Could It Be

Here at our house, we're beginning to believe that we are actually going to have summer.
On Saturday we went down to the river bottoms for a weenie roast with Westerns. Hudson loved throwing rocks in the river, eating hot dogs, and savoring s'mores. He kept asking where the "camping house" was. You can imagine his disappointment when we told him it was time to go home.

We enjoyed the beautiful weather and celebrated Father's Day outside with plenty of good food.

Yesterday the kids + Mitch and I went to the school for lunch, to the library, and rounded out our day by playing in the water at Grandma and Grandpa's.

Purple Tomatoes

It's been unseasonably cool. Okay, downright cold. Not only are my lips purple, but my tomatoes are turning purple as well. Don't despair if you've found your little seedlings in the same predicament, warmer weather will cure it--along with my cabin fever and lack of the summertime blues.

Now if only I can find some warmer weather. . . The forecast seems to be of little help.

Eating It

Our family Touch had been missing for a few weeks since I sent it in the tractor with Hudson. Surely lost and destroyed in some cornfield, somewhere.

My husband stood as the accused, irresponsible party.

After scouring every tractor on the place to no avail, he returned a discouraged hombre.

"Is there even a 1% chance it got put somewhere? I thought I sent it home in the lunch box."

"Hardly," I scoffed.

So I went to looking and low and behold, I found the missing iPod. It was found in an unnamed location where only I would have put it. I emerged, tail between my legs, with the no longer missing iPod.

I was served up a big helping of humble pie.

Higher Ground

Far too often during the past few weeks Brother has been caught red handed with a cookie. He thinks he's being sneaky, but as a mom I can see past his stealth. First of all, the pushing of a chair into the cupboard never sounds suspicious. Not to mention the rattling wrappers, a slamming cupboard door, hop down from the chair, and lighting quick steps back to the couch. Call me Sherlock, but I'm on to him.

That is why all treats and otherwise sweet and tempting goodies are making their way to higher ground. From now on it will take a small step ladder for him to reach the goods.

But treats aren't the only thing around here moving upwards. Sissy was cheered on by her Dad as she ascended 7 stairs. Only a dad would offer such encouragement. I quickly snatched her up and moved her back to level ground. Stairs can be so mean to little, unstable bodies.

Muddin'

Chopping triticale. Rose exit. May 30th.

If you ever decide to take an 18 wheeler muddin', make sure you've got a bigger pull tractor.

Committed

I have my training schedule and I'm committing to run the Top Of Utah Half Marathon.

There, I said it. I'm actually going to do it.

Now all you other noncommittal people, go on, commit. Let's run!

What Do You Use?

A notoriously nosy lady approached me a few weeks ago to ask what I've been using to get such a beautiful tan?

My reply, "yard work." Maybe not the answer she was looking for, but the truth.

And since I'm the sole grounds keeper of my yard and the two adjacent yards, there's plenty of yard to go around.

A few of my favorite tools lately have been a shovel, bowhead rake, and RoundUp (RoundUp will always be my favorite.)I've been putting in a big flower bed behind our house as well as leveling out our backyard. --Takes me back to the days on the USU grounds crew and lots of raking. Now only if I could find a pickup game of Ultimate Frisbee.-- The funnest part of the entire project has been dividing perennials from my old yard and stocking my new flower bed entirely from it. That's not to say I'm not looking for any other plants. If you have some prolific perennials you wouldn't mind sharing, drop me a line.

So what have you been using for your gorgeous tan?

Super Hudson and Curly Sue

Today brother morphed into "Super Hudson." He's been pretending to fly through the air wearing his sunglasses all day. My little super hero insists that M&M's are his power food. Not a bad idea, but as a mom I had to get after him for eating them right before dinner (mostly because he wasn't sharing.) He's also been chanting "Hip, hip, hooray! Super Hudson saved the day." Despite all the super hero acting, he can still waddle like a penguin like a champ.

Sissy's hair is so curly after the bath. I just had to take a picture because I'm sure her hair will be board straight like mine before too long. She has had an enormous appetite lately. She yells at me when she runs out of food "Mamamama!" Now Hudson says Mama means "more peas please." I am here to attest that whatever goes in must come out. We changed 4 dirty diapers before noon today.

Dope-Pa and Dome-Ma's

Hudson had an extended stay at Dope-Pa's and Dome-Ma's (their new nicknames.) A visit to their house is always a treat, but being left there for an extra day is really special. He has been anticipating this visit for weeks and it sure didn't disappoint.

