wilkins crocheted the beautiful white afaghan for her.