A few of the highlights include:
emptying out the root beer keg and feeding the chickens with Dope-Pa (still wearing their pj's.)
riding on the lawnmower with Dome-Ma.
playing anything with Uncle Tis. Can you say the magic password? Doodle Mac and Scnoodenbachen (he practiced when he was supposed to be going to bed.)
going fishing and getting ice cream cones.

He had so much fun he said he didn't even miss me. Sniff.

Where I've Been

Today: What a day. I spent eight hours at the mall with my two children. No it was not by choice. My car needed to have some work done and without a loaner car to use, I kindly begged the service guy to run us to the mall. My car is as good as new, so I don't plan on having to spend another day like this again. Ever.

The past week: We've been outside. With the warmer weather, we've been trying to get the yards whipped into shape and the garden planted. We have also been riding bikes and checking on fields with Brent.

Looks like a lemonade stand, but don't be deceived. It's the only way we could all be in the garden and be productive.The kids and I walked along the river while Brent and Sergio set up pipe.Peas and black beans, Dalanie's favorite.

Once the kids were in bed last night, I reflected on my lack of patience and perfect parenting skills. It seemed like all I did the entire day was yell at kids in between getting things crossed off my to do list. It made me feel horrible, and I promised to do better. The to do lists went out the window because I've only got so long to enjoy my kids. So imagine my delight when a friend called to see if the kids and I would like to ride our bikes to the park for a picnic. I loaded up the kids and we set out to meet the other moms. There were 3 of us, each pulling a bike trailer with 2 kids. And if that wasn't crazy enough, add to the fact that the nearest park is 7 miles north which meant riding into the Idaho wind. We persevered and had a great time.
Hudson finally convinced me it was time to set up the trampoline he got from his "Parish Grandpa and Grandma" for Christmas. I've been wanting to bury it ground level, but since I'm not quite sure where we're going to want it we opted to leave off the spacer that makes it higher. It looks kind of silly, but it is so kid friendly. Now Hudson can get on and off by himself and I don't worry about him falling.

Here's to more fun day and spending quality time with my kids.

My Version

As my Dad has chronicled the challenges associated with asparagus picking, I decided to add my own two cents.
One of my truck driving jobs took me past several canals and ditch banks. As I was headed home, I rounded a corner and caught a glimpse of a few spears of asparagus poking out of the ground. I quickly slammed on my breaks, brining my 18 wheeler to an abrupt halt in the middle of an intersection. I applied the parking break and bailed out. I ran back across the one lane bridge and retrieved the previously spotted spears.

I kept trying to get back to my truck before any traffic came. Each time I headed toward the truck, I spotted even more asparagus that beckoned to be taken home with me. Finally I clutched my armful, more determined than before to make it to the truck without interference from the begging asparagus. Desperately I ran, one foot in front of the other, ignoring the little voices calling to turn around. I kept my focus and finally reached my truck. Rest of the drive home I avoided eye contact with meandering canal banks and finally reached my destination without any incidence of succumbing to asparagus pressure.

Moral of the story: Once you start, it's hard to stop. Perhaps the Association of the Anal for Asparagus should also adopt the slogan: Not Even Once.

It's all about Perspective

We're glad to have survived the past week. We started planting corn this week and it's been a marathon. We were rather short on help, one of our hired men leaving for the week and another having to take 3 days off, it's been a lot of LONG days. Since we plant around the clock it's been all we could do to keep the tractor going. Add into the mix pivots that still are not entirely up, working ground and filling trenches around them, furnishing and preparing a house for an H2A worker, and hauling silage and wood chips and you've got yourself a full week.

It takes everyone in our family to survive. The kids job is one of cooperation and tolerance as they are often stuck in tractors and trucks for long hours. I fill in where I can and try to keep everyone fed and our household running. And we all do our best to give Brent a little extra space and extra hugs.

As the kids and I were headed home at 10:00 pm one night from working ground, I told Hudson he could have some cereal once we got home and then asked what else he would need to do before bed?
He replied "Pop popcorn and watch a movie."
"What!? I don't think so, it's late, late, late!" I half screamed, trying to keep my sanity.

Did he not realize this was a very abnormal and messed up schedule for a little kid?

I guess not.

He can't tell time, so it really wasn't that big of a deal to him. As a matter of fact, I think he thoroughly enjoyed himself this week. He got to take his lunch box and stick horse with him, spend time playing at Grandma's and spend lot of time with his Dad (10 hours in just one day.)

If only Brent and I had viewed the past week as a kid.

No worries.

Good Bye-- Hello

The latest ditty to make you smile.

Cuz I Is

This is the 3 year old rationale behind why he is sad, happy, hungry, dirty, and naughty.

He prefers to say it like it is. We don't run to the store, never have and probably never will. We DRIVE to the store. He doesn't need to put on his shoes because they are BOOTS. Don't tell him to get his coat on because it's really his JACKET. He doesn't need to "clean" his plate at meal time, in fact he doesn't even need to finish eating because I can just SAVE it for him.

He's not afraid to dig his favorite outfit out of the dirty clothes so he can wear it for the third time this week.

Short Haul Trucker

Since Brent is up past his ears with working ground, finishing up our pivot project, (we got rid of our flood irrigated portion on our farm, it's all pivots now) and gearing up for corn season--he offered me a little side job that he doesn't have time for.

The job interview went something like this:
Brent: Want a job?
Me: Does it pay?
Brent: Yep
Me: When do I start?

I've been pawning one child off and taking the other with me in the truck. We're hauling corn silage from one feedlot to another. One trip, every other day. It's an 80 mile round trip so I've been able to brush up on my driving skills. Not to mention the practice of backing through an obstacle course to unload.

It feels good to be temporarily employed with the promise of a little "my money" to spend however my little heart sees fit.

Sewing Bug

While I've been waiting for better weather, I've been bit by the sewing bug. And to think, I actually used a pattern. Yes used, I never said followed. I have a problem with this. Despite my ignorance, the dress turned out rather well.

Dress for Dalanie. I joke it's her wedding dress since it's way too big for her now.
At least she won't grow out of it too quick.

Quilt squares for a picnic quilt. Once again, ad libbed on the pattern from a picture I saw.
I'll post pictures once it's completed.

Branding Fun

All of the calves of the Hillman herd are now sporting an H, lazy J brand. Thanks to some beautiful weather and good help, we got the cattle ready to head to the hills. Now all we need is the snow to melt and the grass to grow.

Waiting their turn.

The crew.

Blue tags are "Hudson's" cows. He kept handing me blue tags for all the calves.

The damage.

Hudson was quite excited to have his cousins stop by for a while.

Being silly with Sydney.

Enjoying the cheesecake brownies at lunch.

My helpers.

Brotherly Love

Here's Dalanie in here recent disguise as the One Arm Bandit. I guess that's what you get when you have a brother that insists on carrying around his little sis. Yesterday I found them both on the couch. Trust me, I did not leave a crawler on the couch.
And her drowned rat look while taking a bath. Brother loves pouring cups of water over her. It always starts out fun as she gasps for a breath and then giggles. The problem is, he doesn't know when to quit. The game usually comes to a stop when she is screaming and I have to remove her from the tub to save her life.

Brother also eats her snacks off her high chair tray, pulls her toes, roughly "tickles" her, lays on her, and crawls around on top of her. But rest assured, after a good night's rest they can't wait to see each other.

Confessions of A Pyro

I love the looks of a freshly charred ditch bank with the green grass poking up. I've been creating some beautiful scenery lately with my trusty rake and box of matches. My burn piles have been devoured by hungry flames and I am left with piles of ashes scattered about.

I replaced my chainsaw chain and got a start on my pruning. Nothing real exciting, but you should see the big pile of limbs I've been collecting. I can't wait for them to dry out and take a match to it. Should make for a Texas sized bonfire.

To wrap up my week long burning streak, we loaded the family up in the Unimog and headed for the Lava Flows. We met up with some friends for a little off-roading adventure and culminating hot dog roast. Nothing says spring time like a hot dog charred to perfection like a ditch bank.

Little Sis

At nine months, Little Sis couldn't be more addicted to her pacifier. She spends most days hiding her cute, little face behind the plastic accessory. Most mornings she wakes up with crazy-wild hair and an appetite to match.

She is becoming quite a little dare devil, pulling herself up on anything. A favorite just happens to be the side of the tub where she will try and pull no hand stunts. She loves splashing and going after toys Brother has. She shows tendencies of aggression during her daily baths- why have I passed on all of my less desirable traits? I guess she'll be ready to win the greased watermelon.

For now she continues to be a serious Mommy's girl. Bad. To the point that I'm the only one that can hold her. I guess it doesn't help that she has been spending the past week literally "attached" to me. When there's yard work to be done, she's got to be in the Snugli or backpack. Good for my productivity, bad for attachment issues.

Still no teeth for the Miss. So should you ever catch her without her pacifier, chances are she'll be giving you a very gummy smile. Her lips are always pursed together. I think they go that way on default to try to keep a hold of the afore mentioned pacifier.

Our house sounds like an aviary most evenings. If she lets out a squeal, Brother is quick to reply in his perfected shrill squeal. They feed off of each other and communicate quite well without the use of words. She will fetch for Brother and crawl around after him.

Good Boy Beans

I came up with this incentive system and it's working rather well for my 3 year old. We labeled 2 jars, one for him and one for me. (He loved finding the correct letters to stick on.) Good boy beans are awarded when . . . you guessed it, when he's been a good boy. (We used to use jelly beans but I found them self defeating after he brushed his teeth, etc.) Now we use turtle beans. He earns them for helping set the table, brushing his teeth, being nice to his sister, saying I love you, using the potty, you get the point. Sometimes I give him the bean immediately after completing a task, other times I give him ones for things I remember from the day. He especially enjoys hearing all the good things he's done and is getting pretty creative about making up reasons he deserves another bean.

The kicker is that beans can also be lost for misbehaving. He hates when I take one of his beans and put it in my jar. It is also nice to give a simple warning, "I'll have to take a bean away if you don't _______ ."

What's the whole point of a hill or jar of beans? Glad you asked.

100 beans = $1

My Windex Commercial Morning

For months I've been looking out of filthy windows at my home. Of course, freezing temperatures don't make for good window washing conditions. So I have continued to stare out of streaked panes for some time now, all the while thinking "I really need to do something about these."

Well this morning as our family was eating breakfast, a dumb robin slammed right into our big window in the kitchen. We all found it quite entertaining and were laughing about it. My husband commented, "You must have pretty clean windows." I chuckled and retorted, "No, it's just a really dumb bird."

If you're in need of some sunshine. . . .

Make This!!

Lift, Twist, & Bend

Did anyone else feel like Elder Ballard wrote his talk just for you? I sure do. After a visit to the chiropractor to set a wayward rib I realize that it will probably just have to be a problem for awhile. Apparently ribs don't like to stay in place once they've been out. She cautioned me to be careful- in essence I really shouldn't "lift, twist, or bend." Tell that to Dalanie and Hudson. I suppose I can use the discomfort as a reminder of Elder Ballard's talk and of the importance of my role as a mom.

Fresh Air

The kids and I took a break from our stuffy house today and went to the park to enjoy the sunshine. It was breezy and still cool, but it was a nice change. Hudson decided he was finished with the swing while it was still cruising and bailed out. I give his dismount a 10- he did a belly flop as the swing swung back. He got a nose and mouth full of sand, but not a single tear. He's a genuine cowboy and got right back on.

Sissy is crawling all over and pulling her self up to things. She loves to chase Hudson when he crawls around on the floor with her. It's so fun to watch them. She is now eating mac n' cheese and peas and couldn't be happier.

Hudson is now wearing big boy undies and bathing five times a day. We are making headway by using the new tractor as bribery.Dad takes him for a ride when he uses the potty. The entire potty training process is a mystery to me. I'm beginning to realize that it's much harder for Moms than the kids. You sure have to be committed. We're hoping he's kicked the diaper habit by farming season.

Spring Break

While the area kids have been enjoying their week without school, I have been reveling in the fact that I'm getting my own little break from teaching Sunday school. Yeah, like the adult Gospel Doctrine class. Between a combined 5th Sunday lesson today, General Conference, and Stake Conference later in April I'm getting out of teaching quite a bit. Lucky for me and my pupils. This calling still scares me to death. Any suggestions for becoming a good Sunday school teacher?

Kid @ Grandma's House

We've been spending a few days with my parents. You know the saying "Like a kid in a candy shop." Well this picture sums up our experience at Grandma's house. Whatever you want, whenever you want. All of a sudden, I don't know anything as a mother. My suggestions go straight out the window and kids become royalty. Swedish fish for dessert after breakfast, hours and hours of Curious George viewing and the likes.

It's going to be a sad afternoon when we head home later today.

Three Cheers for Nice People!

I have been without a cell phone since our trip.

I kept thinking that I needed to get a replacement. So I approached my friend, Ebay, and found myself a cheap one.

Later that day, my husband told me how a guy had called him from my cell phone to get our address so that he could ship the phone to me. Thank goodness the guy was a brilliant detective, not a thief since he had found both my phone and husband's Home Depot card in the safe in our room on the cruise ship. He put two and two together and located the name off the card in my phone book to call. When asked if we could get him some money to cover the costs, he just said to pass it on.

It's reassuring to know that there are still a lot of good people out there.
Hip, hip, hooray!

I got a cute little package with my phone in the mail today.

As for my replacement phone, I was able to get the transaction reversed minus S&H. Moral of the story, I need to be a responsible adult. I might not get so lucky next time.

P.S. You might think it's still lost because I doubt I'll get any better about answering it.

Easter

I love the world at Easter time
Because everything is new.

There are blossoms on our fruit trees
And in our garden too.

And where the grass was dead and brown,
It’s starting to look green.
The world just seems to come alive
Whenever it is spring.

It makes me think of Jesus
And that great, first Easter Day,
Of how He came to live on earth
To teach us to obey.

He died for us upon the cross
And suffered for our sins.
Then, like the trees and flowers in spring,
He came to life again.

And now when it is springtime,
I’m filled with Jesus’ love.
I know He rose again so I
Could live with Him above.

Leslie A. Nebeker, “Easter Time,” Friend, Apr. 1996, 27

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend. We enjoyed ourselves. Between egg hunts, church worship, and a visit from a little Easter Bunny things around here were quite traditional.

Lately we've been working on finishing up a few projects on the house. I know, we've only lived here for a year now. I'm beginning to think that home ownership is like being a parent- there's no such thing as done.

Tag

Now kids are even becoming involved in this whole cyber-tag thing. Personally, I think they'd rather run around on the playground for tag. But you don't have to take my word for it. I've asked the kiddos to come up with a few things that you might not know about them.

Dalanie:

Me: What are your thoughts on the 2008 election and the choice of candidates?Me: Well put.
Me: Next question. What's your favorite way to eat diced peaches for lunch?

Me: I see, you like to balance them on your forearm before they ever touch your lips. Messy technique, but nice execution. Moving on. Once your finished with lunch, it'll be naptime. Any objections?

Sis: Actually Mom, I don't intend on being finished with lunch for awhile. I still have several peaches to balance on my arm.

Me: Thanks Sis. I'll let you get back to the peaches.

Let me introduce to you my next guest. Come here Hudson. Hudson, please get over here. right now.
Hudson: No. I've got better things to do. Like ride my horse, take a train ride, dust the handrail, or shoo! cows.
Me: There's no arguing with this boy. But maybe he'll let me snap just a quick picture.
There you have it folks. My shy 3 year old.

Green Birthday

John Deere is working double duty around our place, providing the green for St. Patty's day and theme for Hudson's birthday. I can't believe he's three. We started partying yesterday with the extended family coming over for cake and ice cream. Thanks family for all of the awesome gifts. So far we have put puzzles together, traced a self portrait on some awesome big paper, and played cowboy. You can see for yourself. And yes, those are his new John Deere boots and his new "horsey hat."

I almost did it . . .

Ever since I was little I can remember the annual "Festivals" on PBS. The time they interrupt programming and try to get you to call in and pledge money. They were filled with visits from Big Bird, balloon popping, and enthusiastic volunteers. I remember being moved by the announcers pleas for financial support and thinking that the balance of all PBS shows lie in my hands. Now as a Mom, my child was complaining about "festival" ruining his TV and asking for me to "fix it."

I heard a brief sales pitch to which I went and got my wallet and phone and decided it was my time to call in my support. Here at our house, PBS is all that our kids watch. I like that they are not bombarded by commercials and that many of the shows serve as tools to learning.

I had made my mind up. I was finally going to do it.

I picked up the phone. No dial tone. Nothing. It was dead. And our internet was down too.

Man alive! Just when I finally commit, I can't.

And by time we resolved our internet/phone issues, my husband talks me out of it. . . temporarily.

After writing this post, I went online and made my pledge!! Hooray! It's easy to do: idahoptv.org